OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Company Histories METALAIR Ltd.: c1940s - The Ladybird Mowers

PART FOUR - LADYBIRD MK 1 MODELS & Brochure

The Ladybird had many of the features that would define Australian rotaries
in the 1950s. It was lightweight, being of aluminium construction, it would cut close
to edges, and it would cut forward or reverse. The clear 'defect' was its cutting width:
all early electrics had small cutting width sizes. The first petrol rotaries capitalised
on this 'defect'.

There appears to have been only two variants of the 12" electric machine.
It may have been that an upgrade was needed to suit Australia's more severe conditions.

In about 1954 two changes were made: a more powerful motor and an automatic overload cut-out.



THE DEMISE
The Son of the owner of the original Metalair company, Malcolm Whatley, said, "I was born in 1938,
and on his death in 1956, we had to sell the Co. for death duties."

It would appear to me that that spelt the end of the little Ladybird - at least here
in Australia. The last advertisement I have found dates from 1957.

The Ladybird is important to Australian vintage mower history. Yet, they go
largely un-recognised.

Remember, this is a rotary that was sold in reasonable quantity before any Victa.
The last machine on eBay attracted 2 bids and sold for $31. Disappointing.
Today, however, there is more interest being shown in these odd machines.



I hope this article will help collectors remember (and help save) the space-age little Ladybird:-