OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories AUSTRALIAN Power Reel Models OGDEN - Power Reel Mower - c1952

Hello ODK History Lovers

Ogden Power Side-wheel reel lawnmowers were manufactured by Ogden Industries of Edward Street,
East Oakleigh, Melbourne, Victoria. They were sold from late 1952 until about 1960.

Context:
Ogden entered the lawnmower market in 1949, capitalising on the post-war trend of moving into
consumer goods. Its first machines were hand mowers, and the Power Side-wheel represented Ogden's
first powered lawnmower.

The company offered a diversified range of products including a combined vacuum cleaner and
polisher, masonry anchors, and industrial steel flooring. However, Ogden's most famous
- and successful - product was the Lockwood lock (a story in itself).

Here is an illustration of the first model, taken from the Australian Women's Weekly of 27 August, 1952:-
[NOTE the slogan "The Lowest Priced Motor Mower in the World!"



TO BE CONTINUED ...

SPECIFICATION

The Motomatic (and its earlier variants) was essentially an Ogden hand-mower with a petrol
motor on top. A number of Australian companies followed this design trend, capitalising on
post-war prosperity, but making these powered lawnmowers available to the working classes by
cheapening the 'traditional' reel/roller lawnmowers. The selling price was comparable to the
rotary mowers offered at the time.

- Tor 49 air-cooled British two-stroke engine
- Lanyard (rope) starting
- Power to reel only. This machine was not self-propelled
- 13" inch cutting width
- Transmission via V-belt with spring-loaded adjuster
- Six bladed cutting reel
- Flexible bottom blade for shock protection
- Steel rear roller with ball bearings

MODELS
There were four models running in sequence. The major changes were the moving of the
fuel tank to the handle, and the fitting of a cowling for fan assisted cooling.
Minor changes included changes to the paint scheme. Here are the models:-

M 1952-53
M53 1953-54
M54 1954-55
Motamatic 1955-60




TO BE CONTINUED ...

ADVERTISING

The Ogden side-wheels were advertised widely and sold across Australia.
Here are some newsprint advertisements and company blurb on the machines:-

BROCHURE

I have made available my brochure on the Ogden Motomatic and Rotomatic.
The brochure dates from the mid 1950s.
A good quality scan is available for download below.

We are lucky to have a restoration post on an Ogden Side-wheel Power Mower.
Member IanOZ has done a magnificent job on an M53 machine.

To look at that Restoration Topic click HERE.

Here is a video of the Trojan 49 engine courtesy of member Gizmo:-

[video][/video]

Related Paul C member collection: -
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/u...ogden-motamatic-and-m54-reel-mowers.html

OGDEN ROTOMATIC
AUSTRALIAN POWER REELS



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