OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories UK & EUROPEAN Power Reel Models EMERY CLIPPER - c1948

Hello ODK History Lovers
The Emery Clipper power reel-roller mower was a British machine sold here from about 1948.
I guess this machine was part of the export drive the UK faced post WWII.

Manufactured by JA Emery & Son of Halesowen (near Birmingham), in the West Midlands, this
was a small manufacturer that made its mark down under.

Most likely imported by a sole distributor, Disney Motors, of 410 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne,
these mowers seem to have sold in a few Australian States.

These were not entry level roller mowers - being offered in 14", 17" and 20" sizes
(the magic formula).

It appears these were sophisticated machines, with true dual drive specification.
These are rare machines abroad and in Australia.



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - Specification
The Emery Clipper was built to a high specification, and with some common and
uncommon features. Built with a conventional steel plate frame, it had belt and
chain cases on both sides of the machine - one for reel; one for landroll. I
can't say it was a particularly handsome lawnmower ... but therein lies its beauty.

Of particular interest is that it had a fan cooled, cast iron 4-stroke J.A.P.
2A engine. Starting appears to have been via lanyard and pulley, but I have some
evidence [see Photo Record below] that there was a kick-start specification.

Second, this was a true dual drive lawnmower - quite unusual for residential size
reel mowers. The Old Lawnmower Club's Mower Profile MP048 gives a nice summary of
the transmission: -

There are two independent clutches. The first is a cone type operated by a foot
pedal toggle arrangement to control the cutting cylinder which is split helical
bladed to ensure cuttings are thrown into the centre of the grass box. The cutter
is driven by twin V belts. The second clutch has a latching rod control working
a band brake on the small epicyclic gearbox driving the heavy split land roller
via roller chain.
SOURCE: http://www.oldlawnmowerclub.co.uk/mowers/moms/mp048-emery-clipper

Third, the reel is of the double helix type. A more expensive reel to manufacture,
the idea was that grass would be thrown towards the centre of the reel and its catcher.
[see Photo Record].




TO BE CONTINUED ...

Many thanks to the Old Lawnmower Club for the use of their photo records.

They show the double helical reel, the foot operated reel clutch, and the use of
alloy safety covers. A well thought-out design indeed.





The only AUS image I have is from the Vintage Mowers website.
This image depicts the full metal catcher and an additional feature ...
for this Australian machine - a kick starter!


SOURCE: http://www.vintagemowers.net/main_files/andrew_26.jpg

TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART FOUR - Australian Distribution
The Emery Clipper sold in a few Australian States. However, I have not been
able to identify a single importer. So far, research reveals that the Emery
Clipper sold in NSW, VIC, SA and WA. I have identified State Distributors.

The first advertisements appear in January, 1948. So perhaps Emery started
production of its Clipper in 1947 ...?

The Victorian Distributor was Disney Motors of Melbourne.
If there was a single importer, this company would be the most likely:-




The West Australian Distributor was J&W Bateman Pty Ltd of 848 Hay Street,
Perth. Their advertisements supply the best evidence that the Clipper was also
made in the larger 20� size. This residential reel lawnmower size formula
would be used by our Scott Bonnar when it introduced the famous Model 45 range
in 1968.



The South Australian Distributor appears to have been the iconic Myer Department
Stores. Note that the Clipper 14� was dearer than the Qualcast 16�. Mind you, the
Clipper was a newer design, and was more advanced in specification.



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART FIVE - Conclusion & Analysis
The Emery Clipper was made by JA Emery & Sons at a small factory near Birmingham.
They did their bit, post WWII, to encourage British exports - to help pay for the
ravages of that terrible war.

They made a sophisticated dual drive reel lawnmower for the residential market -
though the 20" version was clearly commercial in size and engineering capacity.

The evidence is that the Clipper was made with safety in mind, with moving parts
being enclosed in quality alloy castings. Their belt drive to the reel showed a
clear understanding of shock protection.

Too few of these wonderful machines have been recorded - but I am convinced more
are to be found by collectors, both here and in the UK.

They are rare lawnmowers today. Yes, expensive for the day, but not outrageously so,
and the price does reflect their sophisticated specification. This wasn't a working-
class lawnmower.

Their rarity probably rests with a small distribution network - with maybe just one
seller in each of a few States. My reality is that there was an explosion in small
size lawnmower makers post WWII, and the Clipper, regardless of its quality engineering,
just couldn't compete with the big players. The maker was just another small player.

The Emery Clipper, nonetheless, is a great design that should be found, preserved,
and remembered!

The rest is history.
-------------------------------------



Jack

EUROPEAN POWER REEL MODELS


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