OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions On Turf Care Equipment & Accessories Modified scarifier identity

I have picked up this scarifier. It has had the motor replaced and the new motor is re-positioned. Pulleys etc are missing from the side of the chassis. I have checked photos on google images and can't id the mower chassis. I would like to restore this unit by repositioning the motor back to the original position using a Briggs motor and hopefully being able to restore the pulleys etc. So any help with a photo etc would be greatly appreciated. I don't know if the Honda motor works. Its an older model 5hp. Looks like it has the wrong spark plug. Still researching it. Paid $50 for this lot.

No ideas but a running 5hp horizontal Honda motor should get your $50 back no problems

That motor could be either a G50 [187cc/5hp] or G65 [240cc/6.8hp]. Good in their day, but not many parts are still available for them - both are 1970's models. Both use an NGK B6H or B6HS spark plug, BTW.

Scans of an owners manual for these are in THIS past thread.

Looking at the design of similar 'flail' scarifiers, I'd suspect that the motor relocation has been due to removal of a cutter clutch mechanism, in the engine swap process. Thus making the machine direct drive. That's something that the Elfin Safety authorities of today will disapprove of highly, along with the current lack of belt guarding.

There is a mob in SA who still manufacture a fairly similar looking machine; http://powermowers.com.au/products/powermow-scarifier

A lot of small local manufacturers of niche products, like turf machinery, did not survive the 1970's tariff reforms of the Whitlam government. Some did keep going longer, for example Alroh and MEY in WA until recently.

But with no manufacturer's marking/plate, it's probably not going to be possible to determine who made it.

After some playing around with search terms [these things are also called vertimowers and dethatchers], I believe I have an ID on this one; it's still in production over in WA.

There are a number of distinctive features that pretty much ensure that it's an INGS Engineering Vertimower & Thatcher

Maker's pic:


A few detail pics pinched from a current Dumbtree WA ad:







The manufacturer isn't on the Web, but at least one of their dealers is, Crommelins
Products.

Brilliant detective work Gadge!

Ings have appeared here for their edgers, and they made an
unusual rotary roller in the 1960s. For whatever reason, they
have never had their own website.

The good news for ballarinelawns is that parts should be available.
Phone: 61 8 9458 7771

I've only just got home after a long day, and am very grateful to the work that members have put in with the identification of my machine. A special thank you to gadge. I am surprised that the motor is in its correct position. From the markings on the deck, the holes and from the usual setup with other machines, i assumed the motor had been moved across my machine has had welding done to hold the motor but i think that a belt/chain tensioner is missing so the person who last used this machine, modified the engine attaching to move so that the belt could be tensioned.i need to know what is under the belt cowling to know what i am missing. Looks like I'll be phoning the manufacturer next week. Thans everyone.

Yes, it might be worth spending the coin for another motor and drive/guarding bits.

The Gumtree seller in WA [who also has a current ad on FleaBay] has two of these units for sale, and wants $2k each. A search for 'vertimower' will find the ad.

Just an update on the scarifier. I have phoned INGS in western australia and spoke with Graeme who was most helpful. He said i need a roller bearing that pushes the belt outward to tension it. He hasn't a photo of one on hand with the guard off to show me but said it was a fairly simple setup. Due to the vertimowing season being finished he doesn't have any machines on hand. Most of the hire places such as Kennards have them and usually scrap them. I mentioned Bluebird to him and he said there was no comparsion as the Bluebird couldn't handle the ground as well as INGS machine.he requested i send some photos over to him and he will then be able to give me some better advice. It looks promising. He also said that they are working on a website.

Noticed this scarifier for sale in Coolum. Its an Ings but the seller is unaware of its origins. Wants $250. Im unsure if it is an earlier or later model than the one i have. Good photo of the belt system...three belts...ings use two belts on mine and their current models. There s no tensioner! Gumtree listing.

My speculation would be that it's most likely later than yours.

Two features point that way:
1. The braces on the handles, which are absent on your machine, but present [though a bit different] on the current models.
2. The bolt holes along the front of the engine mounting - which to me indicate that it once had a front guard, not unlike the fixed one seen on the very late machines.

As far as the belt tensioner goes, there's not enough detail in those pics to tell if it might once have had one.
Yours does look like it did.