OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories AUSTRALIAN Rotary Models TURNER - The Lawnmower Range for 1961

Hello ODK History Lovers
Turner Industries was a company going places by 1960.
It was no longer just a tool company and it had ventured into white goods
manufacture with a range of successful washing machines. Turner entered
the lawnmower market in 1959 when it released the first Australian 4-stroke
rotary lawnmower, the Model 4M.

By the new decade it was clear that Turner were not half-heatedly committed
to mower manufacturer. Indeed, they would be one of the top half-dozen players
that would define lawnmower manufacturer in the 1960s.

The 1961 Range presented three new models: the Deluxe D61, The Special H61,
and the Standard F61.



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - Specification & Comment
These were all new chassis for 1961, replacing the stylistic aging of the
first chassis with its automotive style front grill. All models were powered
by Kirby-Lauson 4-strokes (125cc and 135cc).

In terms of marketing, the Deluxe and the Special had a 19" cutting width,
larger than the opposition Victas. All chassis were alloy, with single-point
height adjusters and folding handles. Note the wheel diameters - only the
Standard with 18" cut would have all-round 6" wheels. It was the Standard
chassis that would appear re-branded as Qualcast and Eric Anderson machines.



SAFETY
There are two stand-out features. The first goes to the built-in safety
features of Turners. This was new design territory for AUS rotary lawnmowers
and the point should not go unrecognised.

Turner rejected the 'toe-cutter' design created by Victa and copied by other
toe-cutter makes (like Champion and Villager). Right from the first Turner
rotary, there was a base skirt and a secondary, rear safety skirt was
incorporated into the design.

The Deluxe and Special models went one step further in also having a front
safety skirt. Also note the hinged discharge chute that would protect the
operator from projectiles, particularly when the catcher was removed.



CATCHER
The grass catcher was making its first popular appearance by 1960.
Most manufacturers went for the heavy, solid metal designs on rotary lawnmowers
(as were used on reel mowers). Turner went for the lighter (and collapsible)
fabric style. I guess it was nylon synthetic. I might add, as a side note,
Turner would introduce the plastic catcher to lawnmowers just a few years' later.



COLOURS
These are the factory colours for the 1961 range. Note that the
Deluxe was painted all bronze. Stunning!



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART THREE - Brochures
For your viewing pleasure, I present two brochures from my collection.
The first is a pocket size single-fold job. The second is a larger, detailed
range brochure. As always, I make them available as a download for personal use.

PART FOUR - Advertising
Turner were heavy advertisers.
Here are some typical advertisements from 1961.

PART FIVE – D61 Operator Manual
In late 2021 I acquired a User Manual for a D61 Deluxe mower.
This manual is from my collection and it is in good condition.

As always, I make it available to members for viewing or as a quality download.

Perth Royal Show - Turner display for 1961:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/79927/TURNER_-_Perth_Royal_Show_-_19.html


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