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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

My latest shed ornament -answers to "Allen"

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Well, I've finally extracted it from my Mum's shed, and transferred it a hundred miles to mine! Much fun was had getting it into the car - I had removed a seat in preparation - when I discovered that it wouldn't go up the ramp forwards, so had to go in handles-first. I'm not sure it will be going to many rallies as I don't think SWMBO will be very happy sitting with a handlebar either side of her bonce.

It's an Allen Scythe TS (I think - I have to say that I'm not convinced that the forestry guards are the correct item, given the rivets), and it's a non runner. I had it running a shade over 20 years ago, and actually cut an acre or so of grass with it (the stupidity of youth!) before I ran out of weekend. One of lessons I learnt was that they are indeed ****ing lethal if you do not have your wits about you - gave myself a coupe of scares, not being used to finger bars hiding in long grass.

I suspect from the absence of compression that the No 1 issue is the one I had back then, which is that the exhaust valve kept sticking - easily fixable by removing the valve stem cover and glaring at it! Whether I get to it any time soon will depend on house... garden... allotment... Atco Standard... but I will have to remove the cowling whatever as it seems to have picked up  a great deal of old straw and the last thing I want to do is set it on fire.

Incidentally, yes that is a spare cutter bar I've propped it up with (it wouldn't fit through the shed door, or in my car, with the blades on) - would you believe it is twisted? What on earth did the thing hit to do that?

 

 

Wiltshireworm Tue, 31/08/2021

Definitely a TS model with the Mk25 Villiers 4 stroke engine, looking at the fuel tank & exhaust type probably mid 1960s, there are folks that can date them from the machine number on the oval disc, usually fixed to the engine cowling. I know from looking at it because I have seen hundreds of them.

A simple way to tell the models are.  Model T types had a clutch handle that you dropped to engage drive.  Model TS types had a clutch handle that you pull up to drive.  Model T types were usually on a narrower wheel base, but you would need to be familiar with both types to tell that at a glance.

The blade assembly appears to be banana shaped, this is common on these & can easily be fixed by placing a block of wood or similar under the middle of the blade assembly & jumping on both ends at once. I accept no responsibility if you hurt yourself doing this. A word of advice, DO NOT DO THIS WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, IT IS DANGEROUS.

Great fun to play with but stay behind it at all times & if you show it, make sure that the public are protected from walking into the teeth.

Engine spares & advice are available from www.meetens.co.uk, good luck with it.

Peter Hampton

Adrian Tue, 31/08/2021

Thanks, Peter, appreciate that information! I think rallying it may need a larger vehicle... and I thought a Berlingo was big! - but yes, would definitely make up a guard of some kind if showing it - maybe a perspex top panel so the action can be seen... no, I am getting ahead of myself!

It seems that I could have done with a T rather than a TS (and as opposed to a Tea, which I never refuse), as it's too wide to fit three-abreast in the shed with the Atco Standard and the manky Mountfield. Ah well!

I think I might pass on the suggested straightening method, with my talents I'd end up catapulted over the hedge or somesuch misadventure.

I'd forgotten it came from Thompson & Stammers - Mum actually worked with one of the Stammers side, if I ever do it properly I will have to get that sticker copied.

I was impressed 25 years ago I could get parts from Meetens and the like, so I'm more impressed that more seem to be available now (George in Rayne, where I had a holiday job back when God was a lad, supplies tyres for the things, for example).

 

Clive1997 Wed, 01/09/2021

I see reference has been made to  Meetens above, I have received a letter confirming they ceased trading mid-August. Paul Child has been diagnosed with Parkinsons, probably best not to trouble him, Meetens website will be updated with details of who is acquiring the stock in due course.

Antbr123 Wed, 01/09/2021

I understand from talking with Paul that the business has been acquired by L&S Engineers.

Tony

wristpin Wed, 01/09/2021

Meetens website will be updated with details of who is acquiring the stock in due course.

Seems to be “general knowledge” that it’s L&S Engineers.

Adrian Wed, 01/09/2021

I'm extremely sorry to hear about Meetens - they were one of the advertisers in my Villiers engine book published in 1947 -  and even more so to hear about Paul's health.

The L&S website includes a lot of Villiers parts, so they may already be up and running with Meetens old stock.