OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories UK & EUROPEAN Reel Hand-Mowers JP - MAXEES Handmower - c1938

Hello ODK History Lovers

The British JP Engineering Maxees lawnmower is, perhaps, the pinnacle of push
roller mower design. Introduced pre-WWII, the Maxees introduced the latest
engineering trends of the day and one particular feature of significance
the ability to quickly remove the cutting unit from the machine - a Cassette
Reel. JP described the Maxees as the Pick-A-Back mower for this reason.

JP mowers were sold in Australia from about the mid-1920s, and this included
their petrol powered lawnmowers. Maxees were introduced in about 1938. They
were, arguably, the most expensive machines (per size of cut) of any lawnmower,
but they were made to a very high standard of engineering. They catered to the
wealthier amongst us, who could afford them. JPs were never cheap lawnmowers.

In Australia, Maxees may have sold pre-WWII, but advertising begins post-war
in 1947. They were advertised across Australia by various dealers and would
have sold in small quantities. Interestingly, powered versions appear to have
been offered for the later version.

I write this record in the hope that all AUS Maxees will be saved by collectors
here. I must acknowledge the World Authority for JP mowers Henry Ellis, of the
Old Lawnmower Club in his writing and recording of these exceptional machines.



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - Specification
The Maxees stayed in production for an amazing three-plus decades.
It was made in two sizes 12" and 14" and went through three Marks of
design refinements. It had the new steel side plates; its transmission was
enclosed chain drive. With a six blade reel, differential rear roller, and
quality ball races, this was quality engineering.

The main feature, as said, was the cassette reel unit. It permitted the quick
removal of the cutting unit for servicing without having to disturb the
chassis, transmission, or anything! A brilliant idea that is still used on
many higher-end residential and professional lawnmowers.



The cutter unit could be removed easily for servicing.
Modern takes on this cassette system permit other units to be
fitted - groomers, scarifiers, cutters.

Image: courtesy The Old Lawnmower Club

DATING the Maxees
Henry Ellis has given us valuable information about Maxees identification
and dating. The extracts (below) come from the OLC Grassbox magazine from
GB44 (Spring 2003) and GB50 (Autumn 2004). It is amazing that the machine
had such a long production run from 1938 to 1971. In Australia, I do not
currently believe they were sold beyond the 1950s.





TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART THREE - Maxees in Australia
I cannot rule out that Maxees were sold here pre-WWII, but it is highly
unlikely because of the effects of the Australian Great Depression, and
the outbreak of the Second World War.

The first advertising records for the Maxees occur in early 1947. That seems
to be the magic year when British imports started to flow to this country
after wartime production ended.

JP Engineering lawnmowers at this time also included their new sidewheel
Matchless, and the Super Simplex Power Mowers.





TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART FOUR - Manuals
I have a Mark Two manual that I make available here for personal download.
It is comprehensive in that it combines user and parts information.

I have provided direct links to the OLC PDFs for Mark Three manuals.



Old Lawnmower Club MK3 Maxees:-
http://www.oldlawnmowerclub.co.uk/makehelp/jp/opmanuals

2012 Auction Images:-

SOURCE:

PART FIVE - Powered Versions of the JP Maxees
It is no surprise to me that a power version was offered for the Maxees.
Post-WWII, many companies offered conversion services and products,
both for side-wheel and reel/roller mowers.

It would appear that some OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), like JP,
supplied these machines 'in-house' to their specification, but may have
also offered an after-sales conversion.

This was typical of the times - with reel mower manufacturers wanting to
undercut traditional power lawnmower prices. Sometimes they could be sold
for considerably less that the full purpose-designed power mower.

There is good evidence that JP Maxees were offered here with power units.


I believe they probably looked like this restored machine from Henry Ellis.
It has a small JAP engine.

Source: OLC Grassbox 63, 2008

Links pending


Would you like to comment on the JP Maxees?
Simply create a new topic in the Old Soap Box HERE.