OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Cylinder Queen Model 16 - Assistance Please

OK, I been checking stuff out but am no clearer as to what I have found in my back yard. Can anyone give me some clues as to age and model. The numbers on the machine don't mesh with stuff I have found about Bonnar mowers.







I suspect the Robin motor is not original. I Found her sitting idle for best part of 8yrs. New spark/ oil and air filter and she runs & cuts! I am thinking about whats involved in cleaning her up, keeping in mind I have very limited mech experience.

Greetings mowers, and welcome to the ODK Forums.

It looks like you have a SB Model 16 'The Queen', 24" cut version. These were first made in 1950, so it would most likely be 1950's or 1960's vintage, maybe as late as 1970's.

Some history and a manual are here: https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/75539/

And this model is featured in a 1963 SB catalogue HERE.

As you surmise, the Robin engine would not be original - this machine most likely had a Villiers. However, this model is very much built to 'pro' quality and durability, so outlasting its original engine is no surprise.

Hi Mowers and Mod Gadge,

I must admit that the Robin Engine kinda looks a tad lost on a 24 inch Queen doesn't it ??

The Queen was purely designed for Cricket Pitch, Tennis Court and Golf Course Greens. She was no domestic beast that's for sure and it certainly requires two very strong men to lift her.

Looking at the ID plate I feel it was made around the mid to late 1960's. Sadly most of these have found their way to scrap as there are many more modern long bed ride ons that cut a much wider width and being what it is they don't lend themselves well to being handed over to a domestic user.

I'm not sure what your intentions are but please don't let it go via the way of the Dodo.

Cheers,
BB.

I have a sb queen mower in my collection minus the Villiers engine. I have had it for about ten years, bought it for $60 at a farm clearing sale. Sadly I didn't buy the sulky as I didn't realize at the time it's importance! I intend to restore it this year. I have it it pieces ready for restoration. I will probably source a Villiers motor for it.

G'day all

Yes, a nice old girl to save. I would like some confirmation on the width though ...

Because of engine shortages post-war, SB fitted whatever they could get.
I note that early machines also used JAPs (4/3). Here's one with what
I think is an original Sulky seat. Brilliant!

Thanks all for your ready helpfull answers and interest. My appologies on being tardy in reply. Thats life sometimes.
The width is 33 inches and the barrel is in parts. I gather this has some points of interest.

G'day mowers,
The actual width of cut is measured across the reel, rather than the frame.

So it's now apparent that you have a 30" Queen Model 16, which we here at ODK have only recently confirmed as having been produced, as described HERE.

bonnar_bloke has summed up the intended use of this model very well; it's designed to handle big area mowing, and isn't sufficiently manoeuvrable for a domestic lawn.