OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Finding and Swapping Tip & Curb Side Finds Nice old Steel Decked Victa.

I was driving to my mate's house when I saw this nice example of green steel decked Aussie powertorque model sitting by itself on the nature strip.
Common as muck, I know, but the deck is nice and relatively rust free, without the notorious rot spot under he left side handle bolts.
It's in very tidy original condition and all that is apparently wrong with it is the starter rope hanging out, preventing a test.
I knocked on the door to make sure it hadn't been left by mistake and a nice woman answered the door telling me I could have it. She put it out in the hope someone could use it instead of seeing it scrapped. She said as far as she recalls, it runs well. Came with catcher as well.

Nice find, hope it does run well and isn't one of those "oh it was running perfectly but then just stopped" that you find hasn't even looked like being "running perfectly" for several years at least.

Anyone know what has likely failed to make the cord hang out like that?

Probably a broken spring, take the top off and you will see the big nut in the center, wind it clockwise and the cord will be pulled back in, try pulling it and winding it back up a few times and it might work again. In my opinion they are the best domestic mower ever built, bar none, motors are so tough, they will nearly run under water

Hi NormK, good news, it goes after having to deal with some really corroded screws to get to the starter ( phew!), I did as you suggested, and eventually got the starter to retract, after testing the motor first.
It over revs slightly, but that appeals to the lair in me.
I have myself a fully functioning mower that starts easily and is ready for more happy mowing .. well as soon as I replace the butchered blades.
Thanks for your advice.

Just found another very similar on the side of the road in bits but basically complete with ball bearing wheels and comfort grip handles. Aussie power torque and good deck.