OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers Scott Bonnar Model 33 Lawn King - Restoration

Hi Everyone.

This is a first post for me. I was just given s Scott Bonnar 33 model with a Kirby HK-30 engine on it. I'll Post some pics too! I'm absolutely stoked with it! I got it running after having to change the rear oil seal behind the points, cleaning them and re setting the gap and flushing out the old fuel. Started after a bit of effort and a new rip cord (the old one was shagged!). I'll eventually get around to doing a full resto on it but for now I am looking at accumulating parts for it and primarily rebuilding the carby because I am positive that the rust from the inside of the fuel tank and the off fuel would have played havoc with the seals inside her. So without further delay my main questions for now are:

1. How rare are these engines and how hard are parts to come by for them? i.e. full rebuild kits for carb, pistons, condos, rings, sealed/gaskets, clutch cones and friction material etc?

2. Are the manuals in the subscription section of this forum going to cover both my engine and my mower? I don't mind spending the money but only if it will give me the info I need

3. Finally although she still cuts grass like a champion someone at some stage has run over something and there is a small dent in one of the blades on the roller. (Not sure how bad the blade is underneath the roller probably not great!) can these things be fixed? or do you have to buy another barrel?
by fixing I mean heating it up a bit and knocking it back into shape see pics below.


Thanks again everyone in advance for your replies.


*Just a note I'll post the pics soon can't seem to get them to upload at the moment but as soon as I can They'll be up!

Hello kymbom2g!

A warm welcome to the ODK forums.

I am not the Scott Bonnar expert here; that is Administrator Deejay who is currently interstate.
I am not the Kirby expert either, that would be Global Moderator Grumpy.

I can get you started though.
The Model 33 is a great machine, highly repairable, and will serve you well.
It is the forerunner of the Model 45. To answer your questions:

[1] The engines are not rare. They are a Tecumseh design and most parts are obtainable.
Machine parts are more erratic, but the wearing basics should not be a problem.

[2] I will need to default to expert advice there ...

[3] We need to standardise terminology here mate.
The basic names are front roller and rear roller. The cutting is done by a reel (cylinder) in
conjunction with a bottom blade.

If there is a dent in the reel (cutting cylinder) then that is generally repairable via
an engineer/repairer. The bottom blade may need to be replaced.

The next step is to upload photos of the machine, including the maker's manufacturing plate.
p.s. How to upload photos

Cheers from the ODK Team.
---------------------------------------
JACK.

ok so worked it out! seems I'm a little impatient with the uploading!

Thanks for getting back to me CyberJack.


Glad to hear that there are still plenty of parts available for these motors. Mine doesn't blow any smoke at all with is great but for how long is yet to be seen.

It seems I'll have to familiarise myself with the terminology! I'm still new to the world of Scott Bonner but I'll get there slowly but surely!

I did read somewhere that the 33 was made from 1960 to 1968 vintage is good for me.

Ill have to get the Bottom blade out and inspect but judging by the dent in this reel if it hasn't already been replaced it'll probably need it.

I appreciate you helping me out where you can!

Hi kymbom2g,

You're welcome and thank you for the great, revealing, photographs.
For one thing, this is a 'special' 33 known as a Lawn King.

These extended the life of the 33 beyond 1968 and into the early 1970s.
These were sold contemporaneous to the Model 45.

The handle is painted tubular steel; the original 33 was flat steel.
Significantly, this has a Model 45 clutch assembly but with what I think is
a spacer between the clutch cone and plastic clutch washer. The primary clutch
lever faces forward; the 33 faced backward.

We'll have to wait and see what the experts think about this.

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

Very interesting indeed!
I did think it was a bit of a bitsa.

So this one was made in the late 60's to early 70's.
Is it possible that Scott Bonner manufacturing retrofitted the 45 clutch to the 33 Lawn King?
I know in my line of work that manufacturers take bits of one model and fit it to another.
However it will be interesting what the exerts say (not implying that you are not one your information is fantastic and very informative!)

This was my girlfriend's father's mower and he gave it to me but I have done some work to it before. Everything I have read and seen on your forums has said that the 33's had a belt drive as well as a chain but, I seem to remember when I took off the side cover it had 2 chains ill have to have another look as this was about 12 months ago.

