Hi Miegs,
Well should I stay or should I go ? that's always the question when something like this turns up on Gumtree.
The main issue with 20 inch Series 2 machines are the fragility of the engine mounting rails. This particular model suffers heavily from fatigue stress fractures around the engine mounting area which eventually is terminal if not rectified early enough in its life. My suspicions are there because this machine has already had a clutch half replacement fitted not that long ago which would speed up the degradation of the rails.
The photos show the normal signs of wear and tear but as there are no close ups of the area's in question one must merely go and have a look.
I would say that it is a mid to late 1970's machine that's already been mucked around with a bit thus the shabby paint job that's been done at some time.
The deflections in the reel blades can be easily repaired but the bed knife will require re-machining along with the reel by the engineer of your choice. Bearings should be replaced at the same time.
I would pay no more than around $220 for it as it stands but if you want to chat over it and I'm also in SA I'm available if you forward on to me your phone number.
Cheers,
BB.
