OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories ENGINES VILLIERS - Lightweight Vertical 4-Strokes - c1960s

Hello ODK History Lovers

It seems to be forgotten that Villiers played a significant role in powering
4-stroke rotary mowers in the early-to-mid 1960s, with their Lightweight 4-stroke
engines.

At this time, the Kirby 4-strokes were the most common engine, then Briggs, then ...
Villiers. What is not appreciated is that this engine was used by a significant
number of the lawnmower manufacturers at this time - sometimes with exclusive use;
other times as one of the power unit options. This record remembers this forgotten
engine, developed in the final decades of this great engine manufacturer.



KNOWN AUS MOWERS using the Villiers Lightweight:-

- HG Palmer
- Rover Mowers
- Scott Bonnar
- Singer Mowers
- Southern Cross
- Supa-Swift

I am unsure whether the design originated with J.A.P. or with the parent company
(at this time), Villiers. It was sold under both brands and made in two sizes:
125cc & 150cc. I believe only the 150cc Villiers version was used in Australia.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - Specification
The Villiers Lightweight was Villiers' answer to the impending 4-stroke rotary
engine revolution. Every major Australian lawnmower manufacturer jumped on board,
with the first 4-strokes appearing here in 1960. Villiers, though not 'quick off
the mark' responded relatively quickly to the American designs from Clinton,
Lauson, Briggs & Stratton, and others. My best guess is that Australian rotaries
were fitted with this engine from late 1962.

The engine presents as a good design - alloy with cast iron liner, pump assisted
lubrication, and with air vane governing. It was a handsome engine with that
beautiful rounded sump and crankcase, and streamlined tank and cowling. This
engine was styled as part of a family, including the Torque Major 2-strokes.

PART THREE - Villiers Lightweight 4-Stroke in Australia - HG Palmer
The great Retail Store Chain of HG Palmer was a pioneer user of the 4-stroke
rotary lawnmower engine in Australia. That company remains under-appreciated
for that contribution, but also for its exclusive Palmer lawnmower designs.

The earliest record I have - using this engine - dates from late 1962.
The engine was offered on its Deluxe Utility base. Note the rated horsepower.




These are auction photos from 2013 and 2015.
Note the use of the Impulse Starter, an original fitment on this machine.





TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART FOUR - Villiers Lightweight 4-Stroke - Rover & Scott Bonnar

ROVER - c1962
There is some evidence that Rover did offer the Villiers engine in the early 1960s.
Best guess, from 1962.

This machine owned by Derek Myers from Adelaide. A big thank you to
Derek and Kye of Vintage Mowers: Buy, Swap & Sell https://www.facebook.com/groups/Vintagemowers/


SCOTT BONNAR - c1963
There is clear evidence that Scott Bonnar offered the Villiers Lightweight on the
Model 35. This ad dates from late 1963. I have no photographic evidence that
any of these survive.



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART FIVE - Villiers Lightweight 4-Stroke - Singer
Whilst Singer did use Kirby engines, it would appear that from about 1964 the
company was using the Villiers Lightweight on both the side discharge and rear
discharge machines.






Photos: courtesy member IanOz

TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART SIX - Villiers Lightweight 4-Stroke - Southern Cross
Similarly, Southern Cross used the Lightweight on both their side and rear
discharge machines. Again, use was from about 1964. Note that these are fitted
with the popular Trip-release Impulse Starter.




TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART SEVEN - Villiers Lightweight 4-Stroke - Supa-Swift

Super-Swift were a generous user of Kirby, Briggs and Villiers.
The Lightweight was offered in about 1965, but I have never found any
examples for a photo record. Note this one has the later trip-release
Impulse Starter.