One last question: Is the white colour on this engine the correct one? every other Kirby/Tecumseh i've seen is the orange/red colour.

Thanks again CyberJack all this information is fantastic!

Hi kymbom2g,

Thank you for that considered response. It is most valuable.
The more this story unfolds the more interesting it becomes...

I need your help here.
I do want to discuss a couple of points because I believe you have an important machine.

The first thing is that I wouldn't describe this machine as a 'bitsa' at all.
I think it should be considered as a distinct Scott Bonnar model: a Model 33 Lawn King.

I have argued on these forums that the Lawn King came about at a specific point in time for
specific reasons: the advent of Commonwealth legislation that changed the relationship
between manufacturer and seller, and the tension between mass-merchandiser and small agency.

It is absolutely my belief that SB retrofitted the SB45 clutch to your machine.
This makes sense in terms of component rationalisation.

- I would really like you to confirm that this is a 16" machine, and not the Model 45 17".
- Second, could we have a photo of the transmission (with cover removed)?
- Third, could we have a close-up photo of the primary clutch from above?

Colour: that's an interesting question.
Yes, I do believe white is the original engine colour, as I do believe gold is the original.
Gold the signifier of 'kings' and white for 'purity'. This would have been a stunning machine!

kymbom2g, you have a very interesting machine that ODK would like to document.
Did your girlfriend's father buy this machine new?

All very sovereign.
----------------------------------
JACK.

Oh wow! interesting is an understatement!

Definitely not a bitsa I will never refer to it as a bitsa EVER again!

So if your suspicions are correct then this mower was created due to commonwealth economic policy? I only say that because I am currently studying economics and politics at university and would be a great topic for me to pursue in one of my subjects next semester If you have any info on this you could send me or point me in the right direction that would be fantastic!


My girlfriends father did not buy it new he was at an antiques auction and picked it up about 18 months ago Not 100% sure what he payed but irrelevant in the scheme of things.

Hope the attached pics are what you are after. they are a little erratic but if there is anything you think I have missed or not the correct parts let me know.

I have measured the blades and they are 16" overall width is a tad over 17" closer to 18" with cover off.

Hi kymbom2g,

WOW! Those photos are excellent!
WOW! This is clearly new information on this rare machine.

This is the first time I have seen the first model Lawn King in detail.
Clearly, it is not a 33 or a 45, but a distinct design, integrating the newer
features of the 45 with the original 33. This is amazing.
It has not been documented (to my knowledge).

So, this machine has a 33 transmission layout, but with a 45 chain drive
to the reel sprocket. There is no belt!

I do not understand why the sleeve on the primary clutch is not painted.
The clutch, clearly a 45 design, seems original to this machine. I do understand, though,
that the cone was shorter on the 45, compared to the elongated 33 one, necessitating
a sleeve as used on your machine.


This is not a topic lending itself to brevity.

Yes, this whole issue of Commonwealth policy and the history of the Australian lawnmower
industry are intertwined from the early 20th Century. You are lucky that you are studying economics and politics,
because you are in a position to see that they, too, are intertwined. It would be a rewarding
topic to pursue, as it would require original research.

In fact, it was only deliberate tariff protection in 1929-1930 that kick-started
Australian manufacture of lawnmowers. The Foreign Trade Minister made a special trip to
England and convinced Qualcast to manufacture here. It did, and this fostered a
bevy of local manufacturers including Qualcast, Clyde, Crowe, Adams and others.

I better explain my contention about why this 16" 33, modified to become a Lawn King,
was manufactured at all; given that SB were producing the fresher designed 45 in 14, 17 and 20
inch variants. It just did not make sense to me.

After extensive research I have come to the conclusion that the original Lawn King was not
a branding exercise but a deliberate attempt to confront the Trade Practices Act.

That Act, historically, prevented manufacturers dictating selling prices.
On one side, there was the emerging mass retailers who had buying power and wanted
to sell at a lower price than what small agencies believed was viable.

On the other side, the small agencies, who lacked buying power (individually), were
hostile to the 'Big Chains' for doing this, and hostile to manufacturers for not
being loyal to them.

