Without the facts its not clear. Obviously as Jack has produced some fantastic evidence of Scott Bonnars involvement in distribution, unfortunately it does not answer everything in regards to its origins.
Im assuming by Mk 1 Jack means the first model produced by D&W Eng. The brochure is showing fittment of Honda engines which are a later fitment than Kirby and places them in the 70s Period as he has suggested.
The use of the Kirby engine would be more likely seen on 60s Period mowers.
Without being overly presumptuous,Id say that your Model is the First produced by D&W in an attempt to
A: Enter the market for for ride on mowers
B: Contracting to SB to fill a niche
C: Patent Sold or bought out by SB due to various reasons Eg, Not cost effective for the D&W to produce or inability to get sales due to limited exposure and abilit to advertise like a main stay such as SB.
Its my opinion your mower was produced by D&W Before SB Bought/distributed or took licence of the Tow Tractor name.
Clearly your version differs in quite a few aspects of design to the 2 variants in the SB advertisement.
Again this is more an opinion of the origins of Tow Tractor by what can be seen in the brochure and by your example and also the handfull of classifieds relating to the sale of SH Tow tractors in the mid 60s.
Over all I feel this a very realistic explaination of origin and some food for thought
Its a Fantastic Brochure Jack has supplied also.
May I ask,what are your plans and how did you aquire this? It really has captured my attention.
