OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers Victa Imperial 16 Front Rollers

Hello all ODK members

Does anyone know the correct outer diameter of the above mentioned machines front rollers ? I know there has been discussion on this topic in the past but don't recall a definitive answer. The centre one on mine looks the best of the three, has a fair bit of slop on the shaft but the outer of it looks pretty good. It is 70-71 mm in overall diameter.

Thanks
wce

Hi wce

I don't know if this helps, but in the lowest height setting the
side frames presents as horizontal to the ground.
Here the bottom blade would just clear the ground.



Hope this helps
--------------------------
Jack

Thanks Jack

Gives me something to work off.

Regards
wce

Hi Jack

Was lucky enough to be speaking with a fellow who has a collection of nice original Imperials. His best example has rollers of 90mm diameter, I doubt whether they would be bigger than that.

Cheers
wce

Hi wce

I think that's great info.!
Your dimensions should help folk down the track.

It's pretty clear to me that the front roller and its single-point
adjuster [as used on the Imperial] was a Morrison design change
to the original Ransomes Mk 7 Minor ... an improvement.

From what you say, the rollers were 3½" in diameter as spec'd
from new.

Many thanks.
Please keep us informed as to progress.

------------------------------
Jack

p.s. This is something I have only just noticed.
The very first Victa Imperials did not have single point adjusters.
Front roller height was done in the traditional style - from each side.

The Victa change occurred when Imperials were still 4-strokes.
Best guess, the change occurred in late 1970 for the 1971 season.

This is a new way of dating Imperials.

Hi Jack

Im going with that dimension, local wood turner will make me a set of beautiful Jarrah hardwood rollers.

The SB 17 I have been using is sitting quite smug in the shed and I think has been telling the imperial its no good as it hasn't cut a lawn for 30 years !
The plan is to send them both for a professional sharpen and set, then divide the lawn into 2 sections and see how they perform. The weather in Perth looks ok for the next week or so, so will be interesting to see the results are if I can get the blade sharpening done in the next few days.
Ill need to get the height adjuster organised but doesn't look a big issue ( says me ! )

Cheers

wce

Those new rollers sounds like they're going to look great. And if they're Jarrah, will probably outlast the mower!!

Hi all

The SB and Imperial returned from a sharpen and set with both getting ticks for condition of bearings, chains etc. The Imperials new fronts went on today and look pretty slick I reckon. Didn't go with Jarrah in the end, too far away in colour from the original rollers. I think he said they were Jacaranda. I think the trick is to not roll them about on hard surfaces and don't mow sandy lawns. Just have to wait for dry conditions and a little more growth and all will be ready for a test drive.

Cheers
wce

That looks like he did a beautiful job wce. I might need to know who the man is if my mate manages to salvage an Imperial from his farm.

Hi all

Both the mowers returned after a sharpen and set with glowing reviews of the condition of bearings, chains etc. These mowers are best suited to close cropped flat area's of lawn such as couch etc rather than my Buffalo but they both did a great job !
SB did 2 perimeter rounds and the half to the right side of picture which angles down toward the road. Imperial the top half.
Conclusion
The SB had an advantage being that bit wider and the corrugated ? rear roller really helps on the slopes but the Victa performed above expectations in my opinion but when the combatants returned to the shed after sharing a bottle of 91 Ron the SB definitely had a swagger about it.

Cheers
wce

There is just something about the Victas that just do it for me. Maybe it's the double helix cylinder, wooden rollers, the cheat lines down the side or the fact that you can get them with motors that don't have valves. Still, after the effort I put into my 14" SB, I don't think I'll part with it anytime soon.

P.S. I know that area well! You live about a half dozen doors down from family! Unreal.