Hello ODK history lovers
Both New Zealand and Australia followed a similar trajectory in
the development of their lawnmowers, and there was a flurry
of activity from the smaller makers in the 1950s. By the 1960s,
the industry would consolidate into a few big players.

This article is a History Record for quite an unusual New Zealand
reel lawnmower – The Macalister reel mowers made by Macalisters
Limited of Invercargill.

The company was an old one, commencing business in 1889,
as agricultural and general engineers. They made their name
in quality farm machinery suited to NZ conditions.

Post WWII, Macalisters made an interesting reel mower, with
an alloy chassis. It was very odd looking … to say the least!

[Linked Image]

So … Australia’s Scott Bonnar won an Australian Design Award
for their Model 430 in the 1970s. Please consider that NZ was
doing this with the Macalister two decades before this!

TO BE CONTINUED …