PART TWO - Mower ID Solved

The mysterious lawnmower was a unit off a Shanks�s Roller Type Triple Mower. These were units designed
to be pulled, not by animals, but by new technology � the tractor. Scott Bonnar had converted a 30�
gang unit to a petrol-powered lawnmower!

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Whilst it was the Americans who introduced the concept of the Gang Mower, the British were
very quick to follow. There was money to be made in the efficient mowing of large grassed areas;
including golf course fairways and the new aero-ports for those amazing � and still novel -
flying machines.

The Shanks roller machine that Scott Bonnar used was intended for golf fairways. I have no
doubt that this unit was originally based on an animal-powered mower. The use of these roller
gangs would have been in decline; the new side-wheel machines in their ascendancy. Here is a
1930s catalogue photograph of both types:

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Here is a triple gang roller unit being towed by a purpose built tractor of the period:-

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TO BE CONTINUED �