OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Edgers Two Stroke Edgers Difference between these Tilt A Cut/Power Torque?

Hello all,
I'm lining up a couple of Victa Tilt a Cut edgers to look at but I'd like to know what the differences are between the models over the years so that I at least can pretend to know what I'm looking at when I go meet with the sellers.

I found these photos on the web and was wondering if someone knew the differences between these three?
Also, which model is the oldest one and if possible, which one has more parts still available?

cheers.

EDIT: (Images not working for some reason)

The top one is a gear start (full crank). The other two are both power torques and look pretty similar to me. The power torques came after the full cranks. The power torque chassis is bigger and heavier also. I prefer the power torque model for this reason but others will like the older model better because it is smaller and lighter - all comes down to your personal preference. They both do an excellent job.

I have both models so if you want any side by side photos for comparison I can post some up.

Hi to Phantoma and Michael, the top machine is a gear start engine, I think from memory that came after the Series 80 TAC...but, I could be wrong....
Here's some pics of my Series 80, you will see the difference in the cowling and wheels and colour scheme....

My apologies Phantoma, Deejay is correct, it's definitely a gear start!

Thanks guys,

So the top one could be a later model than the bottom two?

I'm glad it doesn't matter which one they are selling and all I need to do is choose the one that is in better condition.

I hope they are still available for sale in a few days time because I can't get to either seller until the weekend. The nearest one is 45 minutes away and I don't get home from work until after 6pm.

Of the pictures posted so far in this thread... I believe Deejay's should be the earliest, followed by the one in your top picture (orange base) and the newest models are the 'power torques' in your bottom two pictures (grey and red bases).

Thanks rolla16v, I found out today that one of the sellers has an older (smaller) model for $180 and a newer one (larger) for $220. Both are apparently in good cond and start and run well. He just wants to sell one of them and he doesn't care which one he keeps. The other seller has the older model (smaller) one but it's been in the shed for several years and isn't running and he wants $50 for it. I wonder if I should buy the older model from the first seller and then buy the $50 one as a parts machine? Are important parts still available for these edgers?

Hi Phantoma, In my humble opinion, the full crank Victas are a better proposition than the 'Power-Torque' because the full crank means what it says, it has a full crankshaft; from top to bottom, supported by bearings; whereas the Power-Torque is a half shaft like the Ryobi and Homelite whipper snippers...don't let me mislead you they are a good engine, but I prefer a full crankshaft, like the original Victa engines.

It is was it says, an edger...I don't consider, (with my respect for Michael's point of view), weight to be an issue....and engine parts for the early (other than the special flywheel that all full crank T-A-C's possess) are still available at present.
In my opinion, the Series 80 (what you refer to as the smaller) is the way to go and as you say, purchase the other for parts....that could not only help you, but, down the track, someone else...if you find everything is running sweetly.
Joe Carroll, our Victa guru, will help you get it running sweetly, with your help....
Well, that's my 2 bobs worth,

Phantoma, I had the same dilemma as you when it came to purchasing a tilt a cut, which is why I bought two (I actually have 3 at the moment). I like to road test them both before I decide what I like best I figure if i buy for the right price I will always get my money back!

Obviously this is not always practical so I'll post up some side by side pictures for the archives in case yourself or any other members in the future are interested.

I have to agree with Deejay that the full crank is a better engine than the power torque (although they have never given me trouble if maintained).

Another tip, I find the round circular blades are much nicer to use if you need a replacement

Absolutely correct Michael, the circular blade is the only way to go....I could not believe the difference when I replaced the straight blade with the circular....my machine now almost is self-propelled....it pulls itself (not the best terminology ).... along, and leaves a fantastic finish!

Here's some pics of 2 similar units from the first, post side by side for comparison..






Note that the left hand machine is missing its belt cover.


Also my power torque has a standard flywheel the same as a mower and has a larger pulley underneath like this:



Hope this helps someone in the future

Thanks for those photos rolla16v,
I like the little victa edger. I'm going to ask the seller if he'll part with that one and I phoned the other seller with the $50 one which won't start and he said he'll hold it for me.

Btw, that's really nice lawn you have there.

This is the $50 one that won't start.

For $50 John, I would have a punt on it, between us, I reckon you could have a fully functioning Victa T-A-Cut with a little help here...(We may need some help here, Joe Carroll ) I think Joe will forgive me.....I hope so mate! ... That is a full crank gear start 160cc... they rock!!
I'm sure Joe will chime in here....

[quote=Deejay]For $50 John, I would have a punt on it, between us, I reckon you could have a fully functioning Victa T-A-Cut with a little help here.....
:cheers2:[/quote]

I agree Darryl.
Even if the seller with the two Victa edgers all of a sudden decides he wants to sell me the bigger one and keep the smaller one for himself then I'll buy the bigger one, because I need a running edger asap, and then I'll go see this other seller and buy the $50 one as a side project for restoration.
:D

Just an Update,

I'm meeting with both sellers tomorrow. The first seller has the $50 one that won't start (been in the shed for several years) and the other seller with the two different TAC edgers in good working condition (no photos available).

I'm so tempted to choose the bigger/newer edger from the second seller so then I'll have one of each.
:D

cheers. :)

Hi John, yes mate, then you'll have the best of both worlds, a full-crank and a Power-Torque engined T-A-Cut.
Good luck and good hunting mate!
Looking forward to the pics.,

Hi Darryl.
I ended up with one Victa edger and one Pionex edger in mint condition. The $50 Victa edger actually starts and runs well after a new spark plug and some fresh fuel.




After using both edgers I have to say I like the Pionex more because it's quieter, heavier and feels more solid. I still intend on keeping the Victa and I'll just use a different edger on mowing days.

cheers.

Hi John, and on some great scores there mate! I have never seen a Pionex edger before...but it appears to be a sturdy machine. Does it have swing back blades?
Glad to see that the T-A-Cut is up and running for you. As I have said before, once you get used to using them you will be very happy with the finish.

Hi Darryl,
No the Pionex doesn't have a pivoting blade like the Victa does.

cheers.
:)

Hi John, here is a reply by Bruce (our forum site owner) referring to straight blades without movement ...could be of interest to you...for safety's sake...Click HERE