Hi all, probably a long shot but i have a 1961 Turner 4 stroke but it is missing the wind-rower from the side discharge, does anyone have a spare ?. I believe that Turner had available as an optional extra for this model a canvas covered catcher, has anyone got one they would part with ?
Cheers
Last edited by CyberJack; 08/11/1809:34 PM. Reason: Topic heading
Hi, It would be a very lucky find, I think you could fabricate a catcher though. Not my mower or pictures, I saw them and saved them for future reference.
Hello wce and Paul That's brilliant that you recorded those images.
Yes, catchers were optional for most rotaries in the 1960s. As such most advertising never showed them.
Rear discharge mowers changed the optional perception. Gradually, it became expected that rear catchers were standard fitments. Side catchers remained optional.
It appears that the catcher had metal sides with synthetic cover. One ad says this catcher fitted all Turner side discharge models.
This catcher would have stayed in production for several years before being replaced with a plastic job in about 1967.
Here are a few more pics of Turner catchers.The information I have mentions the sides were made from canvas and a metal side catcher was also an option.
The plastic side catcher still fits the older Turner Mowers. (It fits a D62)
G'day Max, Paul and wce It is amazing how the record for these machines changes. Turner's offering both canvas and metal sides is new information. Many thanks, again, for Max's research.
Paul, best guess, Turner did use brackets for securing their side catchers.
I would like to make a final point here: Best evidence is that Turner did introduce the first injection moulded grass catchers. But synthetics were used on a couple of AUS designed catchers from the late 1950s. Was our Collect-o-Matic first to use synthetics on catchers?
Those catchers look like the small ones, I have a rear discharge that I have been looking for a catcher for but have all but given up. Would you please consider parting with one. I will see if I can find a picture of my base.
Thanks for the great response, fabricating a catcher is an option if nothing turns up. Ill need to find some dimensional information as well as bracket and attachment method. My mower has raised sections at the discharge which looks like a catcher frame would sit over, it also has a speed clip in place, not sure if that is associated with the catcher or wind-rower.
Unfortunately I don't have any spare Turner catchers,I have more mowers than catchers so I am looking for more catchers myself. If I see any advertised closer to you I will let you know.
I don't think the Villiers Torque Major would have a painted crank case,I have not seen one painted from factory but the 4 stroke motors are painted ( regarding the Turner link from Paul)
Hi wce , I don't think the speed clip is associated with the catcher because the clip does not effect the attachment of the catcher.
Thanks for your reply and yes please if you can keep an eye out that would be great. Would you have a pic of the side catcher attachment bracket for the older metal side catchers. I want to have a go at making one.
G'day Max That is the most extraordinary detective work.
For me this goes to the early development of the AUS lawnmower grasscatcher.
The point of interest to me is the cotton rather than synthetic covering. Like the first Collect-O-Matic rotary catchers, it appears that makers moved to the new synthetics - like nylon - from early cotton designs; as in Paul C's images in the second post.
Certainly, canvas (cotton) was used on grass catchers from the early 20th century, but synthetics seem to have been used from the early 1960s.
I feel Max has uncovered the transition in technology here: from Turner using cotton, then nylon and then moulded polyurethane.
It must be an irony that we have moved back to woven synthetics from moulded catchers in the modern era.
Max, are these fair comments about Turner and grass catchers (in general)?
Gidday Jack, Yes that summarises the use of different materials used on early grass catchers to modern catchers very well.
At least Turner had an option for a better quality catcher ,these days you may have to replace your mower to get away from the woven synthetics bag catcher.
Hi Everyone, We are not done yet, I have worked out that there were the two styles of catcher attachment. There is no adapter plate, the catcher opening is model specific. The type with two slots in the base plate as in the first images and then the second type is lowered down over two tabs that are moulded onto the base plate.
The two catchers that Max has shown fit the F62 model that is in the picture, if you look closely you can see a vertical tab either side of the chute that would locate the catcher.
Hi Paul and all, Yes I put images of the two types about 5 posts up that were a little clearer .
Depending on what model Turner mower you are fitting the catcher on,you would make the bracket fit that model.
The images we now have show the catcher side that attaches to the mower is a pressed shaped piece of sheet metal.
If I was making the catcher I would make a bracket like the one on the polyurethane catcher ,no point making the catcher unnecessarily difficult to build from home.
I think you can work out the diementions for the catcher from the last catcher images fairly easily.
Hi all Many thanks for the interest shown in the topic and the great information shared. I will post some pictures of the discharge arrangement on the mower soon as the computer is going very slow at present.
