OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories NZ Power Reel Models MACALISTERS - Reel Mower - C1949

Hello ODK history lovers
Both New Zealand and Australia followed a similar trajectory in
the development of their lawnmowers, and there was a flurry
of activity from the smaller makers in the 1950s. By the 1960s,
the industry would consolidate into a few big players.

This article is a History Record for quite an unusual New Zealand
reel lawnmower – The Macalister reel mowers made by Macalisters
Limited of Invercargill.

The company was an old one, commencing business in 1889,
as agricultural and general engineers. They made their name
in quality farm machinery suited to NZ conditions.

Post WWII, Macalisters made an interesting reel mower, with
an alloy chassis. It was very odd looking … to say the least!



So … Australia’s Scott Bonnar won an Australian Design Award
for their Model 430 in the 1970s. Please consider that NZ was
doing this with the Macalister two decades before this!

TO BE CONTINUED …

PART TWO – Detail
The Macalister reel mower is unique in its ‘streamlined’ styling.
Their Invercargill Foundry made the alloy chassis for weight saving.
This was a very safe lawnmower – note the fully enclosed cutting
reel, belt cover, and the rear mounted catcher.

The transmission was via V-belt to the reel, and chain drive
to the small diameter landroll. The clutch was for the landroll;
meaning that the engine would be started with reel turning.



Advertising information is scarce, but ODK's Alan M did find
an ad from the Otago Daily Times dating to late 1949.



I did find a later ad, also from the Otago Daily Times,
dated November, 1950. Given that this was an ‘introductory’ advertisement,
I have dated the Macalister to 1949-50. Patent information supports that date.
[see Part Three]




TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART THREE - Patent
The patent from mid-1949 was a great find.
It presents the machine pretty much as to the production
model, but the patent’s focus is on the transmission.

The document was poorly scanned and I have spent a bit of
time re-editing the pages.

PART FOUR – Operator Manual
It is remarkable that an operator manual survives!

Full credit must go to NZ collector Greg Stokes who scanned
his copy of this manual. The manual is soiled but it is complete!

The back page is of particular interest. Macalisters did a lot of ‘
stuff’ – manufacturers, wholesalers, merchants, retailers and importers.

PART FIVE – Gallery
ODK Moderator Alan M has given us great images –
in profile and in detail - of a surviving Macalister mower.

Note the sand-cast aluminium construction and ribbed
rear drive roller. Also note the hand-stamped serial
number ‘669’ near the cast maker’s plate.