OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum The Old Soap Box MORRISON - Early Morrison Reel Mower

Hi to All,
Whilst trawling around the net, I found these pics of an early model Morrison cylinder mower....
I have not see one like this before, so I thought I might post the pics here, to see if we can
glean some information on this model....

Hello Administrator Deejay and history lovers,

This is a 16". Another photo showing the R.H. side decal was the critical one I was looking for.
This was the model before the 1962 Morrison Olympic [based on the Ransomes Mk 7 Minor].

This is an Australian Morrison. [I call them 'Sydney Morrisons'; as opposed to 'Hastings Morrisons']
They were made by Vulcan Steel Pty. Ltd. from about 1953 to 1961.
Who distributed these machines? ... Amplion.
In fact, the Turner-Morrison 14" was based on this machine!

In the photo below, one can just make out word parts of 'Australia' and the 'Vulcan' name.



Another one to write about in the History Forums ... in the fullness of time.
---------------------------------------------
JACK.

G'day all new here .. I'm pretty certain I just acquired the machine in these pics this morning .. Be interesting to know where the pics here originated from .. Will take a few pics of the machine and post .. There does not seem to be much info on said machines that I can find ..
Cheers Fred

Hello Froger

A warm welcome to these forums.
That's amazing - how these machines turn-up.

I am in the process of preparing an article on these machines that
will include operator's manual, parts list and brochure.

We look forward to some more pics of this machine.
I think you have made a wise investment because they will increase in
value ... once their story is told.

All very interesting.
---------------------------------
JACK

Thanks for the welcome Jack.Yes is pretty amazing how these things happen . I'm absolutely certain it is the same machine .. I picked it up in Coffs Harbour NSW . All in all it seems to be in reasonably good condition .. Will have a crack at getting to run when time permits .. The engine drive chain is not on it but came with it as did a spare motor .. Happy Days .
Will be good to see the info you are preparing as I have not been able to find much on said machines..
Cheers Fred

Hello Froger

Thanks for the pics. They give some really good detail that
I did not have in my collection.

Yep, it's the same machine.
Remember, this post now forms part of the provenance for your machine.
[I will link the record to this post].

I'm not sure when the article will appear. My aim is the next couple of weeks.
It does present in nice original condition, and you have one of the important
AUS assembled ones. This is an important vintage lawnmower. Folks just don't
know what they are - or their significance.

Hope this helps.
----------------------------
JACK

Cheers for the info Jack ..
At the moment I'm going to leave it in this guise as I have a thing for old patina ..
But might look at a full make over in the future seen's it a rare machine ..
For the moment i would like to get it running and fix the drive chain, front wooden rollers as their cactus , and a new rubber handle grip ..
I would be interested in a decal for the future though .. If you take a good look at the front of the catcher you can just make out that there was a larger decal on it as well..
Be interesting to see any sort of old advertising for these machines ..

Hello Froger

That's great. I love patina too!
Your machine is entirely suited to a 'sensitive restoration' (in my view).

Here are some current thoughts on restoration levels:
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=67760

I can't wait to complete the article on them.
I love the double helix reel, and the story of the little 'suicide handle'
on the back is a great one.

Please keep us informed.
--------------------------------
Jack

That mower has an engine where you manually wind the rope around the spool before pull starting because I can see the rope hanging off the handlebars. When I say spool, I am really referring to that tapered cone that sits on the end of the flywheel, it has a special name but I can't remember what it is.


Mind you, some of the modern plastic recoil starters are rubbish imho and eventually disintegrate with minimal use. Really we have regressed in terms of the technology used to start mowers except of course if your mower has an electric starter/battery etc. I remember watching a youtube video where someone used a foot cranking lever to start a small engine. That is the robustness that is missing from modern cranking technology.

Hello xhall

Yes, many machines were started by lanyard - short ropes.
It was cheap and effective.

Note how it was recommended that the Morrison be started from the rear (for safety).
I wonder how many operators actually followed the instructions? ...
I guess as many as who wore dress watch, business shirt and coat when mowing



p.s. I have moved your video and created a new topic on Kick Starters
in the Old Soap Box.

Cheers and thanks.
----------------------------
JACK

A History Record is now available for this Morrison lawnmower.
To view that record click here:-

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68453

I restored this one, a 1958 (based on the flywheel date code), nz built i assume



Here it is after the first cut

It was buried up to the axles, and pretty rough you might say
[video:youtube]https://youtube.com/shorts/F2y7wVtxSFs?si=M_f5L4TGBou9hNv1[/video]

[video:youtube]https://youtube.com/shorts/q9O9y2-gh7I?si=_UYurSA1mQ88K-kD[/video]
(before sharpening and painting the reel, and making a new guard)

This model has a few differences to what i am guessing are the earlier ones with the multicoloured decal.
For a start it only ever had the white morrison logo, i have seen other examples like this that also have the catcher with the white logo on the front

second, the reel bearing blocks are pressed steel, the ones in the manual on this site, and other pictures i see, appear to be cast aluminium. Theres also some basic sheet metal guards that go between the drive shaft bearing block as well as the reel bearing block and the chain case on the side.

Then there are the fuel tank and exhaust, but i would imagine these differed quite frequently as i have seen several designs. I have also seen a plug in 240v electric, and a lead acid electric powered versions

I havent been able to find a catcher for this one (without buying another complete mower) so am currently modifying the 1960s replacement model catcher to fit. (roughly the same shape, but quite different where it counts)

Good job, well done looks fantastic