2019 - Volume #43, Issue #5, Page #21
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His Old Lawn Mower Is An Eye-Catcher
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“The Sensation is one of the rarest ones. I’ve only found a photo of one other Sensation,” Force says. “The one I have was built with wood wheels during World War II.”
In addition to the wheels (which were replaced with rubber wheels) the mower deck is also wood, reflecting the lack of metal available during the war. The mower was made by the Sensation Lawn Mower Company started by Howard and Rosemary Phelps in Ralston, Neb., in 1944.
“Another unique thing is that on the right side bar is a tube that is the gas tank. That’s definitely unusual,” Force says.
The wide tubular-frame handles adjust back and forth and can be folded down. It appears that there were guards on the front and back.
The mower was among a large collection Force purchased from another collector that filled three 20-ft. trailers and three pickup beds.
Force notes that he hasn’t found a lot of information about the Sensation, but knows that his mower was built early because of the direct-shaft engine located over the mower blades. Later it was replaced with a Briggs engine and a belt to drive the blades for better speed control.
Sensation mowers were considered commercial mowers and preferred by landscapers and gardeners for their durability.
It’s in very good condition, Force says. He proudly displays it with the rest of his collection in a 70 by 100-ft. pole barn.
“I have no idea about its value,” he says.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Jack Force, 1106 Hurley Rd., Canton, Penn. 17724 (jackforce1035@comcast.net).
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