Hi Rover45158, and a warm welcome to the forum.
Its great to have another Rover reel mower owner onboard, and one that has such close affiliations with the Scott Bonnar Model 45.
Height adjustment range has been factory set to take into consideration the different types of grasses encountered; as has, the number of blades in the reel.
The 10 blade reel is for use primarily on blue couch (or fine leaf grasses) and your machine; 20" (when manufactured by Scott Bonnar) was originally fitted with an 8 blade reel.
For comparison the 17" Scotty had a 6 blade reel. The height range may be able to be increased a little, but is discouraged by a lot of owners...it is up to you...Modifications to original specifications are called here "Tenants Improvements" and can be either successful or a disaster, because once modified..your machine is no longer original. In other words, it is your decision alone....
Have a read of this thread from 2009... it may help you.
Click
HERE Re: the engine number, can you please post the
complete string of numbers stamped into the air cowling of the Briggs...it should be in 3 blocks....we will then give you the exact date of manufacture of the engine.
The mowing speed (and the sprocket ratios) have been carefully worked out by the Scott Bonnar design engineers at the time of release of the Model 45 range (1968) and is a matter of operator technique.
Set the throttle (once the engine has warmed up to operating temperature) to about
half / 3/4 throttle, engage the cutter clutch, and just squeeze the clutch handle on the left hand handle bar
just enough to walk at the pace you desire...the design of the roller clutch, allows it to slip, without any ill effects. If you wish to go quicker...squeeze it harder...Easy-peasy!!
Regarding the fuel issue, please don't use ethanol on your machine....use premium ULP which does not contain ethanol...your carby will love you for it, because there will be no gasket erosion or crap left behind when you store the machine for a short while.
Please let us know how you get on.
Once again,
to the OutdoorKing forum.
