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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

ATCO B24 HD?

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Hi all - I've been using the posts here to help me get my ATCO (bought with little to no idea... just wanted a proper old mower!) up and running.

It's running quite nicely now - only on tickover as the throttle spring is stretched so the throttle is ineffective. Still goes and cuts, though!

I'd love to restore it properly - ie. get rid of rust, respray, for missing parts etc. But I'm not sure whether I have a "24HD" with a replacement Briggs engine, or a Royale with a metal grass collector. Or something else?!

it's either missing a green metal shroud around the handle hinge, or the original tank. And the naff black plastic throttle lever needs to come off... 

I'd love to hear members identifications and and tips. It's in reasonable mechanical condition and poor cosmetic (but prob no worse than expectation). I'd love a trailing roller seat for it unless that proves to be heresy!

 

Thanks!Simon

Forums

wristpin Mon, 25/05/2020

I would say that it’s an HD that would have started life with a Tecumseh H50 or H60 with a handle bar mounted fuel tank.

The Tecumseh would have had a Bowden cable throttle probably with a chromed lever.  The Briggs needs a piano wire push pull cable, hence the black plastic lever assembly. If you want a chrome lever and Bowden cable you will need to fit a return spring to shut the throttle.

Good solid machine, a bit sharp on the clutch  but  fairly easy to work on.  Make sure that you keep the blade engagement clutch properly adjusted as they are very expensive to replace. 

Early machines used BSF. nd BSW threads; later ones UNF and UNC

The Countax and Murray ? / Snapper? Riders in the background suggest that an Autosteer seat  might be useful. There’s a recent thread on this forum re Autosteer seats.

SimonSays Mon, 25/05/2020

Thanks, Wristpin

Yes, the clutch is somewhat sharp! Makes mowing a bit like starting a 1/4mi at Santa Pod :)

I found an old 24 throttle lever on the Bay - I'll look for a return spring design as well!

SimonSays Mon, 25/05/2020

Thanks, Wristpin

Yes, the clutch is somewhat sharp! Makes mowing a bit like starting a 1/4mi at Santa Pod :)

I found an old 24 throttle lever on the Bay - I'll look for a return spring design as well!

SimonBear Thu, 04/06/2020

Hi SimonSays

I too have a mower very similar to yours, bought almost a year ago and now starting to restore the panels, fuel tank and so on, my mower runs, although I haven't cut anything with it yet. Like you I'm not 100% sure as to the model, I initially thought Atco Royale 24b but looking at your post perhaps it's an HD. It has a Tecumseh engine but so far that is as much as I have found out.  Looking at other pictures it didn't have Royale badging but instead a coat of arms on the clutch cover. I have added some pictures below, I am hoping to take the engine off so I can get to all the metal work and restore it fully, be keen to find out how you are getting on 

 

wristpin Thu, 04/06/2020

Hi, Simon

That is a Twenty Four but it should have a one piece steel front roller and rubber covered rear rollers.

SimonBear Fri, 05/06/2020

Hi Wristpin

Thank you for the update, when you say a "24" do you mean an HD? I guess that someone has already tinkered with this mower then since being manufactured as you point out that some of the parts are different. I have had a lifelong interest in mowers, particularly Atco but this is my first project. 

wristpin Fri, 05/06/2020

when you say a "24" do you mean an HD?

Well, yes, but.... .That basic design had been around for yonks and had the Heavy Duty monika but by the time it acquired the Tecumseh lump and general shape of yours most people just called it a Twenty Four . Then they tarted it up a bit and called it a Royale .