OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories UK & EUROPEAN Power Reel Models RANSOMES - Meteor - c1958

Hello ODK history lovers
The Ransomes Meteor was a 20-inch and 24-inch reel lawnmower
made for a few years from about 1958. There were two power units –
A Villiers two-stroke, and a JAP 4-stroke. These were the Meteor-Two
and the Meteor-Four.

The Meteors took advantage of Ransomes’ new post-war
design philosophy – one piece pressed and welded frame with
tubular steel handlebars. These newer designs were lighter and
stronger with a lower centre of gravity than the previous steel
plate frames used in the 1930s and 1940s.



I can’t say a lot is known about the Meteors.

They present as being somewhat rare today.
The most credible reason is that few were sold…

By about 1965 it seems clear to me that Ransomes
[and all British mower makers] were in a process of
model consolidation – fewer models more economically
made. Why?

Two Points: first, the rotary lawnmower revolution;
second, the social changes occurring in class structures
[spread of wealth], land urbanisation, and consumer tastes.

We see this reflected in Ransomes 1965 Price List [attached]
The Meteor and Mercury models ... disappear.

TO BE CONTINUED …

PART TWO – Meteor Four Brochure
This brochure for the Meteor-Four is from my collection
and it is in great condition.

As always, I make it available to members for viewing
or as a quality download.