OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Component Histories QUICK CHANGE BLADES - c1960s

Hello ODK History Lovers

In vintage mower history, after-market products for rotaries were not overly common
in the 1950s and 1960s. I have discussed the important Emu Grass Catcher (1956) in
the History Forum (see link) and, here, we discuss the �quick blade changers� from
that era.

Quick blade changers enabled the operator to change blades with the tap of a hammer,
without the need for the undoing of bolts and nuts. I have found two Australian-made
examples from the early 1960s � �Quick-Change� Blades of West Ryde, Sydney; and
�Quik-Lok� by Smithurst & Son of Carinbah, Sydney.



These products were aimed at the flat (cutting blades) used on �toe cutters� and
low skirt bases developed in the 1950s. They appeared in the very early 1960s.
Their appearance would be short lived.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - The Quick Change - c1960

This was Patent Number 62525/60, first lodged in July of 1960, and accepted in
January, 1964. This accords with an early advertisement from 1960:-



Whilst the ad speaks for itself, it contains two interesting features worth noting.
The first is the claim, �Improve your lawns with this latest UPDRAUGHT Mowing method�.

The pivoting blade holding device gave the blades an angle of attack � meaning the
cutting edge was lower than the trailing edge. I read this as an early form of
mulching technology. The updraught would permit grass to be cut (and re-cut) so that
clipping would be finer (lighter) and, therefore, less raking-up would be needed.

The other feature of note is the �Spring Retaining Element� shown as Item 7 in FIG. 2
from Patent 62525/60. This clip is described as being an �auxiliary securing means
for the fitment of new blades and avoiding their being displaced until more securely
located in the slotted portion � [by centrifugal force]�



This was clearly a well-throughout system, and obviously, profits would continue
with the special replacement blades needed for the system. Note, though, that this
system was designed just for Victa cutting blades that were affixed using �washer
caps and felt washers� � meaning Victa mowers designed the previous decade (1950s).


It was fortunate that the patent was found and it makes for an interesting read
of the concept. The patent is available for download below. The next part will discuss
the other system, the Quick-Lok.

PART THREE - The Quik Lok - c1962

This system was covered by Patent number 18182 of 1962 and manufactured by
Smithurst & Sons of 84 Crammond Boulevarde, Caringbah.

Similar to the earlier Quick-Change, this system employed a taper to lock blades
quickly in place. Unlike the Quick-Change, this system appears not to have used
any angle of attack (Updraught method). Also, instead of a separate spring retainer,
this system used �safety lugs� built into the proprietary blade shape itself.

Also of note, again, is the limited application � flat blades as used on
toe-cutter bases � the box list covering the early 1960s models � Victa Special,
Standard and Utility; and the early HG Palmer base as well.






We are very fortunate to have these extraordinary 2016 auction images of new-old-stock, boxed
Quick-lok components. Of note is the detail we have of the proprietary blade design.



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART FOUR - Assessment
These after-market quick-change products belong to a specific time in
vintage mower history. Small companies saw an inroad and took it! It is
not surprising that these companies were located in the spiritual home
of the Australian rotary revolution � Sydney.

The timing � early 1960s � was never a good one; given that rapid
developments were occurring in lawnmower designs. Specifically,
lawnmowers were now being designed as �cutters and catchers� � meaning
that flat blades were becoming obsolete.

The rest is history.
---------------------------------
Jack

NOTE:
This was not the end � by far � for quick blade changers.
Today a number of clever designs may be found on anything from trimmers
to ride-ons. For example, Husqvarna use their Rapid-Replace system for
the bar blades on their ride-ons.

Accessory - Emu Grasscatcher:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=59746


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2016 UPDATE - Advertisement
This advertisement from December, 1962 shows the various kits
available for a wide range of mowers:-