OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Identification of Particular Machines Atco 20 Inch - Identification

Hi all. I have recently come into the possession of an old 20 inch Atco cyclinder mower

[img]https://www.dropbox.com/s/az1b48n7rk7g1o9/2019-10-26%2016.28.54.jpg?dl=0[/img]
[img]https://www.dropbox.com/s/ynyd91gm8xbjfm5/2019-10-26%2016.29.05.jpg?dl=0[/img]
[img]https://www.dropbox.com/s/vsy0cc7zljgvhua/2019-10-26%2016.29.46.jpg?dl=0[/img]

Hello Greg

Sir Chook is the Atco authority in Australia.
My best guess is that this is an Atco Heavy Duty cmid-1960s.

The interesting thing is that this had a hand-crank start.
These larger Atcos are not common nowadays.

Hope this helps.
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Jack

Thanks Jack. I am unable to locate any tally plates detailing model etc but I haven't had a real good look as yet. Trying to track down some parts for the carby without much luck as yet. Know anyone with a Villiers S10/2 carby they no longer need?

Hi Greg
I lack the expertise to offer much more, but I have been looking.
The odd things are the large PTO flywheel and the crank start.

It may well be that this model is an earlier post-war machine.
I'm hoping Sir Chook will give us insight.

In any case, this is a rare Atco on these shores.
I'm glad this one has been saved!

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Jack

Hi Jack and Greg,

This is the HD model that appeared in about 1963. They are slightly lighter than the previous model. The previous version of the mower had a Mk12 Villiers 4 stroke engine with kick starter which was replaced on this model with the lightweight 150cc Villiers 4 stroke engine with a recoil starter. Having a look at the starter that has been attached to this one, it is most certainly interesting but it is not original as Atco abandoned the crank start prior to WW2. These mowers came in a 20" and 24" variant as well as a 20" Special which had different front rollers and rear transport wheels fitted.

Kind regards,

Sir Chook

G'day Sir Chook and Greg
Many thanks Sir Chook for sorting that out, and correcting the record.

The conversion to crank seems to have been done by someone
with engineering competence.

Cheers
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Jack

Thanks Gents for the information. I now have a good starting point. I am hoping to breathe a new life into the old girl however parts might be a challenge. The hand crank starter is pretty well manufactured but I am yet to get the engine fired up as its missing the fuel attachment on the carby (S10/2 type). Have one coming from the east so hear hoping she springs to life. Will keep you posted

Greg