OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories NZ Rotary Mowers RYAN Ryko Speediescythe - c1953

PART THREE - A Most Unusual Speediescythe
But here I present an overlay of extra importance to the Ryko Speediescythe story.

By the mid-1950s Ryan were following convention in producing a new 18" machine.
But this one also offered something special, a bit different . . .

Below is an old newspaper clipping supplied by NZ collector Greg S.
It is dated as October, 1956 [hand written date under advertisement].

This new machine is quite unusual: offset front wheel but no side discharge -
this machine has rear grass discharge. It has individual wheel height adjustment and
an Iron Horse 2-stroke engine. Note the anti-skelping feature - brought about by off-set
front wheels.

But - most unusually - its chassis is not metal. It is . . . FIBREGLASS!
It is clear that fibreglass components have been used on lawnmowers - but not a whole
rotary base made for a domestic rotary.

A grass catcher was offered as an optional extra. This would make the fibreglass Ryko one
of the earliest users of a grass catcher on a domestic lawnmower. I wonder what it looked like?

I hope ODK members come forward with information.
We have no photographs or knowledge of collectors who might have this rare and
intriguing 18" machine.