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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers
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Ransomes Lion - '' I Have Never Been So Insulted ''

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stonethemows Wed, 08/03/2023

So might justifiably be said by the Ransomes Lion that I have just bought at a local weekly auction. Needless to say I only paid what I considered to be an attractive price. This was a fraction of what I had paid for the same model at a large, well known vintage auction about eighteen years ago, which presumably must reflect to some extent  a change in the market.

This lot was listed as having a grassbox so I was hopeful of a throw plate being present as well. Upon viewing, no such luck, worse than that the grassbox turned out to be from a Qualcast. The ultimate ignominy was discovering nasty plastic rolls instead of the original single piece wood one. On the positive side however it was clear that this machine had been used for it's intended purpose and not relegated to the dubious role of garden ornament, which so many seem to succumb to.

The Lion is a deserving classic and a genuine antique, this one overall seems to be in sound original order. It will be noted that the cutting cylinder is green and there does not appear to be any ' highlighting ' paint on the badge. This may be at variance with the illustrated parts list, but I am not sure if this merely reflects the need for clarity in the factory photo. The parts list also confirms a number of variations over and above the four different cutting widths - 9"/11"/13"/15". This machine has 6 15/16" diameter wheels with 1 1/4" tread width. It is also possible to find 1" tread width with the same diameter wheel, while there is an 8" dia. version available across all cutting widths. Machines were also available with a four blade cutting cylinder instead of five, so potentially many variations might be found. I have a few other Lions and I must say that 1" wide wheels make a 15" machine look rather spindly.

So far it looks as though this 9" Lion will present quite nicely with a thorough clean and it will be a relatively easy matter to replace the roller from my own resources. My initial thought was to pass the Qualcast box on to someone in need of one. However I realised that it had been cut down and modified to fit; quite expertly done but it probably won't now fit anything else. While rummaging around looking for something else I have come across a nearly forgotten 9" Rear Delivery Plate - ironic isn't it. 

Currently gardening here is on hold owing to inclement weather, so this Lion is in the workshop in bits - watch this space . . . . . .. 

 

 

 

Forums

Clive1997 Fri, 10/03/2023

"Nasty plastic rollers"  Could in fact be a sign that the mower has been cared for, as you say the mower has been used for its purpose & no doubt when the wood roll had rotted away the owner kept the mower operational rather than scrapping or demoting it to be a garden ornament by using the most practical answer available to them. The adaptation of the Qualcast box also adding to the mowers survival.

I had a similar experience with a rare early Webb Patent mower late 20's/1930. Again a very well cared for mower, certainly the best example I have seen, featured here ( https://oldlawnmowerclub.co.uk/members/grassbox/grassbox-91) . Very well cared for by the previous owner & plastic rollers fitted when the wooden ones had rotted.

Considering this is part of the mowers history we have left them in place on the mower which is on display in our museum. Its a possibility that if they had not been fitted the mower may well have been scrapped & lost forever.

A wise move Colin viewing before buying, many we know of have been disappointed by remote bidding at auctions.

stonethemows Sat, 11/03/2023

Well yes part of it's history and one is of course grateful that it has survived. The primary concern now is to preserve it rather than continue to use it, though I should think it is still fit for purpose. When ground conditions are suitable I shall be putting it to the test, as I do with as many of my machines as possible.

The disadvantage of not replacing ' the nasty plastic rollers ' is that future observers might just think that is how it was supposed to be. The same problem arises with incorrect paint and transfers; personal preference should not over-ride historic accuracy. It's alright if it is clearly understood that it was just like that for a while along the way.

Anyway after a couple of days elbow grease etc. this is back on the road. The new roller is rather pale, I'm not sure what the wood is, it came out of the log pile. It may end up getting replaced by a more authentic species, but it will do for the time being.

stonethemows Mon, 13/03/2023

Whoops, sometimes that's the way of it when things are done in a bit of rush. Thanks for pointing it out, was worrying about it all night and back in the workshop at the crack of dawn changing it. Greater potential embarrassment at a later stage averted.

 

A couple more shots out in the winter sun :

 

 

John.Sutherland Thu, 23/03/2023

In spite of the minor issues raised, I think you have a terrific Side Wheel lawnmower. 
I have bought a verity of brands in much worse condition and enjoyed learning from more knowledgeable members during restoration.

Ransomes spare parts are a nightmare to find,  I have only ever been lucky once to find a donor mower good for parts only to replace broken or missing parts to finish a project.

It’s worth mentioning to look at FB buy and Sell groups,, on occasion you can get lucky.

I think many of us have seen Ransomes name plates being sold on the popular auction site but never the scraped mowers they were removed from.

I surely miss getting my hands dirty on a new purchase but then there is only one I really desire more than any other and she remains elusive, MKI 14” Ransomes Ace.

Good luck on that project.