Lawnmowers

Why have an exhibit on lawnmowers? Because R.E. Olds also built lawnmowers and at one point in time, REO was the largest builder of power lawnmowers in the world!

Lansing’s mower history goes back to a patented design by R. E. Olds in 1916 for his Ideal Engine Company, a stationary engine manufacturer organized by him in 1906. His innovation was a large powered roller that propelled the mower at the same time as it rolled the turf. The product was so successful that the Company was renamed the Ideal Power Lawn Mower Company in 1922. Eventually, in 1946, Olds moved production to REO.

Take your place in history…

Join the R. E. Olds Transportation Museum and help keep history rolling. Enjoy the benefits of membership and the pride of preserving automotive heritage.