[vhgmcbuddy]

Dear Jeremy,
If you have the original its quite easy, look up on google to you nearest belt distributor, there are many in most towns, they will be able to measure it correctly, failing that, if you have not got a belt, you need to measure, the length around the pulley wheels, I find it best using washing line. also measure the internal width of the pulleys, from there take the measurements to the same distributor
When you have done that, I always buy a spare, for the price its not worth the heart ache of another breakdown

Regards
Andrew

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi Angus I see what you mean.
Well just come back from looking in all my Atco files to include non lawn mower. Although that Albion gearbox is present as its not attached in anyway, does it actually belong?
The Atco tractor’s engine was a 350 cc but that was different to this engine, as it was a two stroke.
I have checked all the Marine engine impellors they made and its not one of them either. Where the magneto is it is the correct position for a lawn mower engine, so all I can say is back to you.
Regards
Andrew

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi Angus
I think you will find the original seat for the Webb 24 inch was by Terry, but you are correct on Anzani
Best Wishes
Andrew

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi Kurtis
Sorry for the lateness of my reply, as its our busy time at the moment pruning the apple trees through Somerset!
The engine dates from 1947 – 1953, you are correct a 350 cc. This engine unit was a side valve Atco/JAP four stroke with cooling fan cowl.
The carb should be an Amal, single lever control, fitted with air strangler.
Magneto should be a Wico series A
The starter should be by your foot, on to a lever, which should be attached to the clutch.
Hope this helps.
Photos from The Hall & Duck Trust Library

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[vhgmcbuddy]

Nothing like a picture to help, try these two for size. They are from The Hall & Duck Trusts library – enjoy
Regards
Andrew

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[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi
Thanks for sharing the picture, although small (its amazing what a large magnifying glass can do)
Your model on that frame started life in 1948, then the engine would have been a 147 cc Atco-Villiers two stroke.
Yours is later, the first year they put your style engine on the 28 inch was 1960.Your engine by the way is an Atco-Villiers Mk 25, 4 stroke, cooled by fan and cowl. The carb if original should be Atco-Villiers, Single lever control. Fitted with air strangler for assisting engine starting when cold.
Looking at your petrol tank, that shape is post 1964, pre 1964 the tank had round, domed ends, so if the tank is original to the mower its then post 1964.
Your machine should have a square plate attached to this side, where the top hanger is for the grass box, I cannot see it from your picture, but if there, I should be able to date the frame from the numbers stamped on it.
Your roller seat appears correct, except for the actual seat, the brooks is wrong, it should be a pressed steel seat, which might be a little more comfortable around the nether regions when going over uneven ground! The Brooks would be better placed back on the cycle it came off!
Hope this has helped
Regards Andrew

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi
Please add a photo of your machine, it always helps when identifying it
Regards
Andrew

[vhgmcbuddy]

Unfortunately not got the memo for Christmas! Just been told today while merging from another overgrown garden!
So on the third day of Christmas, time to pull the cord on the big chainsaw anything to break the silence!
Happy New Year to everyone and keep safe!

Regards from
Mr Wallingfield and the rest of the mottled crew

[vhgmcbuddy]

I do hear tonight, that a certain Eagle has landed in Edinburgh, and that the custodian is like a dog with two tails!
Kind regards
Big Ears

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi Mike
Any further problems with idents, email me directly
Kind regards
Andrew

[vhgmcbuddy]

Arrived home just a couple of hours ago, still fully loaded, with a few extras,Now got to get ready for our open day on Sunday for the Somerset Land Rover Series One Club.
Found a cracking gardening book for 1941, which has a cracking picture of the Royal Albert monument opposite the Royal Albert Hall Kensington London,with soldiers tending cabbages all around.
Could this be a picture for the future! Less air miles!

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi
The proper name for your pruner is a tree prop, they have come in various guises over the years, most horticultural tool manufacturers sold them as part of their range.
As long as the wood is sound, they work fine. The modern versions, have ropes instead of the wire from the handle to the cutter.
There are many different lengths, ours are from 3 feet to 25ft(the latter takes practice to use)We still use these in our buisness today for commercial apple tree pruning, in which we can do a far superior job than anything with an engine strapped to it

[vhgmcbuddy]

Dear Angus
Never say your to old!
The motto for The Institute of Groundsmanship is ‘Through Training to Service’, I’m in my 42nd year of the now Grounds Management Association.
Kind regards
Andrew

[vhgmcbuddy]

Hi Dave
The answer is yes, as we hold all the dating records from Ransomes.

Your machine is a Ransomes Marquis 20 Inch model MK 4A, The 4A started production in August 1967 and ended in March 1974,
Your machine carries a late number which was built in the factory in late December 1973, which would have been sold new into the spring season in 1974.
Hope this information helps
Regards
Andrew

[vhgmcbuddy]

If you like reading Wristpin and Charlie, then you might just have a good read about the history of Automower timber tractors in Old Glory the August issue, showing all their winches.
Charlie you have more than once sat on that crate full of Automower printing plates, while sifting through goodies in Mr Walling field’s caves!

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