Growler

Growler
Participation Information
UK Series	6-7, Extreme 2
Dutch Series	2
German Series	1
Other Names	Pitbull (original working name)
Robot Statistics
Weight	375kg
Dimensions	152cm x 130cm x 76cm
Speed	17mph
Power	48 volt 5kW motors 300 ampere speed controllers and 6 batteries
Weapons	Hydraulic Jaws, Flamethrower (Extreme 2 only)

"...Growler is Mr. Psycho's snapping, snarling sidekick. Capable of grabbing a 100kg robot in his jaws, shaking it around and then dumping it in the pit, this is no cuddly puppy. He's fast, he's ferocious - and he's got an awesome bite..."

— Robot Wars: The Ultimate Guide

Growler was one of two House Robots introduced for Robot Wars: The Sixth Wars, debuting alongside Mr. Psycho. Thematically portrayed as Mr. Psycho's 'pet' dog, he appeared in every UK and international series until the end of The Seventh Wars, including Dutch Robot Wars: Series 2, German Robot Wars and Series 2 of Robot Wars Extreme. Both House Robots were constructed in response to the improving standards of competitors towards the end of the Classic run.

Growler was designed by Robin Englebright to resemble a mechanical dog, featuring a set of crushing/clamping jaws shaped like his ‘head’ and a top speed of 17mph. The latter gave him his most notable and hazardous feature, in that this allowed him to damage competitors simply by ramming them. Growler remained as part of the House Robot line-up until the end of The Seventh Wars, though he would not return for the Revival Series run aired in 2016-2018.

Design

Official profile of Growler

"But this is no ordinary dog. Instead of legs there are four chunky wheels with thick, black tyres. In place of fur is a coat of almost indestructible steel, and if you ever tried to recover your best boots from this mutt's mouth, you'd be sure never to play the violin again. This is the second of the new House Robots: Growler.

Growler is a mass of hardware and hydraulics, bolted together and packed into a low-slung body. But at the front of the robot is the real power: huge, evil iron jaws which can drop open and scoop up any contender stupid enough to get near them. But forget about 'Fetch, boy!', because once you're in the mouth, the jaws clamp down and you're history."

— Robot Wars: The Official Magazine

Malcolm James design sketches for Growler

Growler in Issue 3 of the Official Magazine

Growler in the arena

Designed by Malcolm James, Growler was based around a mechanical dog, with four-wheel drive, a set of front hydraulic jaws forming his 'head', and a predominantly steel construction. The souvenir programme for Extreme 2 elaborates that welded box section, scrap and industrial-grade hardened steels were used for the chassis, body and weapon. Growler's jaws operated at over four tons of pressure (five tons or 3,000psi according to various souvenir programmes) through rams sourced from industrial excavators. With these, he could get underneath and grab hold of competitors, while pushing, spinning and dragging them around the arena. Whenever they opened and closed onscreen, a 'growling' sound effect would be dubbed over to further emphasise Growler's animalistic character.

The insides of Growler

A side view of Growler

Another purpose for the jaws was to allow Growler to ram competitors into arena walls and other obstacles while clamping them in place. Alternatively, he could cause extensive internal and chassis damage simply by ramming them, made possible through his weight of 375kg (also quoted as 300kg or 350kg) and top speed of 17mph. The latter was the fastest for a House Robot until Cassius Chrome's debut in Series 7. Growler's drive utilised two Briggs and Stratton Etek motors - the first Robot Wars robot to do so in UK and European versions - six Hawker Genesis batteries and a skid-steer system similar to that used by Series 6 champion Tornado. These features gave him exceptional torque, traction and manoeuvrability across the arena floor.

Growler, without its shell and jaws open

Growler being worked on

Growler uses his short-lived flamethrower on Ellie’s Little Pink-Bot

Official photo of Growler in a CPZ

For the second series of Robot Wars Extreme, Growler underwent a few modifications to improve his durability and damage potential. The original aluminium wheel carriers - which were prone to snapping under force - were replaced with custom-machined hardened steel equivalents. A small flamethrower - built around a blow-lamp rig setup - was also added to the rear, positioned beneath his 'tail' and intended to set fire to defeated competitors. To function as intended, the rig charged a large fuel reservoir, shooting flames out of a small nozzle beneath the 'tail' section. According to Chris Reynolds, this had a long charge time of between 30-40 seconds, which limited its capacity to about four bursts of flame per battle. This, combined with numerous reliability problems, saw Growler's flamethrower being only used four times across Extreme 2, and removed entirely for Series 7. Incidentally, the flamethrower addition was never mentioned in either the Extreme 2 or Series 7 programmes.

