Hello
ODK History Lovers
The
Gazelle was a side-wheel power mower sold here from
1949 to the
mid-1950s.
Manufactured by the famous firm,
Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, it was
fully imported.
Eighteen inch cut and powered by a Villiers Midget 2-stroke, it sold here in low volume.
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/04/full-7392-21303-1949_10_morningbulletin_28october_p8.jpg)
Here is the complete specification from my
1949 Ransomes Catalogue:-
![[Linked Image]](https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/uploads/usergals/2015/04/full-7392-21304-1949_07_p08.jpg)
SignificanceThe Gazelle would never be a commercial success here because it was priced way too high.
Priced at over 70 pounds in 1949, it was the equivalent to a top-end 14� powered and self-propelled
roller mower. In some regional areas it would be priced at over 100 pounds!
Nonetheless, it was built to the highest standard, and would have found favour as a commercial-grade
mower suitable for contractors, golf clubs and municipal bodies.
It would be the newer, slightly larger,
Antelope side-wheel that would have more success on these shores.
Reason? It was self-propelled.
The rest is history.-------------------------------------
JACK.