McConnell portable saw bench — Lour Estate
Photograph courtesy of Leslie Phillip, Perth.
The McConnell sawbench is set up to point posts as the front half of the flat bench is in place. The swinging bench for cross cutting logs is underneath and only operates with the front half of the flat bench removed.
Leslie’s father who was Head Forester on the Estate was convinced that this particular bench was made from WW2 surplus items such as the 2 cylinder horizontal drive Japp engine and what looked like bomber wheels.
Groups: Forestry Areas, Forestry in Action, Other Vehicles and Machines
Group: Forestry Areas - 3222 pictures
12 Comments
With the bench set up as in this picture larger diameter larch posts could be cut in half length ways which were used mainly for temporary sheep fencing.
Comment left on 05 June 2015 at 00:54 by Leslie Phillip
Just bought a bench with Petter single cylinder diesel any detail available for this model sliding table just as picture definitely McConnell.
If any one has manual or further info would be welcomed.
Regards
Graham Comment left on 25 September 2016 at 23:51 by
If any one has manual or further info would be welcomed.
Regards
Graham Comment left on 25 September 2016 at 23:51 by
Is your comment on saw bench on road wheels as in the picture. It is unusual for a McConnell saw bench to have a single cylinder engine they were usually twin giving a much smoother drive with loads of fight when under load. The saw bench in the photo was one of the first of its type early 1950s I think, a well used and well liked machine. "sorry I cant help more"
Comment left on 26 September 2016 at 12:46 by Leslie Phillip
Aye Graham,
Put "Quelch" into the 'Search' window in the top right of this window and you should see 3 items by Peter Quelch. I do not know what he may be 'up to' these days, but used to bide in the Lochgilphead area. It is likely that he has either printed information or knowledge. As you can see from the video, he works these benches. I hope this helps.
My regards to you and Peter, Bill Comment left on 27 September 2016 at 00:14 by Bill Rayner
Put "Quelch" into the 'Search' window in the top right of this window and you should see 3 items by Peter Quelch. I do not know what he may be 'up to' these days, but used to bide in the Lochgilphead area. It is likely that he has either printed information or knowledge. As you can see from the video, he works these benches. I hope this helps.
My regards to you and Peter, Bill Comment left on 27 September 2016 at 00:14 by Bill Rayner
Hi Graham, if you want see more photos of the McConnell saw bench working on Lour Estate go to the search box top right corner of this page and insert Leslie Phillip.
Comment left on 27 September 2016 at 10:42 by Leslie Phillip
Company history 1949. Mcconnel's famous sawbench secures Mcconnel's first award for innovation, receiving the Royal highland Agricultural society of Scotland's award for technology. Built in part from military surplus supplies, the machine features wheels from decommissioned Spitfires.
Comment left on 03 April 2017 at 19:45 by Leslie Phillip
At the age of seventeen in a moment of madness I attempted to paint this fantastic machine, the head forester was less than impressed.
Comment left on 05 April 2017 at 12:38 by Leslie Phillip
I wonder if the flat steel bench was a special fitment on this particular saw bench? The flat steel bench was a permanent part of this saw bench, after use it was folded back over hence the removing of the air cleaner housing to the opposite side of the engine.
Comment left on 11 April 2017 at 12:58 by Leslie Phillip
After more research on this mobile saw bench it turns out the engine is not a Jap flat twin cylinder but rather a Petters pu8 of world war two origin.
Comment left on 21 November 2017 at 19:43 by Leslie Phillip
Graham, further to your earlier enquiry of 25/09/2016. McConnel Ltd have now published in pdf format that is downloadable, a parts list for these towed mobile sawbenches and the early tractor mounted sawbenches. Go to the McConnel Ltd website, Parts & Operators Manuals, Mobile sawbenches and you should find what you were looking for. My regards, Bill
Comment left on 15 December 2017 at 17:49 by Bill Rayner
Does anyone know where can I get a spring for the bed of this bench, their are 2 springs to make the table go back and forth ?
Comment left on 14 January 2018 at 00:20 by David dyer
Aye David,
Using the McConnel Ltd website, as I quoted previously, it appears that the spring you require is listed under Part Number:14-21-097 and called "Table compensating spring". It would be possible to contact the company directly and ask if they have the spring dimensions and then order a spring from a commercial spring supplier, of which there are many advertising on the internet. Secondhand farm machinery dealers might also be worth contacting, they advertise widely in the vintage tractor magazines currently published. Alternatively, speak with your local vintage tractor/farm machinery club. I hope this helps. My regards, Bill Comment left on 14 January 2018 at 22:14 by Bill Rayner
Using the McConnel Ltd website, as I quoted previously, it appears that the spring you require is listed under Part Number:14-21-097 and called "Table compensating spring". It would be possible to contact the company directly and ask if they have the spring dimensions and then order a spring from a commercial spring supplier, of which there are many advertising on the internet. Secondhand farm machinery dealers might also be worth contacting, they advertise widely in the vintage tractor magazines currently published. Alternatively, speak with your local vintage tractor/farm machinery club. I hope this helps. My regards, Bill Comment left on 14 January 2018 at 22:14 by Bill Rayner
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