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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

Barn find mower

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Found this rusty old mower in a old barn, trying to find out what it is and age 

 

it looks like the cover photo on the Grassbox magazine  autumn 2019

Carb looks identical and the cylinder is one piece casting with splayed top fins.

Been looking for another retirement project so here goes.

Where do I start ?

any advice welcome..

Forums

olcadmin Tue, 03/03/2020

Jeff

I posted your original query earlier and there has been a response.

However, let's all use this one here as the live thread from now on.

Keith

Clive1997 Tue, 03/03/2020

Hello

Yes indeed an Atco De-luxe, this was the first new machine after the Atco Standard.14 new De-Luxe models (12-36in)  were introduced in 1931, often referred to as 'The Tank in box' using the same parts from the standard tank, but tailored to fit the tool box.

Whilst still handle start, I have one & have seen another with a side kick start mechanism that is possibly factory produced?

The first official foot starter was produced by Atco in 1935 on the 14in Lightweight, being a rather awkward foot plunger! the de-luxe range continued 14in to 36in with the handle starter. The fuel  tank was moved from the tool box & some mowers had a separate vertical side mounted tool box.

So it looks like your mower was made between 1931 & 1934.

They are certainly not the commonest of Atco's & as you say even the 12in is a considerable weight.

Hope that helps.

 

Adrian Mon, 30/03/2020

Interesting to see that it has a Senspray carb on it - would they still have been fitted in the mid-1930s, or was it later that they  were all pillaged by Ridge motorcycle owners and replaced with Villiers carbs?