It is my belief that the Lawn King was offered to the larger clients at a reduced price.
This appeased the small agencies, because ... it was a different machine ... but sort of
the same. Later, it was realised that more subtle changes and 'branding' were all that was
needed to appease the conflicting parties. Enter the 'store brand'. The later model
Lawn King is essentially a Model 45 with a pram handle.

I have tried to be brief here.

-------------------------------------------------
JACK.

Well I can say that this conversation has taken an unexpected turn for sure!
I'm not sure i'll tell my girlfriends dad what he gave up!

The whole reason behind building them is fascinating and ill be sure to look into it at uni next semester too. You have provided some fantastic information with the political/economical history behind these bad boys.

looking around other forums it looks like the clutch fork mount is set further back than that of the 45's.
Is it possible if you had a lathe to fabricate up a spacer that meant you could retrofit a 45 clutch assembly to the 33's or are they a completely different design?

Finally is it possible to retrofit the chain drive assembly from a 45 to a 33?

These may seem like silly questions and it would be awesome if this was truly a special mower but, I have dealt with a lot of vintage cars and I have been caught out before thinking something was special and it has turned out that someone has retrofitted different parts to it (mostly in engines and transmissions and differentials).

CyberJack It's not that I don't believe you its more that it sounds too good to be true!

Once again thanks heaps for your help.

Hi kymbom2g,

The issue of retrofit was on my mind too.
This would mean that the primary clutch and belt drive to reel were
replaced at some point in time. My view is that that would be very possible.
It may be that this is exactly what has occurred here.

I will need to default to Deejay, the Administrator and SB expert, on this.
I know that there are other experts like Bonnar Bloke who may comment.

Nonetheless, this takes nothing away from the fact that this is a rare first generation
Lawn King. In Scott Bonnar lore, these are not common machines.

They are Bad Boys.

All very kick your grass.
---------------------------------------------
JACK.

Thanks CyberJack for all your help.

I'll PM Deejay and Bonnar Bloke and see, if they have time they might be able to shed some more light on it.

If anyone else knows anything else please don't hesitate to post something!

Indeed it does not detract from the fact that it is a rare machine. The information you have provided is invaluable!

You are a champion CyberJack thanks once again!

Hi kymbom2g & CyberJack,

If there's one thing we know about the manufacturing techniques used at SB and that is that they never wasted anything. Just as did happen in the model 45 there were what we call transition machines which incorporated new bits that were out of character until a fully redesigned component was fitted to the ongoing design. Most of these changes were only very small but never the less they wasted absolutely nothing. I'm sure every Wednesday the Thebarton bins were empty with nothing to be picked up.
One of those little things was the original ID plate had a single spot for mower model and number, then they ran two plates riveted over the top of each other with the model on one and the actual mower number on the other, shortly after that they got a ID plate that had two allocated spots for the two lots of numbers which was a bit more specific.

I must admit that extra spacer on the drive shaft has blown me away but I have to concur with CyberJack that this Lawn King was indeed a transitional machine and made towards the end of the Model 33's production run as shortly after that the colour went to Pacific Blue. BTW most of the earlier Kirby's were white on both horizontal and vertical shaft motors, but as far as Engine parts availability is concerned I'm not sure if I agree on that fact as that's why so many Kirby's get scrapped, no parts, unless second hand are used.

The trans is quite interesting but pretty much a theme from the 45 but arranged differently.

All in all as CyberJack has stated it's a very interesting machine indeed.


Cheers,
BB.

Hi kymbom2g, BB and ODK members,

I'm more convinced that the first Model Lawn King dates from the early 1970s.
Its factory colour was gold and white and not 'Bonmow Blue'. It was a Model 33 with an updated
transmission. These components were factory original and not retrofitted (best guess).

These are fairly rare machines for the reasons I've stated.
Here's an auction record from last year. Note the clutch spacer:-
[I hope this is not the exact-same mower as kymbom2g's?]



Here's a YouTube video of one:-

[video][/video]

Here's the best ad. I could find. It's not clear but it does seem to
corroborate a front clutch lever (maybe):-

Hi CyberJack,

Yes the auction photo you have found is in fact the actual mower in question.

Note the red electrical tape on the right hand side handle bar, well it appears on the photos that kymbom2g has supplied us with.

Isn't the internet just such a wonderful thing ?

