Coldwell Lawn Mower Engine

By Staff
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PHOTO: DOROTHY B. SMITH
The Coldwell Cub lawn mower looked like this unit recently obtained by Gas Engine Magazine contributor Dorothy Smith.

In answer to Stan Reid’s recent inquiry about
Dick Seibert’s engine, it is a Coldwell Cub engine. It supplied power for
Coldwell’s Cub Motor Lawn Mower, No. 28-V. It was built by the Coldwell Lawn
Mower Company, Newburgh, New York. First produced in 1928 and lasting until
1938, there were two major versions, which may be identified by the carburetor
and type of clutch. The first production Cubs used a Tillotson MS-16A
carburetor and had a dry clutch between engine and mower. In 1935 the Tillotson
MS-31B carburetor was adopted and an oil clutch was put on. This version was
used until 1938 when production was dropped. This is the only way I have found
to tell approximate date of manufacture.

The Cub engine is a beautifully
constructed piece of machinery with tapered roller bearings and a bronze
crankpin insert. It runs at its designed speed of 1,100 rpm as smooth as could
be. Although not an old engine as engines could be, it is well worth the
collector’s attention as a special interest item and an excellent sample of
American workmanship.

The serial numbers for these machines
are on the mower plate, which is on the sheet metal cover over the
transmission. Coldwell, as far as I know, didn’t put the serial on the engines.
Unlucky if you have only the engine. Of possible interest is that my lawn mower
is No.2V4052 and was one of the ones built between 1935 and 1938. As far as I
know I have an original replacement carburetor and my mower uses an oil bath
clutch.

For more information I suggest a letter
be sent to Century Lawn Mower Service. Century was
Coldwell’s service outlet and when Coldwell went out of business, Century took
over service. They still have literature on the Cub and a few parts for it. The
manual I received was very detailed and included complete information on the
Cub’s American Bosch, Type FY-8, Ed. 1 magneto.

  • Published on May 18, 2013
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