OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories UK & EUROPEAN Rotary Models FLYMO - Operator Manual - c1972

Hello ODK History Lovers

The Flymo - a mower that floats on a cushion of air - was invented by Swede
Karl Dahlman in 1964. This revolutionary mower is said to have been inspired by
another revolutionary machine, the Hovercraft, invented in Britain by Christopher
Cockrell.

Evidence suggests that the Flymo was introduced to Australia in late 1968, just a
few years after the invention. The first Flymos sold here were Australian-made by
Flymo (Aust.) Pty. Ltd., of 31 Atchinson Street, Saint Leonards, Sydney, and
with branches in the Eastern States.

Electrolux, would acquire the great Scott Bonnar Company in 1970, and the
company became Flymo-Scott Bonnar. The original advertisements described
the Flymo as an 'Overseas Mowing Sensation'.



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - Early Operator & Parts Manual

I was lucky enough to acquire an Operator Manual from about 1970, but was probably
identical to the first manual from 1968. At this time only the petrol version was
available, but the electric version would follow in 1971.

This manual was produced at a time when manuals were substantial booklets. This one,
A4 size, is beautifully illustrated and included a parts list. The engine was the
Kirby-Tecumseh KAV74 2-stroke, and the manual includes some interesting points:
steep slopes and edging (page 7); high grass and storage (page 8); and an addendum
loose leaflet to page 5.

PART THREE - The letters

The biggest surprise was that the owner of the manual [I include here] also
preserved some significant letters from the manufacturers. Note the different
letterheads. The first letter, probably dated from late 1971 or early 1972,
asked the owner for feedback about the product. The second letter, from Scott
Bonnar's National Service Manager, gives a considered response:




TO BE CONTINUED ...