Etymology

Throughout his appearances, Growler was often referred to as Mr. Psycho's 'pet', his name reflecting the sound made by dogs when aggressive, threatened or frightened. As with Mr. Psycho, his design took direct inspiration from a character from the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, in this case Bill Sikes' pet dog, Bull's-eye. Growler's original working name during his design process was Pitbull, which is not be confused with the Series 3 semi-finalist of the same name.

Robot History

Series 6

Mr. Psycho and Growler alongside each other during their introduction

"One man and his dog - Robot Wars' most powerful punishing pair EVER!"

— Jonathan Pearce during Mr. Psycho and Growler's introduction

Growler was introduced along with Mr. Psycho at the start of Heat A, as part of the house robot introductions. Mr. Psycho entered the arena along with Growler, where the two spun around and demonstrated their weaponry for the crowd.

Razer and Growler crush Cyrax

The two new House Robots made their combat débuts together during Razer's Round 2 battle against Cyrax. Razer forced Cyrax straight into Growler's jaws, and both Razer and Growler bit down into Cyrax, one on each side. Growler then pushed Cyrax and Razer up the arena together, and Razer let go of Cyrax, then went back after Cyrax when Growler let it go.

"...they know where they want to drive Cyrax, in towards the crushing jaws off the Growler! They can crush at a pressure of 4 tonnes, those … gnarling, snarling jaws! Push and shove, Growler to Razer and back again, and poor old Cyrax is the bone in this particular tussle and tug of war, between the two dogs of war."

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler bites Cyrax and pushes it

Tetanus 2 and Growler team up on Raging Reality

Growler and Mr. Psycho were used together again in the next battle, between Tetanus 2 and Raging Reality, after they entered an empty CPZ during their second round battle. Trying to escape Tetanus 2, Raging Reality drove into an empty CPZ, but Tetanus 2 pinned it in the corner, then Growler rammed into Tetanus 2, then Raging Reality, ramming them against the wall. Growler grabbed Raging Reality by the flipper, forcing it closed as Raging Reality fired, then pulled Raging Reality back, before letting it go. Growler allowed the two to escape the CPZ, and waited in the CPZ, but soon Tetanus 2 grabbed Raging Reality and forced it into Growler, who bit into it.

"Look at his deadly, demonic eyes, blinking away. Red with fury!"

— Jonathan Pearce on Growler while Tetanus 2 and Raging Reality fought

Growler grabs Mega Hurts 2

Growler rams X-Terminator

Growler made two appearances in Heat B. As in the first heat, he appeared in both Round 2 battles, and was partnered with Mr. Psycho again both times. After not being involved in the match between Firestorm 4 and Barbaric Response, he attacked both X-Terminator and Mega Hurts 2 in their second round battle. X-Terminator pushed Mega Hurts 2 into the CPZ, but didn't get away fast enough, and Growler charged into it. Mega Hurts 2 was pinned in the corner, and Growler grabbed Mega Hurts 2 with his jaws, dragging it to the arena centre and spinning it around. Later in the battle, Mega Hurts 2 lifted X-Terminator up and pushed it into an empty CPZ, and Growler rammed into X-Terminator as it tried to escape, ramming it against the wall.

"...in comes Growler! Very quick across the arena there, very fast, it uses a skid steer system, very manoeuvrable. And down crunches the Growler jaws! Hydraulically powered and crushing with a pressure of four tonnes on Mega Hurts 2!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler charges into the CPZ, then grabs Mega Hurts 2

ICU is pitted by Growler

After being absent from Heat C, Growler appeared in the opening melee of Heat D. This marked the first time he was used with a House Robot other than Mr. Psycho, and also his appearance in a melee. After being thrown by the floor flipper, ICU kept driving despite being counted out. It reversed by Growler whilst trying to stay away from its opponents, and Growler pushed it into Shunt as his fellow House Robot in the battle came out of his CPZ to get ICU under control. Growler grabbed ICU in his jaws and pushed it into the pit, making this his first "mercy killing".

Growler grabs Thor

Growler was not used in any battles in Heat E or Heat F, but in Heat G, he was used in both second round battles. In the first, between Thor and Tornado, Growler sped out of his CPZ as the two robots fought close to the top CPZ, crashing into Tornado. Later in the same battle, Tornado pushed Thor into the CPZ at the bottom of the arena, and Growler charged down to the CPZ, colliding with Tornado, and accidentally driving into the arena wall. Growler then pinned Thor against the wall, with the help of Sgt. Bash, then grabbed Thor in his jaw, dragging it up the arena.

