My Dad worked for Howard Rotavator at West Horndon for about 17 years until they moved to Suffolk area in the 70s, this video takes me back so thanks for sharing, i just had to comment :) West Horndon is about 40 minutes from me on the Fenchurch Street line
That looks identical to the one I had that was built back in the early 50s I think. I miss that machine. By far the best rototiller ever built. But that's not surprising since Howard invented rototillers back around 1912, but they called them rotavators. Any Howard out performs any other rototiller in the world in the same class. And Howard two wheel tractors are in a class by their self since nobody else makes anything even close to it in design, quality, funtion, longevity, or any other classification. I could not find the ID plate on mine and do not know exactly when it was made. Could you please tell me when yours was made? Mine was probably a little bit older because it did not have the dead man function like yours does.
I have bought a Howard Rotovator possible the gem version but not sure, maybe you could give me any ideas on year and model if possible please. When I have it running there seems to be an issue of oil spirting out of the breather hose. Would you have any ideas of cause? Rich
Hi, I have had various Howard rotavtors, my favourite ones are the single cylinder petrol J.A.P magneto ignition ones. There was another single called the British something or other? Which is very similar. These engines are dry sump design and have a separate oil tank which is with the petrol tank, two tanks in one with two caps. (When Howard Gems are left you need to isolate the oil coming from the oil tank (switch it off) otherwise it drains into the sump and when you start up,oil will be forced out all over the place. Under Normal use the oil pump scavenges the oil from the dry sump back to the oil tank but can’t cope if the sump is full. There is a drain plug under the engine. Drain it out and put fresh oil in the tank. When it is running you will see the oil squirting/returning in the oil tank like a pulse. You must remember to turn the oil tap back on before use or you will damage the engine which will not be getting any oil.
Nice renovation job, did you do it yourself, can any one tell me how the fan comes off the crankshaft on this model as I'm trying to restore one the same as this at the moment thanks
Yes I got it into this condition. I like these single cylinder, dry sump machines! I’m not sure on how the fan comes of but I suspect there will be a retaining nut and the fan will be on a tapered, woodruff keyed crankshaft. A bit of blow torch heat and an improvised hub puller and a clonk with a copper mallet should do the trick!
@@Dickymint66 thanks, think theses machines were way ahead of their time. Think that's the next move, although looks like the Mag. on mine is shot, looks like I'll need to get it repaired first, unfortunately I don't know the history of it other than it hadn't moved in 20 years!!
I'm trying to remove the magneto from my Howard with JAP engine. Does anyone know if the chain that turns it involves the timing? And is the sprocket on the magneto pressed on? I need to remove it to rebuilt and need some suggestions.
Lovely machine, love that engine sound! I'm in the process of restoring mine which is the same but 1952 build. Searching for a set of wheels for tyres as mine has the iron wheels. Does yours have the identification plate on the upper left shroud cover ? Cheers
Hi Zorro, yes it did have an I.D. plate on the shroud. I don’t have the Gem anymore though. The cast iron wheels which the tyres go on are handed, left and right.... so if you find some... make sure you have one of each....
I got tires for my Gem 20 at a regular automotive tire shop with the common bar lug tread. They're probably common enough that they make them for other small equipment. Or check with tractor dealerships. In any case, I'm sure that you must have found them long before now.
I've just found one of these in a greenhouse clearance along with a couple of other rotavators of similar age. Has healthy compression but no spark. Anyone want it for spares?
Lovely gem nice to see one in fabulous condition.
My Dad worked for Howard Rotavator at West Horndon for about 17 years until they moved to Suffolk area in the 70s, this video takes me back so thanks for sharing, i just had to comment :)
West Horndon is about 40 minutes from me on the Fenchurch Street line
Nice one mr Mint, classic engine whine, remember it well...happy days....
I have 2 juniors..1 needs gearbox rebuild...both reverse but love to buy a gem 😊😊
That looks identical to the one I had that was built back in the early 50s I think.
I miss that machine.
