OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories AUSTRALIAN Rotary Models ROVER - Brochure - 1980

Hello ODK History Lovers

By the 1980s the expectation was - if you were a full-range lawnmower company - that you
would have a range of garden products: not just lawnmowers. Rover Mowers did that ... and
more! This is a full-line, all-colour brochure from 1980. That year is significant as this
would be the last range brochure to be produced before the parent company would acquire
another Australian icon, Scott Bonnar.

These were the glory days for the great Australian company, Rover Mowers. Founded in 1956,
this company would grow rapidly to become one of the top-two Australian manufacturers of
lawnmowers. At this time, Rover was the exclusive importing agent for Gilson Tillers,
Stiga Ride-ons, and Lambert Sweepers.

This fourteen-page brochure includes important historical information: model numbers for
the residential, commercial, tiller and ride-on range; and some photos of the factory and
its plant.



I had a quiet chuckle (not a LOL) at the photo of the recently installed powder coating plant.
This has been to the chagrin of many collectors and restorers of Rover products. Powder coating
might give a great showroom finish, but it has led to the premature deterioration of many of the
chassis, frames and components of their products.



Rover's proud record as an Australian manufacturer of lawnmowers would end when the
manufacturing plant at 155 Fison Avenue (and associated plant) would be shut down on
April 1, 2007. It was far from an April Fool's joke though; it was a tragedy.

Rover would ultimately become just another lawnmower marketing company.

I have divided the brochure into two parts. The first part covers the domestic
(residential) range, as well as the commercial walk-behind machines. The second part
covers the Rover ride-on and Gilson tiller range.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - Domestic Range

This first part of the brochure includes the cover and the pedestrian range of Rover mowers.
Of particular note is the use of Tecumseh engines on the model 29 chassis; and the 'green'
Thoroughbreds (from the earlier blue). There is also the obligatory 'Laying a New Lawn' page
to make this impressive brochure present as, not just for selling, but as a friendly informer.

PART THREE - Ride-on & Tiller Range

This second part of the brochure includes the ride-on and tiller range. Of particular
note is the Ranger, now in its final years, after a distinguished career. The Gilson
tiller range reminds us that Rover, like Victa, were prepared to augment their own
manufactured range with imported machinery. The factory photos are a real treat!

Brochure - Mid 1960s
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/67325/ROVER_-_Brochure_-_c1965_-_Ful.html

Brochure - Late 1960s
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/59804/ROVER_-_Brochure_-_Late_1960s_.html



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