A Suffolk Punch Cut and Shut | Part 2!

[@angusshapland2273]

The early cast iron Punches did no have Mk numbers but Series numbers which , as far as I can ascertain, were not displayed on the machines , but only appeared in the parts books. As your machine has a freewheel on the rear roller rather than a dog clutch it will be either a Series 1 / 1a (1954/55 ) or a Series 2 (1956). The 1957 Series 3 and onwards had the rear roller dog clutch. Interestingly there is a note in the pars book page for the Series 2 that states it’s fitted with a moveable intermediate sprocket spindle to adjust the tension on the intermediate and final drive chains. So if Richard’s machine has a moveable intermediate sprocket , it is a Series 2; if not a 1 or 1a.

[@lawnmowerjones3160]

Good evening. Yes no numbers to be seen apart from on the engine. I did have the side castings and most of the mower sandblasted and couldn't see anything, so guess there never was. As you say no dog clutch just a free wheel hub sprocket, not very easy to pull back though. This mower does have all the makings of a Series 1 / 1a , also the earlier cutting cylinder with only 3 webs rather than the 4 on the later. Another interesting thing, it has the early flywheel dating from 1954/55. And to throw a spanner in the works , it does have an adjustable intermediate gear. Thanks for your comment.

[@KATHYMEADful]

Hoping you find a box quickly for the suffolk, My vote is for the number 2 machine as it will be the most dramatic turn around of the three, Thanks for posting the vids.

[@lawnmowerjones3160]

Hi Frank Yes thanks, I hope I can find one quickly. As you say the middle mower looks like it needs it the most, and would transform it. Vote noted Thanks for your comment.

[@monomotorcycles797]

The Ivanhoe, looks like to Rolls Royce of mowers, think it needs to be the next. Or weld two together Alan Millard style. 😁

[@lawnmowerjones3160]

Hi , Yes the Shanks Ivanhoe is quality Scottish engineering , Well if Alan Millard can graft to machines together, maybe i should have a go, then we would have an Ivan-swallow! Thanks for your comment.

[@Herbybandit]

They all deserve restoring for several reasons but in my opinion it's the Dronsfield as its a rather unusual machine also it's complete.

[@lawnmowerjones3160]

Good evening. yes they all do deserve doing but as you say the Dronsfield is very unusual and is asking for some TLC. And the only one of the three i have a box for!!! Thanks for your comment.

[@stonethemows]

My initial reaction was to say the Shanks. Of the three major early manufacturers they are probably the least well represented. However on reflection it has to be the DB Swallow in terms of presentation and preservation.

[@lawnmowerjones3160]

Hi, yes I think the DB Swallow is crying out for some attention , but as you say the Shanks is a real piece of Scottish engineering. Thanks for your comment.