OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers Scott Bonnar Model 17

Hi guys just thought I'd post a couple of pics of my latest project. She needs a lot of TLC.

I was wondering if anyone can help with information on this model such as decals, colour scheme, history and if someone has some spares by any chance or knows of any as I think there are some missing pieces and the shift rod is very pitted so I don't think I will be able to save it, I know she's a fairly old girl in rough condition but I reckon she is worth the effort. Cheers Glenn.

Hi Glenn, the Model 17 'Supercut' was first introduced in 1950, and was the 'Rolls-Royce' of cylinder mowers for its time. Getting spare parts for this model are getting harder to find because of its age....but not impossible.
For the colour scheme....here is a pic:

One of our forum members Grant (willing worker) can supply decals for you....Just send him a PM.
Do you have the catcher? They may be getting hard to find.The clutch drum rod may be able to be repaired if a new (second hand) one cannot be found.

The previous tenant has used some fairly odd mounting arrangements to put that Briggs engine on it instead of the original Villiers. Getting just the right Villiers for it, including the detailed trim parts, might be a bit of a challenge. Seems like it would be a lot easier just to make it into a useful mower than to restore it.

Hi Grumpy, I thought it may have been re-powered but I wouldn't have have picked the right type of power plant without your add that's for sure.

I haven't decided exactly which way to go yet, I need to spend a little time going over it in the next couple of weeks to see what the old gal needs to bring her up to cut, it was last used twelve months ago on a regular basis for a cricket pitch so it shouldn't be to far gone I hope.

Unfortunately I don't have a catcher and if it is a true collector piece (I kind of like it anyway) I probably could get a villiers from an old ransom or Atco cylinder mower cheap enough, but one could say that is robbing Peter to pay Paul though...

In the event I can't find the right engine then I could however do as you suggest and make a nice 'retro' re-powered "daily driver" out of her, bit like a hot rod of mowers. Either way I will get onto Grant and see him about some decals.

If there is anymore info out there on this old gal model I would really appreciate it as I think it would be neat to get it back to original spec..

Cheers Glenn.

Hi Glenn, Just to give you some ideas....if you were going to restore to 'museum' standard as a display piece...you would have to source an original Villiers engine and flywheel which could prove difficult (they were not that reliable anyway and spares very hard to find). I believe the engine you have will do the job admirably.

In my opinion, the way to go would be to do a cosmetic restore on the mower frame and engine. This would entail stripping the machine down, sand blasting to remove all traces of rust and old paint....polishing the alloy chain case cover....spin-grind the cylinder reel and regrind the bottom blade.
The mower frame was painted originally in a mid to deep brunswick green and the counter shaft, reel, cutter clutch and the inside of the catcher in fire engine red.
The only decal on the 'Supercut' was on the front of the catcher.
I have a Model 17 Supercut (electric) for sale at present that is in good working order, with catcher. Here's some pics


Something like this could come in handy for parts. If you are interested, please send me a PM.
These are a fantastic machine and do an incredible job on a nicely prepared lawn.

Thanks heaps Deejay, I've sent a PM to you. Cheers Glenn

Hi Guys just a quick update on the "ol girl", I have removed the motor as there was a sticking/stuck valve and plenty of oil in the cylinder and am currently in the process of repair.

I have "unstuck" the drive clutch but have noticed a broken clutch throw out finger and damage to the clutch housing, but it is operational but will need to be repaired or replaced.

The clutch bush is now also free and is working well although is showing its age.

Have checked the drive over and surprisingly all is in fairly good order, the more I get into this model the more I can appreciate the quality of the design and engineering, Aussie Aussie Aussie.... The only sad thing so far is one of the original cover nuts is missing, time to go hunting I guess......