Gang mower identification help please

[530dTPhil]

I have been looking for a set of three trailed gang mowers for a few months and finally purchased some last week. They were made by Ransome but I am having a problem identifying the exact model and hope that someone on here can help me please. I know they are quite old but seem to be solidly built and simple to repair.

They are mechanically similar to the Mk10-13 range but have some subtle differences, not least of which is the design of the main frame. The ones that I have purchased also have a pawl mechanism inside the hubs to allow reversing with the cutting cylinder engaged but the Mk10-13 do not appear to have this.
I have stripped one of the mowers and it's in reasonable shape but obviously hasn't been maintained too carefully. It needs bearings and a new roller shaft, hence the need for model identification.
They were used by Devon CC and 'maintained' by a company in Dawlish but they both seem unable to help.

Any gurus on here please?

[530dTPhil]

Many thanks, mail and pictures sent.

[530dTPhil]

Turns out that they are not Ransome mowers as originally thought. Although visually very similar, they were made by Greens and are called Ranger gang mowers. Now trying to track down some parts with some success so far.

[530dTPhil]

Cheib said:

The "Greens" label on one of them being the hint

Agreed, but at the time I wasn't aware that Greens manufactured gang mowers. There were several other stickers in various places, so assumed that Greens were a previous hirer or reseller.
I have now managed to track down almost all of the parts needed, so hopefully everything will be ready to go by the end of February (2017!)

[530dTPhil]

There is a 1956 grey Fergie (petrol/tvo)in nice original condition that is used regularly for various tasks. More recently it has been joined by a 1947 David Brown Cropmaster (petrol/tvo) that was in poor condition having been parked in a warehouse for fifteen years. This was acquired in December 215 and needed plenty of mechanical work on gearbox, final drive, PTO, reduction hubs and electrical equipment. It's up and running now but hasn't been put to work yet.

Fergie being used to pull a chain harrow during some renovation work on the paddock.


Brother on the Cropmaster on its maiden run around the restored paddock.

[530dTPhil]

We are getting somewhere. All three mowers have been stripped and a list prepared of the parts that need to be replaced or repaired. We managed to track down a source of some parts in Scotland and a very timely purchase of some new old stock parts on eBay has helped as well. Various bearings have been identified and have been fairly easy to source.
It seems that the rear rollers are going to present the biggest challenge; they have taken the brunt of the damp and corrosion. The first mower unit has been reassembled today, all bar the rear roller assembly. The cylinder and cutting blade were sharpened by a local garden machinery specialist.
All good fun and another learning experience!

Edited by 530dTPhil on Sunday 12th February 18:29

[530dTPhil]

After a complete rebuild the mowers have been finished and were 'road tested' yesterday. Pleased to say that everything works and the grass has had a decent haircut. Well worth the effort. Now thirty minutes to cut the paddock whereas it used to take over two hours with a ride on mower that was never intended to deal with what is basically a field.

Edited by 530dTPhil on Saturday 25th March 18:31