SWANPOOL MEADOWS GEN SET FOR SALE.
We do not usually advertise For Sale items on this website,
but have made an exception as this is a Community Project.
This item will be listed on eBay from 17th February 2014.
Anybody wishing to view the item or hear it running should contact Kevin
Smith on 03 5768 2212 or Email: [email protected]
Kevin is our resident electrical engineer and has been the custodian of the unit
since 1990.
Meadows Diesel engines are renowned for reliability and durability. Meadows supplied
engines in many configurations, both diesel and petrol. The company operated until 1968
when it was swallowed up by British Leyland.
The unit for sale is believed to have been built for the Australian Army during WW2.
Following the war, it was the power source for a cattle station in central Australia. It was
later to become the standby power source for the Birchip Drive-In until 1990, when it was
purchased as the stand-by power unit for the Swanpool & District Memorial Hall, which is
the home of the Swanpool Cinema. The unit will be supplied with a ‘User Handbook and
Service manual’ along with a maintenance log for all repairs completed during the time at
Swanpool. The unit is run under load, at least once per month to ensure that it remains fully
operational. The Swanpool & District Memorial Hall is a designated Neighbourhood Safer
Place and reliable standby power is essential.
The hall is currently undergoing major renovations and the space occupied by our cherished
gen. set is to be taken over by extensions to the kitchen area. And as we all know, when
‘they who must be obeyed’, say that the gen set has to go, then, the gen set had better go!!
We therefore have to move our standby power unit to another location within the facility,
which is limited in space. A new, more compact unit, will provide our auxiliary power
following the renovations.
The sad story is that our reliable and much cherished standby power unit, which has
provided exceptional service to our community hall and unique cinematic facility for many
years, needs to go to a new home.
Details:
Meadows 4DC420 (4cyl 420 cu.in.) Diesel engine, similar to those fitted to boats, forklifts,
earthmoving equipment and some Twin City and Chamberlain tractor models.
Rated HP: 97 at 2,000rpm.
24 volt starter with batteries which were replaced in March 2013. Also supplied with the
unit will be the automatic trickle charger which ensures that the batteries always remain
fully charged.
55kva Alternator, which has both single and three phase outlets. Brand unknown as ID plate
has been removed. This is a big unit and will provide auxiliary power for large community or
commercial facilities. (Depending on appliances used, this unit could provide power for 2 to 3
average homes).
The engine has one head that has a small crack which requires the radiator to be checked,
whilst running for any length of time. Engine still operates normally. Head may be
repairable.
Large twin core radiator with one large element for engine cooling, and the smaller element
for engine oil cooling. The engine is fitted with a blower fan.
The unit is fully contained, complete with fuel tank, on a steel sled that measures 3.5mt
long, 1.1 metres wide and is 1.5mt high at the top of the radiator. Estimated total weight,
3.5 tonnes. You will need a crane truck or tilt tray to remove this item. There are lifting eyes
on the sled. The whole unit is currently enclosed under a steel roof with steel mesh walls.
One mesh wall will be removed to facilitate removal.
There is some surface rust on the unit, (see photos) but it is fully operational and has always
been kept under cover in Swanpool.
Service consumables and some parts are still available for Meadows engines from
Automotive Surplus Pty. Ltd in Mitcham, Victoria. Tel 03 9873 3566
The unit can be inspected at the rear of the Swanpool & District Memorial Hall, Midland
Highway (B300), Swanpool. Vic. Swanpool is located on the Midland Highway 25km south of
Benalla and 35km north of Mansfield in North East Victoria. If you need any further
information about this unit, or wish to arrange an inspection please contact Kevin Smith 03
5768 3566.
This unit having been made available for inspection prior to sale, is offered for sale "As is,
where is" with all faults (if any) to the full extent permitted by law, and notwithstanding the
contents of, or any description given in any advertising or any other material issued by the
vendor or agents in relation to this item, as to its condition, quality, fitness for purpose
merchantability or compliance with description. No warranty is offered or implied.
The purchaser/s shall be responsible to ensure that this plant complies with the current
requirements of Workplace Health and Safety Acts before it is used in the workplace, or for
domestic use.
I have listed this item on my eBay account on behalf of the Swanpool & District Memorial
Hall committee. Payment within 3 days of auction closing, and removal within 21 days, or by
prior arrangement.
Payment by PayPal, but would prefer bank transfer (BSB 06 3505 A/C 10197528), or will
accept cash on delivery if you wish.
The following pictures were taken just after we washed the dust off the unit.