Hello
ODK history lovers
This is the story of the
Hornet Lawnmower Manufacturing Company of
175 King Street, Mascot, Sydney.
They manufactured
reel and
rotary lawnmowers in the 1950s. This post addresses their
reel mowers.
It would appear that Hornet started manufacturing in about
1951. However, they originally sold machines under their
original name,
Anderson Brothers.
When I say 'manufactured' I do not mean total manufacture of the lawnmower, at least in respect of their reel mowers.
Hornet would use the
Qualcast Blue Ribbon side-wheel hand mowers to produce their electric
Blue Hornet Mower.
Hornet would use the
Qualcast Panther roller mower to produce electric, and then petrol
Hornet Motor Mowers.
THE BLUE HORNETIn one of the few records I have, notice how the lawnmower is marketed as though it were of total Qualcast
manufacture: It's the
Qualcast Blue Hornet. In most advertisements, though, it is represented as being a
Blue Hornet Electric Mower (with no reference to Qualcast).
NOTE in the advertisement below that the side-wheel is
self-propelling. This was quite unusual,
given that the competition machine's electric motor powered just the reel. Here I am specifically thinking of
Pope Products'
Centre Court. Interestingly, The Blue Hornet's motor cover looks remarkably similar to that machine.
Note also that the record makes reference to a 'Flex Safety Arm that keeps flex clear of the blades.'
That arm is not illustrated, but would have been a short swing arm hinged from the handle (I guess).
TO BE CONTINUED ...