OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories UK & EUROPEAN Power Reel Models RANSOMES - Minor Mark 6 - c1951

Hello ODK members,

When I look at vintage mower history I can't help but think that certain
machines have made 'paradigm shifts' or 'progress' to mower design.

In my lifetime, the machine that stands out as being of this type is
the Ransomes Minor Mk 6, introduced to Australia in 1951.

I thought I would spend a little time discussing my take on its contribution
to the history of vintage reel mowers -

Here is a catalogue illustration of this radical design:-

PART TWO - Brochure
This original brochure from my collection lists Finlay Bros as the Victorian
Distributors for Ransomes. Note how the Gazelle (that shared the same Villiers
Midget engine) appears on the back page. The new Minor, in particular, would
prove popular in Australia, despite its high showroom price.

PART THREE - Commentary
I have fond memories of using Mk 6's years ago. One was a 14 inch machine.
I also owned a 12in. MK 6 machine for many years.
It was - and still is - one of my all-time favourites in domestic reel mower design.

The Mark 6 Minor was introduced with much fanfare in Australia in 1951.
It was available in 12, 14 and 18 inch sizes, all fitted with the 98cc Villiers engine.
It could be argued that this model ushered in the 'modern Ransomes' line-up,
and, to a degree, modern reel mower design.

In mower design it was innovative:
For one thing - it was the first Ransomes motor mower with pressed steel chassis.
This replaced the sheet steel frames of the previous Minors.
This made for a very strong and rigid frame, less prone to flex than the equivalent
high-frame steel plate designs of the time.

Most importantly, the centre of gravity [COG] was lowered considerably -
the engine sat lower on the frame, and the sloping engine (Midget) lowered the height again.

That is not an insignificant point, particularly with smaller 12in. and 14in. models.
On anything but flat ground, high COG machines would 'rock', leaving slight ridges in the lawn.
Just about every other reel mower manufacturer did not cotton-on to this until many years later.
The Atcos, Qualcasts, Austral Villiers, Mobilcos, - all had way-too-high COGs designs.

Secondly, the advertising of the time made much of the new feature - ONE CONTROL.
It was "child's play!" , "the fully automatic clutch has revolutionised motor mower design".
The use of a large centrifugal clutch, incorporating a heavy clutch flywheel made the
machine incredibly simple to use [children and women featured in the advertising!].

Of course their was a serious limitation:
The single clutch design made maneuvering difficult in confined spaces.
Combining reel and roller engagement in one operation was problematic.
Ransomes would see this, and introduce their Minor Mark 7 to correct it.

The Mark 6 would influence Ransomes designs for the following decades!
The Marquis, Matador, Auto-Certes and Twenty-Four, all owe their heritage to the Mk6.

The double-row reel ball bearings and the innovative reel/sole plate assembly
[the reel/bottom blade could be removed as one unit] and the isolation
dog clutch all made for a well thought-out and quality machine. They sold well.

I still remember the quaint crank handle easily cranking the little engine into life.
The two heavy flywheels - the brass ignition one and the clutch one - and the
over-sized muffler, all contributed to a smooth and quiet experience.

PART FOUR - Operator Manual

EUROPEAN POWER REEL MODELS


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