PART THREE - Analysis & SummaryThe Atco rotary entered the market at a most dynamic time in vintage lawnmower
history; with important new features becoming part of 'expected' lawnmower design.
That was unfortunate timing for this little Atco rotary.
In 1957 the expectation for a rotary was becoming single-point height adjustment.
The Atco had the primitive single-wheel adjustment requiring tools. It did not
have a folding handle, and though it had a safer narrow-skirted base, there was no
secondary safety skirting. Its rear discharge was, to say the least, problematic.
It was not capable of taking a grass catcher. The engine lacked fan-cooled air
shrouding ...
For all these reasons, the first Atco rotary was living on borrowed time.
The Australians - arguably - were making great advances in lawnmower design at
this time that would put them at the forefront, and of world significance.
Atco - late in entering the 'rotary revolution' - would continue to remain behind
the times for the years' ahead. It would ultimately get it right, but too late
for this market.
It is for these reasons that the first Atco is
rare today. It is
highly desirable
and collectible and a good representation of the exciting and dynamic times of
vintage mowers developed in the late 1950s.
The rest is history.-------------------------------
Jack