This is only the second example we have seen recently, and unfortunately we have yet to determine its Maker.
Currently the assumption is strong that it is an Amplion Brand mower.
With this said, enough examples are yet to be found to determine this accurately.
Can you find any markings on any parts, and is there any writing on the wheels and/ tyres.
The remanants of the logo may help when we match it with an original Amplion logo and see if it follows similar lines, although it looks more like a base size decal. Possibly it just says 18" bound by a large V"...
The Forum Historian may have more information for you...
So it definitely is not Victa, wonder why owner assured me that it was. I knew it was not an '18" toecutter, and I have posted the close-up of what is left of the front decal residue and imprint, which definitely to me is not the right outline for the Victa logo. Only markings I have found so far is the 'Hurricane" on front of engine alloy casts, the wheels actually look same to me as the ones on the Ezycut mower that featured on the Google image page that led me here. I was already signed up to this forum previously, for some reason, I did not even recall signing up here. So someone else had one of these?
Hurricane was an Australian Engine and, later, lawnmower manufacturer. Their engine designs were similar to Victa engines of the day.
The close-up of the decal remnants is a great lead. I wonder whether it would be possible to get a photo of a wheel side-on, and of the fuel tank? This would help also.
I date your machine to late 1950s / early 1960s. They are certainly rare.
Hope this helps. ---------------------------- JACK
I'll update those other pic views tomorrow...glad of the help so far..
Could not find any more writing on parts like wheels or anywhere..wheels are held on with split-pins.Look like old-fashioned solid hand-trolley wheels..
Yes, I found other Hurricane-engine machines when I googled, I also found a one-page site which just consists of a long list of some guys mower and outdoor power collection...there is something vaguely like it there, as he has at least one Amplion, but it is not really like it...
one exhibit mentioned there is an Amplion 1955 18"
some of his pics will not open for me.Some do..
ATCO was the other company which occured to me, because I had one of their green-keeping mowers here last year, and the handle and tank set up on this reminded me of that one..
Yep, I know that page ... there are a number of technical and factual errors there. It is an old webpage, but with some good stuff.
The Amplion there is a 'toecutter' base and not similar at all. It does use the same engine though. Hurricane engines were used on a number of 1950s and '60s lawnmower makes.
Atco is ruled out. They are reasonably well documented at this time. Having a Hurricane engines means this lawnmower originated in Australia.
Your machine has quite a deep steel pressing, suggesting a 1960s mower (rather than 1950s). That it has a single point height adjustment is significant, as is its unusual central front location.
I think we need to see the close-ups of the wheels, tank, handle, etc. The best lead is your logo photo. It defines a very specific winged shape.
Thanks for helping us in this mystery. ----------------------------------------- JACK
Actually I took more pics of it this morning but did not post them because I thought it would make the OP too long-winded. I've got a view of tank, even though no side views of it which I will add tomorrow...
Thank you!!! These are very helpful indeed. This is a mower reluctant to give up its secrets.
It is rare and it is Australian made. It has a mix of unusual features: - the deep-pressed steel base suggests early 1960s (not fifties). - the wheels are not semi-pneumatic (suggesting 1950s). - the fuel tank is similar to, if not identical to Victa Rotomo ones. This does not, however, necessarily link Victa to this. It's a copy, or was sourced from the same supplier to Victa. - the cowling over the Hurricane engine is unusual, but similar to the British Bux engine and the Ogden version of the British Trojan Major. I do not believe the cowling was necessarily made by Hurricane.
Because of copyright impediments, many news and magazine records are not available after 1954. I have no doubt that this machine would reveal itself if that were not the case. I am hoping some vital clue will come forward as piecemeal urban and regional records (not subject to copyright) are made available. It's a waiting game.
Having said this is a rare mower, I do not mean valuable. The problem is ... this little mower has no story to go with it ... yet. Thanks to your photos we, at least, have a better record.
I have to ask this: - First, Is it possible to get a photo of the upper handle. That is important. - Second, a photo of the handle brackets (where they meet the base). [It is not clear that the handle is foldable. It appears that it has to be un-bolted and removed.
I am confident that we will solve this - at some point... It's just bad luck that the decal could not reveal just a couple of letters
Thanks for assisting in giving this little mower an identity. It sure is an interesting one, whatever it may be.
Having said this is a rare mower, I do not mean valuable.
-- no, I know it does not work that way necessarily, from experience of many other things...probably be worth more if it was just another Victa 18... I'll take some more pics next day or so.. the two bolts were missing from one side of handle mounting, I replaced them with a couple of spare whitworth bolts I had because it was putting fatigue on the other mounting and it is showing signs of beginning the process of fatigue strain shearing off..
It looks like this handle is not foldable, suggesting a late 1950s lawnmower. The handles are quite agricultural looking - and distinctive.
