OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers Push mower fix and restore

OK then check and clean parts as you put them back on.I guess for now the best thing would be to put it back together and then we can go there.As when you are new to these things you can do to much to soon.My first restore of a car I stripped the car bear and took all the paint back to bear metal,then a few months later I through the car out as it had become way to big for me to finish.I learnt big time them.I know this is only a mower but it can still blow out like that.So yes I think for now getting it back together is the way to go.

Hello user101, Gadge, Blumbly and followers

I don't think this is a case of annoyance. If you are keen to learn about hand-mowers then this is a good mower to start with. Given the context, this is not a good candidate for a restoration. However there is some promise in getting the machine cutting grass, but not as a regular user without considerable expense.

I have labelled some of your photographs to assist here. I note that you have picked-up some of the terminology in correctly identifying the 'deflector plate'. That plate need only be fitted if you plan to catch grass in the grass catcher. If you do not want to catch grass, then that plate may be removed altogether.

So, lets get started ...

[1] Can you confirm that you can pivot the roller brackets up and down?
Penetrating fluid as Mod. Gadge has suggested will be most useful.

[2] It appears that you have removed the height adjusting bolts.
These are the 'random things' that you have identified.
One is original; the other is a hardware item - too long - requiring non-original washers.

[3] I led you astray with me saying these bolts were slotted (for a screwdriver)
They are simple coach bolts, with a flat that fits in a square slot in the mower frame.

[4] It would be great if we had a photo of the other side of the height adjusting plastic knobs.
It may be they no longer have a chamfer or bevel and are simply worn out.

If this is the case, a trip to the hardware for a couple of coach bolts, washers and
wing nuts would be the first step in being able to adjust the height.

This is the first step in adjusting the height on the mower so that it may work correctly.

------------------------------
JACK.

Yes, I see that now, and definitely appreciate knowing it. I've come to the conclusion that it's definitely not worth restoring, apart from taking my time as a "labour of love".

Well, this may change things for me. I live on nearly one acre, and I'd say 60-65% of the property would be lawn or grass, requiring mowing. I am very happy to be using a reel type mower to do it (in fact for reasons such as exercise, no fumes, no startup trouble etc etc I'd rather use this type of mower). But I see that perhaps using this old wimbledon may not work. In other words, maybe I'm better off purchasing a brand new one. I'd be interested in being pointed to any threads about how to choose a good one.

Thanks a lot! Super helpful for someone like me.

Oh boy, that's the first time I've heard that. I thought it was essential to have it fitted and initially thought the mower wouldn't work cause I didn't have the deflector plate on. Given my property, I'll generally mow without one.

At present I can't budge the roller brackets at all. I think that's been the problem all along. I only have wd-40 so I have no fluid to use at the moment.

Thankyou.

Here are a few:

Maybe you better off starting with another mower.Just remember newer ones are no where near as good as the older ones.The quality of parts and labour just aren't there any more.No quality control.
So I'll scratch mine of the list and back into the scrap pile.Poor old thing,but that's just how it goes I guess.You win some and you lose some.
I do feel though that you would be better starting again,as I feel your heart and soul isn't in it this time.There is nothing worse than trying to do a job when your just not in it.
See how you go there,but I can see your just not that into it.

Hello 101

[1] Okay, it seems pretty obvious now why the packing washers were used.
The knobs are no longer serviceable. Remember, though, that you may have
two good ones in the deflector plate. Unscrew these, remove the centre screw
and see if they have good bevels.

[2] If WD-40 is all you have, use it around the bracket pivots. A small
block of wood knocked against the bracket should free them - easily.

[3]Given the context - size of yard and intended use (regular), this is not
the machine for you - because sharpening and setting, making a new bottom blade,
etc. would make this an expensive project. And what happens if a tyre breaks
through age? Too many variables mate.

[4] I would like to say something about 'purchasing a brand new one'.
The rise of health and environmental issue has created a revival of 'people-powered'
machines in the European and North American markets. That movement has not really
caught on here - yet.

There are a number of quality hand mowers made today. Regrettably, most are not
imported to these shores. The best readily available here is the Flymo HERE.

I will send you a PM (look in My Stuff) at top of forum bar with some options.

Hope this helps.
-------------------------------
JACK.

Hi Bumbly, sorry but you're wrong. My heart's definitely in whatever the best thing is. I'm now convinced (mainly from CyberJack's comments) that it's not worth my while to persevere with this machine. I'm happy with that. If it'd worked out that it was worth fixing it up, I would have happily given it my best.

Cyberjack, thanks a heap for your ongoing help. I got your PM and will look into buying a new one.

OK but that's what I mean,by (I can see your just not that into it),and that's fine.That's what I've been trying to work out as to whether it was worth you doing it,and only you could decide that. We've all fixed things that aren't work it.Hey look at most of my collection there not worth much at all,but I (and others) fix (and restore) the same makes and models cause we want to.It's not always what the worth or the dollars value is.
OK cool that's fine now we know.
Maybe I should get the deflector shield and catcher from you and complete this one I have hear.
Hmmmmmm.

Ah, there's the difference! I want to only because I have a task to do (mow the lawn!) not because I have a love for these things.

Please, have anything you want from my now unused reel mower. I see you're in Brisbane so I'm not sure how it'd work getting it there from Tassie.

Well if we were too,all I need is the catcher,deflector shield and the back roller as mine has rusted out.Also the screws bolts etc etc for the deflector as mine does not have any of that.
I could restore it and then you'd be able to see how it may have looked new.

OK. How do I get it to you?

We freight it.Put it into a box and then freight it.Very easy indeed.

Hi there user101 I've sent you a PM if you could get in touch with me that would be great.
Thanks.