OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories AUSTRALIAN Rotary Models RAWCO - Lawnmower & Outboard - c1956

Hello ODK members,

I'm rarely 'caught-out' by vintage mower brands, but this one is a mystery.
It's a Rawco - a mower that could convert to an outboard, and it dates from 1956.
I am seeking information on Makes for the History Forum.

Rawco apparently stands for R.A. Wisely.
I know they gained some fame for their Air-Water Pump in agriculture.

I have only found a few mower advertisements - one is below.
The ad. depicts what may be an early 'mulching mower'.
[Note the evil kid with the dorky socks and the machine's flymo-like handle].

The engine has been identified as a Hardman and Hall Simplex.
The cowling was most probably custom made by Wisely.

As always, any information from ODK members would be most welcome.

All very mysterious.
---------------------------------------
JACK

PART TWO Rawco PTO Pumps

The most common record for Rawco products involves an all-purpose pump for agricultural use.
This was advertised widely in newsprint and it appears to be Rawco's most recognised product.



A descriptive leaflet (c1955) may be viewed online, courtesy of the Museum of Victoria.
To view the leaflet click HERE.

TO BE CONTINUED

PART THREE UPDATE 2015

I was at the 2015 Australian Wooden Boat Festival when I stumbled upon an excellent display by
the Hobart Vintage Machinery Society. That display featured a large display of vintage outboard motors,
owned by Geoff Rowlings of Swansea, Tasmania.

Amongst that lot was a Rawco outboard! This was the one referred to in my advertisement (PART ONE),
and it answered questions I had about them.

Rawco products were indeed made by R.A. Wisely
They were made in Melbourne
The engine was made by Hardman & Hall, Sydney.




TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART FOUR SIGNIFICANCE

The Rawco lawnmower must be incredibly rare. I have not seen one, nor do
I know anyone who has seen one. There are no photographic records apart from the
poor-quality newsprint one displayed in Part One.

The significance lies in the fact that this is an early Australian rotary.
Second, Wisely manufactured a very early Australian lawnmower engine. Third,
this is an early example of a multi-purpose garden and leisure product; versatile
in being able to convert from lawnmower to outboard.

OTHER THOUGHTS

A 1963 ACL (Automotive Components Limited) catalogue lists Rawco making 18 inch and 24 inch
rotary lawnmowers. Both are powered by Villiers engines. Nothing more is known about them.

PART FIVE - UPDATE - 2016

It was only recently that two of these Rawco mowers have surfaced.
A fully restored Rawco mower has now been presented for this record,
courtesy of Bob Vawdrey of Cranbourne, Victoria.

Bob says the Rawco was "among about 30 old mowers in an old shed behind
a scrap dealers in Dandenong."

The machine is original with the exception of the carburettor and filter.
Perhaps one of the handsomest Australian rotary mowers of the 1950s,
the fendered front chassis with open 'intake' makes this a jet-age
machine (like the Mofast Atom). The fully enclosed cowling and ribbed
rear chute are exceptional styling cues. The handle bar assembly
is exceptionally modern looking.

The serial number is B35

PART SIX 2016 Update - BASE & BLADE DESIGN
The full page advertisement (Part 1 above) makes a feature of the suction lift
design that causes grass and leaves to be sucked up and pulverized into a fine
fertilising mulch

Unlike the skirtless toecutter bases, the Rawco chassis base has a deep skirt -
essential to mulching mowers - in combination with short fluted blades for higher
tip speed and lift. The other ingredient is a restrictive rear discharge port,
which enables the mulching blade to re-cut grass clippings.

Because the Rawco had a rigid blade system, I think this machine was probably
fitted with a shock absorbing spring clutch in the round flange on the blade holder.



The alloy chassis appears to be a quality casting, and the fully enclosed
engine cowling gives the Rawco a modern streamlined style. To me, it is clear
that Wisely's Rawco was probably inspired by the British Rotorscythe County
(as were the Australian Ogden Rotamatic and Malvin). Of significance is that
all the Australian machines were manufactured in Melbourne. I do not believe
that is a coincidence at all.



Again, a sincere thank you to Bob for supplying the record with
such great photos of a significant - and rare - Australian mower.

Rotoscythe County:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=69823

Simplex Engine:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=72318


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