OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories AUSTRALIAN Rotary Models GMF ELECTRIC MULTI-MOWER - c1955

Hello ODK members,

The GMF Multi-Mower was an electric lawnmower made by G.M.F. Electric Motors Pty. Ltd.
of Bonar Street, Arncliffe, Sydney. It was manufactured from about 1955 to 1957.

It was essentially a two head bench grinder (Power Unit) that could be upended and combined with a
small lawnmower attachment of about 10 or 12 inches. The base was similar to other electric mowers:
two small wheels at front, roller at back. It had four blades that could be sharpened by itself
when in bench grinder mode!



A shopping channel would go mad with this one today.
This handy grinding, sharpening, wire brushing, buffing, drilling, decarbonising Power Unit
could be instantly turned into an electric lawnmower.

But wait, there's more!
Get the Multi-shop Attachment and turn Multi-Mower into a complete woodworking outfit!



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - Multi-Mower Patent
It was in 2020 that I found the patent for the GMF Multi-Mower.
The Actual Inventor is stated as being George Albert Cumines,
and the application was lodged by GMF Electrical.

Interestingly, the same inventor of the GMF Collect-O-Matic
[see related reading].

Part Three - Gallery
As are many times, I rely on knowledgeable folk to
‘tip-me-off’ about new finds in garden machinery.

In 2020, member Paul C sent me images of a surviving
Multi-Mower – not the complete thing (unfortunately)
but the full accessory.

We must remember that the Multi-Mower was marketed
as a 6” Junior Grinder with lawnmower attachment;
but also, with a range of workshop stuff.

It is nothing more than remarkable that a GMF Multi-Mower
should survive and present itself in 2020. Full credit to
Paul and Brisbane Collector, Martin Furlong for permission
to present this gallery.

SIGNIFICANCE

The GMF Multi-Mower should be seen and understood
in its historical context.

The first Australian-made rotary mowers were electric and
the vast majority of companies that made them were electric
products companies that re-invented themselves post WWII.

Post war prosperity brought with it a revolution in
household appliances.

In particular, radio companies found themselves making
other household appliances - white goods, vacuum cleaners,
polishers and ... lawn mowers.

G.M.F. was an electric component manufacturer
who established a name in fractional horsepower electric motors.
Dad could use his new electric shaver - a Sunbeam
Shavemaster or Philishave - and could own
his first power drill - a KBC or Black & Decker - and a host
of electric workshop tools.

In this context The GMF Multi-Mower was one aimed at the
modern home handyman.

These are rare machines today.
I have never seen a GMF Multi-Mower in person, or a
photograph of one. I don't know anyone that owns one.

COLLECT-O-MATIC c1956

BREVILLE Electric Lawnmowers:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/83747/BREVILLE_-_Electric_Lawnmower_.html

MERCURY Electric Lawnmower:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=60497

SUNBEAM Electric Lawnmower:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/76641/SUNBEAM_Twin_Rotor_Electric_Mo.html

TASMA Electric Lawnmower:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/84095/TASMA_-_Electric_Lawnmower_-_c.html

TECNICO Electric Lawnmower:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=67838



We welcome comments about this article.
The Old Soap Box may be found HERE.