Hello prd
prd, thanks for creating this topic. It is long overdue, and I can now
link the Minter Record to it for 'everything Minter'.
That's the way I see it - gravity on the lever against the weight of the
machine (acting on the height segments). Simple and basic.
I'm not sure whether a forward bump or a rear bump would unsettle the
mechanism; but one in unison would cause a ratchet jump, I guess...
This is an anorak question, and one suited to my sensibilities.
It's anal but completely valid - and engaging for practical history
lovers. Train spotters would identify with this.
May I say this: I have never seen another lawnmower that used the
ratchet and segment mechanism quite like this.
The evolution of single-point height adjustment mechanisms is exciting
for tragics like myself - but it is an important topic.
Many manufacturers 'got around the patent' or simply improved upon
it by using other means. Some used worm and sector; Lawn King used
a system that raised or lowered the engine; but the most popular
system (that prevails today) is the bell-crank combined with a
lever & segment.
None of this takes away from my fascination for the Minter and
Robert Philpott. I wish I knew more about the man and his mower.
The rest is history.
----------------------------
JACK