"Did you see the speed there? Growler flew out of his kennel! 420 kilos of doggy power, across the arena floor!"

— Jonathan Pearce after Growler charged at Tornado

Growler rams Inshredable against the wall

In the second Round 2 battle, between Inshredable and Anarchy, he pushed Inshredable away from his CPZ when it strayed too close whilst trying to get away from Anarchy. After Inshredable was counted out, Growler then bit down into Inshredable, ripping part of its chassis open. Growler then dragged it across the arena, putting it on the Flame Pit before finally dropping it down the opened pit.

"Where will we err...Where will we finish with Inshredable do you think? In the pit? On the flame pit? I think we will just...boot him down there. Down into the cellars of the Robot Wars Arena. Bye bye Inshredable. See you again next time."

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler puts Inshredable on the flame pit before taking it to the pit which is opened by Sgt Bash and dumping it down the pit

Growler waits to come out and attack the competing robots

Growler pits Supernova

Growler made his first appearance in a Heat Final in Heat H. When Supernova suffered mobility problems, Growler clamped it and pulled away from the wall to see if it started moving. After Refbot counted Supernova out, and it was flipped, Growler grabbed it and took it to the pit. Sgt. Bash opened the pit, and Growler dropped it down.

"Er, Supernova - Growler's behind you! Er, Supernova, prepare to get bitten. He's just teasing, playing with you really. Playful little pup is Growler. He's had a taste, a mere lick. He'll be back."

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler pulls Supernova away from the wall

Growler reverses over the pit as it opens

In the first round of Heat I, he almost drove himself into the pit after pressing the pit release button once Sabretooth and Reptirron the Second had been counted out. He reversed straight over the panel as it began to lower, but got off before he could get stuck.

"Oh, Growler, what are you doing? That's not your kennel! Don't go down the pit yet, get him on a leash someone, quickly!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler nearly pits himself

Growler drives over Kronic 2

Later on in the same Heat, he attacked Kronic 2 during its second round battle with Terrorhurtz. After damage from Terrorhurtz, Kronic 2 was spinning by a CPZ, so Growler drove down the arena to that CPZ. Growler got behind Kronic 2, but then Kronic 2 turned around and lifted Growler up onto its top. Kronic 2 tried to use its top flipper to flip Growler, but Growler was too heavy to flip over, and he slid off the side when Kronic 2 fired the top flipper again. After some more pushing by Terrorhurtz, Kronic 2 broke down, and Growler rammed it into the arena wall. Once Kronic 2 was counted out, Growler grabbed Kronic 2 by one of its wheel guards, and pulled Kronic 2 back, ripping the wheel guard off, before pushing the beaten robot up the arena.

"What a frightening new House Robot, for Robot Wars: The Sixth Wars!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler rams Kronic 2

Growler plays with Sumpthing

In Heat J, Growler rammed Axe-C-Dent 2 and placed it on the Floor Flipper in the first round after it was flipped by Hydra, then later in the same battle, he grabbed Sumpthing by the wheel and dumped it in the pit shortly after it was counted out.

Growler unusually assisted a competitor in the second Round 1 melee in Heat J, when Comengetorix got its axe stuck on the side of the arena. Growler tried grabbing it and pulling it away from the wall, and when that failed to work, rammed into Comengetorix, which allowed it to pull the axe back.

Growler rams into Dominator 2 and S.M.I.D.S.Y.

Later on in the same heat, he slammed into Dominator 2 and S.M.I.D.S.Y. at full speed when both of them were in a CPZ during their heat Semi-Final, driving on top of and ramming S.M.I.D.S.Y. against the wall as Dominator 2 escaped. His charge was enough to cause severe damage to both robots; with S.M.I.D.S.Y. losing manoeuvrability for the remainder of the battle and Dominator 2's baseplate being detached and split in half.

"Oh Growler! Both went into the CPZ, and Growler came in with a right roar-ripping shunt! … It uses skid steer system, Growler, that's why it's so quick across the arena. Bam! And S.M.I.D.S.Y.'s taken the worst of that, and I think this second round has turned on its head."

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler rammed into the two competitors, then S.M.I.D.S.Y. limped away

This was Growler's last major contribution to the main competition. Growler was absent from the last two Heats, and only appeared in one battle in each of the Semi-Finals, but was not involved in either of those battles. In Semi-Final 1, he appeared in the battle between Razer and Wild Thing, then in Semi-Final 2, he was present for the battle between Dominator 2 and Tornado. Growler was also absent from the Grand Final.

