The Allen Scythe, sometimes referred to as Allen Power Scythe, is a petrol-powered finger-bar mower. It was manufactured between 1935 and 1973 by John Allen of Oxford, England. A number of engine types were used, the most common being a two-stroke Villiers Engineering with magneto and rope start.
Description[]
Despite its name, it does not resemble a hand scythe (except in purpose), being more like a Finger Mower. The engine drives a toothed blade sliding back and forth horizontally across stationary teeth to produce a scissor action, and also drives two large wheels for forward travel - it is necessary to disengage two ratchets to move in reverse. There are handles to allow the machine to be controlled by an operator walking behind it, controls comprise throttle and clutch.
Accessories[]
The Allen scythe was also designed as a power unit with interchangeable 'tools';
- Std Cutter head
- Single Furrow plough
- Portable hedge cutter tools
- add others to list.
Surviving examples[]
There are quite a few examples about but few have the serial number and/or exhibitor displayed when on show at events so identifying them individually to list here is not always possible. (a lot are missing the sn plate as well)
Serial no. (If known) |
Photo | Event seen at | Owner (if known) |
Notes |
R28375 | Belvoir | owner ? | Fitted with plough | |
? | The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft | ? | no sn plate | |
? | Northumbria | ? | Exhibit 281 | |
? | Northumbria | ? | Exhibit 284 - Fitted with side bar mower head | |
? | Northumbria | ? | Exhibit 288 - Fitted with plough | |
80861 | Scorton North Yorkshire | ? | Exhibit 20 | |
add | your | machine | here |
See also[]
References / sources[]
- Mower of the Month Number Fourteen: The Allen Scythe from The Old Lawnmower Club
External links[]
- The Old Lawnmower Club - machinery collectors group