OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories SCOTT BONNAR Models MODEL 35 - Histroy Record - c1960

Hello ODK history lovers
The Model 35 utility mower was the most successful side
discharge lawnmower that Scott Bonnar made. Introduced in
late 1960 for the 1961 season, this model would survive –
with changes – for well over a decade.

The Model 35 was not particularly innovative …
more of a catch-up to … Victa. The only significant feature
was the introduction of ball-bearing wheels, a first on these shores.

I lie. Scott Bonnar realised that 'toe-cutters' were not a great idea
for a new decade. This was a true, skirted, side-discarge mower.
Scott Bonnar made relevant the old Victa 1950's design.

The Model 35 simplified and vastly improved the previous –
and clumsy – Model 31 Spincut, with its ill-conceived 2-point height adjuster.

The model 35 initially adopted the Victa system of the single-point
rotary hand wheel for height adjustment. Scott Bonnar also re-introduced
the cast aluminium chassis first used on their first Spincut, the Model 22 of 1956.

Overall, the Model 35 was a styling mimic of a Victa Special from the
previous decade … but with an extra 19-inch cut and an important skirted
base. This mower could accommodate a side grass catcher and this
was Scott Bonnar’s second rotary model to use their own 2-stroke
engine. Scott Bonnar was clearly committed to rotary mowers at this time.

What Scott Bonnar did was make a simple and robust mower for
commercial use, relevant to the 1960s, and the first half on the 1970s.
This was a totally successful model.



TO BE CONTINUED ...