Hello ODK History Lovers
Lawnmowers had used 4-stroke engines from the earliest days of the power mower.
However, use on Australian rotary lawnmowers seems to have first occurred with
the 1959 Turner. By 1960, every major Australian maker had to have 2 strokes and
4 strokes in their range.

It was clear that lawnmower makers were demanding lighter engines for lawnmower use,
and alloy engine blocks were part of that solution.

Villiers' response was their introducing the 'Lightweight' Range of small air-cooled
engines. These were made in 50cc, 75cc, 125cc and 150cc horizontal shaft; and 125cc
and 150cc in vertical shaft.

I have written about the vertical shaft lightweights in another record [see link],
so this record discusses the Lightweight horizontal shaft engines.

It is not clear whether the Lightweights originated at JAP or Villiers, given that
JAP merged with Villiers in 1957. The Lightweights sold under both brand names.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

TO BE CONTINUED ...