1858-08-01 The Horticultural Cabinet - Shanks Mowers

Mowing Machines.-Connected with the exhibition of implements, at the late horticultural fête, at Chiswick, was a great trial of Mowing Machines that excited much interest. A really efficient machine for cutting grass was, until recently, a desideratum; it is now, however, filled up by the machines that stood the ordeal at Chiswick. The place selected for the competition was in the Arboretum of the Society, where a fair trial was certain to be afforded, and space was allotted to each exhibitor where the grass was of equal length and thickness. The result of the contest was that Mr. Green's machine was declared the winner, Messrs. Shanks' second, Mr. Ferrabee's third, and Messrs. Dean and Co.'s the most inefficient of all. With respect to the comparison of Messrs. Green and Shanks' Grass Cutters, they may be said to approximate very closely in merit; in fact, as regards the construction and work of the rival cutters, they may be considered equal, and in point of price Messrs. Shanks' are the cheapest. The manifest superiority of their machines consists in the way in which they were made to turn sharp curves, and to cut round tree, which those of Messrs. Dean were not able to do half so effectually. Messrs. Shanks' latest improvements in Mowing Machines are illustrated by Figs. 4 and 5.

Fig. 4.- Shanks Mower illustration.

Fig. 4 shows their Horse-power Machine, the improvements in which consist in introducing swivelling pulleys to the front of the machine,

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which greatly facilitate quick turning; the method of adjusting it to the required cut has been much simplified; the wheels are effectually protected by a guard, thereby entirely preventing plants or flowers from sustaining injury; and the machine so constructed as to make it work equally well on uneven as on level ground. The improvements effected this season render this machine complete in its three operations of mowing, rolling, and collecting grass. The machines are made of the best material and workmanship, are exceedingly durable, very easily managed, and the execution of the work is unsurpassed.

Fig. 5. - Shanks Mower illustration

Fig. 5 is their Hand Machine, which will cut close to the edge of flower-beds, and cut into the most intricate turnings and windings in the flower-garden. The length of cut can be regulated in a few seconds by merely turning a screw; and it is capable of mowing equally well on even or uneven ground.

                                                                     ~ (To be continued.) ~