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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

Atco 24" Restoration

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I have had my old Atco in the back of my garage for over 40 years and at last I have got round to refurbishing it ready for next season. I have attached some pictures and wonder if anyone could help me to identify the model Number and if anyone has a PDF parts diagram or any other useful info.

Many thanks

Forums

Clive1997 Fri, 08/11/2019

Firstly thanks for posting excellent clear images, whilst I am not an expert with these later Atco's, from information I have it appears to be a 24" Four-Stroke (Model H5) the 20 & 24 being known as the 'Middleweight Models', as to dating I do have this model listed in a 1959 brochure & am aware that earlier than this in the late 1940's Atco didn't appear to make a 24in, listing then 20,28 & 34in. 

I have the full parts list (16 pages) covering the 20in F10 & 24in H5, together with the Atco Power Mowers manual (48 pages) which covers the 20in Special plus 20 & 24in Motor Mowers.

Will be in touch.

olcadmin Fri, 08/11/2019

Adding to Clive's comprehensive answer, I have a few 1960s range brochures where the model is listed. There is a link to the 1969 version here. On that basis it's probably safe to say the mower was available throughout the 1960s, and possibly a few years either side as well. As always with Atco mowers, it will be difficult to give a more precise date because records with any details are scarce.

Will see if I can find an operating manual to upload.

Clive1997 Fri, 08/11/2019

Thanks Keith yes the same manual I have, that will save me scanning. I will do the parts list if no one already has that scanned.

wristpin Fri, 08/11/2019

For all intents and purposes it is an H5 - except for one detail. I have 2 H5 parts lists and they both  show a kick start where as yours appears to have a recoil or rope wrap pulley. Now it could just be that the machine evolved under the same H5 designation or it could be a later model.

I presume that if it still had its ID tag under one of the right hand chassis side plate bolts , you would have said so!!  Any indication of the Villiers engine model number? 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jcg4ks0uassjcde/Atco%20H5%2024%2019600001.pdf…

hortimech Sat, 09/11/2019

It is a 150 lightweight engine and whilst I don't have a clue what 'model' the Atco is, we just referred to it as a 24" Atco. They were produced during the 60s and were replaced by the range fitted with the Tecumseh engine.

 

Christo Sat, 09/11/2019

Dear All,

Thanks a million for your very useful replies.I had just purchased on ebay a copy of the Atco Power Mowers Manual but thank you anyway for the scanned copy but I am really delighted to have a copy of the Parts list. I did take quite a few pictures when I was dismantling but areas such as the chains and sprocket drive get quite complicated to put back together correctly. Particularly as I had a few bearing shims missing before I started to take things apart,

I hope to post a picture of the finished restoration in due course.

best wishes to everyone

wristpin Sat, 09/11/2019

As Hortimech has identified the engine as being a Lightweight the attached workshop manual may be of better use than the illustrations shown at the start of the Atco H5 parts list .

https://www.dropbox.com/s/angdxv5sqf0ab6k/Villiers%20Lightweight%20work….

Re your comment about the position of shims etc; one of the most common errors that we would find when servicing and sharpening machines with that design of cutter unit (page 8 of the parts list) was the incorrect positioning or absence of the Distance washers (shims) Q135 which should sit between the Dirt Excluding Washers and the cutting cylinder bearings. more often or not they would either be the wrong side of the Dirt Excluding Washers or missing altogether.

Christo Sun, 10/11/2019

Thank you Wristpin for your assistance which is most useful and much appreciated.

Christo Sun, 22/12/2019

Just A quick note to everyone to say thank you for all your help and assistance. It was invaluable finding out all the various sources of supply.and I am pleased to report that the old mower starts first pull on the starter. I am now looking forward to spring for the first mow of the season,