I have recently acquired two Actoscythes, with the intent to make one good one! Mine are the single wheel version, with chain drives, no belts. Does anyone have these machines? Is there any literature - operator instructions, parts listing etc that I could purchase, please?
This is my example, manufactured 1948 with a Villiers Mk11c engine. (the muffler/exhaust is non standard as is the maroon colour) Sorry, I don't have any literature.
Alan, many thanks! Great photos - your machine looks just like mine, except your tyre has air in it, and I am missing the swath board! A couple of projects to finish before I rackle it. If anyone is interested, I have the parts book for the two wheel version.
I have tried to attach a photo, taken with my iPad - too big! I need to learn how to reduce the size of my photos.
Jack, thank you for your reply, and comments. I am a member of the VHGMC, but, as yet, haven�t attracted any attention. There are a few good photos on their site.
Hi Dince As the Forum Historian I am interested in these odd machines. They also represent a 'crossover'; between agriculture and horticulture.
I am convinced that the design originated in the agricultural sphere, rather than the horticultural. A single wheel could follow furrows on farm land.
The sickle-bar mower was invented for agricultural use, but cutting grasses for hay is not so different to cutting horticultural grasses. This is what transpired.
Enter the Allen Scythe, The Mountfield, the Gravely, the Atco ... and etc. I think Ransomes, Gravely and Atco made single wheel designs. But two-wheel tractors prevailed.
Early post-WWII there was an explosion in the use of sickle-bar mowers, probably brought about by urban expansion. But this would be short-lived, when another explosion occurred - the rotary revolution killed the sickle mower.
I suspect that is one reason why these machines are misunderstood, and few survive.
----------------------------- Jack
p.s. for the record, we would love to see some images of your Atcos.
Sir Chook, that very early auto scythe is Amazing, with that big wheel, no doubt quite expensive at �75! Mine are probably a very late model - chain drive for both cutter bar and drive wheel. Thank you.
Here are photos of my machine. It is pretty seized up, but with heat and a big hammer I�ll beat that!!! Just joking! A spell in the electrolysis tank will free things up, I hope! Can someone suggest how I identify the engine, and where is a good source for spare parts, please?
The engine is a 147cc Atco Villiers. It is the same as those used on the early post war 17 and 20 inch cylinder mowers. Unfortunately, those engines are not the most common but parts do pop up. It really depends on what you are after, if it is only new points, condenser and coil there are a few suppliers here and in England that can usually supply these. Be careful with the flywheel cover, exhaust and fuel tank as these are not a common items (particularly the flywheel cover as it has the centre punched out) and it will not be easy to get new ones. Same goes for any aluminium castings. Generally, unless the machine is really rusted tight most of the parts will free up with a bit of penetrene or similar.
Great to read your informative reply! Thank you! I haven�t done anything yet, due a threat of death, or worse,if I touch it before a couple of other jobs get finished, eg finish painting my Landcruiser and re-assemble it. Actually, with the Landcruiser off the road, I have quite enjoyed getting driven to town anytime I want!
I will quietly remove the Villiers engine, and check it out! Fuel tank and exhaust seem OK, and will treat the flywheel cover with care.
