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

Hello ODK History Lovers
Lawnmowers had used 4-stroke engines from the earliest days of the power mower.
However, use on Australian rotary lawnmowers seems to have first occurred with
the 1959 Turner. By 1960, every major Australian maker had to have 2 strokes and
4 strokes in their range.

It was clear that lawnmower makers were demanding lighter engines for lawnmower use,
and alloy engine blocks were part of that solution.

Villiers' response was their introducing the 'Lightweight' Range of small air-cooled
engines. These were made in 50cc, 75cc, 125cc and 150cc horizontal shaft; and 125cc
and 150cc in vertical shaft.

I have written about the vertical shaft lightweights in another record [see link],
so this record discusses the Lightweight horizontal shaft engines.

It is not clear whether the Lightweights originated at JAP or Villiers, given that
JAP merged with Villiers in 1957. The Lightweights sold under both brand names.




TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - Specification
All the Lightweights appear to have had a set of common design elements:
- Alloy Block with cast iron liner
- Removable cylinder head
- Splash lubrication
- Air Vane governor (with optional mechanical)
- Recoil starters

USE IN AUSTRALIA
Because of Villiers' presence in Australia, I do not believe and JAP branded
Lightweights were used here, but some may have arrived on imported machinery.

We know the Lightweight vertical was used on about half a dozen Australian rotaries
[see link]. To my knowledge, only one AUS manufacturer used the Lightweight horizontal -
a 75cc version, fitted to Scott Bonnar's Model 40.

Here is a selection of specification sheets for the horizontals: -

PART THREE - User's Handbook
This Handbook dates from December, 1961, and it originates from
Villiers Australia - the Ballarat factory! It covers the Lightweight
Range in both horizontal or vertical types.