I've resurrected a V99 Mayfair (125cc Store Brand Corsair) from a long slumber. I used it yesterday and need to replace the blades before it goes into regular rotation to supplement my VSX160 Commando. I'm having no end of trouble sourcing blades for this machine.
As per the sticker on the engine, this mower has the older style blade holder, taking the CA09236S Blade.
It looks like the original blades are no longer available. There is a Rover Blade that seems to come fairly close to the original blades - slightly wider, but the same length and bolt hole. Has anyone had any luck using these blades on an older Victa?
If not, I think I have a newer blade holder taken off a junk cleanup find Briggs - a CA09320K. Will this fit onto the older engine, and into the low arch deck? I was thinking that at least with the new blade holder, we could get away with installing blades that are still manufactured onto the mower.
I'm keen to hear what we are all using on our older Victas to keep them going.
Thank you all.
(apologies for the crap photos - took them so I could reference something when scouring this site and google - let me know if you want to see the machine and I'll get some better ones).
The problem with Rover blades is they are straight and from memory these 1971 Victa blades are on the top side of the blade plate and are bent so they straighten horizontal to the ground.
I have a plate below that someone has fitted the Rover blades and the angle is wrong.
Usually I just find what ever works from the spares I have ,If the later Victa plate fits the crank hub then that is the easiest to fit.
From memory the Scott Bonnar 520 720 blades are a close match ,but you would need to check them.
I think trying the later boss would be the best bet. I also have a 4 Blade non mulch/catch boss off a PT Statesman in the garage but not sure I want to strip the Statesman yet.
The blades on mine have been mounted below the plate, which is strange, but it was a garage sale find, and who knows what was done to it before I rescued it.
Gave it another run yesterday and the old 125 runs really well. A little underpowered in the really thick buffalo/kikuyu I have in my back yard, but a fresh set of blades will probably help cut. It's never going to be my regular mower, but I've had some issues with my Commando and have it getting serviced at the moment and the lawn doesn't stop growing in this Sydney weather.
Hi AMP, The boss is fitted on the crank, that stays you just need a later blade carrier and they will fit the existing boss, just have to make sure it clears the underside of the base because the sides on some of the blade carriers are quite high. The round blade carriers are flatter so will clear better
GA spares only discontinued the blades in mid 22 (from memory). A they havent been a really popular blade for years, you will most likely find an old mower shop or little hardware store with the old g type blades.
bnc3241 was the blade and bolt set number ga did - stupidly they still sell the bolts on their own (bbn451)
I've found the blade holder under the house, and I've ordered some new blades to fit. I'll take the opportunity to clean out above the blade holder under the base while the blade holder is out.
At the end of the day, the machine won't be 100% standard, but at least I can keep it as a spare machine until I get a chance to actually put some effort into restoring it.
I will keep the original blade carrier, but being able to purchase the blade and bolt set is a big bonus.
Now to find a green catcher to replace the cracked black one I have...
Now to find a green catcher to replace the cracked black one I have...
The Green Catchers are almost impossible to find ,they aren't uv resistant ,you would need to find one that hasn't been used for 30 years or more ,there is one cheap on Gumtree at the moment but the seller isn't posting it ,the last person I heard that wanted a Green Catcher for a Mayfair was going to get one made as you virtually never see them in one piece , the black catchers lasted longer.
