PART TWO - SpecificationI was lucky enough to acquire an
Australian brochure last year in mint condition.
The brochure (below) claimed that the mower was 'designed with safety in mind' ...
meaning it had a
pressed-steel base with a thin skirt. This feature was clearly
aimed at the safety defects of Victa's 'toe cutter' base: 'Toes are safe around
the Atco'.
This was a
rear-discharge utility mower, but with no safety flap to deflect
projectiles or safety skirt (that would be shortly introduced on other makes).
The blades were 'spring-back' for shock protection. The handle could be adjusted
for height but was not foldable. The wheels were the 'Latest American-type', but
manufactured here by
Walter Barr Pty. Ltd. The engine was the
Atco/Villiers with its unique identifier of slanted ribbed
cylinder cooling fins. Of note is the yellow paint scheme, the decal, and early
use of the extended air intake:-