OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Question On Scott Bonnar Cylinder Mowers New Machine..

Thought I'd show off some pics of the new beast...(the Diplomat 590 is on hold for a while)

SB45 17inch reel...

Run's well. Off to the local mower shop for a sharpen.....

Can't say I'm enthusiastic about the Kirby-Lauson engine, but it's lasted this long, which is no small achievement. Blade seems to still have some meat on it. Chances are it will serve you well, but if you haven't done so, it would be a good idea to inspect the chains and sprockets.

The guy at the mower shops talked it up.....Said they go well...... I'm guessing not as good as a b&s.....

Typically the Kirby Lausons are mechanically quite solid, but not especially nice to use. I found mine rather hard to start, plus its carburetor tended to need some TLC more often than I expected. Once, it spat back and set fire to its air cleaner element - I was quite tempted to let the engine burn. Compared with an old English engine I'd say the Lauson is probably better, but compared with a Briggs it is like driving a Lada instead of a Commodore.

Old Russian joke: The Lada is actually made by the KGB. "We haf vays of making you valk".

Good one grumpy!!
Barry, on getting yourself a Model 45.
Are you going to leave it in original condition or restore it?
If the Kirby-Lauson ever gives you trouble, you can always re-engine it with a Briggs.

Hey deejay, definitely keen to restore. Am confident with painting, but not as comfortable with taking it apart! I figure this does sound strange!