Atco Petrol Lawn Mower

[jeepers2655]

pretty cool for only 50 years old.

[Bevoin1970]

@jeepers2655 Thanks, Im very pleased with it myself... :-)

[MikePColeStudioPro]

Fabulous videos as always our dear friend.... Awesome job!!!! Mike & Pammie :-)

[Bevoin1970]

@MikePColeStudioPro Wow!! thank you for such a grand comment, my head is swelling as we speak.. haha :-)

Very much appreciated.

[landykid60]

looks great, how much would one of these cost me to buy,, and where can they be got,,

[Bevoin1970]

@landykid60 I only paid around £20 at the time for this off ebay. They are/was a very common lawnmower, and so don't fetch too much in the money stakes, well at least they didn't back when I bought this one a few years ago now.Occasionally I still look on ebay, just to see whats going, and you still see this type of mower come up once in a while. You may have to pay around £50 for one now mind, when the bidding gets silly. :-)

[Rocktecho]

You don't need to push the tickle like that you jus hold it until the carb over flows then you know the engine is primed

[Bevoin1970]

@Rocktecho I know I know... but you just cant help but keep pressing that thing up and down, its a natural action for me.. ha ha Thanks for watching and commenting :-)

[MrSteamdan]

@Rocktecho well you do to make sure the fuel line is not blocked and to see if thiers petrol

[19881989tonow]

once you get the hand of the clutch and throttle control they are very nice and easy machines to use i have one of these and wanted a cheep reliable cylinder mower cost me a fraction of the price of a cylinder motor made today ad nearly as safe, mind the flywheel and clutch!!!!!!

[Bevoin1970]

@19881989tonow This is the best mower I have ever owned, works a treat every time. I have three of these, all set with different cutting heights, I just use the appropriate one for the cut I want.

I own one 12" wide cut and two 17" wide cut mowers, plus a Qualcast 16" - not so good in my opinion, but I like it all the same.

Your correct, these mowers are a tad lively when you use them, and can take off like a shot if your not careful. Just a matter of getting used to using them thats all. :-)

[christhetromboneguy]

nice quality u must have a nice camera

[Bevoin1970]

@christhetromboneguy I use a HD Panasonic Camcorder, if you look through some of my older videos, you will come across my equipment that I use video.

[sil15a]

I like your video. I used to own one of the Atco's exactly the same they are very fast hard to keep up with them when mowing the lawn. good production

[Bevoin1970]

@sil15a Thanks and yes your correct, they do shot off a little.... lol

[steamwally]

Just watching this again and wondering what the 2nd piece of music is called?

Many thanks.

[Bevoin1970]

@steamwally Not sure, the sound effects / music were all taken from the pre-loaded stuff that came on the PC.

I was just playing around and getting carried away when I made this as you could probably tell... :-)

[steamwally]

Ah ok, thanks anyway. It's a great video, the sound effects just add a little something. When I get my mower and make a video I think I'll put a bitt of wursels combined harvester song with it!!!!

Spent ages today clearing a space and packing away the nasty electric flymo....should be fine to get it in the new year now.

Phill.

[Bevoin1970]

@steamwally Should sound good! ha ha :-)

Look forward to watching the video.

Paul :-)

[steamwally]

Yeah! I'l ley you know when I get the old machine, shouldn't be long : )

[steamwally]

Brilliant video! Love how at one point it looks like your being chased by it!

In a few weeks I'm getting an early suffolk mower, that should be fun.

[Bevoin1970]

@steamwally Thank you, Im all for keeping old iron working where at all possible.

Love these mowers of mine, and they are all still used on a regular basis during summer months.

[goinghomesomeday1]

I used to work on these engines and mowers -- in fact I still have some ignition points knocking around for these old Villiers engines.

[Bevoin1970]

@goinghomesomeday1 Nice and simple engines eh not like todays micro chipped machines...

[RetroCaptain]

Good Day,

That is a sturdy mower, eh!

