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The Locke Steel Chain Co. was formed in 1895. S.D Locke had devised a new patented method of manufacturing link chain from steel strip rather than the standard method of casting. This was not only a major industrial innovation but was also considered a technical triumph. His son, S.D. Locke Jr., of Bridgeport, Conn., his successor, began design and prototype work in the early 1920's on a self-propelled, self powered lawn mower. His interest in lawn mower development was derived from his dissatisfaction with the quality and performance of the mowers he had purchased for his estate. He went about to develop a precision cutting machine whose quality would span generations. The product of this effort was the 1925 21" mower, which is the forerunner of a long line of mowers built to exacting standards of performance, and durability, as well as bearing the namesake of the originator.
This mower (see photo at right, June 1926) had a newly developed Briggs & Stratton "FI" engine, a swinging caster wheel, a counterbalanced reel that was full floating, a bevel gear differential housed between two wide traction rollers, and fingertip controls for reel lift and clutch engagement. So successful was this first mower that it was decided to enter into a manufacturing venture dedicated to the advancement and production of Locke power reel mowers. A team of engineers, craftsman, and planners set about the work of this project, and technical achievement was evident in the fall of 1927.
The following year, 1928, is commonly known as the first model year for the Locke power reel mower. This new mower was available with such options as a grass catcher and a back-lapping arrangement. The mower was known simply as the 25" Power Reel Mower and bears striking resemblance to the mowers produced today in terms of size, shape, weight, details such as the tool box, handle-bars, controls, self tensioning chain drives, and construction in general. Many of the design and handling features that were present in this first production Locke mower are firmly embodied in our most recent models. (Photo taken March 1928)
After a successful but limited run in 1928, production was stepped up in 1929 to meet the market demand created by this efficient machine, and the dedicated people behind the Locke power reel mower proved more than ready to meet this challenge. (See photo below of completed mowers taken May 1929)
During the busy year of 1929, the research and development department came up with another innovation. They took a 25" mower frame, installed a larger engine, attached side reels to the frame with special carrying brackets that allowed the side reels to follow the ground contour like the front reel, and designed a way to get the engine power to the new side reels. Due to the fact that the 25" mower was originally designed and built so substantially, a different frame was not needed to support the extra weight, power loads, and attachments. This resulted in a mower well suited for large areas with a price only nominally more than the single mower. The product of this effort was the 70" Locke triplex, later to become known as the item #6. (See below photo of prototype triplex taken October 1929). The following year, 1930, saw the introduction of the 70" Locke triplex mower, which would become the flagship product of Locke Power Reel Mowers for the next 50 years.
In 1932, a 30" cut-single unit mower was introduced. Later to become known as item 5 & 5A, the 30" single became a favorite of landscape professionals. From a mowing efficiency perspective, it is interesting to note that a 5" increase in cutting width results in a 40% increase in productivity. The 25" mower can cut .5 acres per hour while the 30" cuts .7 acres per hour.
By 1932, the first sulkies were offered. These were ball bearing units with iron wheels. 1932 also marked the first year that rubber traction rollers were offered as an option. This improvement proved to be so successful that, with the exception of rubber shortages during the war, all mowers thereafter would be shipped with rubber traction rollers. Several new advances were on the horizon and in 1933 a 75" triplex was offered. This mower would cut at the rate of 2 acres per hour and became a favorite tool of contractors and estate keepers responsible for maintaining large turf areas. In 1934, pneumatic tires replaced the iron wheels. Production was suspended in 1942 and resumed in 1946 as very few units were shipped during World War II.
In 1949, a reverse gear option was offered on the 70", and 75" triplex mowers. This transmission was specially designed and built in the same plant as the mowers, as it is today. The reverse gear transmission uses a planetary gear set, a multi-plate friction pack, a brake band and drum, and is sealed with oil in its own housing. The transmission simplified the handling of these heavy mowers (725 pounds), and was so successful that it was offered on the 25" and 30" mowers in 1951. (see photo below of Locke 70" reverse triplex which will later be known as item 10)
After 1959, the model number and width of cut where associated with item numbers as follows:
In the late 1960's, the mowers were redesigned, taking advantage of many new industrial processes and the new standard metric size of bearings, shafts and other power transmission components. Although this was a corporate move to improve efficiency, care was taken to insure that the legendary handling, productivity, and quality were not compromised. In 1966, 7-blade reels were offered as an option and were highly valued in southern climates. Up to this point, 5-blade reels were standard on all mowers.
Locke mowers have been and will continue to be heavy-duty, precision instruments built to hold up to the most rigorous demands of landscape professionals. No capricious model year or cosmetic changes are instituted, although improvements are continually incorporated into all models. Present day Locke mowers have an outstanding pedigree and we at Locke plan to continue to produce mowers that will be recognized around the world as the ultimate response to the need for the highest degree of quality lawn care.
Locke Power Reel Mowers have set the standard for turf care at some of the most prestigious grounds around the world. These grounds include the White House, the Kremlin, National Park monuments, L.A. Dodger stadium, Yankee Stadium, as well as yours.
We welcome your comments and suggestions at Locke. If you do not presently own a Locke, we encourage you to try out a Locke Power Reel Mower and experience for yourself Locke's legendary cut, performance, and durability.