By far the best rototiller ever built. But that's not surprising since Howard invented rototillers back around 1912, but they called them rotavators.
Any Howard out performs any other rototiller in the world in the same class. And Howard two wheel tractors are in a class by their self since nobody else makes anything even close to it in design, quality, funtion, longevity, or any other classification.
I could not find the ID plate on mine and do not know exactly when it was made. Could you please tell me when yours was made?
Mine was probably a little bit older because it did not have the dead man function like yours does.
I have bought a Howard Rotovator possible the gem version but not sure, maybe you could give me any ideas on year and model if possible please. When I have it running there seems to be an issue of oil spirting out of the breather hose. Would you have any ideas of cause? Rich
Hi, I have had various Howard rotavtors, my favourite ones are the single cylinder petrol J.A.P magneto ignition ones. There was another single called the British something or other? Which is very similar. These engines are dry sump design and have a separate oil tank which is with the petrol tank, two tanks in one with two caps. (When Howard Gems are left you need to isolate the oil coming from the oil tank (switch it off) otherwise it drains into the sump and when you start up,oil will be forced out all over the place. Under Normal use the oil pump scavenges the oil from the dry sump back to the oil tank but can’t cope if the sump is full. There is a drain plug under the engine. Drain it out and put fresh oil in the tank. When it is running you will see the oil squirting/returning in the oil tank like a pulse. You must remember to turn the oil tap back on before use or you will damage the engine which will not be getting any oil.
Richie B Hi Richie I have replied but it is a public reply? Have a look, hope it helps?
I didn't know Slash had a Rotavator..lol
Nice renovation job, did you do it yourself, can any one tell me how the fan comes off the crankshaft on this model as I'm trying to restore one the same as this at the moment thanks
Yes I got it into this condition. I like these single cylinder, dry sump machines!
I’m not sure on how the fan comes of but I suspect there will be a retaining nut and the fan will be on a tapered, woodruff keyed crankshaft. A bit of blow torch heat and an improvised hub puller and a clonk with a copper mallet should do the trick!
@@Dickymint66 thanks, think theses machines were way ahead of their time. Think that's the next move, although looks like the Mag. on mine is shot, looks like I'll need to get it repaired first, unfortunately I don't know the history of it other than it hadn't moved in 20 years!!
Hello. I have a mini tractor of this model. but the piston is broken. you can help me saying where can I buy parts sobrelalentes? thank you very much!
Wow! That's a beast.
Beautiful restoration! Now go get it dirty!
I'm trying to remove the magneto from my Howard with JAP engine.
Does anyone know if the chain that turns it involves the timing?
And is the sprocket on the magneto pressed on? I need to remove it to rebuilt and need some suggestions.
Love the hat!
I got one I'm trying to get running...
Clean the points and fresh fuel first up.
Do you know what model this is as got one at home myself and can't find out what model it is to get an instruction manual
Lovely machine, love that engine sound! I'm in the process of restoring mine which is the same but 1952 build. Searching for a set of wheels for tyres as mine has the iron wheels. Does yours have the identification plate on the upper left shroud cover ? Cheers
Hi Zorro, yes it did have an I.D. plate on the shroud. I don’t have the Gem anymore though. The cast iron wheels which the tyres go on are handed, left and right.... so if you find some... make sure you have one of each....
Same as mine. Awesome machine :)
Very nice!!
good work
They were bought and sold several times and finally quit making the finished products, but you can buy the parts online.
hi, i have a howard gem exactly like yours, i can't find 20x4 tires for it, can you tell me where you got your tires, thank you
I got tires for my Gem 20 at a regular automotive tire shop with the common bar lug tread. They're probably common enough that they make them for other small equipment. Or check with tractor dealerships.
In any case, I'm sure that you must have found them long before now.
Ain't that a modercikle type modern?
I've just found one of these in a greenhouse clearance along with a couple of other rotavators of similar age. Has healthy compression but no spark. Anyone want it for spares?
its a long shot do you still have the rotavator please
Luvvly jubbly...
Do you interesting in selling can you please contact me.