OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Machine Histories THE DOUBLE HELIX REEL - Some Thoughts

Hello ODK members,

I know it's tragic but this is something that has intrigued me for years.
It's the Double Helix reel.

I know the design is old as it appeared on machines dating to the late 19th century.
Ransomes, Greens and Shanks used them on many models.

In more modern times the New Zealand company Morrison used double helix reels
on their machines, and these reels appeared on their derivatives in Australia -
the Vulcan Steel Co. Morrisons, The Turner Morrisons, and the
Victa Morrisons - the Imperials.

The concept was a clever one - as reel cutting widths became wider, the natural tendency
was for a single-spiral reel to throw cut grass just to one side of the catcher.

The double helix had spirals facing left and right, arching the grass to the centre of the catcher.
I feel the idea did not catch on because of patent restraints. Maybe.
The main restraint in modern times is probably the higher cost of manufacturing them.

So, my question of intrigue is:
does anyone know the origins of the double helix reel?
[If you do, please reply in The Old Soapbox]

So you know what I'm talking about I include here a picture of me
working on my first reel mower as a youth - a 1923 20" Ransomes.

All very intriguing.
------------------------------------------
JACK

Hello ODK History Lovers

A recent article by Mod Alan M has given us another layer of intrigue.

A New Zealand inventor had produced a reel design with a serious and clever spin
on the double helix - a single spiral producing a change of direction; rather than the
more complicated double spiral to change grass throw direction.

This must be original; and it deserves historical recording.

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/u...revolution-in-lawn-mowers.html#Post88649