OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums General Discussion Forum Off Topics Barn fresh ATCO, How rare & how much?

Hi Guys,
Have the chance to possibly score this beastie. Can anyone tell me how rare they are and what would be a reasonable price to pay for it? Would that be a JAP engine?

Hi Aussietrev,

Looks like a 20" Atco. These were made between about 1946 and 1951. Engine is a 147cc Villiers two stroke. They were replaced in 1952 by the 20" lightweight which has the same frame type as the late 40's/50's 14" models.

They are quite a simple machine with quite a bit of grunt. Looks like this one is in relatively good nick. Also looks to have aluminium rear rollers - this would make it a later production. They are not the most common of Atco mowers but not the rarest either.

Price is always interesting with these mowers - the key for me is if it has spark as the coils can be a bit pricey. I would say a price around $150 would be a fair price, maybe a bit more if it has the correct catcher. I have seen one or two go for $50-$100. I have seen one or two sellers try to extract $500 from unwary punters for a similar mower in worse condition.

Cheers,

Sir Chook

hi treve
does it comme with catcher cant see any catcher in picture
it needs full restoring lot of work to do without catcher $50 with catcher $100 at most I pay
when working they very good mower

Don't know about the catcher freebird, only have this picture so far until I go take a drive and have a look. Thanks for the price range guys, will be sure to check if it has spark first.

G'day Trevor
It's a post WWII Atco, imported from about 1947 until about
1960, when Atco changed to 4-stroke power units.

They are not rare, but this one is less common in that it is
of a wider cut than the popular 14" machines. I guess this is
the 17" (or 20"?).

Yes, the catcher is important, so I hope that is still with the mower.
One well-worth saving. This Atco design would influence two AUS
reel mowers - the Mobilco and the Austral-Villiers.

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

I'd say from the photo is it probably a 17 rather than a 20 as it straddles 4 floor boards which are probably 4". They would have to be 6" boards for it to be a 20 which I think would be pretty unlikely but will know more next weekend when I see it in the flesh.

G'day Trev

Don't forget to look for the maker's brass tag.
Usually on the RH side frame. That should identify size and year.
I also note this one appears to have a three piece rear roller. Nice.

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

Well that was a waste of time. The engine was not only missing parts from the ignition, it was seized solid and the catcher is long gone. About the only thing on it that still worked was the clutch lever.

I recall my uncle gave us one of these, when he upgraded his mower. My father made me in charge, however I used more energy (unsuccesfully) starting it that I would have used mowing all the lawn with our Webb push mower!!!