PART FIVE - THE CHASSIS & FRAME

I made the point in Part Two that this lawnmower was quite advanced for its day.
The use of aluminium frame was most uncommon on early powered mowers. This provided strength
with the necessary lightness; given that this machine was not self-propelled. The frame was
braced by steel tubing and the handle is of all steel tube construction, another uncommon
feature for the day.

The landroll is comprised of two large diameter rollers, thus providing a full differential action
for manoeuvrability and turning. Ball bearings were used - wherever necessary - and the cutting reel has
six blades of heat-treated steel, riveted to four cast spider brackets.

In the photographs below note how the manufacturer's name and model are cast into the frame.
The serial number appears to be a three digit number.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

SIGNIFICANCE

Many years ago I set myself the task of finding out who made our first Australian lawnmowers.
While the jury is still out on who our first lawnmower manufacturer was, I believe that the
Lark, Parkes Company (and then P.F. Lark and Company) made our first truly Australian power lawnmower in 1924.

As such, this is a highly significant machine that should be regarded as important as the very first
Australian rotary, the electric Tecnico, and the great populariser of that type, the first petrol Victas.

The challenge now is whether Australian institutions (such as the Powerhouse Museum) and the history books
start recording the role played by Prosper Frederick Lark and his New Moon mowers.

The rest is history.
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JACK