OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories AUSTRALIAN Rotary Models MEADOWBANK - c1957

Hello ODK History Lovers

The Australian Meadowbank rotary lawnmower is another example of a small, little-known
manufacturer that has all but been lost to history.

The Meadowbank was manufactured by William Peeler Pty. Ltd. of 148 Queensbury Street,
North Melbourne. I have little evidence, but I know they manufactured lawnmowers from 1957,
but probably did not survive past the very early 1960s.



I have one advertising record from late 1957 that confirms their existence.
Also, their name was included in a Villiers� advertisement from 1959. I also note that their
company name was included in my late 1950�s Mower Maintenance Guide and a 1963 ACL parts catalogue.



To give you an idea, here is a picture of one:-



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO

The following photographs come from member Joe Brown who has been interested in the
Meadowbank story for over a decade.

His photo record shows that there were, at least, two models.
The first model is the chassis in the foreground (without engine).
Note that it does not have a folding handle and the height adjustment is via screw and
indent on each wheel. The later model has single-point lever height control and a folding handle.

Both machines have alloy bases and are side discharge.
It would appear that neither machine could be fitted with a grass catcher.
Both machines were fitted with versions of the 98cc Villiers Midget 2-stroke engine.
The earlier machine (with engine missing) probably had the Midget Mk2 (without fan cooling).

PART THREE

There is precious little evidence of the Meadowbank mower's existence.
It is a mystery who William Peeler was ... another little manufacturer, who
made lawnmowers in Melbourne in the late 1950s. Meadowbank then disappears.

My only piece of memorabilia is an Operator's Card (in poor condition).