Hi Craig, now to answer your questions,
(1). As your machine has the later style handle-bar SB logo,(which was the last SB logo used before the take over by Rover) and the fact that the Briggs was manufactured in 1982 I would hazard a guess that your machine is approximately 28 years old.
Your machine is a Model 45, Model No: 450431, Mower No: 20993.
The model number designates the cutting width, in your case, 20".
(2). As Rover Australia itself has gone down the gurgler,and the Model 45 is no longer being manufactured, spare parts may be hard to source in Brisbane. However, there are 2 businesses in Victoria that have an extensive range of parts for them, as well as the Outdoorking on-line store here.
(3) The front roller should not be an issue with small dents in it, but if you are going to restore it to original condition, the roller plastic end caps and the metal tube can be replaced easily....Have a look at Deviosi's restored Scotty...click
HERE He has replaced the roller sleeve....
(4)For some Scott Bonnar history and trivia, click
HERE (5) Your purchase price of $300 is a good buy for a 20" machine considering that they retailed at $1600 back in '82.
However, it is hard to appraise your machine from the pics, and from what you have posted, I'm guessing that the cylinder reel and bedknife has not been serviced in a long time and will need to be done by an engineer. Click
HERE to see how it is done plus subsequent posts.
Regarding painting of the cylinder reel, I had mine sand blasted then immediately (to prevent rust) powder-coated in "Fire Engine Red", prior to sharpening.
If you do intend to restore, you will find that an illustrated parts list will come in handy, you can download one from the Parts List and Manuals topic. Access to this area is by subscription and is explained fully in the thread "How to Access Parts Lists and Manuals" which is the very
first thread in any topic on the main forum list.
Hoping this is of help to you Craig,
