Hello 101
[1] Okay, it seems pretty obvious now why the packing washers were used.
The knobs are no longer serviceable. Remember, though, that you may have
two good ones in the deflector plate. Unscrew these, remove the centre screw
and see if they have good bevels.
[2] If WD-40 is all you have, use it around the bracket pivots. A small
block of wood knocked against the bracket should free them - easily.
[3]Given the context - size of yard and intended use (regular), this is not
the machine for you - because sharpening and setting, making a new bottom blade,
etc. would make this an expensive project. And what happens if a tyre breaks
through age? Too many variables mate.
[4] I would like to say something about 'purchasing a brand new one'.
The rise of health and environmental issue has created a revival of 'people-powered'
machines in the European and North American markets. That movement has not really
caught on here - yet.
There are a number of quality hand mowers made today. Regrettably, most are not
imported to these shores. The best readily available here is the Flymo
HERE. I will send you a PM (look in My Stuff) at top of forum bar with some options.
Hope this helps.
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JACK.
