Hi Paul

This is an important one for your collection.
Of course, rare; but the first small Phillip's Whirlwind.

Many thanks for pointing out that there were two versions
of the original Whirlwind 18" Lawnmower.

Things were moving quickly back then. The first model was
most probably introduced in late 1955 for the 1956 season.
The second version was sold alongside the cheaper 'Sabre',
and introduced in late 1956 for the 1957 season.

This would explain why your machine is super rare. It was sold
for just one season, by an emerging lawnmower company.

Your images are the first I have seen that reveal an under-deck
exhaust system! Is the safety clutch still intact?

Many thanks to member Max Western for finding the original
late 1955 patent for the clutch:-

[Linked Image]

These clutches were used on a number of Australian-made, direct-
drive rotaries that used bar blades. Other makers found a more
elegant solution - the swing-back blade.

Whirlwind's larger (commercial) machines were not direct drive,
employing a belt(s) for shock protection. I might add that Whirlwind
did employ the swing-back blade on its Sabre by late 1957,
meaning they probably did so, too, for the second version of your
lawnmower.

These are the first good images (and video) of this important
Australian lawnmower.

----------------------
Jack