Growler pits Judge Shred 2½ during the UK vs Germany special

Growler also pits Corkscrew

Growler also made a couple of appearances in the UK vs Germany Special, broadcast at the end of Series 6 and as part of German Robot Wars. He briefly pushed Judge Shred 2½ away from the CPZ before separating it and 259 after both robots became stuck to each other during their first round battle. He shoved 259 into the pit release button and dragged Judge Shred 2½ back as it was counted out, before pushing the latter onto the Floor Flipper and dumping it into the pit.

"It's time, Growler, to smash and bash and rid the arena of all this trash! Because they've not been greatly impressive, have they? … Imagine that pooch in a kennel in your backyard. Take some feeding, wouldn't it?"

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler pulls Judge Shred 2½ across the arena, then pitted it

Growler later did the same to Corkscrew following its loss to Fluffy, putting it on the floor flipper, then pitting it.

Extreme 2

"...and straining at the leash, Growler!"

— Jonathan Pearce introduces Growler before its first battle in Extreme 2

Growler dumps Hypno-Disc into the pit

Equipped with his new flamethrower, Growler's first appearance in Extreme 2 came in Heat B of the All-Stars, where he grabbed hold of Hypno-Disc by its disc after it was counted out before slamming it into the pit release button and pushing it into the pit.

"Down the pit, if he lets go. Dog with a bone and all that."

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler pits Hypno-Disc

Growler slams Saw Point into the wall

He also appeared in the first round of the Minor Meltdown, grabbing Saw Point by the chassis and repeatedly ramming it into the wall, causing one of its wheels to fall off. Once Saw Point had been counted out and Sir Killalot picked Saw Point up and thrown it aside, Growler bit it, dragged it to his CPZ and spun it around, slamming it against the wall and ripping two of the remaining wheels off before letting Sir Killaot put it on the Drop Zone and dump it out of the arena. Meanwhile, Growler pushed a refrigerator, which had been dropped on Saw Point, onto Lambsy, which had been pitted by Bigger Brother.

"Growler will attack anything!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler pits the refrigerator

Growler nudges Mini Morg towards the pit as time runs out in the Tag Team Terror

Growler also made two appearances in the Tag Team Terror, both of which being the semi-finals. In the first semi-final, after slamming Mini Morg was flipped into his CPZ by Hydra, Growler rammed into it and grabbed it in its jaws. Growler took Mini Morg to the arena centre and spun it, causing it to roll back on its wheels, but Mini Morg had broken down. Mini Morg was counted out and cut into by Dead Metal, before Growler pushed it into the pit.

"Mini Morg's crashed into a CPZ, and that is the kennel for that machine, mean, moody, magnificent - its Growler! Ooh, biting in on the tyres!"

— Jonathan Pearce while Growler attacked Mini Morg in the CPZ

Growler drives over Bulldog Breed

During the second semi-final, between Bulldog Breed and Robochicken against Lightning and The Steel Avenger, Growler drove on top of Bulldog Breed twice. Firstly, after Bulldog Breed dispatched Lightning, it drove into a CPZ. Growler blocked its escape and drove on top of it, pushing it to the wall, but Bulldog Breed managed to lift him up a couple of times with its flipper.

"Piggyback, piggyback! It’s the clash of the two dogs out there! A real dogfight on the arena floor!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler rams and drives on top of Bulldog Breed

Growler holds Lightning

Bulldog Breed escaped the CPZ, and Growler chased after it, but Bulldog Breed turned around, got its flipper and flipped Growler over its top. Later on in the same battle, Growler then bit and pushed the immobilised Lightning across the arena .

"He was the hardest, toughest fight we've had so far, he put a hole in the top of us!...We tried to get him over the back of us, out of the arena, but he wouldn't"

— Tony Somerfield on fighting Growler after the battle

For the New Blood Championship, Growler and the other House Robots were allowed to do more damage than usual to immobilised competitors.

"A real baptism of fire - none of the "Mercy Clauses" that the usual competitors get to sign, if you lost in this your machine was going to be thoroughly trashed by the House Robots, there was even a briefing given before the competition explaining what was in store."

— Team Storm Website

Growler is wedged on top of Thor's hammer, pinning it in place

Growler made appearances in all of the episodes apart from Heat A. In Heat B, he backed towards the immobile Chip in an attempt to set fire to it with his flamethrower, but was unable to, and suddenly Thor drove in and hit him with the hammer. In retaliation, Growler rammed Thor into the central entry gate after it attacked him with its hammer. In the process, Growler drove up Thor's side and got wedged on top of its hammer, pinning Thor down; the charge also resulted in him damaging the gate itself.

