Hello
ODK History Lovers
This is a story about another grand design in lawnmowers, proven grand by the 'test of time'.
After more than half a century, the
Mastiff is still being manufactured (by Ransomes-Jacobsen)
and it still retains all key design features. The
Mastiff carries on the tradition of the
heavy duty reel mowers started with the
first petrol-powered lawnmowers of 1902.
I cannot attempt to address all the mark versions of this mower; I do address the first,
Mark 1 design,
and then the present
R-J 91 design for this enduring lawnmower.
The
Mastiff was Ransomes' largest pedestrian (walk-behind) reel mower. It was made in two sizes:
30 inch and 36 inch from the
early 1960s. It was equipped with a
reverse gear because of its size and weight.
With a
six knife reel it could deliver 65 cuts per metre, giving a superb finish on the sports grounds and
other large areas it was designed for.
It had a
three-piece land-roll (with full differential) and a
hand brake, again, because of its size and weight.
Options included a self-emptying grass catcher, trailing seat, and Junior Gang Mowers.
The Mk1 was powered by a huge
412 cc J.A.P. 4-stroke engine. When that engine became unavailable,
later Marks would be powered by the impressive Swedish MAG (Motosacoche) engine. If you would like
to know more about the
JAP Model 5 engine, click
HERE. TO BE CONTINUED ...