OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Identification of Particular Machines Clyde Mowers - Rotary and Side-wheel

I have photos of these two Clyde mowers and have been wondering if they were made by Clyde Engineering at Granville NSW. I believe they did make mowers, but not sure what type. Possibly they were sickle bar type.

Hello Geoff
The answer is a most definite YES.
Clyde Engineering started lawnmower production in about 1932,
and should be considered an important earlier maker.

The rotary is particularly desirable because it was arguably
our first AUS made rear catcher lawnmower.
I think that one is a Clyde Major with 147cc engine.
That would make it hte first I've seen.
Typically, the catcher is missing.

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=70112

The Clyde De-Luxe is far under-appreciated.
This was Clyde's new design post WWII.
Note how the badge mimics the famous shape of their loco plates.
Here is a nice ad that mentions their loco making fame.



Clyde Sales also imported lawnmowers, and were Thomas Green's agents
for many years. They were also agents for Mountfield sickle bar mowers.

I am pretty sure I have shown your a Clyde Major before Jack.

Hi Kye

I don't know why I didn't record it - but I think you have.
I have become better at spotting the subtle differences between
the 98cc Midget and the 147cc 25C.

That this has a more modern handle design suggests to me that
the nmae cast in the base came after the models that had decals.

Obviously, the 'Clyde' front skirt strip is not original.
It's a great find though - for this rare mower.

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Jack

Yeah, it was owned by the same bloke who owned the Tempest. He has a few late Minters too.
I still can't tell the difference, I need to learn it.

I agree Jack, would be a later design. I would guess my Gardener could have possibly been sold as a bigger version, with special offset wheels, or something like that.

Also have we seen any Clyde catchers yet? I can't recall seeing any.

Cheers! Kye

That's a good question.

I have not recorded any Clyde rotary with a catcher.
There may be good reason for that.

It's odd but ...
- Reel/Roller mowers included the catcher in the price.
- Side-wheels made the catcher price optional (these were front or rear)
- 1950s and 1960s rotaries made catchers price 'optional'.

My best guess is that most Clydes were bought without a catcher.
Therein lies the problem.

-----------------------
Jack

Perhaps the brands like Clyde saw an opportunity, most other brands didn't, or couldn't use a catcher, so brands like Clyde tried to squeeze as much money out of it as they could with there catchers.
A bit of a rip off, but it made them money.

Also Jack if Clyde sold a mower without a catcher, would it have had some sort of cover on the back to protect peoples feet?

Cheers!
Kye.

Hi Kye

It's a questioning mind that would ask that.

It's a fascinating question in the design and development of rotaries.
There is so much to say here!

Clyde saw the opportunity Rotoscythe saw two decades before...
That is, if you have a power mower make it work!

The difference between agricultural mowers and horticultural lawn
mowers was the intention - the first for productivity; the second for
aesthetic improvement.

Even from the first 1830 Budding patent there was envisaged both!
Why not combine two jobs: the scythes-man and the grass collector.
This would save labour. I have written about this in History.

Clyde is historically important in seeing the changing nature
of the rotary mower. Power could be used to save raking up grass!
The British Rotoscythe saw that much earlier.

The rotary mower had been tamed to turn grass into lawn.
It had become ... respectable.

It's that simple.
------------------------
Jack

Your on the money there Jack! I meant that Clyde made there design for this, but then tried to use it as a way to get a bit more money out of there design.

Hi Kye

I forgot to answer one question you had.
I believe the Clyde would have had a metal flap at the rear.
That is speculation based on other designs.

I guess Clyde saw market differentiation.
But, remember, their approach was not remotely like the Victa
toe-cutter and its copies.

In many ways, Clyde 'jumped the gun'.
You had to cut the AUS wilderness before you could turn grass into lawn.

Australia was ready for Victa; not ready for the Clyde.
Clydes are rare; Victas much less so ...

Market acceptability only came in 1960, when catchers would be finally
accepted by the public. The rotary finally had street creds to overthrow
its nemesis - the reel mower. It won!

-------------------
Jack

I thought it would, wouldn't be very good to throw stuff all over the users feet!

Yeah, they were just too fast, they just died out. Would have been good to see them keep going, but it just didn't happen.

Victa just had the reputation.

Cheers!
Kye.

Thanks for answering, I have had an interest in Clyde Engineering for a while, mainly because of their railway locomotives, over the years there seems to be few things they didn't manufacture.

Geoff

G'day Geoff

I will recommend a book then ...



Unfortunately, the book says bugger-all about their engagement with lawnmowers.
It's got great info on Choo Choos.

----------------------
Jack

I have a copy of that book, very interesting.