Masport also make a similar blade holder. The big problem with the brand names is companies tend to be very protective of their products and do not like seeing them used "inappropriately" on other brands. If you ask an online merchant for dimensions, you generally get a reply like "Please send us the make and serial number stamped on your machine and we will be happy to provide the information on the correct part." I guess this is mainly because of modern health and safety concerns, as they think we are all stupid and will do stupid things like try to install a blade with a 12mm diameter hole on to a product with a 10mm hole, for example. They also cannot guarantee their product under circumstances outside of their control and they have problems with people voiding warranties. They think all old machinery is dangerous and should be scrapped so that people will keep buying new products. etc. etc. etc. This is all fair enough, as I realize there are a lot of stupid people out there who would do silly things, which is why I have been mainly investigating the "universal" or "unbranded" blade holders. But modern compliance issues do make life difficult for people trying to retrofit old and outdated machinery. I knew an inventor who also found such issues challenging.
Interestingly, the parts merchants have no qualms about selling O.E.M. parts that fit many different makes and models. I guess this is because they have tested the parts for themselves. But one thing I've learnt is they never listen to the advice of the everyday "stupid people". I once argued with a merchant that a O.E.M. belt would fit my mower, but he refused to listen and I ended up ordering a very expensive "brand name" belt with the official part number. He had to eat his words, because when the part arrived it was the same O.E.M. belt that I had wanted him to order in the first place, just sealed in a brand name packet!
For those who have an original Southern Cross blade holder, I have an engineering contact who can manufacture high tensile bushing adapters to convert the 10mm hole on the SC blade holder to suit modern 12mm blade holes. If anyone is interested please send me a PM.
Of course there is nothing like the genuine original parts!
