A couple of weeks ago visiting my Nanna for her birthday I mentioned I was starting a business to mow lawns as my job was due to finish end of March (construction). When I got home my Pop called and said they have a mower and whipper snipper I can have as they get a lawny in to do it for them now.
So today I went for another visit and picked up a Masport President 2000 mower w/ Sprint 375 engine and a Stihl FS45C whippy (easy start type).
Both started as soon as I got them home without any dramas. The mower needs some new blades but the oil looks practically new. Pop has always looked after his gear (my brother was lucky enough to score his reel mower via dad a few years ago) and hasn't used any of it for a while. My Nanna's take on the Stihl is "Even wifey can start that one" so I tested that out and it's true.
After loading it up in the van Pop asked if I had room for another one and showed me old faithful. According to the receipt (the manual is generic Victa) it is a Victa Commando. The receipt is dated 21/01/1984 making it nearly as old as me. They were both still impressed with it saying it never gave them a problem and even has a spare cutting deck (i think? the bit you bolt blades onto) so you can just change that if the blades need doing (not sure if it's quicker). Unfortunately the van was full so I called dibs and I'll pick it up next time. I'm assuming it's the original engine so it will be interesting to see how it goes. Original Purchase price was $305 1984 dollars.
I figure even if I don't use the old girl it's better for me to grab it than have it thrown out by someone.
Once I pick up dad's edger and find a petrol blower I'll be sorted. Somehow I've managed to get most of the gear I need without spending a lot, just a trailer plug for dad's old trailer and some replacement jerries after mine were stolen (I wouldn't have needed to if I visited Pop before I bought these today). All that is left is hard work and persistence once my current job comes to an end.