Ipswich, United Kingdom - August 2, 2006 - Ransomes Jacobsen, a Textron Inc (NYSE: TXT) company, has introduced new drive trains to its range of walk-behind pedestrian mowers, which are now quieter and smoother to operate.

New legislation states that the noise levels of mowers in the 50-70 cm width of cut category must not exceed 98 dBA, a reduction of 2 dBA from previous requirements. The Marquis, Super Certes and Super Bowl fall into this category and were previously chain driven.

By redesigning the final drive, removing the chains and replacing them with drive belts similar to the tried and tested versions used on the Jacobsen Greens King 500 series, Ransomes' engineers have reduced the overall sound level and the machines are now guaranteed to operate at or below 96 dBA.

Other enhancements include the replacement of the previous steel belt cover with one manufactured from high performance ABS plastic, which makes it more damage resistant and less likely to deform permanently. The clutch operation has also been improved providing an easier and more positive operation.

These new enhancements mean that it is not necessary for operators to wear ear defenders while working with these machines, as the measured sound at ear level has dropped to 83 dBA.

Richard Comely, Product Manager, says, "The new legislation states that we must guarantee sound levels of 98 dBA and, indeed, our previous machines all operated below 100 dBA, but we couldn't absolutely guarantee 98 dBA. However, with these new drive trains and the other enhancements, we have significantly reduced the noise levels and operators can safely use the equipment without the need for ear defenders.

Ransomes Jacobsen is a subsidiary of Textron Inc., a $10 billion multi-industry company operating in 33 countries with approximately 37,000 employees in continuing operations. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.