GardenKit

To clarify. Weibang is now commencing its third year under the wing of Rochfords, who are a very responsible company and who have a second to none spares backup for every brand they handle. So don't pay heed to rumours of bad spares availability. True, it seems the 2013 and early 2014 models were pretty much a disaster, with high failure rates of handlebars, gearboxes and rear rollers. But to be fair, after many air miles and many hours of visits to the factory by UK staff, the issues have been addressed and new machines now benefit from upgraded handlebars, new gearboxes and new rear roller assemblies with much improved welding and ratchet drives for the split roller differential. All older machines qualify for a complete rework to be fitted with all the new components. But I have to admit that I do not sell the Weibang, preferring the time proven Japanese Kaaz machines which are actually cheaper than the Weibang Pro, although only having a single speed transmission.

The fiction lining should be bonded to the lower half of the BBC, but they do occasionally seperate, just like yours. It must be renewed. Hayter only supply the whole unit, which, as you say is around £140. The same unit is used by many manufacturers of mowers and they all only supply the whole unit, except John Deere, who can very kindly supply just the lower part (which is all that is needed in 95% of cases) Part number SA35980 It is around £50, we fit dozens each year to various makes of mower, saving the customers around £100 and changed in seconds rather than the 20 minutes or so to change the whole thing. Hayters have NEVER used a Mountfield engine, only Briggs on that model (Assuming its a pre 2005 with a side drive PTO)

Haha Eggs, you always say what I think!!

The shaft is fixed, so the variator must rotate as a complete unit on the shaft.

The click is in the lever, the resistance is from the clutch. If the lever does not go far enough to catch it will spring back due to the spring in the clutch. Once engaged it will be floppy.

Its not only a good idea to register kit in case it gets stolen, but a good idea to check any secondhand kit you may consider buying in case it is on the register.

there is a certain amount of looseness in the lever, but with the OPC down, push the BBC lever forward fully and it should be quite hard to push. Then it should 'click' as the BBC engages. The lever will now be a bit floppy and will go forward again with no resistance. When you let go of the OPC the BBC should disengage. Why not just try it with the engine running and see if it works?

The OPC lever (the one on the top of the handle) needs to be held down before engaging the BBC. The BBC will then engage, but disengage when the OPC lever is released.

Many parts are now obsolete for this machine, so maybe best not to get too involved.

I have just added this to my website Steve. I hope I have your approval, if not I will take it straight down Arbsafe register for your small garden machinery

Dont apologise Steve, I know just what its like.

Nice one Steve. Did you get any further with leaflets for dealers counters? I really ought to push this to my customers (as it seems I said I would in the post above yours!) but without something written to hand them it takes too much time to explain the idea and the benefits so it does not get done.

Although I am a Stiga dealer (for mowers), I do not yet sell their handheld product ( I sell Tanaka), so cannot speak from experience. But I have seen the machines at dealer days and they seem OK. They are half the price of the equivalent spec Stihl/Huskie, and they have a 5yr domestic warranty, but more importantly they carry a 2 year commercial warranty. And of course the engine is every bit as good, if not better than the Stihl/Huskie offerings. Why not try one and give us all your feedback?

Some of my haunts 40 years ago The Apple Tree, Shoscombe nr Bath The Fir Tree at Writhlington

45cc Kawasaki engine, bike handle, straight shaft with low vibe mounting. 8.9 kg. vibe figures of 3.54/3.70 m/s normal 'on-line price from Stiga £389, so £320 is a good call

Reminds me of my days as an Ag Engineer:biggrin: Whats the 4" nail for?

Yes, 2.2 duratorq in mk 7. Puma was mentioned in the recall

I had a chance meeting with fellow arbtalker, Wiscobandit, today. He was in a new van so I asked what had happened to his 13 plate transit. It seems the engine failed due to cracked pistons, The Ford dealer told him there had been a recall notice but it seems he had been missed. I have a 12 plate, so I called the ford dealer and mentioned that I had heard there was a recall. They said"yes, yours is overdue for new pistons, and a recall for a new oil pump too" I asked if they normally recall them as a matter of course. They said they do, but I must have been missed. Its now booked in for next week. So if you have a 2006 onwards Tranny, check with your dealer, or on the Ford website under recalls. May save you some hassle. Thanks Wisco, for the heads up.

I dont understand it either, but I think it may be more Irish ramblings than serious suggestion. But as long as people buy Aspen, I don't care what they do with it, as long as they are happy:001_smile:

NO! You need to earth to the bearing itself, especially on alloy.

Spot on Mike, though in truth although I said 'washer', I use any old bit of steel that fits in.

I could not agree more Steve. I have been doing this job for years and never get close to some of the times quoted by people who have only done it once or twice. But as you say, its not just the swapping, its the cleaning, testing, tuning, retuning etc, not to mention the time looking up part numbers and obtaining the bits.

Spot on Pike. I reckon around 80-85% of the small engine problems we get in are down to stale fuel and its getting worse. (this week has been nothing but stale fuel and one job was the very stalest I have ever seen (or smelt!) My workshop costs have gone up tremendously through using Aspen in the service and repairs, so our situation is really very little different to a 'cutter' or contractor. We had to justify the cost just like they do, but for me it was a no brainer. Just like you, I won't be going back to regular petrol as long as I can buy Aspen.

Yup. You know those times when you spend 3 hours on a machine worth £120 and end up charging only £70. And the carp is still no good. (sorry, must be dyslexic)

Thats pretty much what I thought harry. I deal with them for Kaaz mowers and am now considering the hand helds. I have never sold the better known brands, only Tanaka, so don't have too much trouble selling my customers what I stock and have confidence in.