Nestled in the heart of Ipswich, Suffolk, England, Ransomes proudly holds the title of the world’s oldest lawn mower manufacturer. Established in 1789 by the visionary Robert Ransome, this British company has been redefining the way we groom our green spaces for centuries.
!902 Ransomes Mower
In 1832, Ransomes unveiled its first commercial lawn mower, a design inspired by Edwin Budding’s patented push mower with a revolving blade cylinder from two years prior. This innovation was a monumental leap from the traditional scythe, which was the prevailing grass-cutting method of the era.
Globally acclaimed for their unmatched quality and resilience, Ransomes’ mowers have always been at the forefront of technological advancements. The brand introduced the world to the first self-propelled mower in 1870, followed by the pioneering petrol-powered mower in 1902.
From the regal lawns of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to the gardens of everyday homeowners, Ransomes has been a favorite across social strata. Local authorities, sports enthusiasts, and clubs have also cherished the brand’s commitment to excellence.
Ransomes-HR380
Fast forward to today, Ransomes continues its leadership in lawn care solutions. Their versatile range encompasses everything from pedestrian mowers to advanced commercial variants, serving golf courses, stadiums, parks, and vast grassy expanses.
In the world of lawn mowing, Ransomes is synonymous with innovation, quality, and endurance. It’s a legacy revered by professionals and homeowners, making Ransomes a household name in turf maintenance.
America’s Lawn Mower Pioneers
While Ransomes enjoys global acclaim as the oldest lawn mower producer, the United States boasts its own stalwarts with histories spanning over a century. A toast to these iconic American brands:
- Pennsylvania Lawn Mower Company: Established in 1870, carving a niche in turf care. (No longer in business)
- Coldwell Lawn Mower Company: Pioneer started in 1890, offered unmatched quality. (No longer in business)
- Jacobsen Lawn Mower Company: An industry leader since 1921, renowned for innovation. (Now owned by Textron Inc.)
- Wheel Horse Lawn Mower Company: Since 1946, blending technology with turf artistry. (No longer in business)
- Toro Lawn Mower Company: Founded in 1948, a symbol of American lawn mowing excellence.
These venerable brands have sculpted the American lawn mowing landscape, consistently delivering top-tier, enduring mowers cherished by generations of professionals and homeowners.
Distinguishing the Oldest: Mower, Inventor, and Brand
Understanding the legacy of lawn mowing requires a clear distinction between the very first lawn mower, its inventor, and the oldest enduring brand. Here’s a quick breakdown:
The First Lawn Mower: The maiden lawn mower, as we know it, was a push mower with a revolving blade cylinder. This design transformed lawn maintenance, offering an alternative to the traditional scythe.
The Inventor: Edwin Budding is the visionary behind this revolutionary lawn mower. He patented his design in 1830, setting the stage for a new era in lawn care.
Ransomes and Budding’s Design: Ransomes, recognizing the potential of Budding’s innovative design, licensed it to produce their first commercial mower. This collaboration marked the beginning of modern lawn mowing.
The Oldest Lawn Mower Brand: Ransomes holds this esteemed title. Founded in 1789, even before Budding’s invention, Ransomes has continuously evolved and innovated, securing its place as the world’s oldest lawn mower manufacturer.