Potash123 26 #1 Posted January 17, 2016 Hi. Newbie here; just joined the Forum. I have just bought a complete Osprey which I am restoring. I have restored English motorcycles and mowers since I retired just for fun. This Osprey is a going concern and is solid. This is the model with the front bumper and 7 BHP engine. The engine is now serviced and runs great the blades are now sharp and ready to cut. I will start on the paintwork when it is warm enough to use a spray gun. I cannot keep my projects due to a lack of room as there is a Lambretta and a Francis Barnett taking up room in the garage. I have another complete Osprey to collect in the spring, so this current one will go on the market. Due to the lack of information on the internet can someone date this well built machine and suggest a price for selling, I am not greedy ! Well done to the moderators on this site, great reading. Regard's Colin ( Essex ) 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nigel 1,876 #2 Posted January 17, 2016 realy do need some photos colin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wristpin 400 #3 Posted January 17, 2016 Assuming that it has its original Briggs and Stratton engine the engine code number stamped into the blower housing / cylinder shroud will give a rough indication ie 830905** 1983, September the fifth. The last two digits are for the plant/shift of manufacture. If the engine is original the date of the machine is likely to be within six months later. No Glass's Guide for used mowers, it's what someone is prepared to pay on the day. Unless the paint/rust is really bad it can be worth more in original condition commensurate with its age rather than repainted. 1 nigel reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triumph66 1,256 #4 Posted January 17, 2016 As Nigel say get some photos up of the Hayter. What model is your Francis Barnett? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Potash123 26 #5 Posted January 18, 2016 The Francis Barnett is a restored 1959 Falcon 81 with the Villiers 197 cc engine. That will be going in the spring. No photos of the Osprey at the moment as it is in bits and the wheels have gone off to be blasted. Engine 870402. Thanks for replies. I found one second hand Osprey on the internet, it is in a mower shop for over £600 with a three months warranty. Seems to have had a new coat of paint. ? 1 Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Potash123 26 #6 Posted January 18, 2016 PS what does the IME that the moderator left mean . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wristpin 400 #7 Posted January 18, 2016 The Francis Barnett is a restored 1959 Falcon 81 with the Villiers 197 cc engine. That will be going in the spring. No photos of the Osprey at the moment as it is in bits and the wheels have gone off to be blasted. Engine 870402. Thanks for replies. I found one second hand Osprey on the internet, it is in a mower shop for over £600 with a three months warranty. Seems to have had a new coat of paint. ? I'd say that they will struggle to get that sort of money but may be I'm out of touch! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nigel 1,876 #8 Posted January 18, 2016 the moderator didnt leave an ime Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Potash123 26 #9 Posted January 19, 2016 What is this IME message all about IME NOT POSH AGAIN NOW ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-101plowerpower 548 #10 Posted January 19, 2016 What is this IME message all about IME NOT POSH AGAIN NOW ! that's his signature, just like the list i have under my post's. nigel is just a bit different sometimes 1 nigel reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Potash123 26 #11 Posted January 19, 2016 Thanks for that Supporter. The Osprey I mentioned that is for sale is on the net, see Mowmate of Basingstoke, £695 Seems to be a lot considering that the front bumper is missing ( if that is what it is called ). There are a few rough cut 21's about, are they any good. Do they have any generic problems. Regards Colin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wristpin 400 #12 Posted January 19, 2016 Thanks for that Supporter. The Osprey I mentioned that is for sale is on the net, see Mowmate of Basingstoke, £695 Seems to be a lot considering that the front bumper is missing ( if that is what it is called ). There are a few rough cut 21's about, are they any good. Do they have any generic problems.? Regards Colin Similar issues to the Osprey, front end rot and terminal damage to the right angle drive transmission if run dry . Still can't get my head round the price being asked for that Osprey - could be a long time waiting for the right customer at that price. There's been a Ransomes Antelope on ebay for £400 - reduced from £500 with no takers. Not surprising when I've just bought one in similar condition for £37.50 and another far better one for £75. 2 nigel and Triumph66 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billy whizz 0 #13 Posted January 22, 2016 hia,sorry for hijacking post i also have a 7bhp that i got about a year ago.i was wondering if it's true that you can un bolt front and convert into a rotavator? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pmackellow 2,738 #14 Posted January 22, 2016 Evening Colin, late to read this post but welcome anyway Francis Barnetts, my late father and I restored a 1956 Falcon 74 way back in the early 1980's, that had a 197cc Villiers 8E in it and although only a three speeder it used to get along the road fine... vegikev, who is on here every so often, is into his Hayters, he may be able to help with any queries you may have, as to value like most of this machinery its only worth what someone else will pay for it !! £695 for the one you mentioned does sound a bit steep Hope all your "for sales" find new homes Paul Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