The (old fashioned) British cast iron was not porus like today's cast iron, (made anywhere)...permitting unlimited lifespan! Nowadays manufacturers know just how long their products will last, before they market them...too clever in the wrong way, eh?

[Bevoin1970]

@RetroCaptain Im no expert on cast iron but I do have to agree with what you say.

In my opinion for what its worth, any old iron from years ago will out live me any day so long as the item in question is looked after.

Take these old mowers, they don't ask for much, and yet year after year they continue to work and perform as they were intended back in the 1950's

Can't say fairer than that. Brilliant I think !!!

Thanks for watching and commenting...

Paul :-)

[MyAussieDay]

I'm depressed now, I have to push... my mower.

[Bevoin1970]

@MyAussieDay Ha Ha... Good luck :-)

[fivestander]

what's that song please?

[Bevoin1970]

@fivestander Hello United States - Im sorry I have no idea silly as it sounds. I use an apple computer and its already preloaded onto the computer called "Soaring.caf" on the computer.

Hope this helps

Thanks

[SuperTabitha22]

I used to own one exactly like this. It was superb (despite the noise) and full of character. They were so robust and well built too. I liked the fact that you can lubricate the one roller and cylinder bearing by sliding open those tiny 'trap doors' on the side.

I also liked the fact that the engine was mounted on rods instead of a platform which made the machine easier to clean after use.

[Bevoin1970]

@SuperTabitha22 I fully agree with you - Brilliant little mowers. Thanks

[travisalive]

thats dangerous

[Bevoin1970]

@travisalive Would be if you were stupid enough to put your fingers into the revolving blades, otherwise its perfectly safe.

[douro20]

Can the statioary blade be removed?

[Bevoin1970]

@douro20 Yes it can all be taken apart quite easily...

[fergfergferg123]

i have a big 8hp one, twice the size with a new engine, the frame is still going strong

[Bevoin1970]

@fergfergferg123 Good on you, keep it running!! :-)

[brewzur]

My parents had one very similar except it had front castor wheels, steel grass catcher (with a big coat of arms on it) and a oil bath air cleaner. ahh the memories

[Bevoin1970]

@brewzur Great stuff - Thanks for watching :-)

[Hallaran]

That mower is built like a tank! Great video!

[Bevoin1970]

@Hallaran They were certainly built to last in the 1950's - Here we are in 2010 and Im still using this very machine on a weekly basis now the grass cutting season is back with us once again. I'll get that kick start return spring fixed one of the days, but for now the piece of string is doing a great job... Ha Ha

Thanks for the nice comments

Paul :-)

[GaryBearful]

Good show! Well done on the video. Terrific shots and camera work - beautiful machine to boot!

[Bevoin1970]

Thanks for the kind comments, very nice they are too.

I love this mower, I have two others very similar all still working well. Didn't realise that I made this back in last March 09 so wont be long now before I fetch this mower out once again to continue with its summer duties...

Thanks for watching

Paul :-)

[MrSteamdan]

amazing dad had one like that mavoulous machines

[Bevoin1970]

Sorry about delay in replying, Thank You :-)

[popletsog]

I have just found one identical to this in

a garage clearout. pretty good condition. are they worth much ? cheers.

[Bevoin1970]

Unfortunately no, so many of them still around. £20 - £30 tops

Stick some fuel in it and use a proper mower... ha ha. No Plastic on these babies... maybe the fuel pipe !! :-)

[MrMoterKid]

Lovely mower! Theres still loads of them on Ebay! What fuel ratio do they take?

[Bevoin1970]

Yes great mowers, and still working on a regular basis during the sumer months. I use 20:1 mix or 25:1 can't quite remember now... I need to go look to confirm. I got mine from ebay. Probably best £20 I ever spent.. ha ha

[MrMoterKid]

Okay, thanks! I might get one off of Ebay and restore it! Or at least repaint it, if I do I'll definately post it.

[steamwally]

16/1 thats the correct ratio.

Cheers

[MrMoterKid]

Okay thanks. :-)

[bartonlane]

Great lawnmower Paul im after a mower like this, how long have you own it?, and 5* as always.

