[BEJ42]

Dee subject - I have been given this rotavator but would like to know what it is to see if it is worth fixing

I attach a photo

[grendel]

is it a norlett beaver powerspade?
Grendel

[grendel]

I think I have just won one the same on ebay, so we can work through the renovation together, mine has a seized engine so I will have to sort that out. (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190528870005)
Grendel

[BEJ42]

It may well be a Beaver Powerspade although I have seen pictures of the Powerspade and they look different - a friedn has a Powerspade so I will compare the two. It may just be an earlier version.

I'll let you know.

[grendel]

well whatever it is, the one I picked up on ebay this evening costing a whole £5 is identical, so at least we will be able to compare notes, mine has (alledgedly as I havent tried it yet) a seized engine. I'll post pics later.
Grendel

[grendel]

thats dispelled 1 myth, the engine turns over fine - with the cutting head removed anyway, its obvious the cutter axles are bent so thats probably where the problem lies.
Grendel

[grendel]

heres the motor label

[grendel]

mine has the same handle mount

[grendel]

heres the problem.

[grendel]

from the looks of it you have a different brand engine.
Grendel

[smud6ie]

I wonder which set of tines if any are the orignials,the bent side shows a lot less wear than the other, or is it the angle of the picture?

smud6ie

[grendel]

actually they are about equally worn from what I can see- I think its just the angle.
Grendel

[grendel]

managed to start stripping down the gearbox for the head today, plenty of penetrating oil, then left under the car at work, lunchtime got all the bolts undone - more penetrating oil, this evening it turns - just and I have cracked the rust seals on the covers, so tomorrow is more penetrating oil and more working the parts back and forward. and hopefully the seized head can be cleaned out, greased and got working properly.
Grendel

[grendel]

On a vintage horticultural forum I  have found that this may be a predecessor of the beaver powerspade.
Grendel

[BEJ42]

Now have both machines and it does look as though one is the predecesor of the other. The older ones won't start and the newer (Beaver powerspade) starts, the blades turn until they meet any resistance.

You are clearly doing better than me.