PART FIVE - The KX-B Self Propelled
For me, the most fascinating thing about Southern Cross lawnmowers was
the boldness of the Toowoomba Foundry in the mid-1960s. For an Australian
manufacturer to even attempt manufacturer of a self-propelled domestic
[18"] lawnmower was rare.

Rover, Victa and Turner did it. But small mower makers! Sydney's Loukon
did it - and Toowoomba Foundry did it! The KX-B 'Power-Drive' is a rare
and highly collectible lawnmower. Southern Cross advertised it as
"Australia's First Variable Control Mower."

It was ridiculously over-engineered, and must have been expensive to
make. This was no primitive 'drive dog on wheel' approach - as Rover
used, and Victa first used. Variable control came from an expanding
pulley arrangement (adjusted via a rear-mounted handwheel).

This was part of a worm drive box that then connected to a transfer
box (via chain) that then connected to the drive wheels. The drive
wheels had differential action via a pawl and ratchet incorporated
in both rear wheels. Clutching was achieved via a handle mounted
lever, with a cable to a dog clutch. Probably more complicated
than any NASA design of the day!

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Bob Laurent best sums up the design:

The KX-B was also offered as a self-propelled mower, known as the
Power Drive Machine. The Foundry-designed drive mechanism consisted of a
complex arrangement of pulleys, gears, chains and shafts. While the mechanism
worked well when new, it required a lot of maintenance and mechanical know-how
to keep it functioning properly. A neglected Power Drive soon gave trouble,
and this further harmed the reputation of Southern Cross mowers. The KX-B
mower was produced until the mid-1960s.

What a fantastic mower and folly - this machine must be the pride of any
collector now and in the know. Let's save every one!

TO BE CONTINUED ...