OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories SCOTT BONNAR Models MODEL 19 - History Record - c1953

PART THREE - The 2G Bonmows

The earlies reference to the Model 19 was in a news report from September of 1953 where
Chairman Mr A.L. Slade said at the company's Annual Meeting that, "a new model power
lawnmower had been developed and this would soon be placed on the market":-



Thus, the little Bonmow was released for the 1953-54 lawnmower season. In this 1955
advertisement (below) note that the original petrol Bonmow was powered by the 70cc
Villiers Mark 2G 2-stroke - meaning that it was air-cooled but without cowling or fan
assistance. The original colour was "Cobalt Blue", with red reel and catcher insides.
Note how the engine is set far to the left side with the carburettor sitting proud of
the LH sideframe. Curiously, there is no chain guard in this illustration.



These 2G Bonmows are not common today. Here is Member IanOz's unrestored machine.
Note the intact chain guard (drive chain is missing).




Because there was no primary clutch, the engine was started under the load of
turning a reel, two chains, and the inboard "hair-trigger" landroll clutch.
Reel bearing housings were outboard of the side frames. With the extreme engine
offset, this would not have been a particularly well-balanced machine.



TO BE CONTINUED ...