Hello from a new member
Just a quick introduction . I've been using old push mowers for the past 25 years since a neighbour gave me his restored 12" Atco Deluxe ( still working without issues ) after it became too heavy for him . I'd previously used Husqvarna push mowers ( I like to mow in the early evening without disturbing the neighbours ) . The Atco was a revelation , the smoothness and the quality of cut were way beyond what I'd experienced before . A few years later we moved to a house with a larger lawn and realised that I needed a wider cut . That's when I became aware of Ransomes Certes push mowers . I watched classifieds and eBay for 18 months with no joy when two came along within a week of each other , both 16". These have been a delight to use and look after (hopefully for another generation to use and appreciate) . Much to my Wife's bemusement I recently took in another stray - this time a 14" Certes . I'd never seen on of these for sale so I couldn't say no. This one is more of a project than the others and has had a tough life without any care and attention . I dare say I'll be picking your brains in the days to come, as the size of the task becomes clear ...
Forums
Just laid out quickly what I
Just laid out quickly what I have . I apologise in advance to the purists with regards colours but this is how they came to me and I have touched up here and there ...
As you can see the 14" is apart due to a chipped bottom blade ( with which the screws seem to be held in place by some biblical force ! ) Also the left hand , non spindle , cylinder housing bearing is shot and I'm having trouble getting it repaired / replaced . Thanks for you interest .
Welcome, an impressive fleet
Welcome, an impressive fleet and nice images. What’s the issue with the bearing carrier?
Hi Wristpin . I'm not very
Hi Wristpin . I'm not very technically minded but I was told that it needed new bearing / 's . ? Any advice would be appreciated .
Thank you
I'm not familiar with the
I'm not familiar with the Certes but Ransoms usually used standard off the shelf bearings - but may be not in this case? Another nice image of the dismantled bearing and its carrier will assist.
Edit. Just had a look at a Certes illustrated parts list on this site and the bearing is shown as a standard RL5 or equivalent so no problem .
Hope these help . Thanks
Hope these help . Thanks
Under that steel cap will be
Under that steel cap will be an industry standard RL5 self aligning bearing or the equivalent from another manufacturer. May also be a felt seal which helps to keep the oil in. Note that Ransomes recommendation lubricating with oil, not grease.
If the machine has been run with a bad bearing , I would renew the bearing at the other end as well and also get a mower shop to give the cutting cylinder a light grind . When you say that the bottom blade is chipped, how bad is it? It may only need a skim. Even if you fit a new bottom blade it should be skimmed after screwing it to the sole plate / carrier.
It's well chipped ...
It's well chipped ...
As a matter of interest , how
As a matter of interest , how do you remove the housing from the cylinder ?
Thank you .
As a matter of interest , how
As a matter of interest , how do you remove the housing from the cylinder ?
Careful use of a couple of pry bars or big tyre levers .
I see what you mean about the chip! Bottom blade screws - start of by trying plenty of heat on each screw . If you have access to oxy acetylene which gives intense localised heat, take each screw head to cherry red. Last resort is to weld a nut to each screw . The welding warms them up and the nut gives something to get hold of.
If considering a cold chisel and lump hammer or an impact driver, give a thought to the possible fragility of the cast sole plate.
Once again , many thanks . I
Once again , many thanks . I'll post my endeavours and results as and when ..,
Finally , after an hour with
Finally , after an hour with a propane torch , success - the nuts are free ...
Welcome to the club from a
Welcome to the club from a fellow Certes collector! Have you got any photos you can upload of your 16 and 14" Certes? It's always nice to see other members machines.