The blades arrived today. They are easier to remove and fit than Victa as you don't have to apply pressure to the bolt to stop it rotating with the nut as the bolt and bolt hole profile in the blade carrier is semi circle shaped to stop it rotating. A breeze in comparison to the PITA Victa design.

Mower still blew smoke periodically but cut the lawn well. Will have to keep an eye on the oil level.

Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!