Lawn Mowers
Since the introduction of mowing machines in such variety, and in such a number of sizes, their use has become general, both in large and small gardens, almost to the exclusion of scythes. Machines of various makers differ much more in details of construction than in matters relating to the method of cutting adopted. The general principle is that of fixing a broad horizontal blade, with an edge on the front. This is called the ledger blade, and is kept in position just above the ground, by raising or lowering small rollers on the front of the machine. The cutting blades, which are arranged spirally, revolve by any forward movement, unless provision is made for disconnecting them, and sever the grass on coming into contact with the ledger blade. Revolutions of the cutters are caused by their being connected, usually by cogwheels, to two rollers, generally called drums, at the back of the machine. The spindle passing through this part has a circular cogwheel on one of its ends, sometimes made reversible, and on any forward movement of the drum all the parts are set in motion. In the case of Lawn Mowers drawn by horses, an arrangement is made by which the cutters may be stopped at any time, for conveying the machine short distances, by shifting a movable catch in one end of the drum. The number of cutters varies in different machines, some being placed wide apart, for the special purpose of cutting long grass. The "Archimedean," an American Lawn Mower, was specially noted for this on its introduction, and is now pretty well known. An improved form, manufactured by Messrs. Williams and Co., has all the parts to work either separately or in connection, and the knives revolve very rapidly when in use. The "Excelsior," another Lawn Mower of American make, manufactured by the Chadborn and Coldwell Manufacturing Co., is specially notable for lightness of draught, cutting without ribbing, its easy and novel mode of adjustment, and the complete protection afforded the wheels and mechanism from injury or from elogging with grass, &c. Unlike the adjustment in most other machines, the sole-plate, in this case, is not a fixture, but is advanced to the blades by means of screws, which are turned by an ordinary spanner. Each of the four knives is complete in itself and removable in case of accident. Ransome's "Automaton" is an exceedingly useful Lawn Mower for general use. It is made in various sizes; those from 12in. to 22in. are recommended. Many of Green's Lawn Mowers are worked by means of a flat-link chain instead of cog-wheels. Some persons object to this, on account of the chain occasionally coming off when on sloping ground. That the machines are durable, and do their work well, is, however, unquestionable. In Shanks's Patent Lawn Mower, manufactured by Alex. Shanks and Son, the sole-plate, or ledger blade, has a double reversible edge, and is thus enabled to last longer than most others. This machine is specially recommended in the size worked by a horse, as it is strong in construction, and has a good delivery of grass into the box, and an admirable system of emptying the latter when full. Edwards' Patent "Invincible" Lawn Mower, manufactured by J. Crowley and Co., is a smooth-working machine with reversible cutters. Regulating rollers can be fixed before or behind the knives, or in both positions, or the machine may be used without any. It makes but little noise when at work; and the mechanism is simple, and easily understood. There are other Lawn Mowers, in quantity far too numerous to mention here, some of which may possibly have an advantage in certain particulars over those referred to above. All the smaller sizes are made so that the grass-box may be easily removed at any time. Some people prefer using the machine without a grass-box; but, if the crop is unduly heavy, this plan does not always answer. It is very important that a machine of any description should be kept clean when not in use, and be cleansed throughout each time after being used. Rust and dirt on the blades are often more destructive than constant wear with cleanliness enforced. The knives should always be made to work quite evenly on the ledger blade, so that a piece of paper may be cut on any part alike. It is not advisable to have the blade too low, as many of the tender grasses are thus cut too close and killed, and the remainder presents an unsightly appearance for a time, until new growth is resumed. Lawn-edge Clippers are small machines made for following the Lawn Mower and cutting the grass along the edges of walks. Some of them are made with a drum roller, which is connected and sets the other parts in motion by every forward movement. In Green's patent machine, the chain and wheel motion is adopted, a fixed blade is guided along the edge, and a cutter, with several edges, revolves against it and severs the grass. Adie's Patent Clipper has blades somewhat like shears, the point of the under one being regulated to run 1/2in. below the turf level. On applying a downward or forward pressure of a few pounds, the blades open, and, being connected to a strong spring, close suddenly, and, in doing so, perform their intended work. Lawn-edge Clippers are not at present extensively used, the difficulty in guiding them straight, or in following a curved edge, being much against them. The value of such machines, if improved so as to be available for ordinary use, would be very great, as an immense amount of labour, in clipping with hand-shears, would be avoided.