OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Ride-On Mowers Rover Model 51 Ranger - 5138

Hi all, I picked up this old rover years ago for the right price, and put it to work mowing everywhere a tractor/slasher wouldn't fit. It's been fed on a steady diet of blackberry, bracken fern and assorted grasses.



On the upside it's all there and it still works. Aside from routine maintenance, all I've ever done on it was new starter cord, blades and air filter.

The downside is, it looks better in the photo's than in reality. The chrome is speckled with rust, the seat is ripped, the body rust is getting flakey and there is a couple of cracks here and there.



So I think its time I gave it more than a top up of fuel and air in the tyres for a change and looked at a full restoration.

My question to you guys is.. Is this machine of any particular significance? Is it in any way a collectible classic? or is it just an old mower?

It's going to get some serious attention either way. But I need to decide if its worth restoring to showroom quality in original colours, or just stop the rust, tape the seat, fix the cracks and paint it with whatever I have in the shed..

All input appreciated.

Some of our members have them, and an even larger number used to have them, but I've never heard anyone suggest that they are collectible. That may change with time, I suppose: I had trouble for a long time believing anyone would collect 2 stroke Victas.

It is doing a good job for you, so obviously it is worth tidying up. The issue about showroom restoration is that, if you are going to run it into blackberries and bracken, you aren't going to be able to keep it looking truly immaculate. Why not focus on conserving it - that is, bringing it up to top, original operating condition, repairing all cracks properly, removing all rust and protecting it against future rust, but not going the last step of the perfect paint job and new decals?

Cheers Grumpy, I think thats what I needed to hear. At the end of the day, its worth more to me as a work horse than a show pony. So I will give it a freshen up with a view to seeing if I can get a few more good years of service out of it. FWIW, for all its simplicity, it does to a good job of mowing.

I just didn't want to be "that guy" who took something classic and butchered it. I probably will source some paint in the original colours. But will draw the line at putting in all the extra work required for a showroom finish.

Speaking of victas, I have one which I believe to be very old gathering dust. I must drag it out and take a picture or two.. Find out if someone wants it.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Hello Fireside, Engineer Grumpy and ODK members & Guests

a steady diet of "blackberry, bracken fern and assorted grasses" you say?
Hmmm ... That seems like a healthy, meat-free diet. A Rover Vegan ... I like it!

I do want to add something about the historical importance of this machine,
because they are significant in Australian vintage mower history.

The Rover Ranger was Rover's first ride-on model, and it was introduced early -
in the mid 1960s. It was their longest running model and stayed in production for
decades (with little change). Here is a brochure for them;

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=59808#Post59808

In other words: these machines are emerging as collectable classics.
It is only in recent times that collectors have focused on our early ride-on history.
This machine is in good original condition.

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

Hey Jack, thanks for the info and the link.. I LOVE the accessories on that add.

It's good to know that it may be a contender for classic status one day. It certainly hearkens from an era when things were built to last, and as I was saying to Grumpy, it still does a good job.

I will give it a freshen up for now to stop the decay, and will try to keep it as close to original as possible so it may remain of interest to a collector one day.

Hello Fireside,

You're welcome.
For the record, I wouldn't mind a close-up of the manufacturer's plate.
Remember, this post topic now forms part of the provenance for this mower,
and may aid down the mower track.

Yes, a 'sensitive' restoration to prevent further decay would be a good option
[at this time].

In the meantime, I'll keep working on the marketing for the Rover Vegan:
'Super Vegan' 'Vegamo' 'Vegacut' "vegamatic' 'Vega-Vac ... Viva Las Vegas!

--------------------------------
JACK.

Here is a picture of the plate as requested.




Vegamo is quite catchy

Hello Fireside

Thank you! Very much appreciated to have this on record.
If you want to date your machine, the Model, Type and Code on the motor
should be pretty accurate (assuming the motor is original).

Yes, it would be nice to see happy little Vegamos munching on their blackberry and bracken
Hold on ... B&B ... I just thought of a name for a health juice.
Slogan: " From breakfast to bed drink healthy B&B".