In the last few months two versions of these mowers have been found. No 1 below is an alloy chassis and has a Victa engine. No air cowling. No 1 is the earliest machine (because it does not have single point height adj.) No 2 and 3 are the same model, pressed steel chassis; Hurricane engine. All have the same tank, muffler, carby(?) and handle bar.
These mowers have not come from a small manufacturer. I guess there would be at least half a dozen possible candidates.
We'll just have to wait for a breakthrough. ------------------------------------------------ JACK
Last edited by CyberJack; 06/12/1509:59 AM. Reason: Typos
pic #2 is definitely a match, isn't it...did owner of same not know what it was either ?
Did that one still run? I've not attempted to start mine, long long time since I tried a cord start, don't fancy it, who knows what state the points and whatnot are in in it, I might just pull plug out and check spark in a bit..i
Oh, I won't be restoring it..getting it going is iffy as well...If I had a way of spinning it over other than winding the rope on the pully a bazillion times and tugging it attempting to start a dry old mower that probably last ran just b4 a 1970s Grand Final...maybe I'd have a go..
Since Jack has softened me up with ' of course just being rare does not mean valuable!!"
probably it is open to offers from keen collectors/restorers who want to do the hard yards on it...:) location SE Melbourne
the height adjustment knob usually fits over that adjuster nut on front deck, does it? what is it, hard plastic or bakelite knob, or something? So you can still adjust height by socket on that nut ?
I think that is a good thing - not restoring it. My personal view is that I'm glad this one is saved - whatever it is. I hope you either keep it and stay in touch with ODK, or sell it to a loving collector who understands the issues here.
From my point of view, I would like to give it an identity - for the record; as it is important we document all vintage lawn mowers made and/or sold here. It's value will increase if we can do that.
To answer your question about the knob: I think it would have been a bolt with a cast alloy head. But that's a guess. I would think it would still function as it is.
I have some supplementary questions - I guess you've cleaned all the grease off the back to see any identifying marks? - The colours of green and red are odd. Would you say the base is a sort of aqua green? - Is it possible to get a profile photo showing the complete mower (with handle)?
Cheers & thanks. ------------------------------- JACK
or sell it to a loving collector who understands the issues here. ==
that will be the outcome, I feel..I do not want to openly spruik it here, because I know that bends rules or causes vexatiousness on these sites.. I did that with an old bike on a cycling site once, and I got abuse and threats..
I guess you know this but just by posting here has added provenance and value to your lawnmower. We have a For Sale forum here, but eBay is probably the best way; given that these machines have had exposure on another forum.
If you intend to sell, ODK members can PM you if interested.
Best of luck - and thanks for helping the vintage mower record. ------------ JACK
i wiped back deck, anyway, cannot see any brand or makings under there, but green paint is fresher looking there, protected from sun and water by the coating of greasy dirt, I guess...
I have been trying to find photos or illustrations on 'Colda' mowers for years. Yes, the refrigerator company did make a lawnmower, and I know they used Hurricane engines. I have looked at their fridges in the hope of matching the logo shape - but with no luck. However ...
p.s. They also made washing machines and stoves.
It is very much a possibility that your mower is a Colda. 'Colda' in cursive writing would fit the decal space.
The best lead I now have is an ad I found today. The Colda logo and the winged background seem to fit:-
If we can get some photos, this would be an exciting find.
Hope this helps. ------------------------------ Jack
Last edited by CyberJack; 28/11/1508:38 AM. Reason: Added information.
yeah, I've replied to him twice, the second time requesting pics of his own...like a lot of these people, he falls silent...possibly an old-timer who does not spend much time on line. At first i half-suspected he was probably full of it, but your enthusiasm for his suggestion now makes me question that..saying he has one NOW seems potentially more credible than "my old man had an old mower and I'm sure it was just like that one"..
I'm confident in saying that it is more probable than not that these mowers now have an identity. I believe they are the elusive Colda power mowers. There is corroborating evidence:-
[1] the decal is a close match to the Colda washing machine. I found this evidence compelling. I think we can see the top part of the 'L' in your decayed decal.
[2] the timing is right. The ads I have show Colda mowers sold from early 1957 to late 1959. I dated your mower close to this.
[3] The old firm of Malleys took over Colda on 1959, suggesting to me the possibility the Colda mower was killed off by them. I note that Colda was fined for tax avoidance in mid-1959 - suggesting that it was an easy takeover by Malleys.
[4] I have found an ad for a Colda with a Victa engine, confirming one of the machines found. I have clear evidence that they also used Hurricane engines.
There are plenty of advertisements for Colda products. None show any illustrations of their lawnmowers - unfortunately!
Hope this helps. ------------------------ Jack
Last edited by CyberJack; 21/02/1601:58 AM. Reason: Topic heading.
