OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Identification of Particular Machines Scott Bonnar (?), not sure what model

Hi There,
My latest project. Can anyone confirm what model Scott Bonnar this is, if indeed it is a Scott Bonnar. Cathcher has Scott Bonnar transfer on it, not sure however if catcher is original. Cant find any makers plates on motor or chassis.
Cheers. Adrian D

Hi Adrian1959,

The simple answer is that it is and is not a Scott Bonnar.
I'm sure our Global Moderator and SB expert Deejay will have more to say on this.

When Challenge Corp. took control of SB they branded some machines as Scott Bonnars
that had Masport and Ransomes heritage. This machine has no design links to SB.
It's essentially a re-branded Masport (that was once SB's competition).

All very interesting.
-------------------------------------
JACK

Hi Adrian1959, and a warm welcome to the forum. It's always nice to have another Scott Bonnar owner on board.
Your Scotty is actually from New Zealand and has an interesting heritage....and, as CyberJack has said, is a case of 'badge engineering'.
I do believe that its heritage is more Morrison mowers,
but CyberJack is quite correct as Masport acquired Morrison Industries in the 1980's. Your machine actually pre-dates this take-over.

In 1973, the New Zealand company, Challenge Corporation Ltd, acquired Scott Bonnar Ltd. This corporation also had interests in various companies, one of which was Morrison Industries, hence the Scott Bonnar connection.

The Ransomes connection is that the cutting cylinder (double -helix) and bottom blade is a complete assembly designed by Ransomes, as is parts of the chassis.
Your machine also shares its heritage with the Victa Imperial....Here's some pics, the first 2 are the Imperial, and the last a similar Scotty to yours.




Your Scotty appears to be fitted with a Tecumseh engine, they where later fitted with a Briggs and Stratton (painted black)
Once again Adrian, to OutdoorKing.

Hi Adrian1959, Deejay and ODK members,
Yes, Deejay is completely correct. I slipped up on the Masport connection at that time.
Masport's takeover of Morrison was in 1986.
To make up for it, I have a model designation of the Morrison equivalent.

Hi Adrian1959, CyberJack and ODK members,
Thanks Jack for posting the pic, it confirms the lineage and that Adrian's catcher is original to his machine.

What is most interesting about the 'Major Model Variations' is not only the number of different engines that could be fitted, but this machine could be fitted with a Kirby Lauson that was manufactured under licence in Australia by James.N. Kirby.

Thanks Guys. It's great to now have info on the origins of my machine. On another note and as I strip it down to restore/refurbish can anyone tell me how I remove the little drive sprocket shown on the photo. Is it pressed onto a spline on the shaft? Cheers, Adrian

Hi again Adrian, I would suggest that you remove it with a 3 leg gear puller after having sprayed the area thoroughly with Penetrene or similar, which will allow easier removal.

The sprocket of course you will realise in nearing the end of its service life.