Ransomes Mowers

With a heritage stretching back over 175 years it’s little wonder that Ransomes equipment can be found at hundreds of first class and local cricket grounds, not only in the UK, but wherever cricket is played around the globe. That’s why cricket groundsmen at all levels will instantly recognise the Ransomes name as being synonymous with fine turf mowing.

The Marquis, with cutting widths of 51cm (20”) and 61cm (24”), is the first choice of professional groundsmen who demand a quality finish to their sportsturf. With a wider 71cm (28”) cut, the Matador is well established with groundsmen as a high-output, walk-behind mower. Both of these machines are available with a trailed seat on iron rollers for operator comfort.

For cricket wickets and outfields, the robust Mastiff is the ideal heavy-duty roller mower with a large capacity for grass collection. With a 91cm (36”) cutting width and optional self-emptying grass catcher it provides excellent fatigue-free operation. Like the Marquis and Matador it converts to a highly manoeuvrable ride-on machine with a steering seat. Recent enhancements include a new Briggs and Stratton Vanguard engine and improvements to the Operator Presence Control (OPC). The new power unit is a premium grade Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 9hp OHV engine, which comes with a two-year warranty in commercial use.

Further EU legislation relating to noise levels on new machines have now begun to affect the cricket community. This legislation states that noise levels on mowers in the 50-70 cm width of cut category must not exceed 98 dBA, a reduction of 2 dBA from previous requirements. As you would expect, Ransomes have responded by reducing the noise by more than the statutory requirements.

The Ransomes Marquis, Super Certes and Super Bowl, all used for cricket pitch maintenance, fall into this category and by redesigning the final drive, removing the chains and replacing them with drive belts, Ransomes’ engineers have reduced the overall sound level and the machines are now guaranteed to operate at or below 96 dBA.

Other enhancements include the replacement of the previous steel belt cover with one manufactured from high performance ABS plastic, which makes it more damage resistant and less likely to deform permanently. The clutch operation has also been improved, providing an easier and more positive operation. The result is that it is no longer necessary for operators to wear ear defenders while working with these machines, as the measured sound at ear level has dropped to 83 dBA.

The Super Certes has an unrivalled reputation for the precision mowing of fine sports turf throughout the world. It can be fitted with a power-driven Verti-Groom attachment that reduces the build-up of thatch while at the same time producing a faster playing surface without reducing the height of cut. Two models of the Super Certes are available with cutting widths of 51cm (20”) and 61cm (24”).

The Super Bowl 51, as its name implies, is highly recommended for the regular mowing of bowling greens and is obviously well matched to keep cricket squares in pristine condition. With a 51cm (20”) cutting width from its 10-knife cutting reel, it will ensure the perfect playing surface for the most discerning cricketer.

For a wider range of quality turf mowing applications, there’s a further choice of power-driven machines with cutting widths ranging from 51cm (20”) to 91cm (30”). This extension to the Ransomes range offers both durability and performance to provide fine lawns and sports turf with that well-groomed and distinctive striped finish.

Outfields have traditionally been cut with pedestrian mowers or trailed gangs, but Ransomes Jacobsen has witnessed a trend where ride-on machines, previously used for golf course applications, are now being utilised in the maintenance of the outfield.

The Jacobsen TR3 is a lightweight, rear-engined triplex mower with cutting widths of 1.8 m (71”) or 2.13 m (84”). The upfront operator position provides excellent all round visibility and the front 7- and 11-blade cutting units are fully floating to precisely follow ground contours and undulations.

The ergonomic design of the TR3 makes it ideal for operators; the quality of cut is excellent and the reliability, power and ease of maintenance make it ideal for cricket applications.

For further information call Ransomes Jacobsen’s head office on 01473 270000. Alternatively email: enquiries@tip.textron.com or visit the website: www.ransomesjacobsen.com