OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories AUSTRALIAN Rotary Models LOUKON Lawnmowers - c1960s

Hello ODK History Lovers

The Loukon lawnmower(s) are almost a total mystery. I only have a few records.

These machines date from the early 1960s. The brochure says they were manufactured by
Loukon Engineering Pty. Ltd. who had premises on the corner of Waterview Street & Bellevue Parade,
Carlton, N.S.W.

I have dated the lawnmower in the advertisement to the early 1960s because of its design.
The machine had an alloy base and a distinctive height lever located behind the rear axle.

Of note is that the mower could be fitted with two or four blade assemblies, and that there
were 'thrower blades' offered with the optional grass catcher.

One other record I have says that the side-discharge model was also offered with a Villiers engine
(I'm assuming a 2-stroke). Also, interestingly, there is evidence that Loukon made a rear catcher model,
fitted with the Kirby Lauson engine.

That's about all I know about the Loukon Lawnmower.

THE MYSTERY - Loukon & Ezy Cut

In researching vintage mowers, it is not unusual to come across anomalies. This is one of them.

This is the issue: Loukon Engineering presents themselves as the manufacturer of the Loukon
lawnmower. However, its base is identical to another lawnmower make, the Ezycut.

Here is an auction site photo record of an Ezycut lawnmower:-



I can only speculate that the Ezycut was a lawnmower made for/by the Ezycut Tool Company
of Mordialloc, Victoria. The Ezycut will be a topic for a separate post.

Here, I would like to summarise the issues by saying that the similarity between the Loukon
and Ezycut lawnmowers is unresolved at this time. My best guess is that Loukon were the
actual manufacturer, and supplied their machines - branded as Ezy-Cuts - in Victoria.

I should add that this does not mean that all Ezy-Cuts were of Loukon manufacture.
In fact, an early Ezy-Cut (from the late 1950s) appears to be of Amplion make.
This suggests that Ezy-Cut was a distributing company, but with some manufacture.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART THREE - The 'Loukomatic'

I have found several records for a 'Loukomatic' self-propelled lawnmower from 1962 and 1963.
This is a thing most curious. Alas, none of the advertisements supply an illustration of the
elusive machine ...

[SEE UPDATE BELOW]

PART FOUR - Rear Catcher Loukon

I have found one record for a 'New Loukon Mower' for 1964. It is the rear catcher machine!
It is clear that Loukon were manufactured to suit the 'entry-level' end of the market.

More details as they become available.

PART FIVE - 2016 UPDATE - Loukomatic
In late 2016 a lawnmower presented on Vintage Mowers: Buy, Swap and Sell.
Kye contacted me with some initial images of a curious self-propelled,
side-discharge lawnmower.

I recognised the triangle cast into the base as similar to the one used on the
Ezy-Cut machine. Kye then contacted me again with a brilliant deduction:
my record on the Loukon (which discussed the Ezy-Cut) had some discussion on
an elusive Loukamatic. None of these had been recorded, or known to have been
collected ... until now!

It seems almost certain that this machine is a Loukomatic.
Owned by Chris Collins, this machine must be super-rare; given Loukons being
relatively unknown in the collecting world.





The drive mechanism is cable operated from a handle lever.
The gearbox is central, rearward. Note the differential pawls
outboard of the box for differential action. There would be a
final gear reduction in the rear wheels (via pinion and crown wheel).
This would have been expensive to manufacture.

Pending



We have very little information on Loukon Engineering and their lawnmowers.
Do you have information? Would you like to comment?

Comment in the Old Soap Box HERE.