BTW I am just wondering why this mower was fitted with the HK30 motor and not the 25 as being that the Lawn King was a budget build unit for the larger stores I'm a bit miffed as to why the larger 3 HP motor was used opposed to the 2.5 HP unit. I have the later Pacific Blue Model 45 Lawn King and that sports the 2 HP Briggs on it and not the 3 HP unit as most of the 17 inch machines used.

Cheers,
BB

Just another point to ponder,

This machine was made in the early 1970's as it has the double ID plate set up as I mentioned in an above posting, so I'd be comfortable in saying it was around 1971~72.

Also that "Lawn King" Decal on the catcher is about one of the best surviving units around as most are damaged in one way or another. I'm pretty sure that it is a clear background decal which pretty much has protected the paint underneath from fading.

It would certainly be worth taking very accurate square on photos of it for future reference and duplication for Grant (willingworker)

Cheers,
BB

Hi BB,

Always a pleasure.
Yeah, I did notice that, which is why I am approaching this cautiously.
I am convinced that the first Model Lawn King was gold and white, but I need
more corroborative evidence on the transmission changes.

We'll just have to wait and see what transpires.
Interesting machine though.

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

Hi All,

There is actually another listing on that auction site for a similar mower from earlier this year. The photo is not fantastic but it does help coroborate that the colour of this model was gold and white.



Also looking at the youtube clip it looks like there is a spacer boss present which is also not painted gold.





Cheers,

Sir Chook

Hi CyberJack, Bonnar Bloke and Sir Chook

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you all.

The internet is indeed a wonderful thing! without it I wouldn't have found you guys!

The first picture is definitely the mower that I have. This auction house usually deals with deceased estate etc. The second one, my girlfriends dad said that he saw it there (He frequents this place often) and said that it was no where near as good as the one that I now have. He goes pretty well every week but hasn't seen any Scott Bonner's since.

The pic of the old advertisement is fantastic thanks heaps for digging that one up!

The video is something I have never seen before I did go through all of the other Bonner vids that I could find on youtube and the blade adjustment and clutch removal ones were great too!


Ill post some more pics of the front and transmission cover decal's if you need me to do so with a ruler in the pic for scale let me know and i can arrange that too.

I did also wonder why every other 33 I have seen has had a HK25 on it and not a HK30 too but if it was made in the early 70's then could that not explain the bigger motor?

All this information is fantastic though! The only other thing I can't help but wonder is why the clutch body and cone is painted the same colour as the rest of the mower. Unless this thing has had a complete respray already once in its life. but judging by the paintwork's age it really doesn't look like it has.

If you want me to post any more pics of anything let me know.


Cheers guys!

Hi kymbom2g,

It would be very much appreciated if we could get a close-up of the logo (with ruler).
It is clearly different to the 2nd generation 45 Lawn Kings.

I think Sir Chook's second photo (of a different machine) does confirm the livery.
As I said, these were handsome machines - and quite rare.

Matching the clutch colour to the main colour was the practice with the Model 45s back then,
so it seems 'right' that this would occur on the Lawn King as well.

I do not know about the engine. If the HK 30 was used on the 17" 45s, then it seems logical
that a 16" would receive a similar size engine...

I guess we need to just wait for new evidence to come to light.
What is emerging, though, is that the first Lawn King was more than a cosmetic version
of the older Model 33. It is a distinct model (asssuming the transmission changes are genuine).

I am keen to hear what Administrator Deejay thinks when he returns from his interstate sojourn.

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

Thanks for posting that Youtube video, Cyberjack. Many years ago I had a vertical crankshaft Kirby Lauson and hated the disgusting way it ran. That video brought it all back to me.

Hi CyberJack, kymbom2g and Sir Chook,

The engine stuff will always remain a bit of a mystery as the erratic placement of different size engines has always confused the life out of me. I have played with plenty of 45's and some have HK-25's on the 17 inch units (I have just received one with the 25 on it and it does have the larger tank like the 30's generally have) and I know it's a dinky die original machine. The same thing has been the case with the Briggs fitted unit. Some 17 inch machines have anything from a 2 HP, 2.5 HP to a 3 HP installed from new. I just think that it was a bit like Holden's marketing back in the 1970's. You can have it your way as long as we get the sale, while Ford had a moto of if you wanted a GT then it had a V8 in it and not like Holden's 186 3 on the Column Kingswood in a Monaro Shell, then a 186S with a Opel 4 speed as the base level GTS right up to the 350 Chev powered units. Sure Holden sold 9 Monaro's to Fords 1 GT but it was all about a standard with Ford and I feel very much that Scott Bonnar adopted Holden's method of selling and would do anything to stop Victa getting another sale.

