The evolution of the LEGO lawnmower man

Jason Allemann (a.k.a. JK Brickworks) is a master of mechanical LEGO creations, and we have featured many of his models in the past (see links at the end of this post). Another LEGO fan who focuses on mechanical LEGO models is Josh DaVid, who’s LEGO Great Ball Contraptions we talked about here. Recently, there has been some great collaboration between these two builders, as they were getting inspired by each other’s ideas. 🙂

Josh DaVid is mostly known for his small, but very complex LEGO GBCs, however he occasionally also builds some mechanical LEGO sculptures. About a month ago, he designed a kinetic sculpture of a lawnmower that gives the illusion of cutting grass. The model uses a series of conveyor belts to move the cut and uncut grass in small repeating loops. The entire model can be run using a hand winch or a single LEGO motor. In the video below, Josh demonstrates how the lawnmower works, and will also show you the interior mechanism.

Jason Alleman saw Josh’s lawnmower, and he was so inspired by it that he immediately wanted to build his own. He also thought to add a slightly modified version of his previously built Sisyphus figure to endlessly push the lawnmower – sort of like a modern day Sisyphus. In the video below, Jason explains how it all works, and he also shares on his blog: “The figure uses the same walking mechanism as in my original Sisyphus model, called a Hoeckens linkage, though I modified the geometry a bit to give it a more upright stance and shorter stride. The ‘grass’ consists of two conveyor belts, one in front of the lawnmower with tall grass and one behind with cut grass, which is essentially the same as in Josh’s original model. The lawnmower is held down by gravity so that the conveyor belts turn the freely spinning wheels, and is loosely mounted on a LEGO brick to keep it in the correct position.I added some simple decorations on the base to represent what is happening on top of the model, with uncut grass on the left, the lawnmower blade in the middle, and cut grass on the right.”

In the meantime, Josh also decided to add his own version of the lawnmower pushing guy, using somewhat different techniques. Notice the different movement of the legs, feet and, arms compared to Jason’s model.

It is really interesting to see such mutual inspiration and cooperation between two great LEGO builders. While LEGO fans often get inspired by each other’s work, it is rare to see it documented so clearly. You can check the similarities and differences of the bases, the grass, the construction of the lawnmowers, the movement of the figures, and how each builder approached the interior mechanism. And of course, there is nothing to stop other LEGO fans (including you!) to take inspiration from both Josh and Jason, and take the model even further.

What do you think? How do you like these LEGO lawnmower man kinetic sculptures? Which aspects of each model do you like? Would you like to build your own eternally mowing guy? Is there anything you would change? Feel free to share your thoughts and own ideas in the comment section below! 😉

And you might also like to check out the following related posts:

• LEGO Great Ball Contraptions: Starting Small
• LEGO Canada Geese & Mechanical Beaver
• Happy Easter with Hatching LEGO Eggs!
• Light, Sound, Action! – Introducing PFX Brick
• LEGO Ideas Maze Review & Thoughts
• LEGO Ideas Maze – More Alternate Mazes
• Walking LEGO Animals – So Much Fun!
• LEGO Mindstorms Ultimate Useless Machine