"What damage has been sustained by Thor, having rather rashly taken on Growler in a one-on-one?"

— Jonathan Pearce as Thor escapes

Growler attacks Chip while Mr. Psycho almost falls into the pit

Growler puts Chip on the Floor Flipper

After Chip was counted out, Growler was separated from Thor by Mr. Psycho. After Chip was counted out, Growler grabbed it and pulled it to the floor flipper, throwing it against the wall as he let go. He grabbed Chip again and placed it on the Floor Flipper, before pushing it into the pit.

"The only thing that'll be left of that - little wood chips, I should imagine. The very innards, if there is any wood in there, I'm not too sure. Certainly Growler has a wooden heart: unfeeling."

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler pulls Chip to the Floor Flipper

Growler puts ICU on the Drop Zone

Growler finishes off ICU like he did in Series 6

In the Heat C final, Growler grabbed the immobilised ICU by its axe as Mr. Psycho hammered it. After it was thrown by the Floor Flipper, Growler pushed it into the arena wall, before grabbing it by one of its self-righting arms, pulling it from the piston, and dragging ICU to the Drop Zone, where ICU had an assortment of balls dropped on it. He finished ICU off by biting on one of its self-righting arms again and pitting it, similar to what he did to it in Series 6.

"Give the dog a bone, Growler knows what he wants, and ICU is a bit, to be honest, of a dog's dinner!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler drags ICU to the Drop Zone

Growler holds Fatal Traction on the flames

During the Heat D second round battle between Cedric Slammer and Fatal Traction, Growler pushed Fatal Traction onto the floor flipper after it was counted out. After it was thrown, Growler bit into it and took it to the flame pit, then dragged it to the floor flipper to be thrown again.

Growler and Shunt dispose of Cedric Slammer

In the Grand Final playoff between Thor and Cedric Slammer, Cedric Slammer reversed into a CPZ, and Thor followed it, and suddenly Growler rammed into the two robots. This slam immobilised Cedric Slammer, and Growler grabbed it and dumped it into the pit. What isn't seen in the episode however is that this impact actually collapsed one corner of the arena. The fight had to be temporarily halted and resumed once the arena had been fixed, though Cedric Slammer was already dead.

"Oh! And in comes Growler with a huge attack! Nearly took them both out! Crowd loved it! I think it's taken Cedric Slammer out. Very, very quick across the arena floor, Growler. Cedric Slammer finished! Slammed them onto the arena side wall, huge power from Growler! Cedric Slammer simply couldn't take that sort of weight and power at speed. I'm not surprised, are you? It looked horrible!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler slams into Cedric Slammer, immobilising it

Growler destroys the pit release button while crushing Ellie's Little Pink Bot

Growler smashes Ellie's Little Pink Bot

Growler made two appearances in the Robot Rampage episode, dedicated to competitions featuring robots from lighter weight classes. In the Lightweight Championship Final, he shot flames at Typhoon Thunder and the immobile Ellie's Little Pink-Bot, before grabbing Ellie’s Little Pink-Bot and the pit release button after the latter was counted out by Refbot and thrown by the Floor Flipper. Growler spun and held both over the Flame Pit before placing them on the Floor Flipper for a second throw, and proceeded to drive into Ellie’s Little Pink-Bot at full speed just after ‘cease’ was called, destroying it.

"Oh dear… oh dear! Well, look, if you come into the warzone, and you don’t do anything, expect Growler to get angry!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler bites Ellie’s Little Pink-Bot and the pit release tyre

In the Middleweight Championship Final, Growler briefly bit into 259’s flywheel before allowing Dead Metal to drag it towards the Floor Flipper and the pit.

Growler rams Chompalot

Growler made only one appearance in each of the following four episodes. In the Challenge Belt, he was used in the battle between Dantomkia and Iron-Awe 2, but the House Robots were not involved in the battle. Growler was used in the final of the Iron Maidens, where he slammed into Chompalot as it attacked Pussycat near an empty CPZ, sending it spinning into a wall.

Growler pushes Crushtacean after it falls in the pit

In the University Challenge, he pressed the pit release button as Tiberius 3 and Infinity attempted to push Fluffy over it. In the Commonwealth Carnage, Crushtacean pushed Corkscrew into the pit but fell in itself, unable to let go. Growler took advantage, ramming Crushtacean.

