I've just acquired a Deutscher R280 intending to do a restore. Any info or comments regarding these intriguing machines would be welcome. Its in running order, just, with an oil leak from under the Honda GV400. I've seen a lot of reference to Mr. Terry Scanlon who appears to be the go to guru. My main question to begin with is, regarding the motor with a major oil leak, no starter motor, no pull start & a noticeable knock, do I discard this one & search for a replacement or attempt a recondition. Any opinions?
I also have acquired a NZ built Power Pony mini tractor. They appear to be quite special to some of our Kiwi friends with a FB site dedicated to them.Don't know of many in Australia, was owned by National Parks up here in Qld. Anybody heard of these?
I've recently retired so these two should keep me occupied for some time, or send me insane. Love the site.
G’day and welcome
I’m sure someone with more experience restoring these great machines will be along soon.
With the Deutcher, last time I checked they were still being manufactured so you’re in luck in that regard. Furthermore, all the body parts are relatively straightforward engineered components so fixing one up shouldn’t give too many headaches.
With the engine it really depends on your goals. If you’re just after a workable machine then you can pick up a suitable vertical shaft engine that provides similar output as the original and drop it in. Depending upon how you want to do this you might hunt about for a second hand unit or purchase one new.
If originality is important to you this same motor was used in a variety of machines and, so long as well-maintained, was very durable. If you keep an eye out at markets and in various sales forums you could pick one up quite cheaply by buying a ride-on with rotten bodywork. Even if you don’t want to go down the transplant route, old ride-ons can be good parts donors.
Should you want to go into a more involved project these engines are not particularly complicated to rebuild. As the gxv400 is reasonably well supported you should be able to locate the parts you need to rebuild it. The least expensive option is, of course, to source non-wear items second hand from an old clunker.
My caution with this is to avoid some sellers who habitually break down old mowers and sell parts on online sites. You can accidentally pay more for a single component than an entire junk mower with most of the parts you need would cost if you waited and hunted around.
I don’t know anything about the power pony but look forward to seeing some photos.
Cheers
Ironbark
Hi Ironbark,, thanks for the input. I'm thinking of leaving the engine decision until last. At least until I see the result of the restore. I'll add a couple of pics when I get my head around this site[img]https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/20640/filename/IMG_6559.jpg[/img][img]https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/20640/filename/IMG_6559.jpg[/img]
Hi AL57,
The Deutschers are a fantastic machine (all of them) simple and rugged and once you get it going again, good for another 20/30 years.
I'm impressed with your little tractor looks great, interested to know if the drive is belt driven as a normal ride on?
Hi Norm, I was intending to start a restore on the Power Pony but happened upon the Deutscher which threw plans out the window. The tractor uses a belt tensioner as the clutch as such, running through a Peerless 2300 transaxle, I think.Four forward gears & reverse. 16 hp Vanguard V twin.
I'm not quite sure of all the components in these small machines having just ventured into this wonderland. If you google "power pony tractors" you will find theFB page in NZ. The Kiwis attached everything from mower decks, rotary hoes to front end loaders. Don't know how it ended up in Qld. The National Parks obviously used it to maintain their walking tracks in the Bunya Mtns probably before the importation of the small Japanese tractors. A lot of fun though towing the tinny over to the neighbours. I have the engine & transaxle out of the Deutscher, engine was a bit sad, just trying to get the nerve up to split the drive end. might have to call on Terry's expertise.
