Howard or Dowdeswell 650 gem rotavator with dual wheels

[lloyd]

Has anyone ever operated one of these and what are they like

for manoeuvring around a large garden?

Been looking for a Hatz diesel one but seem to be quite rare.

 

[Kidds]

I have one now and have used them most of my adult life.
They are beasts you spend a lot of time wrestling with, it certainly isn't an afternoon stroll behind one of them.
Only owned petrol single wheel versions and can't say I would be desperate for a dual wheel or a diesel as the petrol (Kholer) engines are plenty strong enough. Not really sure what dual wheels bring to the party tbh.
What exactly is it you think you want it to do in your large garden?

 

[lloyd]

The dual wheels apparently carry the weight better when conditions are softer.
Looking at these models as they would suit going into previously unrotavated land better.
Thought the diesel might cling on better at lower revs?

 

[agrimax]

A delightful machine to hang on to especially when the rotor finds a large stone...Even better finding that large stone whilst going down hill. The Gem will be at the bottom of said hill before you have time to blink...and will probably continue on merrily through the nearest hedge,fence, neighbour's house etc etc...
But apart from that,they were a grand machine...

 

[lloyd]

Used a Barretto and got on well with it but I guess they are a more
modern machine.

 

[Kidds]

The dual wheels apparently carry the weight better when conditions are softer.
Looking at these models as they would suit going into previously unrotavated land better.
Thought the diesel might cling on better at lower revs?

I'd say if conditions were so soft you need dual wheels you shouldn't be rotavating that ground in the first place. I don't remember ever stalling a petrol version, no doubt diesel are more powerful but the petrol is overpowered anyway imo.
As said, if you are on hard or stoney ground the blades will bite and drag you off. It's a thing but not really an issue, as I said it can be a bit of a wrestling match.
Keep your eye on eBay and FB marketplace for a good petrol model, preferably with a Kohler engine. I got my current one for £250 which is in excellent condition and an absolute bargain, worth 3 times easily. Came off some old boy retired engineer that maintained it immaculately but never actually used it.

 

[serf]

Has anyone ever operated one of these and what are they like

for manoeuvring around a large garden?

Been looking for a Hatz diesel one but seem to be quite rare.

Presume you mean one of these , if so they bit of beast and sometimes go where they want and when you reverse watch it doesn't eat your feet !
This sat outside all winter and fired up second turn !

 

[serf]

Has anyone bled one of the above ?

Mine ran out of fuel ( hole in tank ) and can't get it to fire back up, is it a case of cracking the injector pipe and cranking the engine over till it's clear of air or is ther more cos I've done the above and won't fire !

 

[agrimax]

The injector pump would need bled first I'd think. Gotta be a bleed screw somewhere.

 

[lloyd]

Has anyone bled one of the above ?

Mine ran out of fuel ( hole in tank ) and can't get it to fire back up, is it a case of cracking the injector pipe and cranking the engine over till it's clear of air or is ther more cos I've done the above and won't fire !

Your cranking the right way?
Chap was telling me he couldn't get his started but then
realised his mistake.

 

[serf]

Your cranking the right way?
Chap was telling me he couldn't get his started but then
realised his mistake.

Can only crank it one way , was working Upto running dry , it's as if injector may be blocked with crap from bottom of tank maybe

 

[serf]

The injector pump would need bled first I'd think. Gotta be a bleed screw somewhere.

Not sure on that will have better look tomorrow and or take photo,
The diesel seems to be coming out the pipe before the injector ok

 

[serf]

Here's the pump and injector , fuel is getting up to top pipe at injector

 

[serf]

Well it's fired up now , after about knackering me up in process !
so must have done something right