RANSOMES MATADOR 71

It was logical that the new Matador would fit between the 20" machines on offer and the rationalisation
of offering just the 36" Mastiff. Hence, the Matador was widened to become a 28" machine or its
metric equivalent, 71 cm. The Ransomes-Jacobsen 71 was born.

The point I wish to make here is that Ransomes-Jacobsen re-designed the Matador, not just to
make it wider, but to ensure it could be sold in a global market. The main object here would be to ensure
that the design met all relevant safety laws. Here is a front view:-

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All controls were moved away from the reel area and moved to the handle. Even the height adjustment lever
was moved away from the front to the rear of the deck; and reel adjustment is achieved by adjusting bolts
at a deck level. Ergonomic improvements include isolation rubbers on the handle bar.

Another important safety feature involved the enclosure of all transmission parts.
The primary clutch was now a multi-plate clutch (physically smaller) and totally enclosed.

The reel Isolation Clutch (essentially a splined dog clutch) was now remotely engaged or disengaged [see E below].
The secondary, Landroll Clutch, was made multi-plate (from a single plate) for increased ruggedness [see B below].
There was also the addition of a parking brake (a band brake on the landroll clutch).

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TO BE CONTINUED ...