3-008-809 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: Cranston's Wood's grass-mowing machine, 1862. 'It will be observed that the machine runs on two wheels, which give motion to the knife-bar by means of suitable gearing and a connecting-rod which lies between the frame that stretches to the right of the driver and the crank which projects from beneath the driver's feet in front. A circular is thus changed for a vibratory motion. The knife-bar consists of a series of triangular blades, with points three inches apart; these work through fingers placed at equal distances, which form a support for the grass to be cut and a protection to the cutters. The gearing and cutters are attached to a frame which rests upon the axle of the driving-wheels, and have an action independent of the draught-pole, allowing the cutters to pass over the uneven surface of the ground. The pinions which play in the gearing attached to the spokes are provided with ratchets in their inner side, which allow them to work in unison with or independent of each other...The driver can raise the knife-frame without stopping his horses, and, by a motion of the foot, can so throw the knives out of gear that, by lifting the frame at the same time, the machine becomes as portable as an ordinary cart'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.