Peter Roat aka "Roatavator"

Sorry chaps, I didn’t realise the SIMAR was so popular! It wasn’t because I think it will rain tomorrow that I left it at one machine Andy, I’d had it with rain running down the back of my neck while prancing about on the Commer bed.
Its dark now, and neighbours might object to being woken up by the sound of a healthy 2-stroke first thing on a…[Read more]

Well, supposed to be cloudy but dry this afternoon. Continuous rain, thanks BBC Weather… Fed up with loading in the rain now just bringing Honda, assuming the forecasters can get it right some of the time.

Yes Andy, looks to be likely to be dry. Decision time, what shall I bring? Thinking about F80 Honda plough and Howard Gem Hatz diesel, depends what starts easiest!

I found this photo in the archive section. Bits look very similar, but nobody could identify it for sure back then.

Intruguing. At first glance it looks like a Clifford, and I wondered whether there were 2 machines down there and the ID plate wasn’t the right one! But obviously not. The very puzzling aspect is the model number which doesn’t seem to exist, and the apparent 4 stroke engine. You could be about to uncover a “lost” SIMAR, Charlie. Have you tried…[Read more]

That’s a great piece of history Charlie. And in those days that was a lot of money!
I don’t have the receipt for mine, even though it was almost always in the family so to speak. However I do have my fathers receipt for the purchase new of a Morris Oxford in 1966 complete with stamp.

Hi Dave, look forward to seeing it. As for Brodie, if he does make a mess of the garden, it’s a good excuse to get a SIMAR out to make it good!

Nothing to do with machines but just got back from picking up this little fella this afternoon

I had a feeling it would be a villiers Andy. Look forward to seeing it. If anyone hears of a Hirth in working condition I could be tempted!

Great Andy, Villiers or Hirth? I love the Hirth, but finding a good one is not easy!
Peter

I normally bring a couple of machines Andy, so if you’re without you can always have a play with mine. (Should I have said that?)

I’ve made a note of the date.
Great event this, good fun working day, well worth the trip for those not lucky enough to be local (like me!)
Look out for the bright orange Commer!
Peter

Hi
If its a biggish machine from the dates you mention could be a F80 or F190. There should be an ID plate on the engine.
Both these machines had twin cylinder upside down engines with the crankshaft at the top. Here’s a couple of my F80 photos.
If its an F80 I have workshop and owner’s manuals which I can send you.

Peter

Hi Sean
Left and right hand depend of course which way you’re looking at the machine!
Difficult to tell which wheel is being shown on your photos, but if you are reversing it would suggest they’re the wrong way!
I assume both your photos are from the same wheel. If so, I reckon this needs to be the righthand wheel, assuming you’re looking at it…[Read more]

No, no grass box, but we are looking! There are several different designs, we have figured out which is needed, but to be honest, its only going to be used as a toy after a proper cut, so not desperate!

Dave, sorry last minute change of plan, can’t make it, hope you all have a great time and don’t get too wet!
Peter

I’ve justcaught up with this thread.
Sean, the quality of your restoration and the clarity of your description and photos are amazing. They will surely prove invaluable to any other member brave enough to attempt the full works!
Charlie, I didn’t know you could get shock absorbers, could have done with them at Little Ellingham, very hard stony…[Read more]

Here’s the photo!

Hi mac
A photo of the tines would be great, there were several different patterns.
Peter