OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Identification of Particular Machines Turner Model? - Valiant c1968

Hi all
Picked up my second Turner yesterday, all gold with white 4 stroke, fuel tank and yellow starter. When I arrived at the sellers place there was only a pulley on top to start it by but gave me what he said was the original starter which looks correct. The starter works fine so will remove the pulley and hope the inside of the flywheel is ok. Although she has been used right up until about 2 years ago it is in reasonable shape and although my knowledge is limited I think it's pretty much all there and original with the exception of the snorkel hose. I have had a look at the models etc but can't quite pin it, cast on the rear of the deck is model PR. Engine numbers are VK30 spec L436 serial 92737889.
I'm guessing it could be mid to late 60's ? for those who have read the thread on the impulse starter, this one is the same as the one on my Sunbeam Lawnkeeper 2.
Your thoughts please
Cheers
wce

This looks early 70s to me. Just something about the styling and the font used for the Turner logo on the plastic catcher. Speaking of, why does it droop like that? Interesting to see Mayfair gold. Does this suggest a third party paint supplier?
I hope the bore isn't worn oval and you can successfully get it to run. I get the feeling older fours present a challenge to get running.

G'day Mowerfreak
Thank's for the response.
I put a bit of fuel in, engine started first try and runs strong as an ox, no abnormal noises or smoke. The catcher etc don't seem to have any excessive wear and the catcher sits flush with the discharge. forgot to post picture of impulse starter.

Cheers
wce

Hello wce and Mowerfreak
This machine dates to the final years -c1968-70

Turner ceased manufacture of lawnmowers in 1970.
The clue here is the 'Safe T' sticker used on the final Valiants.

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/90536/turner-brochure-c1969.html

wce, this was Turner's first high-arch lawnmower (c1966) and the one that
introduced the poly catcher to Australia - another Turner first.

Cheers
----------------------
Jack

G'day wce & CyberJack,
It's good to hear this example is still going strong and packing grass into that louvred catcher.
Why does the Turner Valiant base look different to the one above? The arch way extends around the front in the illustration but not so with the one pictured in this thread. Turner seemed to be that bit better than the mass appeal Victa offerings of the time, much like Pace was, though the Victa was arguably better than what they offered later on with their steel decks.

Hi Wce, Mowerfreak and Jack,

First up that�s a great looking Turner, so original and obviously looked after. Jack the brochure on the Golden Turner is very interesting, particularly the rocket logo used on the mower wheel caps and also further down in the brochure print. The same logo is on the base of my Turner also with �Turner� in a more modern block font. Perhaps mine is from the last year of manufacturing with a reinvention of the branding.

I agree with Mowerfreak on that - it looks more modern than what it is.

I think Paul hints at that Mowerfreak....
I date wce's Turner Valiant to 1968.

I think the rocket logo is symbolic of ... 1969 (moon landing!).
Paul's 'unknown' turner is of that year range - best guess.

That's an interesting point Mowerfreak.

Turner was the first of the big mower makers to introduce the high-arch base.
They had the first poly catcher too!

Victa did catch up - with the superb VCs of 1970.
But Turner was first!!!

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

I almost didn't bother to look at this topic, but glad I checked it out. I haven't just learnt about another innovtive Australian mower maker, but found out who was first to introduce features that cascaded to all mower makers. I have gained a respect for this lesser known manufacturer.
Turner brought us the high arch, Victa's VC popularised and expanded on it.