Another oldie i purchased over the weekend. Few interesting features, one being the air cooling duct to the cylinder head. Looks 1940s but have yet to determine a model. Started up and actually mowed a few lines in the lawn, clutch a bit grabby and speed is bloody fast!! Few pics below
Further research dates to 1935 with the introduction of the kick start mechanism
Last edited by Millzy555; 13/11/1709:07 PM. Reason: Correct images
I thought I spotted that in the background of the photo of the Centenary. This is an Atco Deluxe. It looks like it may be one of the middleweight series. Can you put up a photo of the whole mower front on? Under the main chain case (the large one) there may be a brass tag on the chain case bolt. Have a look at to see if there is one there and let us know what the plate says.
I thought I spotted that in the background of the photo of the Centenary. This is an Atco Deluxe. It looks like it may be one of the middleweight series. Can you put up a photo of the whole mower front on? Under the main chain case (the large one) there may be a brass tag on the chain case bolt. Have a look at to see if there is one there and let us know what the plate says.
Cheers,
Sir Chook
Thankyou, i shall have a look tomorrow. Did read about these but couldnt pinpoint my machine.
Did you manage to find the brass tag under the chain case? With respect to the date of the mower, it is later than 1935 as in 1935 the kickstart was only fitted to the 14" model and was not a pendant style. Given the engine type (which looks like the SZ prefixed Villiers), the handlebar configuration and a few other clues it would appear to be at the earliest 1937. It should be noted that there were some prewar models produced postwar for a short time. Atco's first shipment to Australia was in early 1946.
It also looks like the catcher that you had on the Centenary is actually an Atco catcher for a Deluxe model - not sure if it is the one for this mower but it would be close. The bolts in the catcher body should fit in the slots in the mower body.
Did you manage to find the brass tag under the chain case? With respect to the date of the mower, it is later than 1935 as in 1935 the kickstart was only fitted to the 14" model and was not a pendant style. Given the engine type (which looks like the SZ prefixed Villiers), the handlebar configuration and a few other clues it would appear to be at the earliest 1937. It should be noted that there were some prewar models produced postwar for a short time. Atco's first shipment to Australia was in early 1946.
It also looks like the catcher that you had on the Centenary is actually an Atco catcher for a Deluxe model - not sure if it is the one for this mower but it would be close. The bolts in the catcher body should fit in the slots in the mower body.
Cheers,
Sir Chook
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Appreciate the research, i shall get some pics this arvo, too many projects on the go right now
My understanding is that these numbers are sequential. So that would make this mower number 3446 in the series. The letters appear to change depending on the cut width and version of the mower. I take it that it is a 17" cut. On an educated guess, I would suggest that the mower is probably just in the prewar group. Certainly a mower worth restoring and one of the few that I do not have (and I have been keeping a look out). They do look a treat when restored see below
Nice video and restoration on that one. I have since moved the Atco on to a mate who has a large collection in Hamilton (mostly dennis 30" cuts) and someone who i'd deem to be a collector not an enthusiast such as myself. If you're really keen PM me and i'll put you in touch with him
