I've really enjoyed looking at your different restorations, you certainly have a great collection. Many thanks for all of the pics you've posted so far.
I wonder who else on ODK can boast such a collection of manual push mowers. Ian, I know your collection has a number of Australian machines. These, in my opinion, will become the NEW COLLECTABLES.
Australian push mowers made in the first half of the 20th Century are going for a song in the market place. Under seeming similar appearances there lies an incredible complex layer of differing design features. Some machines, like your Model A Ogden, are quite rare.
As an Historian, I thank you for leading the way for 'The New Black' in mower collecting. There is life beyond and before Victa. The shrewd collector will see that as any Blind Freddy would.
I encourage all mower-collecting and mower-spotting ODK members to consider the manual push mower. To the initiated, they can be very rewarding. Too much Australian vintage mower history is being lost!
All very collectable. ------------------------------ JACK
Please do not PM me asking for support. Please post your questions in the appropriate forums, as the replies it may receive may help all members, not just the individual member. Kindest Regards, Darryl
I picked up two hand mowers from Armidale machinery show one is a Crusader Cellburn made where and by who The other one has pressed steel wheels never seen that before also made by ??? and the blade is driven only by one wheel Ian
Why do you do this to me ... It's great to see someone is preserving important mowers.
I can't yet help with the mysterious ten-slotter steel machine. The Crusader Cellburn is most-definitely Australian.
It was made by a large engineering firm from Auburn, NSW. I hope to tell that story in the next couple of days weeks. I would like to cover your Cambridge mower before this.
All very interesting. ----------------------------------- JACK.
Of course its is, and that's great news Ian. I have been looking at these companies for years, but I have been hindered by lack of photographic evidence.
Clyde, Crowe, and Qualcast (Aust.) were the big three that controlled the hand-mower market for three decades or more in Australia.
The Clyde and Crowe machines were made in 'The Southern Birmingham' area of Sydney. I can't wait to tell their stories. I will send drafts in advance to you for comment.
If you can supply any of your legendary disassembly photos at some point would be most helpful in documenting early Australian lawnmower history.
All very great news. --------------------------------------- JACK.
Yes, awesome - it's nice to get confirmation of a design.
Clyde, the diesel choo-choo manufacturer, seemed compelled to introduce lawnmowers into their range in the 1930s.
My personal view is that the cause was Australia's emerging steel manufacturing industry, but I have no firm views on that. Adam's 'Presto' was the better all-steel design (in my view).
For me, Clyde are much more important in their releasing of Australia's first rear-catcher rotary mower. Who knows about that?
Have been messing with hand mowers since I was a bout 13, my Grandfather had a small after hours business of sharpening reel mowers and I spent many hours with him in his shed helping.
When he took ill he gave me his machine and I carried on his little business, unfortunately I became too busy in my own business to carry on but still have the machine which I hope to resurrect some time, My plan is to make it more of a portable display so I can take it to rallies and demonstrate it.
I have a few hand mowers, Pope, a few different Qualcast models, Ogden, an American made Stearns, none have been restored but will get around to it one day I hope, they are such a simple but efficient machine and have to be way out of adjustment before they fail to cut at all.
Well thanks for the info - my black and gold paint job isnt exactly authentic, but hey, silver or blue just doesnt do it for me. Those adds are awesome- thanks. I have a qualcast model H also/ also not quite authentic. Both mowers work great. The Brill seems more refined even though its has some wear in it. The qualcast is like new, as if someone used it one season and its sat in a shed ever since. Push mowers are cool - cant wait to find another...