OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers Rover Cylinder mower

Hi All,
New member here. I have just been given a Rover Cylinder Mower of unknown vintage, It is in a fairly neglected condition and I will be cleaning it up and getting it back into action. I am sure that I will need some advise from the more experienced members. I have posted (I hope it has worked) a few photos so that you can see the overall condition of it.
Bob

Hello RWRBob

A warm welcome to these forums!

The 16" Rover Thoroughbred was Rover's answer to the Scott Bonnar 45 and Victa Imperial.
They were released mid 1970s and sold for about a decade (best guess).

This is an early one; because it has the Kirby motor. Most I have seen have been
fitted with the later Briggs engine.

Your machine has certainly been used, but the reel has good serviceable life in it.
Parts may be hard to come by.

I take it you have the plastic catcher?
Here is a record photo of a similar machine, showing the catcher and height adj. knob.



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

Hi RWRbob,

Sadly unless you have all the associated parts these old Rovers aren't good for much else but scrap. They are very heavy and have a poorly designed rear roller that has a sharp outer edge which leaves sharp turning marks in the lawn that's just been cut. I had one and hoiked the engine off it as it was a good Briggs with a 3/4 shaft and tossed the old girl out as I couldn't even get $10 for it yet give it away.
I must admit though that the build quality wasn't bad at all but just no parts are available for this low volume seller at all, thus why the SB model 45 is so popular as there's no shortage at all of parts for them and they are simply much more user friendly.

Cheers,
BB

Hi RWRbob, and a warm welcome to the forum, It's great to have you aboard.

If you intend to restore this machine, I have done some research for you this morning and have sent you a private message with the details...just keep a look-out for a flashing envelope in the toolbar above next to 'My Stuff'.
Just click the envelope and the PM will open.

This machine will be restorable and will function as intended with some TLC. The machine is worth saving, and, well maintained will be a great machine.

Once again, to OutdoorKing.

Hi Cyberjack and bonnar_bloke
Thanks for the reply's. The mower came with a home made (very rough) sheet metal catcher that I might rebuild. Plastic catchers do look a bit flimsy on this style of mower to me. I can now understand why I noticed a lot more SB45's on this forum being used and rebuilt. I have started to clean up the mower and check out what needs attention- a lot of items.Can anyone tell me the amount of oil needed for this engine as I drained the old oil out, it was very dirty and not much of it around 350mls.
Bob

Hello RWRBob

Actually, the plastic catchers worked and lasted quite well, and they weren't
subject to the dings that metal catchers were. Plastic catchers are almost
universally fitted on reel mowers now.

As I said, this was a good, solid design - and is well worth repairing.
Oil: the Kirby will take about .7 of a litre (1 1/4 pints).

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

CyberJack,
Thanks for your reply and information on the oil capacity. Looks like I will have to keep an eye out for a plastic catcher.
Regards Bob

Hi RWRBob,
I am so glad that you have decided to restore the old girl, and I agree with Jack re the plastic catchers...You should be able to source one through the link that I sent you in the PM.
Good luck and good hunting,