You can see how that [Censored] fridge put me off the trail. That logo was repeated in many ads I have recorded. It did not show the wing emblem crucial to establishing the lawnmower's identity.
The breakthrough was a single ad I found for the Colda washing machine of 1957. It added the wing shape to the oval Colda logo.
Though not exactly the same as the remains on BH's machine, it is convincing evidence that the lawnmower is indeed a Colda.
"someone else emailed me yesterday saying it was a Villiers"
Hello BH
That's an old myth that's been hard to correct. In the photos below all 4 mowers have been incorrectly identified by the respective engines fitted to them...
None of these engine manufacturers made lawnmowers.
Anyway, looks like is now settled conclusively, I saw another antique mower site, and reading one typed-list page he has, he had a list of mowers fitted with Hurricane engines, 125cc and 160cc.. the Colda was second on the list...(125cc, apparently) but no pics. I hit the contact button on the site, and asked him if he had an image of one ..he has replied quickly, and sent a pic of a fully restored Colda, painted emerald green deck...there is no decal on front, of course a repro decal would be non-existent , but the mower itself is a spot-on match in every way that I can see...I've asked him for permission to display the pic elsewhere, as I thought it might be rude to just save it and post it here, but if he does not mind,( or does not reply again) I will put it here..
the simplex in those pics looks a bit like mine, too, doesn't it..
surprising there have even been this many local mower manufacturers, frankly, must have been a thriving market with either no foreign competition or a lot of trade protection, to support them all.. Now, what, I don't think there are any local-powered local brands, are there? Victa use imported engines various brands, i think the Victa 160cc 2-stroke is officially extinct, isn't it? And Rover always did mostly just use Briggs 4-strokes..
"..he has replied quickly, and sent a pic of a fully restored Colda, painted emerald green deck...there is no decal on front, of course"
Hello BH Yes, I use to write for that small forum. That particular machine was presented in this post in un-restored form. It was No.2 to your No.3 machine.
The restoration colours do not accord with the evidence in the original un-restored photo. Quite a loss (in my view).
Quote
"the simplex in those pics looks a bit like mine, too, doesn't it."
"surprising there have even been this many local mower manufacturers, frankly, must have been a thriving market..."
I have begun to write about how our lawnmower industry started in the 1930s - brought about by protective tariffs. This takes noting away from a couple of pioneers that started prior to 1930, the most important being Scott Bonnar.
The rotary revolution of the late 1940s and 1950s produced a few dozen manufacturers. Most were small firms, who could eke out a living because of the simpler designs of the time.
All that changed by the start of the sixties. Our expectations changed about what a lawnmower should be. Only half a dozen 'big players' could survive in that climate.
Colda was not a small firm. In this late 1956 advert we see the size of the factory. Note that this is the year before their lawnmower would be made. Colda had clear capacity to deep press bases with a high skirt (for cutting efficiency).
I have argued here that your machine is more probable than not a Colda. It is not yet conclusive. That would require an illustrated advert or brochure.
I have argued that what killed off the Colda was probably the Malley's takeover. The Colda design (like yours) was too old for the 1960s and considerable capital would have been needed to produce new designs. I might also add that lawnmower manufacturers in the 1960s needed a 'range', not just one design.
Quote
"Now, what, I don't think there are any local-powered local brands, are there? Victa use imported engines various brands, i think the Victa 160cc 2-stroke is officially extinct, isn't it? And Rover always did mostly just use Briggs 4-strokes."
That's right. Victa have signalled their intention to 'phase out' the 2-stroke over the next few years.
Rover (first named Wizard) started out using the Australian-made Simplex engine. They then used Villiers, Kirby, Briggs, Suzuki, and Tecumseh engines. It is true that by the late sixties, Briggs was their preferred power unit.
"Suzuki, and Tecumseh engines. It is true that by the late sixties, Briggs was their preferred power unit."
I've seen a couple Victas and Rovers with the Tecumseh engine..I had something else on ebay not long back with the Tecumseh, possibly a Morrison...that turned out to be the only Tecumseh-powered anything I've ever picked up that actually ran..so the impression I have is that they are a bugger of an engine, as well as naturally being about 3X as difficult and expensive to buy a part for as a Briggs..apparently Tecumseh in US has now actually folded altogether..they're big, though, their units, I think they were all @209cc, ones I'd had here...so they probably go, when they go..
it seems conclusive with Colda and that mower and mine, because that image I was sent this morning, is a 100% match.I cannot see any difference at all, same red tank , shaped like that, mounted up like that, rubber mountings on end,same aluminium cowl, his restored one has the actual plastic height knob where mine just has bolt/nut remaining, same position.. all details match, cannot see any deviation.
Yeah, that emerald/Brunswick colour might have been too vivid for it, actually...might have looked better a lighter more subdued green..
