Hello ODK members,

This piece of vintage mower history is largely forgotten.
"People powered machines" these days is taken to mean the re-invention of
the popularity of hand-mowers - a person 'pushing' a mower.

'Manimals' was the term used, probably from the late 19th century' to describe
a person who assisted the operator of a large hand-mower to propel the machine.

Here is a picture from the early 20th Century that gives you an idea:-
[Linked Image]


The practice, though, dates from the inception of the handmower - Buddings Patent - of 1832.
When one looks at those patent machines there is a handle, designed to assist the pusher of
the machine. Here is a stock studio photo of a Budding Patent:-

[Linked Image]

Edward Beard Budding must have found that necessary, given the heavy iron frame,
and the primitive gearing (the gears were cast, but not machine cut.)

The amazing thing is, though, that this design did not cease in its need for a century!
TO BE CONTINUED ...