Growler made several appearances throughout the European Championship, which was also broadcast as part of German Robot Wars. His most notable moment in the episode came during the battle between PulverizeR and Razer. PulverizeR drove into his CPZ, and Growler rammed it out, straight into Razer, which then pushed PulverizeR straight into the jaws of Growler. The two robots bit into PulverizeR, and Growler pushed the two competitors back and forth. Razer let go, then Growler pushed PulverizeR close to a flame jet before letting it go.

Series 7

"Around the arena he'll growl and prowl, looking for a robot to disembowel! This terrifying terrier is another new addition to the House Robot crew and with his devastating 3000psi crushing jaws he looks set to cause some major carnage!"

— The Series 7 Programme on Growler

Growler made numerous appearances throughout Series 7, although his involvement in the series was considerably less than before.

Growler pins M2 in the corner

His first appearance this series came in the Heat Final of Heat A. Tiberius 3 grabbed hold of M2 and pinned it in an empty CPZ. Growler came in, pushing the two against the wall. Growler rammed M2, then grabbed it with his jaws, pulling it back. The pushes had loosened Tiberius 3's grip on M2, although M2 was unable to get away as Growler reversed and Sir Killalot came in, before dragging them out, although not without separating or causing substantial damage to them.

Growler tries to separate Barbaric Response and Kan-Opener

Growler appeared in the next battle, the opening first round melee in Heat B, where he came out of his CPZ and rammed into Barbaric Response and Kan-Opener when they became stuck together. Growler broke Kan-Opener’s crushing jaws in the process of ramming them, but ultimately failed to separate the two.

"So quick across the arena floor."

— Jonathan Pearce on Growler

Growler waits for I Bot One Beta to be counted out

Growler would not make another notable appearance until Heat G, as he was only involved in one battle each in Heat C, Heat D, Heat E and Heat F. In the second first round melee of Heat G, Growler pushed and dragged the immobilised I Bot One Beta around the arena before it was placed on the floor flipper and thrown.

Growler drags Metalis away

In the first round melee between Ming Dienasty, Ceros, Scraptosaur and Metalis in Heat H, Growler left his CPZ to nudge the inverted Ming Dienasty towards the Flame Pit as it was trying to self-right. Also, Metalis was flipped over by Ceros and counted out, but it was then flipped back over by Ceros, and it attempted to rejoin the fight. Growler grabbed Metalis and pulled it away before letting go of it and it was ultimately pitted by the Refbot before time ran out.

"Too late for Metalis, coming into the fight now, and Growler has a word. Great across the arena floor, Growler, so quick. The quickest of the House Robots over a short distance."

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler grabs Metalis and pulls it away

Growler involved in the action as St. Agro flips Dead Metal

Growler drags Mega Hurts LT in his jaws

Later on in the same heat, he and Dead Metal pinned St. Agro against the wall after the latter pushed Mega Hurts LT into a CPZ, before grabbing the immobilised Mega Hurts LT and spinning it round, throwing it towards an angle grinder when he let go of it. After Mega Hurts LT was flipped by St. Agro and counted out, he proceeded to place it on the Floor Flipper before dragging it and dropping it down the pit.

"Anyone who owns a laptop would be grimacing at this moment in time, with the screen and the keyboard. But it all got locked up. The memory was lost. And as for a byte, there's a mega bite...from Growler, back in the old laptop case."

— Jonathan Pearce makes a barrage of computer puns as Growler disposes of Mega Hurts LT

Growler and Mr Psycho come in to attack Kronic the Wedgehog

Growler played a small part in the Heat I final between Storm 2 and The Steel Avenger, ramming Steel Avenger against the wall after Storm 2 pushed it into his CPZ. In Heat J, he pushed the immobile Kronic the Wedgehog up the arena after it was counted out.

He appeared in a few battles across the rest of the main series, but had few notable appearances. His last appearance in the main series was in Semi-Final 2, where he pushed Firestorm 5 out of his CPZ after Storm 2 pushed it in.

"We have unleashed the dogs of hell on the first of three Featherweight battles..."

— Jonathan Pearce at the start of the battle, having noted the use of three House Robots

In the first heat of the Featherweight Championships, broadcast as part of Heat B, Growler was one of three House Robots used, a rare exception to the rule about two House Robots in the corner patrol zones which was established in Extreme 1. Growler rammed into Kitty and Mini-Maul, before grabbing hold of Alpha with his jaws and opening the pit with it in place.

Growler prepares to push Phoenix onto the Floor Flipper

In the Middleweight Final, broadcast as part of Heat K, he pushed Phoenix onto the Floor Flipper after it was immobilised by Typhoon.

