OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories UK & EUROPEAN Power Reel Models RANSOMES - Mercury - c1958

Hello ODK history lovers
The Ransomes Mercury was a domestic 16” reel mower
first introduced in the early 1960s. It would appear in both
petrol and battery-electric variants.

BACKGROUND:
Since the introduction of their MK 6 Minor in 1951, Ransomes
understood that the pressed and welded chassis offered a
more economically scalable opportunity: reel lawnmowers
could be made in various cutting widths that spanned both
domestic and commercial lawnmowers.

Hence, their Minors would be replaced by ‘targeted’ models
with unique names by the late 1950s. These are much loved today.

In the domestic sphere we had the Fourteen, Mercury and
Marquis; in the commercial range, the Auto Certes Meteor, and
Matador. All using the new, lighter pressed-steel frame design.
Brilliant!




TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO – Brochure – Mercury MK1 Petrol
This single-sided brochure is from my collection and it is in mint condition.
As always, I make it available to members for viewing or as a quality download.

PART TWO – Mercury MK2- Mains Electric
Carrying on a long tradition with mains-electric mowers,
Ransomes would introduce a mains electric Mercury
alongside the petrol variant. This would be the Mercury Mk2.



This was essentially a Mercury chassis combined with a
½ hp electric motor. I am surprised that Ransomes retained
an expensive centrifugal clutch to act as a shock absorber.

All Mercurys had twin clutches: one for motor starting and
shock absorption; the other – a plate clutch - for landroll
travel.

Also note that all Mercurys had production economy
savings in the use of a single-piece rear roller. There was no
differential action on this model. That’s disappointing for a
16-inch reel lawnmower.

A great insight into the Mercury is the MK2 Operator Instructions
that includes a parts list. This list is from my collection and it is
in good condition. This is made available to members for viewing
or download. I also include a gallery of Manual images.

PART THREE – Mercury MK3 - Battery Electric
The big draw-back with mains-electric machines was …
the electric cord.

That idea tethered the machine to a household power outlet
and brought with it a clear danger to safe operation.

Folks had to be user competent and cognisant of
the dangers in using mains-electric mowers.

The much safer battery-electric mowers first appeared in the
1960s and Ransomes must have been one of the first players
in this market. This was Ransomes first battery electric mower!

The MK3 Mercury used the Chassis of the MK 1 and Mk2, but
with an enclosed battery and motor box. This was a streamlined,
elegant lawnmower. It was ahead of its day.

This brochure is from my collection and it is in mint condition.
As always, I make it available to members for viewing or as
a quality download.