Hi Jamie, yes, I do have a mate who worked for Scott Bonnar in Adelaide and later owned a SB agency and repair business in Mildura.I have contacted him re your machine, and he informs me that he has no information on the early machines which were all electric.
In his opinion, the only machine fitted with a "Douglas" motorcycle engine was the "Queen City" bowling green mower from around 1926, After researching further myself, I feel your machine is an
early "Ajax" industrial mower (with trailer and seat) and dated around 1935. Don't worry about the subtle differences in the photos in the SB history book, as my mate said there were changes made at that time, from machine to machine.
How did I date yours? Well it's fairly easy, all machines from the 20's had a chassis made from cast iron, during and after the Great Depression in the early 30's (1930-1935)the company started to fabricate using plate steel which your machine is made from, because it was easier, cheaper and lighter to work with.
So Jamie, it looks like you have a rare 1935 Ajax that will be absolutely fabulous when restored!