Daniel

[Bevoin1970]

Thanks Daniel. Had my vintage mowers for a few years now. Just keep an eye on ebay as they still appear quite frequently.

You could also contact the "Old Lawnmower Club" Their members have a newsletter with a For Sale section. You would have to join though, costs around £10 per year.

[hoffmachine]

My dad has this exact mower except its the 14". It has the same muffler as this and sounds identical.... he got it from his dad and he still uses it to this day... do you know of where to get parts and/or any info on these Atco mowers. maybe a web site?

[briggs5sboy]

that engine would be perfect for a motorbike!!

[fergfergferg123]

i wish i had a smelovision i bet it smells great, i have a really old 40" cylindermower with a 200cc engine it has a seat on the back the only thing i had to replace was the engine and clutch belt it has a 12hp briggs

[Bevoin1970]

Yes your right, 2 stroke smells quite nice, I always enjoy using this mower. I used to operate a mower similar to the one you described when I was around fifteen years old, I used to cut the grass on a local football pitch, was a brilliant job..!!!

[AllSmallEngines]

I've never seen a kick-start lawn mower before!

1954 Villiers. That beats the oldest that I've owned by exactly 20 years. 5/5 & favorite.

[Bevoin1970]

Thanks for the nice comment. I don't really know why kick starts disappeared, they seem a lot easier to work with and last a lot longer than string pull. You can still pick these mowers up from ebay quite easily over here... Glad you enjoyed it. I have two others like this and a Qualcast Sixteen crank handle start, also shown on YT. Thanks for watching.

[Hallaran]

Great video and lawn mower. A well made engine that of course has stood the test of time!

[Bevoin1970]

I guessed you would like this one with your eye for nice engines... ha ha This is a brilliant little mower and is still used twice weekly. Thanks for watching.

[BFMR1062]

Hi ther I have a few Villiers engines one is a two stroke which has a fuel taink that is monthed on the top of the endine and the engine sits in a braket that can be changed to sute what ever machen the engine is to be used in :) very nice littel engines, love the video grait to see it still in use and have to say it dose a nicer cut than modden disc mowers :) nice work

[Bevoin1970]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it. This mower is still used twice a week during the grass cutting season, It works very well, not bad for such an old thing. You take good care of those old Villiers, they don't make em anymore so look after them..... They will out last any modern stuff.

[olitobey1]

What A GREAT VIDEO I have 2 atcos and 5 ransomes, all of which are of this sort of that vintage, great to see a little enthusiasm keeping classics likes these alive and used! keep up the good work!

[Bevoin1970]

Thanks for the nice comments and thanks for rating. They are such great mowers, definitely a classic. I love mine... wouldn't swap it for a modern mower at all.

[tripleninetysevens]

I THOUGHT I WOULD SEE IF ANYTHING IS ON YOU TUBE ABOUT THE ATCO LAWN MOWER THAT I FOUND OUT THE FRONT OF SOMEONES HOUSE HERE IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA WITH A NOTE SAYING " IT GOES, PLEASE TAKE ME"! WELL I RECKON ITS ONLY HAD ABOUT 2 HOURS USE SINCE IT WAS SOLD, AS IT IS IN BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL CONDITION & FIRED UP 1st TIME WITH A BIT OF 2 STROKE FUEL & A KICK START, IT HAS THE VILLIERS MIDGET MOTOR & THE DETACHABLE TORPEDO STYLE MUFFLER, THE BRASS TANK WITH ALL "ATCO" SIGNAGE.

[Bevoin1970]

Seems like you got yourself a real good bargain there, take good care of it and use it regular, you wont be disappointed Im sure. Maybe you can film it and post on YouTube?

[anthacdc]

Kool, i live in melbourne to and i find heaps of old stuff in hard rubbish and i restore them

[Bevoin1970]

No I have the grassbox, I just left it off so you could see more as a viewer. Thanks for watching.

