Hello
ODK members,
I know it's tragic but this is something that has intrigued me for years.
It's the
Double Helix reel.
I know the design is old as it appeared on machines dating to the late 19th century.
Ransomes, Greens and Shanks used them on many models.
In more modern times the New Zealand company
Morrison used double helix reels
on their machines, and these reels appeared on their derivatives in Australia -
the
Vulcan Steel Co. Morrisons,
The Turner Morrisons, and the
Victa Morrisons - the
Imperials.
The concept was a clever one - as reel cutting widths became wider, the natural tendency
was for a single-spiral reel to throw cut grass just to one side of the catcher.
The double helix had spirals facing left and right, arching the grass to the centre of the catcher.
I feel the idea did not catch on because of patent restraints. Maybe.
The main restraint in modern times is probably the higher cost of manufacturing them.
So, my question of intrigue is:does anyone know the origins of the double helix reel?
[If you do, please reply in The Old Soapbox]So you know what I'm talking about I include here a picture of me
working on my first reel mower as a youth - a
1923 20" Ransomes.
All very intriguing.
------------------------------------------
JACK