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

Hi Darryl, Marcus and ODK members,

I can't help but agree with Deejay about the info. on the early minors.
I'm well versed in the Mk 6s and 7s, but the earlier marks are in want.

I have no doubt that the Mk 4's are the most common.
Marcus' Mk 1 is the first maker's plate I have seen here.

From a historical perspective, my interest lies in the intro. dates,
and the specifics of mark specification changes. Was the Mk. 1 sold here?
When was it introduced?

The bigger picture, of course, is the issue of 'lightweight' mowers.
The Ransomes 'Minor' range, when introduced, were never revolutionary.

They continued a tradition - popularised by Atco - that mowers could be
made more light, cheaper, and available to a wider, emerging Middle-class
market. Ransomes got the message pretty quick, but they were not the
instigators or visionaries here.

With respect to the flywheel data, this remains problematic.
Villiers, to my knowledge, never intended that there be a public,
logical, codified system of engine identification. The numbers
just might be esoteric and factory specific.

With respect to the clutch. I have no information that asbestos was
ever used in these clutches - these were positive engagement types,
and slippage did not generate the heat that asbestos materials could
handle. They were not brakes. Any replacement lining should be no
problem, if a lining is required at all.

Post-war, Ransomes were imported from 1947. I have assumed that these
were Mk4s (from evidence supplied to me). I want to know the historical
lineage of the previous marks.

I agree with Darryl:
"For a company that has been manufacturing cylinder mowers since 1832,
I find that information from the company really hard to find."

All very interesting.

Jack

Hello. I am new here. My neighbour has been given an old Ramsomes Lawnmower. He has no internet nor a computer. He asked me to do some research on the model hence my submission on this topic. Sorry If I have gate crashed. I thought I would append under this 'topic' given the topic seems to be the same type of mower.

The mower he has is:
Ransomes Sims & Jefferies, Ipswitch
14 in Minor 14in
Mk4 Regd No T5404

Here is a photograph:



I appreciate any comments about this mower. As I understand, there were plenty of this model made and sold in Australia.

Reg

NB I have a SB bought in 1971/2 and is retired in the back shed.

Hello Reg and ODK members,

Welcome to the ODK Forums. This is a nice little MK4 Minor.
These were fully imported (never built in Australia).

This was the first domestic Ransomes to be imported post WWII.
The first records I have date from late 1947 and the last ones to mid 1951.
This machine was replaced with a completely new design in late 1951.

Your machine is missing a couple of bits I see - the chain case cover and flywheel cover.
These are good machines to restore, with serviceable engine parts available.

-------------------------------------------
JACK

Thanks for replying to my post Jack.

Denis (my neighbour) said he is going to talk to his mate who gave him the mower to see if the catcher is still around. He also thinks the chain case cover may be there in the shed.

Much appreciated information

Reg

Hi Jack

The fly wheel cover is attached to the handle. You can just see it in the photograph. The angle of the cover is straight on hence hard to see.

Reg

Hi Reg567999,

Yep, got it.

The catcher will be metal with wooden sides.
Here is what the chain-case cover and catcher look like:-



--------------------------------------
JACK.

Thank you very much Jack.

I will show this to Denis.

Reg

A History Record is now available for the early Ransomes Minors: -[/b]
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/u...4/ransomes-minor-mk-1-to-mk-5-c1939.html


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