OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories AUSTRALIAN Rotary Models FINLAY BROS - Demon - c1954

Hello ODK history lovers
The Demon was a two-wheel tractor designed and made by
Finlay Brothers of Melbourne.

The idea of a tractor with attachments was not a new one.
In fact, post-WWII – many two-wheel tractors landed on these
shores, with accessories to suit the home gardener (on acreage)
and the small agricultural hobby farmer.

The Demon was different – it was Australian designed and made.
The accessory system was termed as the ‘Portomatic Method’ –
a system of quick-change attachments for sawing, post boring,
pumping, and rotary mowing.

I remind readers that the Finlay 24” rotary mower attachment
must be considered an early use - on these shores - of the
rotary grass cutter. I mean, Tecnico gave us our first electric
rotary in 1948; Victa our first petrol rotary in 1952. Finlay were
using this just two years after this. Brilliant!



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO – Detail of the Finlay Demon.
The Finlay Demon was powered by a British BSA petrol engine.
No surprises there; given the long association Finlay Bros had
with BSA motorcycles and they were agents for BSA engines
at this time.

This is the only image I have of the 24” rotary cutter. Note the
billy cart metal wheels and the very basic cutter deck.
I do not know whether the blades were bar blades or swing-backs.

For me, the interesting bit is the advertising copy … that the
machine was suited to 'fine lawns' and also as a ‘scrub clearer’.
Really! Victa – and others – would use the same advertising trick
in the domestic rotary sphere …

For me, Victa’s most famous slogan – “Turn grass into lawn” –
rings true as the best summary or maxim of the emerging
Australian rotary advertising of the period.

This Finlay Demon is another example of this.