I guess what I'm saying here is that from a historical point of view it's very hard to work out a pattern when there was never a blueprint to follow in the first instance and that's a real bugger for a historian, believe me I know especially when you're trying to piece the history of a Footy Club together and there's been many changes of management and protocol over it's lifespan and the baby keeps getting tossed out with the bath water every 4 years or so.

Cheers,
BB

Hi All,

I was doing a bit more searching and turned up another Model 33 Lawn King

Mower number 33 31275
Model 330026
Lawn King by Scottt Bonnar





I note that the colour of this one appears to be the same as the second mower in the photo in my earlier post. It therefore looks like there may actually be two different variants of this model.

Cheers,

Sir Chook

Hi Sir Chook, Contributors and ODK members,

That is so interesting.
Bonmow Blue, chrome handles and Kirby Red engine.
It has a 45 clutch with that spacer?

Bonnar Bloke is so right in saying that there may not be one single blueprint.
Great research S.C.!

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

Hi guys

Hi grumpy I do agree they aren't the smoothest running things but I like a challenge! Honda is good (best for reliability) but I hope I don't offend you here when I say good/reliable could also be boring lol!

Bonnar Bloke I hear you! The sporadic way that these things were built doesn't help when they get to the age they are and we are trying to piece together their history! nevertheless I must say I think I like Fords way of doing things! at least then we would know what we had and whether or not it is original! but then I guess it would take half the fun out of it!

Great find Sir Chook! It is of some comfort that there is another Scott Bonnar out there with the same setup as mine (makes me think it may be a factory fit after all!)

It will be very interesting indeed what Deejay has to say when he returns......... The more information we can share on this one it sounds like the better off we will all be!

I'll post those sticker photos soon too I just finished my last exam for the year so it will probably be tomorrow!


Cheers guys!

I think I have solved the mystery of the chain drive assembly.
I was looking around the place and came across the Manuals and parts list which has a downloadable pdf of the 33 with an exploded view of all the parts. see attachment at the end of the post
First cab off of the rank up the top of the page it says written in handwriting "Chain Drive"
Then the next two say written in handwriting "Belt Drive"

I would like to also bring to your attention number 71 on the same diagram curiously (now I stand to be corrected here) that looks like a certain unpainted spacer on my unit and the other one that Sir Chook posted too.

I wonder if the clutch cone from this page too is the same or a superseded number for the 45 clutch?

This all looks pretty factory after all!

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=6371#Post6371
Then click on the model 33 link.

Hi kymbom2g

What a great site you found!
I did not know that page existed. WE need to sort the quick links out.
Eventually, they should be assigned to their specific model profiles in the History forum.

In my books, total confirmation that you have a genuine and original Lawn King.
Yes, part list No. 71 spacer. The spacer was needed because the 45 cone
is shorter than the elongated 33 one.

The clutch lining p/n is the same for a 45. Confirmed.
I note the clutch lever faces backward on the 330026 chain drive.

Your Model 33001. Parts List shows a Model 330026 for the chain drive?
I wish the image was better quality. Looks like it was taken off a faxed original.



Very well done.
------------------------------------
JACK.

Hi Guys

I finally got around to getting those pics of the Lawn King decal with the ruler.
If this isn't good enough or you need more info let me know!
Looks like I'm going to be doing some panel beating on the lower part of the catcher too!

Cheers again for all your help.

Well it clearly shows that the decal was the same from start to finish as here is the image from the later "Pacific Blue" machine that I supplied to "willingworker" to make the Lawn King decals that we see on eBay every now and again.




Cheers,
BB

Hello kymbom2g, BB and ODK members,

Thank you for doing that, as it is now part of the record.
WE are now all much the wiser about this first model -
the gold and white one - fit for a King's lawn.

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