Hello ODK History Lovers

One of the most important Australian-made vintage rotary lawnmowers would
have to be the Clyde rotaries of 1956. Made by Clyde Industries of Clyde,
NSW, these are super-rare machines, and only a few have been found.

This was an 18" machine with a deep alloy skirted base, unusual for the
time. Wheels were large and thin, alloy hub with rubber outers, probably
influenced by the British Rotoscythe. Height adjustment, as expected, was
primitive 4-point.

The Clyde rotary was made in two variants; the most 'common' being the
Clyde Minor, powered by the bullet-proof Villiers Mk 3 Midget. The Clyde
Major had the same chassis, but was fitted with the larger 147cc Villiers
25C engine.

The most important feature, though, was that this was a rear-catcher
lawnmower ... on sale in 1956! I believe this to be, then, Australia's first
rear-catcher lawnmower. Indeed, the Clyde was advertised as, "The only
Household Rotary Mower with a grass catcher". Another advertisement
proclaimed, "First with a modern grassbox".

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TO BE CONTINUED ...