Jonathan Cox

some paint stripper on those id plates should reveal the numbers. If not try the photo method.

This skimmer was one of those sold from GDSF, I wonder where the others went? I did hear of a complete restored machine that went to Hull but trail has gone cold. I know of some skimmer spares but no other machines.

Happy to continue many thanks for your responses. Jonathan

For some time I have been struggling to find material to build up the track load rollers to the original dimensions, I have now made contact with a company in Smethwick ” Ravenace ” who have supplied me with 10 off 1/2″ x 8″ diameter cast iron round bar which I can now machine the centre out of the make sweat on tyres for the rollers. On the basis…[Read more]

I am conscious of the fact that although very much derived from horticultural machinery, both the Ransomes ITW and the Skimmer are Industrial machines. I am happy to continue to post updates and topics on these machines if members are interested, what is the general view?

Dave did you pick up chassis number for the ITW for your register? Not found a number on the skimmer yet. Demon loader was interesting, has a second loose fitted seat frame that sits on the gearbox to enable you to drive it backwards but must be a pig to work as both hydraulics and track drive are both operated through the centrifugal clutch so…[Read more]

With the 80th anniversary of the MG Tractor next year I hope to have these machines at least driving so that at Tractor World Malvern we can guarantee to have at least one of every model on display. If anyone knows of another Skimmer in existence I would love to hear about it.

For cleaning soot out of chimney pipes?

Valve clearance, points gap, ignition timing and slow running mixture all have an effect on slow running. Make adjustments to one item at a time until you achieve the ideal tick over for gear selection. As a matter of course run the engine for at least five minutes after starting to warm it through before you try to select gears it makes a big difference.

Thank you Rhys and Charlie

Lucky you I can’t find a seller called Wallingfield only someone called Alibaba.
Do I have a missing link????
Whereabouts is the shop ?

Have I missed the auction?

It will be interesting to see what literature come out of the “Reading Hoard” maybe a start for your book.

No I have not I am afraid, I have never seen a picture before. I have known for many years that a bachoe was available but never seen one.

Hello Andrew
As far as is known the skimmers were just used by waterboards although you would think that there would be a number of other uses, I could have used them for harvesting peat but they were very very slow travelling as they had a further reduction gear in the drive train.
ITC and ITW tractors were used in foundries particularly in the…[Read more]

I would be very interested in any Ransomes MG literature you may have.
Jonathan

Hi Jerry
Your MG40N looks good very original. Neil Jarrett is definitely the man for spare bearings and hub seals etc. Does the engine run? I recently bought a similar machine from South of France, a good degrease /pressure was followed by a spray over with WD40 makes a huge difference to the appearance. Will you be using the machine or just for show?

Hi James Neil is your man for a diaphragm.
The only issue with the TVO manifold may be that straight petrol will vaporise in the manifold before it reaches the cylinder which may cause poor running when hot. On the basis that the side valve engine is pretty inefficient and the tractor has obviously run since the change I would expect that you will…[Read more]

I have now started work on the engine and find that I am missing the alloy cover that goes over the valve springs and tappets. I have contacted the previous owner with no luck, if anyone has one or a complete/part T series Sturmey Archer engine I would be very grateful. There may be a dead mower out there that has the same part or engine. 016974…[Read more]