1832 Gardeners Magazine

THE 
GARDENER'S MAGAZINE,

AND REGISTER OF RURAL & DOMESTIC IMPROVEMENT

VOL. VIII
1832

CONDUCTED 
BY J. C. LOUDON, F.L.S. H.S. &c. 

AUTHOR OF THE ENCYCLOPAEDIAS OF GARDENING AND OF AGRICULTURE, AND OF THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF PLANTS

LONDON: 
PRINTED FOR 
LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMAN,
PATERNOSTER-ROW.

1332. 
 

General Notices

Budding's Machine for cropping or shearing the vegetable Surface of Lawns, Grass-plots, &c. — A technical description of this machine is given in the Repertory of Patent Inventions, vol. x. p.327., accompanied by an elevation of the left side ( fig. 13.), and a ground-plan (fig. 14.). The machine being pushed forward, the hollow cylinder or cast-iron roller (a) is put in motion, and also the smaller cylinder or gage-roller (b), the purpose of which is, to regulate the height of the rectangular steel plate (c). The operation of shearing is performed by from four to eight spiral cutters (d), which revolve on a horizontal axis. 

In the operation of pushing forward the machine, the cylinder (a) rolls upon the ground like the wheel of a wheelbarrow; and, by the wheels and pinions connected with it, causes the revolving cutters (d) to act rapidly, by their smooth outer edges, against the edge of the fixed rectangular steel plate (c),so as to crop or shear the grass or vegetable surface. The smaller cylinder (b) serves effectually to regulate the height, and to insure the steadiness of the rectangular fixed cutter (c), against which the revolving cutters act. To keep the smaller roller (b) sufficiently free from any adhering substances, there is a horizontal box (c), which serves as an axis for a thin iron scraper, which is curved so as to form a portion of a cylinder, having its lower edge bearing on the surface of the roller.

The speed with which the machine is pushed forward when at work is not material, because the number of cuts will always he in the same ratio with the space rolled over by the roller or larger cylinder (a). The revolving parts are here driven by wheels and pinions, but endless lines or bands may be employed instead of teeth. "It is advisable," the patentee observes, "to employ the machine when the grass or vegetable surface is dry; and when high grass is to be cut, it is best to shear it twice over;" for which purpose, there is a simple contrivance for raising, or lowering, and adjusting the cutting parts of the machine. "Grass growing in the shade, and too weak to stand against a scythe to be cut, may be cut by this machine as closely as required ; and the eye will never be offended by those circular scars, inequalities, and bare places so commonly made by the best mowers with the scythe, and which continue visible for several days." "Country gentlemen," he adds, "may find, in using my machine them-selves, an amusing, useful, and healthy exercise."

In the specification of the patent, it was unnecessary to notice that all the grass cut off may he collected in a box (fig. 15.); but this we consider a valuable addition, as saving sweeping, and as completing the operation of mowing as it proceeds; so that the operator may leave off at any moment, and at the same time leave what he has done perfectly neat and finished. The machine is easily rolled from one part to another without cutting, by merely lowering the handles, so as to lift the gage-roller from the ground; the machine may be then pushed forward or drawn backward, the operator stooping a little, without any other effect being produced than that of a common roller. 

Manner of keeping the Machine in order. Occasionally apply sweet oil to the pivots or ends of the axes, and along the straight edge of the rectangular blade. When the revolving cutters require sharpening, oil the edges, and shake a little flour of emery on them; then screw the iron handle into the rim of the toothed wheel which is outside of the frame, and turn it backwards for some time. Lastly, wipe the blades quite clean from the emery, and set the adjusting screws.

Should any part of the machine be broken by accident, a new part may be had from the manufacturer, J. Ferrabee, Phoenix Foundery, near Stroud (see advertising sheet), to fit into its place exactly, thus enabling almost any person to repair the machine. 

We have before (Vol. VII p. 611) expressed, and now repeat, our satisfaction at the circumstances of this machine being calculated to improve the grass lawns of warm countries, from its "cutting grass or other herbage too weak to stand against a scythe." This will insure the machine a good reception on the Continent and in America; and it will probably enable the more wealthy cultivators of the latter country, and of Australia, soon to indulge in a garden luxury; which, if they had it to procure by manual labour, would probably long remain beyond their reach. We have elsewhere (Vol. VII. p. 692.) mentioned that we have seen it at work in the Zoological Gardens, Regent's Park. Mr. Merrick of Cirencester writes: — "I have had one of Budding's machines in use, when the grass required it, all this year, and am highly pleased with it. The narrow machine is best for a gentleman who wishes to use it himself, and also for grass borders; but the wide ones are preferable for workmen who have much to cut." A. Merrick. Cirencester, Sept. 17. 1831.