OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Other Walk-Behind Rotary Mowers Rover Pedigree

Just wondering if these yellow Briggs engines were on other Rover models?

Hi Paul

Positively, absolutely, ... YES!

Rover started using yellow Briggs engines in the early 1980s.
I guess with the introduction of the Model 29, Rover Baron (as I recall).

Cheers
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Jack

Hi Jack,

I was going to use it as a replacement engine on a Rover Utility.

I had Rover utility with yellow Briggs. It was a bugger to start but a delight to use once it went. The base was a simple hammertone blue disc shape without a side shute. I loved that little mower.

Interesting base. My Rover Princess had a blunt face, which was caved in. Someone had tried to repair it by welding it, which was only half successful and left the front with a big dip in it. I guess this damage was due to the operator constantly bumping against solid objects like trees and posts.

The Rover Pedigree had a low profile, flattened front, meaning it would be easier to poke in under bushes and there is less surface there to bump against solid objects.

Anyway this is just a design feature I've noted. Funny how lots of modern mowers have gone back to having the "blunt front"! I guess both designs have their pros and cons. Just as with streamlined cars versus "bubble" cars.

I learnt a little trick with these. I push on the rubber intake hose a few times, just as you do with a modern rubber "tickler". This seems to prime the jet allowing those older Briggs to fire. I find that with wear and tear the old carbys become less airtight and so it is harder to get fuel into the carby. I guess by pushing on the hose it will wear it out faster, but so far I haven't had any problems. :-)

Hi Jack,

Is there any significance to the engine being painted yellow? Higher spec or cast iron bore etc. got it running today with just the usual points, flywheel and coil clean up. Flushed out the tank and when put together it wouldn�t run. Good fuel, spark... forgot to put the lead back on :-)

Hi Paul and all
Briggs 'Yellow' was offered as a factory colour - best guess - in the late 1970s.

Rover took up the offer to use yellow in the early 1980s - but for one model - the Model 29 Baron.
The Baron was the intended replacement for the Model 26 Challenger.

Traditionally, Rover had used red for smaller hp engines; white for larger hp ones.

Thus, yellow was exclusive to the Series 9, 3.5 hp vertical-pull spec.
It was a higher spec in that it had Hush-tone muffler, dual element air-cleaner,
and an extended dipstick.

Later, Rover would use yellow on their Model 81 Edger 6 Series (previously a red engine).

I have not seen yellow on any other Rover of the period (1980s).

Cheers
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Jack

Hi Jack, I have one of these Barons here, there is nothing special or significant about them is there, I was going to dump it but if it is of some interest somebody might want it they can have it.

Hi Norm

I love reading your posts and thanks for your great contributions.
You are so generous with your time in helping others!!!

The first Rover high arch was the Model 27 Regal.
That was never a mainstream mower in that it had a 19 inch cut, and
was intended as a top-of-the-line job for a niche market.

The 18 inch Baron was MAINSTREAM. It was Rover's best domestic
rotary of the 1980s. Rover was a late-starter - in realising the significance of
the high-arch design. They resisted the idea in the 1970s!

Today, The Baron is nothing special.
But, in the day, it would have made Rover a lot of moola!.

The Baron was a brilliantly designed lawnmower.

Cheers Norm
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Jack