OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Question On Scott Bonnar Cylinder Mowers Scott Bonnar 45 front roller

Hi all,
Just had the blades sharpened on my "new" 14 inch model 45 Scott Bonnar. While it is cutting much better I was wondering how much play if any there should be in the front roller. The roller end caps are worn and loose, hopefully new caps will solve that problem however, the whole front roller mechanism is moving up and down on its own. Should it be? Any help greatly appreciated.
Cheers Tony.

It isn't possible to get a smooth, even cut unless the front roller end-caps are a good fit on the axle, and the height adjustment mechanism is in good condition.

Deejay will be able to help you through the detail on getting this sorted out, but please post some pictures so he can see what has gone wrong with your height adjuster.

Hi Toeknee,

I'll have to say I've yet to see a SB that doesn't have a small amount of play in the front roller adjustment mechanism and to be truthful it doesn't really matter from where I see it as every time the mower has its load place on the assembly there is no fluctuation in the roller height. Having good end caps is imperative though.

Just my point of view.


Cheers,
BB

Thank you for the replies. After a little tinkering I've discovered a small amount of play is required otherwise the height can't be adjusted. And as you said BB the weight of the mower then keeps this to a minimum. I will order some new end caps and see how she goes. Thanks again.
Cheers Tony.

Hi again Tony,

As you said the hole in the roller assembly has to be slightly oversize so that the angle of the adjuster shaft can be accommodated in its full length of travel. I have seen efforts made to eliminate this by slightly bending the threaded shaft but as I see it and you've picked up on, the weight of the mower on a smooth surface will take up the slight slack and no noticeable edges will be cut into the grass when mowing.

Cheers,
BB.