OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum The Old Soap Box A call for input: A Thesis on Victa

Hi All,

I have begun work on a rather intense Thesis, a detailed comparison of Victa's advancements between 1952 and 1975, as a company, vs. the same advancements in rotary mower technology worldwide.

The Idea of this study is not to discredit Victa, but instead to gain clear understanding of the company role in rotary mower technology, and the company's success in the field.

I will be focusing firstly on the concept of the rotary mower, and recently a lot of discussion and some amazing discoveries have turned up here: "Where di it all begin"

Further to this I will be looking at a number of things considered by victa as pinnacle advancements in their line up, from the rear catcher, to self propulsion, to the de-compressive "Zip" Starter.

Specifically, this is the list of advancements I will be looking at:
a. Rotary Mower, Vertical Shaft Petrol
b. Company Engine
c. Single Point Height Adjustment
d. Governed Speed
e. Grass Catcher
f. Folding Handles
g. Dual Folding Handles
h. Rear Grass Catcher
i. Under Deck Muffler
j. Hi Zone Air Filter
k. Self Propelled
l. 160cc
m. Successful Governing
n. Inboard Self Drive
o. Hi Arch
p. Zip Starting, Decompression
q. Recoil Starting
r. Impulse Starting
s. Twin Cylinder
t. Lightweight
u. Electric Range
v. Electronic Ignition
w. Vacuum Governing
x. Combined Throtle & Air
y. Gear Starting
z. Quieter Mowing

If anyone has information as to any of these advancements, and when they came about outside of victa (for example, rear catchers can be seen in adds for the rotoscythe back in the 40's.) it would be great.

Essentially, this is something I want to get up here as a major resource for all outdoorking Members, and the lawnmower history community worldwide.

All thoughts, input, ideas and information are completely welcome, together we can collaborate and create a real understanding of Victa and Lawnmower history.

Wow that's a big quest you have put your self in for. However it could be good,the only thing is there is a lot of information that I'm not sure could never be found. As I'm am certainly trying to become the foremost expert (I do mean trying) of the twin,lightweight and compact. I have certainly hit many brick walls. As one of the theory's (which I haven't been able to support) is that the 85cc and the 170cc were designed and build in Canada. I haven't been able to find anything about that theory. I even signed up to a forum over there all to no avail. So I hope you can find the information you are looking for as it could answer many many questions.

It is a tricky one, but even where it leaves things unanswered, it will at least hopefully, get thoughts flowing!

You might indeed be a great source of info as I go along, particuarly with lining up dates, success and competitors to the twin, lightweight, early rotomo's, and rotary scotty's!

The Idea is to gather as much info as possible, and look at a number of things that Victa considered historical advancments, and whether those same advancements appear elsewhere first (such as the rotoscythe beating them to rear catcher)

One particular one is the twin, to my knowledge, it by all counts remains unique!

Hi Mr Davis, Blumbly and ODK members,

I think this will be a first and worthy endeavour.
But there is so much to do!

I attach my Australian Manufacturers' database.
It's a work in progress.

All very interesting.
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JACK

Wow! Thankyou for this Jack, it is invaluable, knowing which companies were here from when is the first step in investigating what they did when. The added bonus of where they were based helps so much to find the early data too!!!

Absolutly remarkable!

Hi Ty, Blumbly and ODK members,

No, thank you Ty.
As I said: no one has attempted this sort of project before.

There are so many issues involved.For example, Blumbly's quest for 'the Canada connection'.
It is a project that will require input from many good people - but what a story!

I do want to say here, sincerely, that I will support your project.
PROJECT Ty.

All very worthwhile.
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JACK