OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Rotary Gardener Mower, info wanted!

my wheels seem to be a little bit bigger then yours

Yours still has quite a thick tyre on it.

perhaps, the tyre seems about 1 cm thick so that would add 2 cm onto the diameter of the wheel, and the wheel without a tyre was 2 cm smaller then the one without a tyre

Hello Kye an Paul

Sorry for delay in replying.

After looking at all the evidence, I think it is more probable
than not that your Gardener was made by Clyde Industries.

I was originally distracted by those slotted rear wheels, thinking
there may have been a connection to Kelly Engineering:

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=59982

I have just recently posted the discovery of a significant machine,
the Clyde rear-catcher mowers from about 1956. This is Paul's mower,
and it will be helpful to hear his thoughts here.

WE have bracket and wheel designs that appear very similar.
The bases are cast with similar features.

See what you think:-

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=70076

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

the clyde looks most like it, im pretty sure my gardener has a 1958 J.A.P engine so perhaps its the next model after that one, but the rear wheels of mine look very similar to the Kelly wheels!

could you send me some pictures of the thing that holds the catcher onto the back? i would like to see if that matches

wait just realised yours doesn't seem to have one

does anyone know where the engine codes are on these types of J.A.P engines so i could date the mower?

Hello Kye

There's plenty of information on the net as to how to date early
JAP engines. But JAP was taken over by Villiers in 1957.
I can't find any dating system for later engines.

I think your engine is a C.80, but I am not sure.
It may be that they are un-stamped. Here is a good guide
to the history of the famous JAP:-

http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/J._A._Prestwich_Industries

As you know, I have dated your machine by its features and its engine.
I have dated it to the late 1950s. That's as close as I can get.
I hope a member might be able to spread more light.

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

thanks for all that info! i have checked all over the crank case for any numbers like on 7F and victa engines but i can't find any

I have also been wondering if the Gardener advertised with a Kirby 2 engine is related in any way? what do you guys think?

Hello Kye,

I would think so (assuming the record is accurate).
It was not uncommon for makers to offer various engines.
There would have been advantages in offering an Australian-made engine.

If late 1950s, it can only be one type of Kirby 2-stroke:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=59415

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

cool as and thanks for the info! it just seemed like it could have been another mower brand if mine was a Clyde, we can only guess for now

Hi Kye

The best thing to do is keep an open mind about your Gardener.
All we have done is find similar components on the known Clydes.

I am convinced it is Australian-made, but who made it still remains
a mystery. I have a couple of ideas, but that's all they are.

I do believe, however, that this one will be solved.

Cheers
------------------
Jack

awesome! i will keep an eye out for any clues!

I am planning to do a full restoration now that i have found the original base paint color, should i paint the exhaust and cylinder black or leave them rusty?

Hello Kye,

that's good news!
I must have missed you finding the original base paint colour ...

I'm not a restorer - or collector - so I'll leave restoration advice
to the experts.

Please keep us informed of progress on this rare mower.

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

i said it when you asked about the blue paint, even though i found some blue i believe it may just be from it rubbing on something next to or near the mower, the paint is just behind the wheels and is a silver color.

Hi Kye

Yes, forgive me, I remember now!
Once you remove the motor and brackets, you might find further evidence.
Here's a link to a member who restored a JAP engine:-

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=63120

All very JAP
--------------------
Jack

haha thanks for the warnings, hopefully i will find something under the engines