My current reel / cylinder mower, an old Atco, is on its last legs; bearings are worn out, there's rust all over and frankly, the reel is a little small for my patch of grass; I want a larger (wider) machine and a more versatile one: one with a scarifying rake etc.
I've learned that Atco is now 'Allett' and that there's another brand as well: Masport. Allett has powerful battery-operated machines (Liberty range) and there's a line-up of B&S and Honda 4-stroke powered machine. And, as said, I want a versatile machine (scarifying etc).
Finally, I want one that's more self-moving and with properly adjustable speed.
What's your idea, what's your experience.
Bought an Allett Classic 17l and it seemed to be a well made piece of kit. Unfortunately our lawns weren’t level enough and have couch grass on them. This stuff just lays flat and pops up again after you pass with a cylinder mower!!
Had to exchange it for an electric start rotary mower which cuts anything.
If your lawns are suitable the Allett seemed pretty good!
Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.
Depending upon budget, but Toro make excellent machines (as used on lots of Golf courses). Alternatively Honda make cylinder lawn mowers. Second hand could be an option, because neither are cheap.
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Atco had such a following that I’ll bet there’s a specialist somewhere that reconditions them to as new.
....try oldlawnmowers.co.uk- they have loads that look good
Last edited by GOAT; 7th April 2020 at 10:04.
Menno a man of your workshop connections shouldn't consider anything other than using a proper old machine, and re-conditioning it if required.
My dad always used an ex-bowling green mower, a large Ransomes machine powered by a JAP single with a monster flywheel (on tickover it fired about once every 2 seconds).
It was exquisitely made, from a heavyweight grade of materials not in use for modern machines. It was totally adjustable (I used to do it all as a 10-yr-old, it's not hard) and was very self-powered over a large roller, able to tow a sit-on roller behind as well.
There is a 24" Ransomes Matador mower for sale near me for £250 - you won't spend better money.
Dave
I would definitely recommend Allett. Good quality machines, good support from the manufacturer. I am going to upgrade my current 17'' model to the Buffalo 20 or maybe 24 at some point - still need to get one of my lawns to a more acceptable level before taking the plunge.
Thanks guys! Dave's (sweets') suggestion is something I started to realise this morning. I've used google and YT and I stumbled upon a few 'how to resto' Atcos. My next idea was "why not?" I've seen al least 10 ads with old Atcos on Dutch gumtree-ish sites! Some are only 50 euros! I can spend a lot of money on repairing one before I hit the price of a new machine. After all, 50 yrs in use is nothing special as I've found out!
M.
I was seduced by an atco Balmoral 17 a few years ago.
If you have a flat expanse of grass and few obstacles it is a good choice. Unlike a rotary however it does not cut out to the edges. It does not like long grass so you must keep on top of the mowing, blades that get knocked flat by the front roller are sometimes not caught by the reel. You must check the blade for sharpness and commit to having it sharpened every few years and possibility lapping it yourself between. It is very heavy, you will want to be able to roll it from shed to lawn and back. I also wish I could slow the drive whilst keeping the cylinder spinning fast. Independent electric drive and cut would be a good feature.
I sometimes think I need a rotary mower and a strimmer/edger alongside the cylinder mower. I keep thinking of trading mine in for an electric rotary.
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