The Hall & Duck Trust
Horse & Pony drawn mowers
The first Patent for a horse drawn mower was granted to Alexander Shanks an Engineer in Arbroath, Scotland. It was granted in 1842 as Scotland held its own Patents by royal descent.
The prototype mower was tested on the estate of W F Carnegie, a known local business-man.
​The machine was found to be able to mow two and a half acres in two and a half hours, however, changes and improvements had to be made before the mower went into production.
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Other companies who were involved in lawn mower production all produced their own versions of horse and pony lawn mowers, to include Ferrabee, Ransomes, Greens and Samuelson.
Click on any of the pictures below to enlarge the image
1. Shanks Pony mower introduction of springs in 1895. 2. Shanks power mower 1898. 3.Greens Patent 30-inch horse mower before restoration 1901. 4. Greens Patent 30-inch horse mower restored c.1901. 5. Ransomes 30-inch horse mower in 1909, new to Newstead Abbey, Notts. 6. The same Ransomes 1909 shown in close up.​
Within the Hall & Duck Trust we have many examples which have been restored to working condition, enabling us to demonstrate at different events.
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One notable event was to take part in Working Horses in Royal Parks, held in Hyde Park on behalf of Ransomes PLC. Our horse for the event was a Welsh Cob called Justice, graciously loaned by his co-owners Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Anthony Parkes, who served as the Head of livery at Buckingham Palace. Justice was often involved in Royal and ceremonial duties, representing the historic breed in traditional roles.
From the success of that event. The Hall and Duck Trust continued at other notable events, SALTEX at Windsor racecourse and the Malvern Autumn Show, again with Justice with Anthony Parkes in attendance.
The idea by Atco in collaboration with the Hall & Duck Trust.
A circa.1900 Barford & Perkins donkey mower.