Search For Oldest Mower Reveals Colourful Stories

April 10, 2006

Search For Oldest Mower Reveals Colourful Stories

A nationwide search for the oldest Trimax mower still in use has released a flood of stories highlighting the machines' durability, resilience and occasional misadventures.

Trimax Mowing Systems of Tauranga is urging farmers and orchardists to submit their mower stories as part of the company's celebration of 25 years in business. Trimax is offering a new mower up to the value of $9000 in exchange for the oldest machine a customer is still using.

New Zealand sales manager Allan Dudley has been amazed at the response so far.

"We knew there were a lot of our old mowers out there, but we had no idea how much they'd become part of our customers' lives. Some of the stories are really great."

Trimax mower owners from around the country have contacted the company with tales of years of service, imaginative running repairs, and occasional mishaps arising from the mowers' power.

"People have told us they've mown or mulched mobile phones, fenceposts, metal rods and even a gate. Hats, ear muffs and expensive prescription glasses seem to feature quite a lot too. And one orchardist told us he'd love to win a new mower, but it wasn't really necessary because he's sure his original one will outlive him."

One of the more remarkable stories came from Blenheim orchardist Humphrey Meyers who several years ago broke a leg while skiing. Deciding that he could sit on a tractor and mow around his fruit trees even in plaster, he climbed aboard and strapped his crutches to the back. But after a successful hour mowing they snagged on one of the trees and fell into the path of the Trimax.

"That was it for the crutches," he recalls. "They were in about a hundred pieces. I was completely marooned and helpless until my wife came home a couple of hours later and helped me off the tractor and into the house."

Allan Dudley is keen for all owners of older mowers with a story to tell to enter the competition.

"We've got a number of prizes to give away for the best stories, so even if you don't think your mower is the oldest it's worth getting in touch."

To enter the competition, send a photograph of the mower along with its serial number and your full contact details to sales@trimaxmowers.co.nz or post to Trimax Mowing Systems, PO Box 2150, Tauranga.

ENDS

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