OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories UK & EUROPEAN Power Reel Models RANSOMES 40 Inch Motor Mowers - c1940s-1960s

Hello ODK History Lovers
This is the History Record for the large post-war reel-roller mowers made by the British firm Ransomes.
It is also a tribute to a lawnmower design concept that lasted for over half-a-century.

This article discusses the Ransomes 40-inch reel-Roller mowers in Mk1 and Mk2 variants that were made
by the great firm of Ransomes post WWII. The MK2 would survive to see the 1960s, but would be, ultimately,
replaced by the wider, powered triplex mowers of that decade.

The world had changed forever after WWII. New war-driven technology, new 'modern' styling, new materials,
new suburban designs (with greater parklands), new sports grounds, new class wealth, new ideas about
horticulture, labour expectations - all these things played a part in lawnmower design, and these once-
great cutting and rolling mowers were now living on borrowed time.

This does not mean the 40 Inch machines should not be acknowledged and understood.
They are the most fascinating of machines - forever trapped in amber (the history of the lawnmower),
as it were. Few survive today.

The most significant changes between the MK1 and Mk2 must go to styling - the Mk1 with its interwar
temple radiator grill, the Mk2 with its simplified and angular cowling. There would be other technical
changes too. Here they are ...

PART TWO - CONTEXT
Ransomes is credited in making the first internal combustion engine motor mowers in 1902.
They were large machines - of 30, 36, and 42 inches - and that large sizes reflect the heritage
of the great animal-powered machines used since the 1850s.

The first motor mowers were not small! They were certainly not light either! The first was a ride-on,
but pedestrian machines quickly followed.

These were commercial machines - for those who could afford them - and are best referred to as
heavy-weight lawnmowers. They were for the wealthy estates and sporting grounds - some private,
but mostly for grounds accessible to the public.

The machine (below) is credited to one of the earliest Ransomes power mowers being used at the
Cadbury factory sports grounds at Bourneville, Birmingham, England.


Source: Ransomes factory archives

They could only be used on flat ground and embodied early horticultural ideas about grass cutting -
these machines should be able to cut grass and/or roll it - and therefore create a flatter surface -
mainly for the playing of sport.

The engineering DNA is pretty obvious - between these early lawnmowers and the post-war
40-inch machines the subject of this article.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART THREE - Specification & Brochure
The 40-inch reel-roller machines were post-war designs. My pre-war 1938 Catalogue
depicts the previous design and two sizes of cut: 42-inch and 36-inch.



Post-war, the models were consolidated into one size of cut - the 40-inch.
The styling would also be revised: the MK1 with a neo-classical radiator grill;
the MK2 with a streamlined, modern look.

The 40-inch machines were powered by a Ford four-cylinder industrial engine.
That is an interesting feature in itself - the emerging influence of the USA on lawnmowers.

The most interesting feature for me was the transmission - an epicyclic gearbox that gave the
machine forward and reverse direction. The difference between the MK1 and MK2 transmissions
was the move from a gearbox lever selection to full foot-pedal control.

Below, is a MK2 Brochure from my collection.
The brochure may be downloaded for personal use by members.

PART FOUR - 40-inch MK1 Parts List
I have a Ransomes MK1 40-inch Parts List in good condition.
Note the neo-classical cowling shape and the forward/reverse gear lever, and the foot lever
for raising the cutter unit. What a handsome and stately machine!




Because of the size - a booklet - I have separated the manual into two parts.
As always, available to members for personal use.

PART FIVE - 40-inch MK2 Operator and Parts List
I have a Ransomes MK2 40-inch Operator's Instructions and Parts List in good condition.
Note the change in styling. This was a stream liner design. Beautiful.

I have also included a Gallery of images taken from the booklet.




Because of the size - a booklet - I have separated the manual into two parts.
As always, available to members for personal use.

PART SIX - 40-inch MK1 Brochure
In 2020 I was lucky enough to acquire a second brochure
for the Ransomes 40” MK1. Best guess is that this brochure
dates to c1953.

This brochure is in great condition and I make it available
to members for viewing or as a quality download.