The Ransomes Spider range of remotely-operated mowers are the ideal machines for maintaining roadside verges. First introduced at IOG’s SALTEX Show back in 2004, the Spider I, was specifically designed for mowing the steep banks and slopes on motorway verges. It featured four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering and mows in any direction. The large rotary blade has an 81cm (32”) cutting width and the machine can mow sloping ground with up to a 40° incline. It is remotely controlled, using a radio frequency transmitter with a range of 50 metres.

Safety is a major feature of these mowers and fail-safe mechanisms will stop the machine if it exceeds a range of 50 metres, if the signal becomes obstructed or another machine with the same radio frequency is working in the vicinity. There are two emergency stop buttons, one on the transmitter and one on the body of the mower. Also it cannot be started if the mowing blade clutch is engaged; if the hydrostatic gear is not set to neutral or if the transmitter is more than 50 metres from the machine.

As well as inherent safety, there are significant health and safety benefits to the operator. It is no longer necessary to stand with a string trimmer or walk with a mower on steep slopes putting excess pressure on hip, knee and ankle joints which can lead to joint stress in later life. The potential danger of roll over associated with ride-on mowers in marginal areas is now eliminated. Also, the operator is not subjected to any hand/arm vibration, as there is no physical contact with the machine, and there is no exposure to the constant noise levels inherent with a pedestrian or ride-on machine.

Front to back and side to side the Spider I measures 1300mm with a height of just 850mm it is a very compact machine with a low centre of gravity, making it ideal for its dedicated slope mowing applications. It has mowing height of 60-110 mm, which can be electrically adjusted from the operator’s console; a lower height of cut kit available as a customer option.

It can reach 8 km/h in transport mode and mows in low speed up to 3 km/h and in high speed up to 7 km/h. Power is supplied by a two cylinder, four stroke, 17hp, 494cc Kawasaki petrol engine with electronic ignition and electric start. The fuel tank has a capacity of 11 litres.

Early 2007 saw the introduction of the larger Spider II, with improved stability, higher productivity, a finer cut and easier manoeuvrability. Now with four rotary blades, the cutting width increased by more than 50% to 1.23 metres with an improved quality of cut. Being larger, a more powerful engine was required, so it now features a 23hp, 625cc Kawasaki petrol engine developing 17.2 kW at 3600 rpm.

Height of cut ranges increased with two options available: 50mm-100mm or 90mm-140mm providing more mowing options. With a wider cutting width productivity increases up to 7,500 m² per hour. The standard climbing ability remains at 40° but the attachment of an optional synchronised winch increases its slope climbing ability to 55°. The winch is synchronized with ground speed for ease of operation.

For contractors and local authorities looking to offer a safe working environment for their operators together with an efficient mowing regime, it’s worth considering the Ransomes Spider; call 01473 270000 for a demonstration.