Sorry been out of the loop for a while. Looks like a Peerless transmission. Slight technical problem since my post, it decided to break a con rod but fortunately with no damage to piston or block. Now replaced and running well albeit the drive pulleys caused major problems with removal and I have to replace the deck pulley at some stage due to over zealous pulling.
Recently had the good fortune to get hold of 2 ride-ons for £75 one Toro 16-38HXLE and an older Countax believed to be C series. The Countax came as a freebie as it was non working. Am still digging out the 1" thick rat poo covering from the barn it was stored in. Electrics seem to be the problem but will post further when this is progressing. I know these are a bit newer than the average post on this site but both have had a hard life!