OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Component Histories VICTA - Bladeholder Patent - 1955

Hello ODK History Lovers

This post discusses Victa's Patent for a blade holder - 8770/55,
lodged 2nd May, 1955.

Victa didn't invent the lawnmower, the powered lawnmower,
or the rotary lawnmower.

Victa was the magician that marketed the right mower at the
right time to make Victa an Australian icon.

This does not mean Victa was lacking in good designs.
In fact, it is a better statement to say that, whilst Victa was not
the first to use certain good ideas, it took heed and used and
improved them to make the Victa a great lawnmower "in the day".

To clear up any myth, Victa never used a rigid blade system;
as was popular (and still is) on American lawnmowers.

To me, that was always a poor idea; inviting bent crankshafts
and other engine damage.

Victa used swing-back blades, but mounted them on a
rigid bar - a compromise that offered significant
protection to the Villiers engines that powered early Victas.

The breakthrough was the combination of the swing-back blade
with a disc-shaped blade holder.

Richardson's patent - lodged in the middle of 1955 - dealt with
the situation of lawnmowers striking solid objects, and the
'injury' to the 'driving mechanism'.

Note how the patent included a 'ramp plate'.
I guess that proved unnecessary in future designs ...; given the
physical properties of swing-back blades in combination with a disc.

That was the real secret!
[The ramp plate was replaced by recessed bolts within
the blade disc design]

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

links pending



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