OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Cylinder Hand Push Reel Mowers

Here is my collection of push reel mowers on their own grass
Ian

great looking machines you have there . getting tired just looking at 'em though , really nice job on restoring them

Fantastic work Ian

I've really enjoyed looking at your different restorations, you certainly have a great collection. Many thanks for all of the pics you've posted so far.

Michael

Very nice work Ian they look fantastic.

Hi Ian and ODK members,

I wonder who else on ODK can boast such a collection of manual push mowers.
Ian, I know your collection has a number of Australian machines.
These, in my opinion, will become the NEW COLLECTABLES.

Australian push mowers made in the first half of the 20th Century are going for a song
in the market place. Under seeming similar appearances there lies an incredible complex
layer of differing design features. Some machines, like your Model A Ogden, are quite rare.

As an Historian, I thank you for leading the way for 'The New Black' in mower collecting.
There is life beyond and before Victa. The shrewd collector will see that as any
Blind Freddy would.

I encourage all mower-collecting and mower-spotting ODK members to consider the manual push mower.
To the initiated, they can be very rewarding. Too much Australian vintage mower history is being lost!

All very collectable.
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JACK

The Model A Ogden Jack is talking about
Ian

Love your work Ian, on a fabulous restoration.

Jack,my small collection.

Went for a drive today to look at some machinery and came across this a
Cambridge never seen one before
Going by the name made in the UK ??
Ian

cant say ive ever seen one of those.
But you know me guys you cant leave me out of this one.
heres some of mine. bazz enjoy

Hi Ian and ODK members,

The new forum covering some of these machines will open soon.
Here, I want to address Ian's "Cambridge" mower.

There is a real story here.
Essentially, this is an Australian machine, but with a twist.

All very interesting.
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JACK

I picked up two hand mowers from Armidale machinery show one is a Crusader Cellburn made where and by who
The other one has pressed steel wheels never seen that before also made by ??? and the blade is driven only by one wheel
Ian

Thats a great collection of push reel mowers , Great job on the restoration ,

Hi Ian and ODK members,

Why do you do this to me ...
It's great to see someone is preserving important mowers.

I can't yet help with the mysterious ten-slotter steel machine.
The Crusader Cellburn is most-definitely Australian.

It was made by a large engineering firm from Auburn, NSW.
I hope to tell that story in the next couple of days weeks.
I would like to cover your Cambridge mower before this.

All very interesting.
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JACK.

Hi Jack
The pressed steel wheel mower is a 'Clyde' made in Sydney
Ian

Hi Ian,

Of course its is, and that's great news Ian.
I have been looking at these companies for years, but I have
been hindered by lack of photographic evidence.



Clyde, Crowe, and Qualcast (Aust.) were the big three that controlled the
hand-mower market for three decades or more in Australia.

The Clyde and Crowe machines were made in 'The Southern Birmingham' area of Sydney.
I can't wait to tell their stories. I will send drafts in advance to you for comment.

If you can supply any of your legendary disassembly photos at some point
would be most helpful in documenting early Australian lawnmower history.

All very great news.
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JACK.

Hi Jack
A picture from the Power House Museum Sydney, mower on right
Ian

Hi Ian and ODK members,

Yes, awesome - it's nice to get confirmation of a design.

Clyde, the diesel choo-choo manufacturer, seemed compelled to introduce
lawnmowers into their range in the 1930s.

My personal view is that the cause was Australia's emerging steel manufacturing industry,
but I have no firm views on that. Adam's 'Presto' was the better all-steel design (in my view).

For me, Clyde are much more important in their releasing of Australia's first
rear-catcher rotary mower. Who knows about that?

Cheers Ian!
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JACK.

Got to love push mowers! I have two that i restored last year. Both cut beautifully. Pics to follow and yes my colours are not correct but.

Have been messing with hand mowers since I was a bout 13, my Grandfather had a small after hours business of sharpening reel mowers and I spent many hours with him in his shed helping.

When he took ill he gave me his machine and I carried on his little business, unfortunately I became too busy in my own business to carry on but still have the machine which I hope to resurrect some time, My plan is to make it more of a portable display so I can take it to rallies and demonstrate it.

I have a few hand mowers, Pope, a few different Qualcast models, Ogden, an American made Stearns, none have been restored but will get around to it one day I hope, they are such a simple but efficient machine and have to be way out of adjustment before they fail to cut at all.

Geoff