G'day
Bon_ScottThat's a pretty clever user name there, paying homage to AUS music and ... mowers!
Yes, for about a season or two in the mid-1970s, SB used a black
chaincase and handle plate. My best guess here is the 1974-75 season,
with Kirby, black bits and older logo.
I think the Kirby was discontinued for the 1975-76 season and the black bits
were discontinued for the 1976-77 season. That's about right.
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/85032/brochure-c1976.html#Post85032I'm not familiar with the Kirby engine I have read that they weren't as good as the Briggs
Folks have said that ... but it goes to personal preference.
The Kirby has a PTO side ball-bearing and a cast iron sleeve.
The Briggs spec (for the 45) did not.
The Kirby did appear to have had a finicky carburettor and governor spring system.
I suspect poor availability of Kirby parts is a contributing factor as to reputation now.
You're lucky you have an easy choice here - a change of engine requires
no substantive modification. Keep the Kirby as a back-up option for originality down the track.
I do not feel the space-time continuum will be disrupted anymore than the name Bon Scott.
Please keep us informed.
bon app�tit----------------------------------
Jackp.s. I now see
Mod BB has replied.
I think we are generally in agreement.
