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pigtin



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 1879
Location: Herne Bay

PostPosted: Mon May 05, 2008 12:45 pm    Post subject: Interrupting important work. Reply with quote

Memsahib keeps bitching about the lawnmower being difficult to start, and sometimes stops. She hasn't complained before and she's been using it for six years.
But then, thinking about it, she hasn't changed the oil in that time and I can't find out what oil she should be using.
Perhaps someone could help me?

A/ What oil should I use in a little Briggs and Stratton powered push mower?
B/ Is it an easy-enough job for her to do herself without wasting any more of my valuable time?

Wink Wink
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Uncle Joe
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PostPosted: Mon May 05, 2008 1:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The usual oil to use is either B&S's own, or a straight 30. These engines tend to run a little hot, so multigrades are not recommended as they tend to get burned.

Personally, I use multigrade, but add 10ml of Castrol R40 to each tank of fuel. This has advantages. They start easier, dont use oil, and smell wonderful! Though some neighbours dont appreciate this! Laughing If you do this though, run the engine dry of petrol at the end of the season.
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pigtin



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 1879
Location: Herne Bay

PostPosted: Mon May 05, 2008 1:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Memsahib sends her thanks UJ. She'll cycle to the town first thing tomorrow to purchase the nescessary. Luckily she only has another half acre to do. Laughing Laughing
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47p2



Joined: 24 Nov 2007
Posts: 2009
Location: Glasgow

PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 8:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Pigtin,

I found this picture and thought about Memsahib.

Not only would it save having to change oil or worry about non starting engines but it would also keep said Memsahib fit and trim as the lawn gets mown


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buzzy bee



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 3382
Location: South Cheshire

PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 9:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi

Wow, I was going to make one of thos once! Steering is very dificult however!

Cheers

Dave
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Uncle Joe
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PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 9:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

There was a programme on TV a while ago, that informed that those are in production nowadays.

Steering shouldnt be a problem as long as the link between the mower and the forks is done correctly.
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peter scott



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7113
Location: Edinburgh

PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 9:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm not quite sure why, possibly because you can't maintain the momentum, but the technique with those mowers was to take bites at the grass with a forward and back motion. I guess you'd need a fixed wheel for that. The back pedaling would be fun. Confused

Peter
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pigtin



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 1879
Location: Herne Bay

PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 9:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Showed these postings to the memsahib, to show her how I have her interests at heart... I'm now sleeping in the spare room for some reason Crying or Very sad
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47p2



Joined: 24 Nov 2007
Posts: 2009
Location: Glasgow

PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 9:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sorry about that pigtin. I never meant to get you into bother.

The plus side of sleeping in the spare room is that you get the whole bed to yourself, can snore as loud as you like without getting an elbow in your spine and you have all the covers to yourself..

Always look on the bright side..... Very Happy
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Peter_L



Joined: 10 Apr 2008
Posts: 2680
Location: New Brunswick. Canada.

PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 3:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

For some reason, age and general senility prevent me from being more specfic, I seem to recall that the idea of a pedal powered lawnmower was examined by some engineers and found to be nigh impossible.

I will have to look into this further, I seem to think it was all to do with the power required to move the machine and the power required to actually cut the grass.

I will go look.....
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pigtin



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 1879
Location: Herne Bay

PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 4:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not exactly pedal power, but built by the late Monty Mason (local hero) many years ago.
Consists of an Austin 7 chassis (cut down) an Austin 7 engine driving through two gearboxes, a pully between the two gearboxes drives the mower blades (removed).
The memsahib is seen practising on it Laughing Laughing Don.

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Rick
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Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 5:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

now if I had one of those, I might enjoy mowing again!! Smile

R
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Uncle Joe
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PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 6:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Going back to the bicycle lawn mower, and risking sounding arrogant, if an engineer told me that was impossible, I would give him the boot.....
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Geoffp



Joined: 27 Nov 2007
Posts: 336
Location: South Staffordshire

PostPosted: Sat May 10, 2008 9:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Looks like it is not only possible, but as the title says, they are at the 'cutting edge' of technology Cool

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/09/the_cutting_edg.php

Geoff
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buzzy bee



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 3382
Location: South Cheshire

PostPosted: Sat May 10, 2008 10:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi

The blades at the back is the way forward, as you have no complicated issues with steering, but more importantly, you don't get covered in clippings!

Cheers

Dave
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