SILENS MESSOR

(Silent Cutter). A product of Greens from 1859 to the mid-1930s. This mower was produced at a time when gear drives were excessively noisy and the 'Silens Messor', being a chain-driven machine, had a distinct advantage in this respect. This was a manual roller mower which underwent several changes in design during its long production span. Manual machines were available in 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 24 inch sizes, all but the very smallest machines having provision for a draw rope. Early models had curved handles, and later ones straight handles. Other more detailed features can provide a more accurate dating. The "Silens Messor High Wheel" was a mower for golf courses, whilst pony mower variants came in 30 inch sizes and above. These latter machines (available well into the 1920s) were scaled-up versions of the manual mowers but had dog clutches on the rear rollers and a chain and sprocket mechanism for raising and tipping the grass box.