Thank you for this fireside chat.
-----------------------------------------
JACK.

Hi all, thanks for this interesting discussion. I am currently restoring a Rover Ranger 5318, so it is all valuable information. I have been able to repair most items except the foot brake mechanism, currently not connected. I would appreciate if someone could perhaps take a photo of how the brake lever is supposed to be connected. It appears someone may have removed this feature (perhaps for a good reason).

thanks

Hello rmm

I guess the 'good reason' is as you suspect.
I can't say I know of any other ride-on that had scrubber brakes,
like on the ol' wagons on Western movies.

The brake pedal connected to a rod that connected to the shaft with
the paddle scrubbers on it. I think it is as simple as that.

Good evening gentlemen. I also have one of these fine machines in quite good condition squirrelled away in the back of the garage. I bought it from the original owner complete with original book and B&S engine book. I tried to remove the clutch drive that was worn away only for it to develop a nasty squeak in the engine.
Anyway I have also wondered the collect ability although my Mrs. has laid claim to it so it's going nowhere.
RMM if you need anything measured or photos mines is in pretty good original condition so just let me know.

Hello slashburn

I remain frustrated at recording Rover machines.

The Ranger was the first Rover ride-on and I have fond memories of it,
not because it was well-designed; but because it was the most rugged
ride-on anyone could ever own. It was the right machine for the time!

We do not have a good photo record of the Ranger at all.
Thank you for offering help to rmm.

Home on the Ranger.
-------------------------
Jack

I have fond memories of mine too, my reasons are a little different though. We had just bought our dirt farm and I found it at a swap meet for $100. I took it home expecting to be told it was old and crappy. I fired her up and was driving up and down the street when the Mrs. came home with a box of crownies. We spent the afternoon taking turns driving up and down our quiet street cutting random nature strips drinking beer! She has since staked a claim on it.
Anyway, I have put the rover book somewhere so secure I can't find it and this stinking internet won't let me up load pics but my model number is 5127 and serial number is 436 0593.

Jack I'm more than happy to help anyone where I can, after all that's we're all here isn't it?

Mine has only given two problems:
1 The spring on the height adjuster broke. It took some doing but I tig welded it with 309 wire
2 The clutch wore out. I had new friction material put on it but it didn't work

Hi Slashnburn

I always love these personal stories...

It shows how attachment to machines is related to times in our lives.
Your "Ranger and the Box of Crownies" story is script for a screenplay.
Your signature line makes a lot of sense now.

I do want to ask something of you.
Because your machine is in good condition, would it be possible to
get a photo record of it?

No hurry. Be happy.
---------------------------------
Jack

G'day Jack that'll be no problems once I retrieve it from the bowels of my garage she's been living under an old bed sheet for a couple of years now.

Thanks for that slashnburn

There is no hurry.
I am keen to record the early Ranger design though.
I would like some good pics of the transmission, and whatever.

Thanks for preserving the record of Australian-made ride-on machines.

-------------------
Jack

Thanks slashburn

I now see there is a difference to the 5138 and the 5127
Both have the same chassis, but different engines.
I guess this is the same Ranger powered by different 7 & 8 hp engines?

Cheers
--------------
Jack

Thank you for this information, very useful. The shaft for the scrubber brakes has a lever attached, however no rod - so it is this part that I will be needing to make.
Again thanks.

Thank you for your offer. It would be great if I could obtain a photo of the linking rod that is attached to the lever (attached) on the scrubber brake shaft.

Many thanks.

Sorry it's taken me so long and for such a bad pic. The rover is in the back corner of my garage that would send fear deep into the heart of the bravest mountain goat.
Anyway
I haven't forgotten and hope this ties you over. Would you like measurements so you can fab a replacement item?
I'm in the process of cleaning the shed up anyway.



The long spring belongs to the clutch setup
The shorter is the brake return. If you're looking for a return spring the average self respecting engineering supplies or bolt shop should sell them. Alternatively head to bunnings and pack your wallet.