OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories UK & EUROPEAN Power Reel Models RANSOMES MATADOR - c1958 - A Grand Design

Hello ODK history lovers

This story is about grand designs ... the enduring lawnmower that has survived the test of time,
partly because of its engineering principles; partly because of a desire to significantly modify the design
in modern times, to produce what is known as a 'world-class' lawnmower. This design is half-a-century old;
yet its engineering DNA survives to this day!

This History Topic discusses the original Ransomes 24" Matador, and its upgraded 28" form,
when it became Ransomes-Jacobsen's Matador 71. Here is the original specification:-




TO BE CONTINUED ...

RANSOMES - SPECIFICATION

The 24" (61cm) Ransomes Matador has had a distinguished life. From its inception in the late 1950s,
the Matador adopted the new and modern post-war principles of lawnmower construction.

The reality is that the post-WWI 'lightweight' lawnmowers had 'bulked-out' to be very well made, but also
extremely heavy. For example, Ransomes' earlier 24" Motor Mower weighed 560 lbs and their 24" Heavy Duty
Motor Mower weighed a whopping 670 lbs!

The Matador would weigh just 322 lbs, giving it a much improved power-to-weight ratio.
It did this by adopting a revolutionary pressed steel and welded fabrication for the chassis.
It also adopted the modern notion that reel mowers should achieve as low a centre of gravity as possible.

Note that the landroll (rear roller) was rubber treaded. Why? Best guess, it was
intended from the earliest days to offer small gang units as an accessory.

POWER UNIT
The engine was a J.A.P. 4/3 288cc, developing 3.5 B.H.P. at 2400 RPM. This was more than adequate
to power the optional trailing seat and two accessory outrigger Junior Gang Units.
The engine was equipped with kick-start, an unusual feature for an engine this size.

This machine had a 'true' dual drive transmission.
The primary clutch was of a centrifugal design, and the landroll clutch was of a single friction plate design.
There was a splined 'dog clutch' operated from the deck plate to isolate the reel when transporting the machine.

I have two early brochures. As always, I make them
available for viewing or as a quality download.

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:-



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).



TO BE CONTINUED ...

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL

The most important safety feature was the addition of an Operator Presence Control (OPC) switch on the handle bar.
Any power tool user will know about them:-



CONCLUSION

After half a century, the Matador retains its DNA engineering essence, but extra width and safety features
have only marginally increased the weight of the machine from the original design.

All very interesting.
----------------------------------
JACK.

The photos below show the first Matador, fitted with the J.A.P. engine.
The second machine, from the 1970s, shows the machine fitted with the Swedish M.A.G. (Motosacoche) engine.

RANSOMES MASTIFF & MATADOR - 1970s

Perhaps my favourite versions of the Mastiff and Matador were those
of the 1970s, when they were fitted with the superb MAG engine.
This brochure also includes Ransomes Junior Gangs.


[Brochure: CyberJack Collection]

RANSOMES MASTIFF


Would you like to comment on the Matador?
Simply create a new topic in the Old Soap Box HERE.