Unusual VW Lawnmower

Russ · « **on:** October 07, 2003, 04:20:42 PM »

Herb and I had an opportunity this morning to check out a rare, hand-made lawnmower powered by a Volkswagen engine.

VW had made riding tractors for a brief period but this vehicle was entirely concieved and built by a gentleman who lived on Mae Dell Road, near Lee Highway. The man, who passed away several years ago, apparently was an inventor who built this and other things. He also invented a rotary engine years before anyone else.

The lawnmower is (was) powered by a 25hp beetle engine, but the thing is so far rusted and locked up it probably won't ever mow again. It also had an electric motor which powered the 5ft blade on the bottom.

Herb can tell you more about it, but I snapped a few pictures of it while we were there. It was really neat!

lamar · « **Reply #1 on:** October 07, 2003, 04:37:41 PM »

The club needs to purchase this VW powered lawnmower, fix it, then enter it in the Lawnmower racing circuit. Anthony could be our driver!

Anthony · « **Reply #2 on:** October 07, 2003, 07:23:47 PM »

That thing is fascinating!

Notice the Beetle gas tank, front beam, rear-view mirror (?), belt for the electric motor with custom crank pulley on the motor, seat? Is that a belt drive for the rear wheels?

Is it really for sale?

Man, that would mow some serious lawn!

Yeah, Lamar, I'd drive it!

Edited By Anthony on 1065569081

Russ · « **Reply #3 on:** October 07, 2003, 08:22:31 PM »

Yeah, it's for sale alright. They were asking $300 I think. Seems steep, considering its condition. It's very far gone...the engine's locked up. But give Herb a call if you want more information.

Zen · « **Reply #4 on:** October 07, 2003, 10:43:46 PM »

Humm . . . and I've got all this grass to mow now . . .

:cool:

Gobusgo · « **Reply #5 on:** October 08, 2003, 08:28:57 PM »

If it is the same guy, I met him many years before he died. I believe his name was Harold, or Howard or something like that. I went over to look at a Squareback he had for sale. He had a few airplanes and other VWs around. Don't remember seeing the lawnmower, but he did show me inside his "hangar/house/garage". He had the most unique collection of antique toys...you know, the old metal pedal cars and such. The building also housed his body shop as well. He had a split window bus in there that he was working on at the time.

Edited By Gobusgo on 1065659358

vwherb · « **Reply #6 on:** October 22, 2003, 09:29:32 AM »

The lawn mower belongs to the builders daughter and son-in-law now. The inventor passed away in 1995 and lived in a subdivision across from Ryan's Steak House on Lee Hwy. I don't know if I still have the ladies card or not but if anyone is interested, I will look.

:cool:

Gobusgo · « **Reply #7 on:** October 22, 2003, 04:19:12 PM »

Quote

Gobusgo Posted on Oct. 08 2003,8:28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If it is the same guy...

Nope. Different dude.

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Topic: Unusual VW Lawnmower (Read 2517 times)

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Unusual VW Lawnmower

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Unusual VW Lawnmower

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Unusual VW Lawnmower

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Unusual VW Lawnmower

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Unusual VW Lawnmower

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Unusual VW Lawnmower

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Unusual VW Lawnmower

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