[Oldschoolmetalnrock]

I also have a 14" kickstart which is quite early, rather than the pepperpot exhaust it has a large one a bit like a 1920s Standard. Sounds much nicer (and quieter) than the pepperpot exhaust!

[Bevoin1970]

Think that's known as a Torpedo exhaust, my 14" one has the same. It has a much quieter sound and totally different.

[Oldschoolmetalnrock]

These 50s kickstarts are probably some of my favourites in my mower collection. Simple, fairly reliable, give a good cut, and are that little more vintage than say a Suffolk

[sean469530]

That is awesome! I would love to tinker with one of those things! It did cut the lawn very well too! Surprised that old motor put off enough power to run the reel and propel the mower! Self propelled mowers today barely have enough power to do that, but that old thing pulled it like a champ!

[Bevoin1970]

Thanks, this mower would certainly run away if I let go. It may be old but it still works perfectly. I use it twice a week to cut my lawn during this time of year ( summer ) The brass plate at 0:35 says 1754/5, that means its a 17" wide cut made in the season of 1954 / 55. Made to last back then. Only cost me £20 from ebay

[macfletcherhotmail]

i have got 2 atco mower both 2stroke 1 use to cut a bowling green or somthing like that and the other is a little mower the little mower runs but the mower is lopsided so it cant cut grass and the other one is 1927 and it is still running like it was brand new the compression is 83 psi last time i checked

[Bevoin1970]

Take some video of the one that works, would love to see it...

[mowersman]

Hi

great mower

ive just got one working that had been sat outside for 50 years. suprisiling it wasnt seized but it didnt have a spark so now i run it off a car coil and battery. the only problem is that it it goes very fast when in gear with the throttle open enough to stop it stalling

[Bevoin1970]

Sounds good fun !!

[AgentHog]

So that is why England's grass looks so good!

[Bevoin1970]

Nice compliment, not sure it's all down to vintage mowers though.... You do get nice stripes on your lawn mind using one of these. :-))

[06mourag]

i don`t understand why todays lawn mowers are crap(in the 1940 to 1970 the factories normaly build the lawn mowers with out any help or tecnology compare to todays lawn mowers but they always face their minds to durability and the new lawn mowers are just build with high tech and fancy expencive computer and machines but facing their minds to the money that they can make because if they make crapy lawn mower is not gonna last for long so you will need to buy another one and dispende more money!)

[Bevoin1970]

Yes you've hit the nail on the head, by making them crap they hope you will go out and buy another one in a few short years... To many plastic parts on today's mowers, not like this old fella, not one piece of plastic on this machine. Sorry apart from the fuel pipe which is a modern replacement....

[06mourag]

i love that lawn mower(no safety features like the new lawn mowers and no plastic parts, villiers build to last!!!)

[Bevoin1970]

And so say all of us..... Thank you for your nice comments. I thoroughly agree with you.

[enpeemac]

Excellent vid of a truely great British mower (I should know, I have the 12" version). Harks back to an era when 'made in England' meant you'd got the very best money could buy!

[Bevoin1970]

Thanks, I too have the 12" also, has the Torpedo silencer sounds much quieter than this one... I agree with the Made in England, so true.

[pwalpar]

Awesome machine unique return spring, ingenius

[Bevoin1970]

Think this is what's called a true Red Neck repair in your country..... :-)

[birdman404]

classic insurance on this in ireland!!!!

[Bevoin1970]

I only do a 1000 miles a year... :-)

[HLCpromow]

I was made in the fiftys too lol great vid. I never seen one of these very interesting. Yes I'm still running fine too lmao thanks

[Bevoin1970]

Thanks, glad your still running ok aswell ! ha ha. I have two others similar to this one, one's a 14" Atco and the other is a Qualcast 16" both are on YouTube amongst my earlier videos. Take a look. I will probably remake both of those one of the days...

[jmurray01]

cool, could you do a new start and driving video of your van.

[Bevoin1970]

Yes maybe one of the days. More often than not I forget to take my camera out with me, will bear it in mind though.... Thanks