Hello ODK History Lovers,
The British Loyd Motor Sickle was an unusually small (18�) rotary mower that arrived
on our shores in late 1949. Made by Vivian Loyd & Company in Camberley, Surrey,
England, its importance to the development of the Australian rotary lawnmower has
gone unrecognised � because it was sold (rightly) as an agricultural mower, rather
than a horticultural lawnmower designed for the aesthetic improvement of grass.

Nonetheless, it was a petrol-powered rotary mower, sold here before the late-1952
Victa � considered to be the first Australian production, petrol-powered rotary
lawnmower.

Have a look at the brochure (below). Do you notice something quite odd about the
engine? It�s a Villiers Midget � but not quite the type that appeared on the first
Victas�

[Linked Image]
SOURCE: Seventy Years of Garden Machinery by Brian Bell

Without a doubt this was what we call here a �slasher mower� � designed to cut
high grasses and more. The Loyd would influence some of the first Australian-made
slasher mowers, with their belt drive, and total lack of safety fitments.
This was more a 'widow-maker' than a 'toe-cutter'.

TO BE CONTINUED . . .