Bit like the people who mistakenly go around spraying all old Holden sixes Chevy Orange or even Rocket Red is not correct for all of them, there was a third correct colour that most 173s and 202s and a lot of 253s and 308s were actually painted, a pale pinkish orange,not as wild as Chevy Orange, and it never seems to have come out in engine-paint spray packs or whatever..
"it seems conclusive with Colda and that mower and mine, because that image I was sent this morning, is a 100% match"
Not quite BH
The original un-restored mower photo appeared on the Vintage Mowers website in July as unidentified. The poster was John (owner of VM) who posted it on behalf of the owner. The owner was attempting to identify it!
Yesterday, the restored photos appeared (that you have been sent). These were also posted by the site owner. The mower was identified as ...a Colda. Unfortunately no evidence was supplied as to how the unidentified mower became an identified Colda in the new post...
Perhaps you might email again and ask how the unknown mower was identified, and ask for the evidence - an advertisement, brochure, or original photo showing the brand name would be needed. As you know, I have presented my evidence here in the form of four separate arguments. That is the best I can do until positive confirmation comes along.
Quote
"what colour should they be, just a light green?"
Your machine is the best preserved and clearly shows a light aqua or pastel green, not unlike some of the soft pastel fridge colours offered at that time. I believe the handles, wheel hubs and tank would have been red (to match the red in the decal remnants you have).
anyway, I also have the emailer through Gumtree who contacted me, saying it was Colda, and he had one himself...I don't think that that was john of Vintage Mower(apparently that mower is actually owned by a "Colin" was it ?)
But unfortunately that Gumtree respondent then fell silent and won't give any more info..
It is with much pleasure that I can say we now have confirmation. The mower with the mysterious decayed decal is indeed a Colda.
Member Paul_C notified me today that he acquired what is believed to be a first model (alloy base) machine - and it retains its beautiful Colda Badge.
This is a better example of '1' originally shown in this topic:-
This is a highly significant find. The machine has its original Victa engine (unbranded) and painted quite badly. It is only missing the small flywheel cover. The wheels appear to be all original and in great condition!
It has some unique crankcase numbers:-
I would like to thank Paul, again, for his astute collector's eye. This is an important early rotary mower that provides good evidence that Victa were supplying engines to other manufacturers right from the early days.
Had some free time today, cleaned up the points and the result was a decent spark. Cleaned out the carby and fuel tank, replaced the fuel tap and fuel line.
Started first pull
[video][/video]
Not sure how much cosmetic work I will do on this one yet, air filter is not on the mower in the video as it was soaking in cleaner :-)
The magneto is the same so I will keep an eye out for a replacement shroud, I can't see any sign of original paint but I believe the bars and tank are a good match from other pictures that I have seen.
I think the best match for the base is GMH/Dulux Torana green
Holts made a small touch up pressure pack in that colour, I think they still sell it.
That is a most handsome green and is close to the known colour (Faded). It would be nice if the background colour on the Colda badge was red, like in the later decal models. [Wouldn't that look handsome?]
My supplementary question is whether you have compared the fuel tank dimensions to the Victa Rotomo?
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24237-antiquemower_001.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24238-antiquemower_006.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24239-antiquemower_010.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24241-antiquemower_017.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24255-antiquemower_004.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24256-antiquemower_006.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24257-antiquemower_008.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24258-antiquemower_009.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24259-antiquemower_013.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24260-antiquemower_014.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24274-antiquemower_011.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24275-antiquemower_019.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24276-antiquemower_020.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24277-antiquemower_021.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24278-antiquemower_022.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24279-antiquemower_023.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7462-24280-antiquemower_024.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/09/full-7392-24282-unknown_aus_mower.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/10/full-7392-24571-2015_07_ebay_unknown_05.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/11/full-7392-25505-trade_in_price_list_1960s_page_2.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/11/full-7392-25506-1957_06_smh_13june_p21.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/11/full-7392-25507-full_7462_24239_antiquemower_010a.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/11/full-7392-25570-1959_02_biz_04february_p24.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/11/full-5630-25571-colda_fridge_logo.png){kind=logo}
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/11/full-7392-25572-1957_06_smh_13june_p21.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/12/full-7392-25853-gallery_mowers.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/12/full-7392-25861-unknown_aus_mower.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/12/full-7392-25862-the_sydney_morning_herald_fri__sep_7__1956_.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/12/full-7392-25866-colda_detail.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/12/full-7392-25867-1959_11_biz_11november_p26.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2016/02/full-7392-27118-record.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2016/02/full-7392-27119-04.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2016/02/full-7392-27120-05.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2016/02/full-7392-27121-03.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2016/02/full-7392-27122-02.jpg)
!![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2016/02/full-8880-27169-image.png)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2016/02/full-7392-27170-colda_green.jpg)
