Hi Melb,
Now that's a ripper you've managed to score and in such fabulous condition, just look at the front of the catcher as there's hardly a blemish in it compared to some I've seen.
What you have is a sparkling clean Model 45 Series 1, 17 inch machine which utilizes the original "solid deck" which is the superior unit (IMHO) to the twin railer for strength in the chassis department.
Not quite sure what rated size engine is fitted on it, but it's either a HK25 or HK30. Normally the 17 inch unit came with the 25 which is a 2 and a half Horse power unit, but sometimes they were ordered with the 30 (3 Horse Power). There is a red and silver plate on the front of the engine under the fuel tank which will have the engine model stamped into it.
Sadly because it has the "Kirby Lauson" Tecumseh engine fitted we can not date the actual machine but it will be somewhere between 1968 and 1974ish. Can you tell me whether it has only a single brass ID plate riveted on it or two over the top of each other as your last photo just misses the mark on that issue for me to see.
Another interesting point is that this machine has obviously come from a one owner caring home and if it did is there a possibility that you might be able to go back and find out if there was a purchase receipt or some history that is documented back to the original owner ? There is a very good reason why I ask this and it's to finally get some provenance of when this machine was made in relation to twin rail introduction at the Scott Bonnar factory as there is no documentation left over since the companies demise.
Meanwhile back on topic,
As far as I can see I'm not sure why you'd want to restore this machine as it's a great example of a "survivor" and with just the regular type of maintenance it will give you trouble free service for many more years to come. If this was to be a ground up resto then only a concourse factory finish would do it justice. Please don't take this personally but I hate seeing early machines like this getting modified. They are a work of art in their own right, but that's just my opinion as I have an identical machine as yours and also a larger 20 inch unit just sitting in my garage being admired by myself and a few friends that appreciate them for what they are, anyway I'm rambling on here.
Really now back on topic,
As far as maintenance is concerned I would probably pull the reel out, change the old open bearings for some new sealed units, have the bed knife assessed for machining or replacement (supplying us with a close up photo of the reel and contact area with the bed knife will give me the right answer to give you) and put it all back together and enjoy it.
I note that the engine side catcher rubber is missing. This is a must for replacement otherwise it will ruin the catchers lower edge. The chains could do with some lubrication (grease) and fine adjustment. If the engine is running well then your one lucky bloke as the Kirby's are renown for being a bit temperamental, but change the oil with a good SAE 30 oil or the one that's recommended on the engines ID plate and you're away.
I guess I have to ask the question, what is it you really want this mower to do and in the end what do you want it to be ?
Cheers,
BB
