OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories UK & EUROPEAN Reel Hand-Mowers RANSOMES - Certes - c1920s

Hello ODK History Lovers
The Ransomes Certes was, arguably, the best lawnmower in the world when introduced in the late 1920s.
It carried on with that reputation post WWII, but had to give way to the emerging trend for power lawnmowers �
like the Autocertes�

This article is a tribute to the Certes and to nostalgia � when manually pushed lawnmowers still reigned supreme �
on tennis courts, bowling greens, putting greens, and golf greens.

The Certes was a professional and precision lawnmower that would not be out of place today for fineness of cut
and quality of engineering. We just have become lazier in a commercial world � everything must be powered and
self-propelled.

That the Certes was in production for over half a century is a credit to Ransomes� capacity for precision engineering,
but also to a much simpler and energetic world.

The Certes was originally made in 14� and 16� sizes with 8 blade and 10 blade reel knife configurations.
In its last years � the early 1970s � the Certes would just be the 16� machine.

These are prized collector pieces today.



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO � Specification and 1950s Brochure
The Certes was certainly a new generation of design. The new thinking was that precision mowers should be lighter �
and that the old idea that mowers should combine cutting and heavy roller functions was abandoned for them.

The Certes made extensive use of new materials and precision manufacturing processes � with die cast
aluminium side frames and landroll, and precision cut gears. The 10-blade reel ran on self-aligning bearings
and cuts per metre was well over the hundred mark.

Note that the front roller was not only micro-adjustable, but had a �counter levelling screw� for perfect alignment.
Note that a transport carriage was recommended (but optional).



1950s BROCHURE
This brochure comes from my collection. It is in mint condition.
By this time, the Certes was at its MK12 design stage and offered in one size - 16 inch.

PART THREE - Parts List
Here is a parts list for a Certes Mk12, c1970s, from my collection.
This is the modern, post-war Certes with cross-over tubular handle bars.
What a beautiful design. This was a precision lawnmower par excellence.