OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions on Other Engines TROJAN MAJOR - Motor Fitted To Ogden Rotamatic

Sorry for the late reply Jack, a child probably could wedge their foot into the chute opening

Here is a pic of the full under-body.
Nice and clean under there, I don't think this machine did much work.

Hi Paul

It's in amazing condition!.
I now understand.
There is a stopper there not shown in the brochure.

There are a few differences in the base casting also, the ribs on the front don't continue through. I wonder if this is a prototype base in the brochure, perhaps the only one to have had the Rotamatic lettering cast onto it ? A few other minor cast points removed as well.

I guess so, Paul.
I do note that the chute post is not shown in this parts list though.
This could well accord with your suggestion - that the brochure (and the
sample parts list from an Ogden booklet) were both made prior to, or early
in production of this great lawnmower.

And I guess you are the owner of the best example!

Cheers
------------------
Jack



A NOTE ON SAFETY
p.s. Paul, it may be that that seemingly insignificant chute post or bollard
is a great, early example of the emerging issue of the safety of rotary lawnmowers.
I note that the Ogden has, in essence, a rear safety skirt.

It is true that electric rotaries received some bad press because of
a few fatal injuries - electrocution. But evidence strongly suggests
that it was the petrol rotaries (the 'toe-cutters') that produced the
vast majority of non-fatal injuries in the 1950s.

The Rotamatic - not being a toe-cutter - and having a chassis base
with a rear safety skirt and chute post, would have been as safe a
machine as the safest produced in the 1950s.

Hello ODK Members,

Just posting this great advert for Ogden mowers with an Olympic tie in, Jack can it be added to the history record?

G'day Paul
That's a great find!

I would like to say why this ad is an important find.
I had always argued the Rotamatic colour scheme was related to the Olympics.

But here is proof that the Bronze medals awarded Ogden were
not metaphorical - they were real medallions awarded at the
Industrial Design Exhibition with official connection to the Olympics.

I will certainly add it to the record.

Many thanks
---------------------------------
Jack

I'm a little bit late to this party!
Here is a picture of my magneto.( I hope it loads!)

Runs clockwise looking at the mag. My coil is in the correct position and is producing a nice spark.

I built a mini-bike in 1967 using one of these motors, so I have a nostalgic soft spot for them.
I recently acquired one and am in the process of getting it running.

I need a Carby and the bits that attach to the magneto to wind the rope on to pull start it.

Where did you get the seals? They appear to a wacky size! 0.875 x 1.560
I'm in Melbourne