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Introducing Howard GEM the" Syco Tiller "

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smurffin4u

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
hello I am new to MTF and would like to show off my tiller. I have done an introdution story but nedded to start a thread . I am asking any one for in put on this gem I know a little and would like in dept knowldge on these wonderfull machines, any collectable things or links to them. I now will ask a few questions and mabey get some answers from the great people that are what makes up this fantastic site : how can i : tell the exact year , model mfg site , if its stock ,any attachments , to get parts- whats it worth ,how to sell parts or whole, stories from past- gatherings and such . racing ,modifications or leave original- use as a boat anchor ,obsolete- other uses i,deas and advice thanks you guys and gals chk my pics- and post back please
 

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#5 ·
Had one of those. I sold it on eBay about six months ago. The guy drove quite a number of hours to pick it up.

Mine was a hand crank start. Can't tell from the pics, is yours also? Anyhow, be careful not to wrap your thumb around it when starting. I honestly can't tell you any background on it. I got mine for 40 bucks at a yard sale, because I thought it was just too cool to let rot in the weeds. Cleaned the fuel system, and adjusted the timing(quite a bit) and she fired right up.

They are beasts for sure, hopefully someone will come along who knows more about them. Thanks for posting :fing32:
 
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#8 ·
They have been popping up here lately. There is some info available via google, but mainly historical info about the company and designers. They seem to have been built in England, or at least the company was based there.

Hard to believe that design was still being used in the 80s, or were those LI units being sold as used?

Mike
 
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#9 · (Edited)
#10 ·
mikeinri said:
They have been popping up here lately. There is some info available via google, but mainly historical info about the company and designers. They seem to have been built in England, or at least the company was based there.

Hard to believe that design was still being used in the 80s, or were those LI units being sold as used?

Mike
Click to expand...
Those were new.
 
#11 ·
Wow, very cool!
 
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#12 ·
The tiller is a Howard Rotavator GEM made in England. I can scan manual and parts list and send. Due to size of file, I will need to send by Email. My Email address is howardrotavator2007@yahoo.com Can you get the serial number which is stamped in the support tube near where the handlebars pivot from side to side? I can see it is a 30 inch cut as it originally had dual wheels.
 
#13 ·
That is a nice machine....is that a Wisconsin TJD on there? I have the same engine on my old Lincoln AC225 and that thing runs beautifully.I also have a Howard G24T rotavator, serial # C2531572 with what I believe is the 810 360 degree Howard twin. The machine ran, albeit poorly, last year but the distributor cap was crumbling so I had the whole mag rebuilt. I am now in the process of reinstalling the mag and I'll be damned if I can get the old girl to fire. I have read all the info I could find on timing the mag, I am fairly sure that I am using the proper timing marks but still no dice. To me it seems as though the mag is 180 out and I am at loss......do you know or know anyone who knows how to set the mag correctly? This is a fine old machine and I am determined to return her to service so any and all assistance is truly appreciated, thanks, Rick
I tried to post pictures but for some reason it wont let me....
 
#14 ·
In case anyone is interested, the OP has this Rotavator for sale on Ebay starting bid $2000.00. If it wasn't on the other side of the country, and if I had a few spare bucks, I'd like to have it, looks like a fine machine. Rick
 
#15 ·
Anyone know what the wheels on this are off ?

I've taken ownership of a Howard "SuperGem" today like this one (albeit a little worse for wear) with the original double wheels either side.
Would like to convert it to use fat ride-on mower wheels like this.

Now I need to get both a standard Gem and the 'Super' Gem running.

... this site has a lot to answer for haha!

To answer MF283's question;
SuperGem like this is around 280-300kg (approx' 540-600lbs)
Standard Howard Gem is approx' 50kg lighter.

~Cheers
Ratbag
 
#18 ·
linrick1 said:
That is a nice machine....is that a Wisconsin TJD on there? I have the same engine on my old Lincoln AC225 and that thing runs beautifully.I also have a Howard G24T rotavator, serial # C2531572 with what I believe is the 810 360 degree Howard twin. The machine ran, albeit poorly, last year but the distributor cap was crumbling so I had the whole mag rebuilt. I am now in the process of reinstalling the mag and I'll be damned if I can get the old girl to fire. I have read all the info I could find on timing the mag, I am fairly sure that I am using the proper timing marks but still no dice. To me it seems as though the mag is 180 out and I am at loss......do you know or know anyone who knows how to set the mag correctly? This is a fine old machine and I am determined to return her to service so any and all assistance is truly appreciated, thanks, Rick
I tried to post pictures but for some reason it wont let me....
Click to expand...
Is the impulse of the mag working? If not, it will not fire enough to start the engine.
 
#19 ·
I have a G20 and a G30 dually. From one old book I have it says, 18hp and weights 850 pounds. The horsepower I believe, but the 850 pound part I doubt. It may feel that heavy after a few hours of use. Best tiller you can buy.

My G30 still working on getting running. But heres a twin to it. They are a 30 inch cut. 3 speed forward. One reverse. Handles slide left and right.
 
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#20 ·
The G30 is a cool machine, is it a diesel? :dunno:, Sounds like it is.

My wife would kill me if I used that machine, she would not wash my socks! :hide:

Here is the Gravely version of that machine, I just started using it this year;

Image


At 28" width of cut, they seem similar in size.

The Gravely is about 600 pounds, so I believe the G30 weight.
 
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