When Edwin Budding patented his machine for cutting grass it was the first attempt to replace the scythe with a tool made specifically for this purpose. Budding was working at Brimscombe Mills, in Stroud, Gloucestershire, when he noted the principle of a machine for cutting the pile of certain kinds of cloth; this he adapted for cutting grass.

The mower was generally pushed from behind but a second handle was provided so that, if required, it could be both pushed and pulled simultaneously. The main roller drives the knives through a system of gears. The knives rotate at about 12 times the speed of the roller, and they obtain their cutting action by working against the rigid knife bar on the underside of the machine.

The manufacturing rights were taken up in 1832 by J. R. & A. Ransome of Ipswich. This is one of the earliest machines made by the company.

Inv. 1926-808