OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Rotary Rover Challenger 2 Stroke Rotary Mower

Called in at our local mower shop and was given a few mowers to restore, I was very happy to receive this Rover. I had a blue catcher for it in my spares, it has a few cracks but will do the job. I will be refitting the correct engine which is the Villiers Torque Major Deluxe 2 Stroke.

Hi Paul and ODK Guests, Users and Members
I am so glad Paul is preserving this one!

The Model 26 Challenger was a success story for Rover mowers.
Introduced in the very early 1970s, it would be Rover's top-of-the-line 18" lawnmower.

The surprising thing is that it was a mid-arch machine, but it competed head-for-head with
the emerging high-arch machines from Victa.

Like all Rovers of the day, the base was cast for a 4-stroke.
However, Rover offered 2-strokes using chassis adapter plates.

The outstanding feature was the catcher and flap design.
This was the subject of a 1968 Patent - a clever, safe and simple design.

The 2-stroke version is the rare one - most were made with 4-strokes
My favourite was the 2610 - with 10 Series Briggs & Stratton engine.

Holidays are here so I made a start to refurbishing my Rover Challenger, it's not going to be restored just cleaned up but mechanically perfect.

I removed the Briggs and Stratton engine and have cleaned the chassis, wheels and bearings will be cleaned up tomorrow. I have been fortunate enough to purchase a set of new old stock bearing kits for the wheels.

Nice. So this will be a good original condition revitalisation? Can't recall seeing that here. Everyone want's to respray (understandably) but there is nothing wrong with simply getting it sound again.
This is the first I have learnt of a Rover two stroke prior to the 1980s Suzuki motored models, one of which I have (won't start).

Hi Mowerfreak,

Exactly, not everything has to be resprayed and looking showroom. Originality is better in my book, Rover has a long history of two stroke engines starting in the 50's, have a walk through the archives on here. It's a good read :-)

Hi Paul and MF
Very nice images there Paul.

Yes, Rover has a long history with 2-strokes.
But even from the 1960s it is clear that most Rovers would be 4-strokes.
Note that the Model 26 was designed as a 4-stroke base; and an adaptor plate was used
for the 2-stroke models; whereas, Victa made separate bases for their 2-strokes and 4-strokes.

I lover the 6-digit phone number for Rover's factory and head office.
When the high-arch machines entered the scene, Rover would continue to use
the Challenger base for store brands - like the Powermaster...
By that time, the factory phone was 7-digit.

I'm guessing that Bris-Vegas changed to 7-digit phone numbers in the early 1970s (?)
----------------------------
Jack

I was chuffed to learn there were Scott Bonnar two stroke models, so shouldn't be any surprise that Rover has a tradition of offering the option.
Another notch in my knowledge bank thanks to ODK.

Update for today, new bottom seal fitted as old one was leaking badly. Wheels back on with new Rover bearing kits fitted, engine back on deck.

All back together now, a few small things to sort but nothing major. Mowed with it and it does a great job

How does it sound? Like a Victa if you look away from the machine? Can't believe how Victa-esque the motor looks when "undressed".

Hi Paul,
I love the 2 stroke. I have a 1982 Challenger and amazed that the deck and look of these models stayed the same for about 89 years.[img]https://photos.app.goo.gl/xb6UYSw6mLJBDNaB6[/img]

Hi Mick,
Not sure what you want to show us there?

Hi all,

Mick is just showing us that the same base was used on his mower Norm and how good his Rover is.

Nice Rover paul_c , I know I have at least 2 Rover mowers with Villiers motors ,one is the
Princess ,I do like these mowers with the chrome engine plate ,most people just paint the chrome plate.


Cheers
Max.