OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Company Histories GRANT & VICKERY - A Pioneering Mower Manufacturer

PART FOUR - The Patents

"Improvements in Clutches" - March, 1922,
"Improved Frames for Mounting Engines on Mowing Machines" - July, 1922.

Both these patents make specific reference to lawnmowers. The clutch patent
could have automotive applications, but the text and illustration specifically
envisages roller-type lawnmowers. The patents main claim is that it could dispense
with a separate differential, so quite an interesting read (patent attached below).



The lawnmower frame patent (attached) is also of much interest to the mower anorak.
Though not directly relevant to known Gravic mowers, it appears to be a design
patent that envisaged the powering of manual push mowers. If so, that would be
amazing. Scott Bonner, for example, converted imported push lawnmowers to electric
power a year later (1923



For me, the discovery of these patents raises the question as to whether
Grant & Vickery should be considered true Australian lawnmower pioneers,
that is, a manufacturer that made lawnmowers prior to the protective tariffs
of 1930. That discussion continues in the next part.