Growler bites Riptilion

Growler also appeared in the Third World Championship qualifier between Hard and Riptilion, where he rammed and dragged Riptilion out of the CPZ before pulling Riptilion by its spinning weapon onto the Floor Flipper after it was counted out.

Growler tries to intervene as Dantomkia lifts Dead Metal

In the Robot Wars: The Seventh Wars/All-Stars competition, held at the end of the series, Dantomkia started taking on Dead Metal after disposing of Panic Attack, getting under it and lifting it up. Growler chased after Dantomkia, trying to push and stop it attacking his fellow House Robot, but accidentally drove into Dead Metal. It got behind Dantomkia, and Dantomkia turned away from Dead Metal, but Growler drove into the arena wall whilst trying to attack Dantomkia. Dantomkia got under Dead Metal again, and Growler drove into Dead Metal again whilst trying to ram Dantomkia. Both House Robots then broke down, and Dantomkia was given a yellow card from Refbot.

Growler after being flipped over by Gravity

Along with Mr. Psycho and Cassius Chrome, Growler also appeared in the House Robot Rebellion, fighting Behemoth and Gravity. However, he played very little part in the Rebellion, as he drove over and was flipped onto his back by Gravity after ramming into the Dutch machine in the opening seconds. Growler was left alone for the remainder of the match, which the House Robots ultimately lost by an audience decision.

"Gravity thinks he can take on our dog of war – oh, and he can! Ah, Growler’s rolled over for a… tummy tickle! Err, this is not going according to plan!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Growler is flipped over by Gravity

This was the final battle Growler took part in in order of filming, although his last televised appearance came in The Third World Championship, where he pinned Ansgar 3 into the CPZ before nudging it back out during its heat against Storm 2 and Tornado.

Dutch Series 2

Along with Mr. Psycho, Growler made his Dutch Robot Wars debut in Series 2, and as with Series 6 and the German series made his first appearance in Heat A. His introduction with Mr. Psycho from Series 6 Heat A was replayed as part of the House Robot introduction, albeit not in full, cutting out their entrance.

N A M A Z U is held on the flame pit

His first battle was in the Round 1 battle between N A M A Z U and Blackdevil Warzone. After N A M A Z U was counted out, He grabbed, pushed and spun it around the arena before putting it on the Flame Pit. Mr. Psycho hit it with his hammer, then Growler dragged it back and pushed it in the pit after it was pounded by Mr. Psycho’s hammer.

Growler drags Hard by the axe

Growler appeared in the next battle, between Hard and Neater. The two competitors battled by an empty CPZ, so Growler charged in, separating the two. This charge immobilised Hard, and Growler bit down on Hard's axe, causing it to topple onto its side as he dragged it away from the wall, leaving it close to the angle grinders for Refbot to count it out. Growler grabbed Hard again, easily crumpling the armour and tried to pull it away from the wall, but was unable to because its axe was hanging over the side, forcing it against the wall, where it was left pinned by its axe.

Growler locks horns with Neater

In the Round 2 battle between Neater and Blackdevil Warzone, the two competitors were fighting close to his CPZ, but then Neater strayed to the edge of the CPZ whilst trying to push Blackdevil Warzone into the wall, so Growler pushed it back, but got stuck on its lifter, so Neater was dragged back as Growler reversed into the CPZ. Growler pushed Neater into the centre of the arena, where it managed to get free.

Growler rides up Flepser in the closing seconds

After being absent from Heat B, Growler was used in the first battle of Heat C, between Flepser and Bamm Bamm, he dragged Bamm Bamm away from the wall when its axe got caught. Later, Flepser pushed Bamm Bamm into Growler, but Bamm Bamm got away before the House Robot could attack, so Growler slammed into Flepser, pushing it away. However, Bamm Bamm then reversed into Growler, so Growler pinned it against the wall. Towards the end of the battle, he rammed Flepser as it and Bamm Bamm lingered in an empty CPZ, driving over Flepser’s wedge and pinning it against the wall until ‘cease’ was called.

Growler stuck on Twisted Metal Evo

In the next battle, he slammed into Twisted Metal Evo when it and Slamtilt entered a CPZ, pinning it in the corner. Growler briefly became caught on top of Twisted Metal Evo as it did so, but after reversing out of the CPZ, taking Twisted Metal Evo with it, Growler managed to slide off. After Slamtilt had one of its wheels ripped off by Twisted Metal Evo’s disc, Growler dragged it onto the Floor Flipper.

