OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Victa Lawn Mower Frames Victa Series 80 catcher issues

What a great site. Well done Bruce.

Yesterday I purchased a lovely old Series 80 in excellent condition. But the one problem is the catcher drops off the back of the mower chassis whenever it goes over the slightest bump. It seems like the catcher (a green one, with a lever at the top) has a very narrow lip with which to hook onto the back of the chassis. I was wondering if the catcher is missing something, of if you have any advice on a fix?

I was also wondering anyone would know the approximate age of it? it's got a plastic carby, and the number "129" is stamped on the head...if that gives any clues...

Many thanks, Forro in WA.

Forro,

Your problem with the catcher is the flap spring.

Also we have information on how the catch should be set.

Thanks Bruce - I assume I need a new flap spring - where could I get one? And would you be able to send me any info on how the catch should be set?

best

Forro

Forro,

All you need to do is remove the rod past where the spring is located in the middle of the flap. :Wavey:

You then replace the spring so that you have tension so the flap is pushing down and slide the rod back into its original position.

Thanks for your quick responses Bruce. 'Will give it a crack and get back to you if there are any dramas. I know, I could have bought a newer one, but that would be too easy...

Hi again Bruce. I've worked it out and the catcher is now rock solid. I like the little extra features of the Series 80, like the fuel gauge in the fuel cap and the flap on the catcher which I presume is to let you know when it's full.

Very happy and looking fwd to years of sheer mowing pleasure. Thanks again for your help.

Forro

Forro,

Glad to be of assistance and I hope that you found the board to be a helpful in solving your problems.

Hi there,
I was searching the Forum to see if there was info about the Flap that lifts and clicks into the catcher. This one has a square rod that runs through a spring and into the body of the mower on either side. The end of the rod, has a black thumb lever that is pushed forward, lifting the flap and clicking it open into the catcher (when attached to mower). The rod has plastic bushes that fit into the body of the mower. I have tried to re-attach the flap but I dunno if I am missing a part or something. Every time I seem to have it in the right place, the flap falls off when I try to lift it with the thumb lever. Maybe the spring is old like what happened to "Forro" mower. Any hints or is there a diagram somewhere?
Wayne

waynec,

Here is some information on the catcher.

And to add to your mower history:

Head number 129 means

Made in 1981
29th week of the year