OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Identification of Particular Machines Ransomes Minor Mark 4 Reel Mower

Hi Andrew, Kaisersosei and Deejay,

Deejay is right in claiming this as a Mk 4 Minor.
I can answer your questions - hopefully.

The build year:-
This design pre-dates WWII but most machines were imported (Mk4)post-war.
Post-war imports re-commenced in 1947 and the Mk4 Minor was replaced
by the radically different Mk6 in late1951.

Your machine's build must fall between those dates.
A more accurate build date may be ascertained by interpreting the engine build dates
on the Villiers Midget engine.

Is this machine rare?
No. These machines were popular and sold in their thousands in Australia.
They were a high-end product and recognised as such.
Price wise, they were never in the reach of the working class.
Today, a few appear on auction sites on a regular basis.

Restoration?
That's a spicy question! My personal view is that it is up to you -
but for very specific reasons . . .

I said this is not a rare machine. Preserving the patina is less important
for this model. Fuel and throttle cables are available ex UK - that is,
braided fuel line and flexible cabling. Engine parts are,generally, not a problem.
For the machine: bottom blades, bearings, chains, etc. are available.

Selling or Swapping?
My personal view is in total agreement with Deejay.You mentioned 'pioneering design'.
Ransomes do hold a special place in vintage mower history - for obvious reasons.

The Minors (mk 1 thru 5) represent the 'classic school' of design.
Your machines were the last produced by Ransomes before their revolutionary bombshell -
the Minor Mk 6, with its low silhouette and modern chassis.
In Australia, the earlier marks symbolise post war prosperity and
the growing middle classes. They were beautifully engineered to last.

The model plate and catcher ?(question from Kaisersosei)
The model plate was located on the engine chain cover.
The catcher was of the classic design: wood and metal.

See images below:



If you need help:-
Reproduction Operator's Instructions are available.
Scanned parts lists are available.

Cheers
Jack