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PART FIVE - The Specialised Lawnmower Catalogue
The third part of the 1954 Ransomes Catalogue (pp. 24-27) covers two specialised machines made by
Ransomes at this time - when a more holistic turf management was being understood and developed.

In this part, I cover just two machines - a 40" ride-on machine, and a 30" walk-behind machine
(that could be fitted with a trailing seat).

Let's start with the most fascinating of machines: the 40" MK1 Motor Mower and Roller.
This beautiful machine would shortly become a living and breathing dinosaur of yesteryear.
It's design concept DNA was taken from the very first petrol-powered lawnmower of 1902.
The new 40 Inch was powered by a Ford four-cylinder water cooled engine, and had rear-roller
steering. It was suited to flat terrain - mostly sporting grounds.



That the design survived for more than half a century is a credit to the preceding animal powered technology
and Ransomes ingenuity in making these motor behemoths. However, the concept of heavy mowers,
that also acted as ground rollers, was losing favour in turf management. Within a decade, these once
great machines would be replaced by wider and lighter machines. In Ransomes' case, it would be their
advanced Motor Triple.
 
The second machine covered here was the 30" Motor Verge Cutter. This machine was a municipal
body favourite, prior to the rotary and flail mower revolutions taking hold.

The design reflects an integral, purpose-built machine for use on public pathways and road verges.
Note the pneumatic tyres for climbing kerbs, and the castor wheels for manoeuvrability.