Riding Lawn Mower Production Model, circa 1964
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Artifact Overview
Norman Swanson formed Swanson Engineering, and he and his son Curtis made 50 of these mowers, selling them under the Swanson name. Each mower included a patented mechanism that carried the cutting blades above uneven landscapes so they did not damage the turf or the blades. This innovation became a standard feature on riding mowers.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Riding lawn mower
Date Made
circa 1964
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2018.139.5
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Norman F. Swanson.
Material
Metal
Rubber (Material)
Cloth
Color
Red
White (Color)
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 38.5 in
Width: 36 in
Length: 53 in
Inscriptions
on front:
S
plaque on proper left side:
SE / MODEL 320 / SWANSON ENGINEERING / WARRENVILLE, ILLINIOS / This machine covered under U.S. Patents 2,870,592 - 2,876,609 - 3,008,282
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Related Content
SetA Look at Lawn Mowers through The Henry Ford's Collections
- 20 Artifacts
Since the expansion of suburban neighborhoods after the Civil War, Americans have been obsessed with maintaining the “perfect” lawn. An entire industry evolved in response to consumer demand, introducing innovative lawn care products – and new ways to market them. This group of lawn mowers and related artifacts document decades of technological improvements and changing American ideals.