The Model 14 was specifically designed for the emerging ‘mechanical horse’ … the tractor age. As such, there are clear differences between the Model 13 and Model 14 gang units. Here I am specifically referring to changes in gear ratios and gear-case sealing. I say this because of a design reality – mechanical horses were faster than the animal ones!
It is not clear when the Model 14 gang was introduced. My best guess is that the Model 13 was introduced in the mid-1930s; and followed by the Model 14 a couple of years’ later. This is not clear.
There is perhaps good reason as to this uncertainty … the lead-up to and the advent of that terrible war - WWII. When domestic lawn mower production had seized in Australia, large aerodromes and parklands still needed to be cut!
Scott Bonnar was in wartime production – of munitions – but the Model 14 was an essential war-effort machine. I feel this best explains the lack of introductory information on the Model 14.
In any case, it would appear that Scott Bonnar quickly developed the Model 14 for tractor use, but did so for a short period (late 1930s) using a most unusual configuration that made the tractor integral to the gang design.
