Powered Sidewheels - The Hybrids
There were also the 'transitional' machines. These were, in essence, manual side-wheel mowers that
were converted to power mowers, or were manufactured from new by powering these push mowers with
petrol or electricity. A typical after-market converter of push mowers was Melbourne's Precision Mowers
who would convert Qualcast manual push mowers (and other suitable makes) to electricity or petrol.
Prior to the rotary revolution of the 1950s this was a considerably cheaper option than reel/roller mowers.

These machines were fitted with conventional metal front catchers. Typical AUS brands included the
Pope Power Mower, The Ogden Motor Mower and the Crowe Grass Master.

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Powered Sidewheels
In Australia, following Great Britain, reel mowers were commonly reel/roller designs.
These had front catchers. The USA, however, very early on, used the sidewheel power mower as
their typical reel machine. These had rear catchers and they were offered as accessories.

These were purpose-built machines, not a motorised version of a push reel mower.
The most common Australian made machine of this type was the Qualcast 16" Sidewheel Power Mower.
These came with a canvas rear catcher as standard.

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