Randell’s Ranch Museum

AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | Wheel Chair Friendly | Accommodation | Tourist Experiences | OPEN: Saturdays | MORE INFO: Museum Website | Facebook Page | Phone +27 (0)82 807 5515
Introduction
Are you a fan of vintage tractors, old cars, or antique engines? Do you have a passion for mechanics and how things work? If so, you’ll want to add Randell’s Ranch Museum to your list of must-visit places in Mpumalanga, South Africa. This unique museum is a treasure trove of rare and beautifully restored tractors, automobiles, motorcycles, and engines that will transport you back in time and ignite your imagination.



About the Museum
The museum’s owner, Jan Randell, was born in Cape Town in 1945 and grew up on a farm with his father, Edwin Randell, who had a passion for machines. Edwin became the first farmer in the area to buy a tractor in 1945, and soon Jan and his brother Pieter grew up on the farm with tractors and a father that loved to teach them all about mechanics. This inspired the boys to develop a passion for tractors, especially the ones they grew up with.
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In 2007, Jan saw a Lanz Bulldog 25 at Hannes Rothmann’s place, which he believed to be the very same Lanz his father had owned. Jan bought the Lanz and the whole collection from Hannes, which led to the beginning of the museum. The museum now houses a large collection of vintage tractors, including rare tractor models that Jan and his team are still restoring with the help of Hannes. In addition to tractors, the museum has a collection of old cars, trucks, motorbikes, old engines, old church organs, and even a 1948 Beechcraft Bonanza 35 Aero plane.
The collection of engines in the museum is vast, with its oldest engine being a 1921 Stewarts & Lloyds. The museum’s collection of automobiles and trucks ranges from a 1929 Chevrolet to a Ford Mustang M1, and the collection of motorcycles has exhibits dating back to 1939.
Interesting Facts
- The Randell family has been farming east of Ermelo, where it all began in 1945, for several generations. Jan and his older brother Pieter are still farming, and their sons are also keen farmers.
- The museum is a passion project for Jan, who wanted to preserve the legacy of his father’s love of machines and his own passion for tractors. Visitors to the museum can see Jan’s dedication to preserving and restoring vintage machines, including rare tractor models.
- The museum is also a great educational opportunity for children, as they can learn about the history of machines and how they’ve evolved over the years. They can also see how these machines were used in farming and other industries, and how they’ve contributed to the development of technology.
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Physical Location
Tourist Experiences
Make a trip of it and visit some of the other recommended museums, tourist attractions and experiences in the area.
Conclusion
Randell's Ranch Museum is a hidden gem in Mpumalanga, South Africa, that tractor enthusiasts and mechanics alike will love. The museum's collection of vintage tractors, automobiles, motorcycles, and engines is impressive, and its dedication to preserving rare tractor models is admirable. If you're looking for a unique and educational experience in Mpumalanga, be sure to add Randell's Ranch Museum to your list of places to visit.