OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Question On Scott Bonnar Cylinder Mowers Novice Owner - Scott Bonnar 45, 20inch

I have my adjusting housing on the opposite side to the chain Craig, as this is same side as it was when I pulled mine apart. I, like you, have wondered why there is adjustment on one side only. I'm sure the other guys will be able to enlighten us in due course. Maybe on older models there was adjustment on the chain side also & they just continue to use the slotted same housings?? One even has a coil spring inside on my set up & I have no idea why either.

Ross

There has to be some way to align the drum with the front roller and the reel, so that the whole mower is square to the ground, or you will end up with uneven cutting results as the front roller bears on just one corner, and digs into the lawn by varying amounts. Think of the drum adjustment as a one-time setup adjustment to make your mower sit flat on flat ground. If the factory had perfect tooling and robot assembly it would not be needed, but in the real world of cheap low-volume tooling for a small factory, it's usually cheaper and easier to provide an alignment adjustment. Things are different in the automotive industry, but in cottage industry you rely on skills rather than systems.

Ross' comment makes sense to me: you might as well put it on the side of the mower where drive chain tension will not be trying to shift the adjustment all the time. That is, I suggest you put the adjustment on the opposite side of the drum to the drive chain sprocket.

Hi Ross, maybe a PM to Steve (deviosi) as he has had experience in the rear roller set-up. He may be able to answer your query.

hey Craig, dont think we ever saw pics of your Scotty finally restored & assembled ? Heve you finished it yet? Perhaps I have missed the pics?

Cheers - Ross

Hi Ross, I second that; I am sure all members would like to see some pics.

Hey fellas, machine is only half assembled after full rebuild, ready for full assembly. Problem is I haven't had time to finish it off as I purchased a 24inch Scott Bonnar Supercut - 5hp Briggs with a 10 blade reel.

Because the Supercut had a 10 blade reel(better cut), much bigger catcher and a 5hp donk on board, I have put all of my time into simply getting this machine going rather then finishing the 20inch off. Getting the Supercut going was less time consuming then reassembling the 20inch - Model45.

I figured when the Supercut needs a rebuild (mabe winter) I will finish the 45 off.. Unless I have some spare time up my sleeve between now and then..

I wanted to get the lawn into shape during the optimal growing time so getting a machine going was the priority..

Will be sure to post the pics in this thread when assembled!!

Hi Aussie Blue, Congrats on your purchase of a Model 17 Supercut 24" machine, they were the "Rolls-Royce" of mowers in their day, and a very sturdy machine. Can you please post a pic, I'm sure all the members would like to see it. The 10 blade reel will deliver a very fine cut (depending on the type of lawn grass) and the weight will help with the "striping" of your lawn.

Hwy Deejay, It is a Model 65 - 24inch..

Will post some pics soon, though it does look cosmetically average it functions great!

Hi Aussie, It was your use of the word "Supercut" that threw me, as it is the model name of the Scott Bonnar Model 17.
Your machine is known only as the Model 65....they are a good machine and well maintained should give you hours of mowing pleasure.

As this thread is over 12 months old I will now close it for the archival value....If any member has anything to add, please send me a PM.