Growler puts Flepser on the Drop Zone

He would also drag Flepser onto the Floor Flipper in Round 2, after Matilda ripped one of its wheels off during its battle with Twisted Metal Evo. After it was flipped, Growler put it on the Drop Zone as well.

Gravity pushes Bloody Murder Weapon into the jaws of Growler

Growler appeared in the second semi-final of Heat D. Gravity forced Bloody Murder Weapon into his CPZ, and Growler grabbed it and spun it around. Bloody Murder Weapon managed to escape, but after some more chasing, Gravity forced it back into Growler, who grabbed it and spun it around again, knocking it into the wall, before pushing it away.

Growler pits the immobilised Scarab

In Heat E, Growler grabbed the immobilised Scarab and dragged it around the arena by one of its crushing claws, before placing it on the Floor Flipper. He later dragged Scarab off the Flame Pit and into Matilda’s flywheel, before pitting it.

Growler rams into Philipper 2 and Bamm Bamm

In the Grand Final, Growler bit into Krab-Bot as it was pushing Philipper 2 against the arena wall , which knocked Krab-Bot into the bottom arena wall. Later in the same battle, Krab-Bot was holding onto Philipper 2, and tried to push it into a CPZ, but Philipper 2 held Krab-Bot in the CPZ, and Growler bit into Krab-Bot, pulling it away from Philipper 2 and putting it on the Flame Pit.

Before the start of Philipper 2’s semi-final battle with Bamm Bamm, he turned towards Bamm Bamm and closed his jaws near it, and later rammed into Bamm Bamm during the closing stages of the battle as it and Philipper 2 separated.

Growler bumps Scrap-2-Saur down into the Pit of Oblivion

Growler finally dragged Scrap-2-Saur around and onto the Floor Flipper when it was counted out against PulverizeR, only for Scrap-2-Saur to burst back into life and drive away as soon as he let it go. He eventually nudged and chased Scrap-2-Saur into the pit after failing to grab it a second time.

German Robot Wars

Growler grabs Tyke in Round 1

Growler opens the pit

Growler made limited appearances in German Robot Wars, only appearing three times throughout the whole series. His introduction from Heat A of Series 6 was shown as part of the House Robot introductions, with the arena entrance. Unusually, the House Robot intros were shown at the start of each episode.

In Heat A, he joined Matilda in both of the first round battles. In the first melee, Son of Armageddon pushed the immobile Tyke into his CPZ, so Growler bit into it and spun it around, before leaving it by the arena wall. In the second melee, Growler came out of his CPZ to open the pit, but despite Ansgar's Revenge being immobile, no robot was pitted, despite Junkyard Queen's attempts to pit Golem.

Growler puts Tyke on the flipper

Growler pits Tyke

He later appeared in the Grand Final, in the second Semi-Final battle between Tsunami and Tyke, where he grabbed hold of the immobilised Tyke and placed it on the Floor Flipper. Growler pressed the pit release button, and after Sir Killalot pushed Tyke towards the pit, Growler finished it off by nudging it in.

Appearances in Merchandise

• Growler/Pullback
• Growler/RC
• A keychain featuring a small diecast Growler was also sold at the live filming of Series 7

The Growler pullback

The radio controlled Growler

The Growler keychain

Gallery

Growler in the arena during Series 6

Growler and the other House Robots stored in the warehouse

Outside Robot Wars

In June 2023, a full-sized replica of Growler was assembled by Calum Jones, who had previously built and exhibited a similarly-scaled recreation of Sgt. Bash. This replica made its public debut at the Rapture Gaming Festival on 1-2 July 2023, as a guest for the Robot Rebellion 'Chatham Champs' beetleweight competition, and would also appear at RoboNerd later the same year.

Trivia

• Because of its limited usage in Extreme 2, Growler's rear flamethrower was never even acknowledged on the show.
• In Series 7, Jonathan Pearce occasionally stated Growler as being the fastest House Robot despite Cassius Chrome being the fastest House Robot in reality.
• Growler was never partnered with Dead Metal or Sir Killalot in Series 6 but was partnered with them in his other appearances.
• During his time as a house robot, Growler appeared in sixty-five battles, appearing in seventeen battles in both Series 6 and Extreme 2.
• Discounting Cassius Chrome, Growler was the only House Robot not to appear in a Losers' Melee which was used in Series 5 and 6 and Dutch Series 1.
• During his time on Robot Wars, Growler was absent from sixteen episodes.
• In some battles, Growler can be seen with the word "Dog" on his top right side.