Reel Mowers - The 'Standard' Look

With the advent of 'lightweight' self-propelled powered reel mowers of the 1920s grass catcher
design was clearly defined and standardised. Virtually all powered reel mowers with a rear roller
had front mounted grass catchers. The catchers were made of wood, wood/metal and then totally
rolled and fabricated sheet steel. Some were of extremely sophisticated designs with beautifully
cast handles.

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The Platypus
One significant exception was the Australian Platypus made by the Sydney Platypus Tool Co. from
about 1946. It used a printed canvas front catcher. An Atco derivative, it would have looked spectacular
in its red livery and striped red/white canvas catcher. The catcher design for a roller reel mower using
fabric was clearly ahead of its time. Expect to see more fabric catchers on machines in the future.

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