I guess it is anther "mousetrap" but nothing wrong with the original method of starting as long as the mower is in good enough condition to start in the first place!

I like one of the comments in the yootoob section: "just because you can put something on your mower, it doesn't mean you should"

 

I can't even look at that guy, let alone hear him .....

 

Huh, that's certainly creative. I dunno, jumping to where it shows how you use it, I can't really fault the concept, in terms of trying to solve a problem.

Electric start mowers were not always very available. And if you had shoulder problems, etc, you might be kind of stuck. For instance, my mom is a lefty, and petite. Everything is set up for right handed pull starts, so she's at a disadvantage.

While unconventional, if this helps someone use their machine, hey, good for them!

 

i really don't see something like that being needing on most new machines. most new machines pull over so easy that they could likely install some sort of easy start system if they wanted. i know my new 2 stroke trimmer has easy start and i kind of like it even tho i am having a hard time getting used to it. got a newer power smart lawn mower at my sisters place and it pulls over so easy i would worry about pull cord breaking if you pull it like you would on a old lawn mower. i know on most pull cords i repair they snap inches from the end. i am guessing this may be cause partially from the pull cord being maxed out regularly.

 

My Craftsman weed whacker also has that Easy Pull, or whatever they call it. It feels to me like you're sort of winding a spring, which builds tension, and then releases and spins the engine? Rather than rotating the engine directly with the cord.

Regardless, I do like it. It seems to make it easier to pull, and you're not fighting the compression directly. Seems like it could be a cool idea on a big generator engine, or similar. If your battery-start fails, and the power is out, that could make starting a 10,000W unit, or whatever, more accessible. Even if you had to pull 3 times before the spring released and spun the engine.

 

My 1961 Toro Whirlwind Model 20122 had a wind-up starter; crank it up and flip the handle over, then use the throttle/choke lever to release it. Worked pretty well!

 

Remember the floor starter buttons on tractors and some vehicles.

 

I have that on my Model T pickup... Right back by the front of the seat box where I can step on it with my right heel.

 

What are floor starter buttons? I'm not familiar with those.

 

Model T Starter switch, replacement style, with button extension, 5014RE

Model T Ford Starter switch, replacement style, with button extension Year: 1919-1927, 5014RE

www.modeltford.com

No relay is used; the switch has to carry the full load (up to 300 starting amps) of the 6VDC Starter via 1/0 (single aught=0) gauge or 2/0 (double aught=00) gauge, i.e. (BIG!!!) cables.

 

You all on here making me feel really old. Lots of vehicles back in the day had starter buttons down on the floor. Various locations depending manufacturer. Either that or actually hand crank the engine to start it. We had a 1950 something International Cub tractor we usually had to start by hand crank. However, that tractor was a big step up from the team of work horses we started with.

 

I remember the Hi/Low beam headlight switch was on the floor as well.

 

Wow, that's impressive. Presumably if you're trying to keep cost down, maybe just a big ol' switch is cheaper than also using a relay. Or maybe just offers enough simplicity/reliability to be preferable.

 

Presumably if you're trying to keep cost down, maybe just a big ol' switch is cheaper than also using a relay.

Starter relays (solenoids) didn't come into common use until somewhat later. The Ford Model A introduced a starting relay in 1928 and then changing vehicle voltage to 12VDC from 6VDC was another important step towards reducing the amperage required to spin the starter.

Chrysler's 1949 innovation of the key-operated combination ignition-starter switch lead to the mechanisms we know today, which are gradually being replaced by Push-Button starting again! My 2007-2013 BMW X5 start button:

 

I've never owned a floor button started car but have known about them. I did however own a Mustang that had a foot pumped windshield washer pump. As for the Step & Start, your recoil spring better be in top form!

 

Never heard of a foor pump WW pump... but my old VW used the air from the spare tire up front to pressurize the fluid.

 

Now THAT's a new one on me!

 

 

My 1968 Mercury Cougar has the foot operated pump for the windshield washer fluid also. You can see it in the photo just above the foot operated headlight dimmer switch, another feature that many folks will not be familiar with if they have never driven a pre 80's vehicle.

A few other automotive features that todays younger drivers are probably not familiar with:

Under dash emergency brake handle which is right next to the under dash vent control knob (non AC car)

Manual window crank handles

Vent windows and vinyl tops

Factory toggle switches, which were outlawed due to safety concerns and replaced by rocker style switches in 1969.

 

My 1968 Mercury Cougar has the foot operated pump for the windshield washer fluid also.

the 71 dart is the same except for the toggle switches. i never use the park brake but it definitely feels different to be pulling it to activate and turn to disengage. i need to get a new windshield washer reservoir for it and hook up the nozels but they are there and did function. just the reservoir would just leak out all the fluid so i removed it. i rarely use the wipers unless it rains.

 

^^--Interesting.

I had a '70 Ford Torino (not Gran.) It had the floor dimmer but not foot WW pump. It was on the dash as a push switch on the rotate wiper switch: 3 speed- off, slow fast, no intermittent.
I cannot recall if the ignition was on the column or on the dash front.

Wish I still had that car... weird option package: 4-door, 351 Cleveland, C4 transmission, 2 BBl carb (think it was a Rochester.)

When I bought it, it had bias ply tires (All over the road!!!) New radials made a huge difference in handling.

It looked similar to this, only in white:

 

@Ziggy65
I may have asked this of you before... does that Cougar have the mechanical sequential rear turn signal thingy?

 

Yes it originally came with the electro-mechanical sequential turn signal controller.
I replaced it with an electronic controller 6 years ago, as the electro mechanical unit was starting to act up and I was tired of fiddling with it, soldering connections and cleaning switches etc. I still have the original unit, it's quite an interesting set up.