OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories UK & EUROPEAN Power Reel Models RANSOMES MATADOR - c1958 - A Grand Design

RANSOMES - SPECIFICATION

The 24" (61cm) Ransomes Matador has had a distinguished life. From its inception in the late 1950s,
the Matador adopted the new and modern post-war principles of lawnmower construction.

The reality is that the post-WWI 'lightweight' lawnmowers had 'bulked-out' to be very well made, but also
extremely heavy. For example, Ransomes' earlier 24" Motor Mower weighed 560 lbs and their 24" Heavy Duty
Motor Mower weighed a whopping 670 lbs!

The Matador would weigh just 322 lbs, giving it a much improved power-to-weight ratio.
It did this by adopting a revolutionary pressed steel and welded fabrication for the chassis.
It also adopted the modern notion that reel mowers should achieve as low a centre of gravity as possible.

Note that the landroll (rear roller) was rubber treaded. Why? Best guess, it was
intended from the earliest days to offer small gang units as an accessory.

POWER UNIT
The engine was a J.A.P. 4/3 288cc, developing 3.5 B.H.P. at 2400 RPM. This was more than adequate
to power the optional trailing seat and two accessory outrigger Junior Gang Units.
The engine was equipped with kick-start, an unusual feature for an engine this size.

This machine had a 'true' dual drive transmission.
The primary clutch was of a centrifugal design, and the landroll clutch was of a single friction plate design.
There was a splined 'dog clutch' operated from the deck plate to isolate the reel when transporting the machine.

I have two early brochures. As always, I make them
available for viewing or as a quality download.