PART FOUR - FEATURES

Here, the Morrison was offered 16 inch and 20 inch cuts. The 16" machine was clearly the
most popular model - being aimed at average-size residential lawns - but I have never seen
evidence of the larger cut machine surviving today ... yet.

AUTOMATIC CONTROL
The main feature was automatic control. This was achieved by Morrison's early use of the
centrifugal clutch on lawnmowers; a mechanism whereby shoes would expand by centrifugal
force to contact and engage an outer drum, connecting power to the transmission.

This feature was Morrison's trump card in a post-war world, where prosperity and appliance-
crazy consumers wanted new things, the Morrison sold on the basis of simplicity of operation.
The automatic clutch was controlled via the throttle, located on the Steering Bar.

This automatic control was enhanced, apparently, by the single control. The handle had a
centrally located throttle and 'steering bar' - meaning that the machine could be directed
with one hand only! This feature seems to be unique to small, early Morrison reel mowers.
I personally don't believe there was much merit in it. What would you do with the other hand?
Perhaps, like in the advert in Part 3, have a hand on one hip, and look smugly at the envious
neighbours? Who knows!

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DOUBLE HELIX REEL
The second feature was significant: the double helix reel. This feature has its origins in an
un-identified British patent from the 19th Century (possibly Ransomes). The idea was clever,
by having opposing blade spirals meeting at the centre, grass could be directed towards the
centre of the catcher, rather than just to one side of the catcher.

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TO BE CONTINUED ...