OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Victa Walk-Behind Rotary Mowers Newbie Advice for Vintage Victa

Hi there,

I'm new to the mower scene, but having bought my first house (with lawn), I'm in the market for a mower. I'm from a vintage 2 stroke background - motor scooters in particular and would like to get something of the same vintage as one of my Vespas or Lambrettas.

I live in Perth and have found this VC125 for sale - the owner is asking $95. I really am a newbie and would appreciate any advice on whether this is a good start or whether I should wait for something better. I don't plan on buying a lot of mowers but a nice vintage Victa would be great. What's a good classic that an enthusiast would recommend? BTW my lawn is approx 60m2.

Any advise or comment is appreciated (or if someone from Perth is on here and has something for sale!)...

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mount-claremont/lawn-mowers/victa-mower-2-stroke/1068106225

Hi Wasp!

A warm welcome to the ODK forums.
Given what you have said, I understand your choice of user name ... 'Wasp' ... 'Vespa'

I think I understand why folks with classic scooter backgrounds 'connect' with classic lawnmowers.
Their classic air-cooled engines have much in common. In fact, some scooter companies made mowers,
and vice versa.

I have never owned a 'classic' scooter. I have owned a GTV250 and currently ride a Piaggio MP3 400.
I guess I sort of understand your question then...

My advice to a newbie is simply to research and un-newbie yourself
I think a lawnmower from the 1950s or early 1960s would be more appropriate than the VC (my opinion).

Perhaps something with a kick start (just like the old scooters):
- Austral Villiers Adaptomatic 16" rotary
- Champion 18" kick start rotary

I guess an older mower, from the "golden age", would be the go.

Hope this helps
-------------------------
JACK.

p.s. My dream scooter would be a ...

[video][/video]

Hi and welcome to the forum wasp.
As for the VC-125 from a collectors point of view that particular one that you showed actually is the VC-125 Mark II from 1972-73 victacode V112,engine number would start with 7672 or 7673 depending on year made.Now as I said from a collectors point of view that model is rare.You can (and I have) found many many mark I's,but I have only come across 2 mark II's.One of which I found in a hard rubbish pile.
However as rare as it is.I'm just not sure at $95 maybe a little steep and if you could get him down I'd say go for it as there's not many left.As when they were around everybody was buying the VC-160 as they had a bigger engine for only a few dollars more.
I can see that the catcher flap handle has broken (which is common)but I can't see if it has it's original green throttle housing.Other than that it does look to be in original condition,but I guess it is up to you.
I hope that helps a bit.

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. Having done a bit of research there are obviously some rare mowers which sound like the ones to have ie the twin cylinder victa. I appreciate the advice on the vc 125. Maybe it is a good start and if something more desirable came along I could trade up.

There are so many similarities between mowers and the scooter community and I'm sure most old machinery for that matter. I really don't want to start a collection - rather just have a nice useable classic. I'm a big fan of oriniality and patina over restoration so if this example is mostly original, then that appeals to me.

What is the key difference of the Mark II? Do they have a decomp head? Brass bush gudgeon pin or roller bearing?

If anyone sees a better option please let me know.

Cheers
Wasp

OK the only difference between the VC-125 Mark I and Mark II is,the height adjuster is different and the bottom part of the handle.
As seen here:
Height adjuster.

Mark I (Without plastic handle on)

Mark II (Without plastic handle on).My Mark II (that I'm restoring) currently has the Mark I handles on it.I'm soon to get the right handles.

Bottom part of handles and handle catch.

Mark I

Mark II
Yes they both have decompression valves.


No they don't have brass bush Gudgeon pins.The conrod bearing is what I know as needle bearing.Not sure if that is what you were asking.
The VC-125 Mark III is a completely different looking mower altogether and a lot rarer (If that is a word) and I'm still hoping I can find myself one.
I hope this has helped.

Well the hunt is finally over!

I managed to find a Ransomes 14in Minor Mk7. Kickstart villiers engine I think.

Anyone an expert on these?

Hello Wasp,

I know these machines quite well.
They are an important machine historically for a number of reasons.

I am working on an article on them at the moment.
That should be ready some time tomorrow.

Congratulations.
----------------------------------
JACK.

Oh great! From what I can tell its a good example which was restored some years ago by an ex-mowing contractor. I'll post pics when I figure out how to...

I look forward to the article!

Hello wasp,
It was a coincidence that I was working on an article for the Minor Mk 7.
It is quite a turn-around in going for a reel mower! (rather than a rotary)

the History Record is now available HERE.

We look forward to seeing photos of your new project and acquisition!

All very interesting.
-----------------------------------
JACK.

Ransomes Minor Mk7 by kiwi90ss, on Flickr

Great article Jack. I have downloaded the brochure - I don't suppose you have the user manual do you?

The mower hasn't been running in years so is going to need new fuel. I assume it'll run 25:1?

Hello wasp,

The Operating and parts list for the engine is HERE.

I do not have a manual for the Mk7 mower at this time.
I'll see if I can find something similar in the next few days.
You will need a thin, oil gun to fit through the rollers to lubricate
the roller bearings, and other bearings on the machine.

Hope this helps.
--------------------------------
JACK.

'The Old Lawnmower Club' website in the UK has an owners manual for the Mk6 Ransomes Minor for download HERE
Except for the roller drive details, most of it should apply to the Mk7.

This states that the fuel/oil ratio is 16:1 for these engines, using 1950's oils.

The problem with changing this ratio, is that doing so also affects the fuel/air mix ratio going into the engine. Reducing the oil proportion will tend to make the engine run rich.

So it's not advisable to change the fuel/oil ratio too much; I'd be inclined to try 20:1.