OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories AUSTRALIAN Rotary Models STROMBERG-CARLSON - c1960

Hello ODK History Lovers

I have never seen a Stromberg-Carlson lawnmower. I don't know of anyone who owns one or has a photograph of
one. I know about this machine because of a few dozen references and a half dozen advertising records.

Its design appears to tick all the boxes for an early 1960s lawnmower. It has an alloy base with a
safety skirt and a single-point height control, and folding handle. Interestingly, it had larger 8"
rear wheels and, most importantly, a grass catcher was an optional extra (although the brace-strap design
seems clumsy). It was powered by a Kirby 4-stroke GEB motor with Impulse start and manual throttle.

The few records I have do indicate that this un-exceptional lawnmower entered the market in 1960
overpriced. That price was lowered, but by late 1961, it was too late.

The historical record says that a lack of working capital and investment in new technologies pushed
Stromberg into financial stress. The company was liquidated and delisted on the 1st of October, 1962.

The rest is history.





TO BE CONTINUED ...

SIGNIFICANCE

The Stromberg-Carlson is a rare mower. It was manufactured by Stromberg-Carlson from 1960
until the last sales in 1962. It was a quality mower that met all expectations for a lawnmower
in the very early 1960s.

I am not convinced the machine was totally of Stromberg's manufacture. The machine is decidedly similar
to other lawnmowers of the period - Supa-Swift, Qualcast and Turner. It may be that a common manufacturer
supplied major components to Stromberg. That is just my speculation.

This lawnmower is clearly collectable for its rarity alone.
For me, the 'bigger picture' is how the Australian rotary lawnmower arose out of the efforts of
the old radio receiver companies - Tecnico, Tasma, Breville, and the like - all these diversified
into lawnmowers (some more seriously than others).

The story of the Stromberg machine is largely a mystery. It appeared that Stromberg attempted wider
diversification of its products, but it ran out of time because it ran out of money.

The rest is history.

Here is a stunning restoration of a Stromberg lawnmower by Patrick:-


Owner: Patrick Image: Vintagemowers.net

STROMBERG-CARLSON COMPANY



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