Victa

GRAHAM AND SANDRA ROSS celebrate the arrival of the 5 millionth Victa, a huge milestone for both, and the beginning of their beautiful new lawn!

FUN FACT

The first Victa mower could cut about 2000sqm of lawn and weighed just 3.6kg, about half the weight of a standard mower today, making it easy for anyone to handle.

WELCOME HOME! TO THE LAWN MOWER THAT CHANGED AUSTRALIA

Victa's advertising was always loud, proud and iconic. Below left, meet the original Victa peach-tin mower.

Few brands stir our country’s nostalgia like Victa. For more than 70 years, the unmistakable hum of a Victa mower has echoed across suburban backyards, being the soundtrack of weekend mornings, freshly cut grass and family gatherings. More than a machine, Victa is part of Australia’s cultural fabric – a symbol of ingenuity, resilience and everyday Aussie life.



It all began in 1952, in the back yard of Melbourne-born engineer Mervyn Victor Richardson. Frustrated by heavy, awkward reel mowers, he built a lighter, simpler and more affordable rotary mower, famously using a peach tin as a fuel tank. That humble inventionr evolutionised lawn care, quickly finding its way into millions of homes.

 

Lawn care took centre stage

Soon, Richardson left his day job to focus entirely on his lawn mowers and Victa Mowers was officially born, taking its name from Richardson’s middle name, Victor. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Demand surged almost instantly, fuelled by Australia’s post-war housing boom and the rise of the suburban dream. Suddenly, millions of Australians had lawns – and they wanted a faster, easier way to mow them. Clever marketing, thoughtful design and a deep understanding of Aussie lawns cemented its place in hearts and homes. Through the 1960s and 70s, Victa thrived, expanding production into a major Sydney factory and exporting machines to more than 28 countries. 

An Olympicmoment

Perhaps no moment better captured Victa’s iconic status than the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Hundreds of performers wheeled bright orange Victa mowers across the stadium celebrating suburban life. It was a spectacular nod to a brand that had become part of the national identity.

A proud homecoming

In 1970, Victa entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Sunbeam Corporation, further expanding national reach and modernising production. By the late 1990s, the company celebrated the manufacture of its seven-millionth mower – a milestone that underscored its place in Australian homes. After years of global ownership,Victa then returned to Australian hands in 2025, acquired by Roy Gripske &Sons (RGS). Founded in Queensland in 1964, RGS is the country’s largest wholesaler of outdoor power equipment, representing Bushranger, SupaSwift, Gravely and Stiga. The acquisition marked a true homecoming, with RGS taking full responsibility for customers and suppliers, ensuring a seamless transition and launching a new website with a national ‘Homecoming’ campaign, reconnecting Aussies with Victa’s heritage and future. RGS's modern mowers are designed to suit contemporary homes but staying true to Victa’s original philosophy – to make lawn care simple, reliable and accessible. 

 

Above, Alan Moffat, racing car driver, loved Victa. Two of today’s top sellers, top, the powerhouse Super Mulcher and bottom, the Mustang.

Victa gives back

Victa’s new era also embraces community impact. Partnering with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) as a Major Corporate Supporter, the Oceans to Outback initiative has already raised $4.5 million, supporting regional and rural communities that have relied on Victa for generations.

Still a household favourite

Now, more than seven decades on, Victa remains woven into Australian life. From early morning mowing before weekend barbecues to the pride of a neatly trimmed lawn, it continues to define the backyard experience. With renewed investment, strengthened customer support and a sense of purpose, Victa has won the Most Trusted Lawnmower brand for nine years straight, and continues to shape the future of Australian lawn care, while honouring the legacy that made it a household name. 

 

Victa’s top 7 tips forlawn care

1. MOW RIGHT TIME AND HEIGHT

The best time to mow is mid-morning. Follow the ‘one-third rule’ – never remove more than 30–40% of the grass blade at once.

2. MAINTAIN SHARP BLADES

Sharp mower blades are essential for a clean cut. Dull blades tear grass, leading to a yellowed, damaged and unhealthy lawn more susceptible to disease.

3. WATER DEEPLY AND AVOID SHALLOW WATERING

Water deeply to encourage deep root growth, which helps the lawn with stand drought. Water in the early morning to minimise evaporation. For new lawns, water twice a day for the first two weeks.

4. FEED REGULARLY

Apply a quality, slow-release, preferably organic-based, fertiliser every 2–3 months. A 3:1:2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is generally ideal for healthy, uniform growth.

5. MULCH OR MANAGE YOUR LAWN CLIPPINGS

Leaving clippings on the lawn (mulching) returns valuable nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) to the soil. Contrary to myth, regular mulching does not cause thatch if done properly. If the grass is too long, use a catcher to avoid clogging.

6. SWITCH UP YOUR MOWING DIRECTION AS YOU GO

Change your mowing pattern (eg, alternating between vertical and diagonal lines), to prevent grass from leaning in one direction and to avoid unnecessary stress on the mower and turf.

7. SERVICE YOUR MOWER

Clean your mower after each use to prevent buildup. For 4-stroke engines, change oil at least once a year. If using a 2-stroke, run your carburetor dry after your final mow to preventany fuel issues.

 

The mower was not invented for commercial gain but to help Mervyn's son Gary, make money by mowing lawns during his university holidays