OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Welcome to Outdoorking Forum HELP Area Introductions Hi all, and some Q's about Scott Bonnar mower

G'day folks.

I've been running my own lawn mowing business in the Moreton Bay area since June 2016, which is slowly but surely building up.

I keep an eye out for "toys" along the way, and recently had a couple of interesting (to me) finds. One was an earlier model Cox Stockman ride-on that didn't have an engine. I've sourced a Briggs and Stratton 14.5 hp that I'm in the process of putting in it. Just need to source an engine pulley and spacer and it's ready to do some work.

The latest find was at a deceased estate garage sale the Saturday just gone, a Scott Bonnar 45.









It was buried under shelves and a number of newer cheapie mowers, and the catcher was under a large bird cage, covered in parrot poo!! I snapped it up ($50), got it home, cleaned most of the bird crap off, put fresh fuel in and it fired up. Runs very smoothly as well.

Is there any way of knowing it's age based on the model number plate, or any other details?

Cheers,
Dale.

Hello Dale

There is plenty of life in the machine, but it does
need TLC.

I do believe this is a re-powered machine.

The Model, Type and Code on the engine should reveal the
approximate date of the engine. If you could tell us those
numbers, we will get a better understanding of what has happened.
[the Code is the important bit]



This is a solid deck Model 45 - meaning it is older than how it presents.
The original engine would have been a Kirby. The catcher has a newer decal, and
the machine has been re-painted in a lighter shade.

The chassis itself would date from about 1970.

Original brochure:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/58161/BROCHURE_-_Domestic_Product_Li.html

Hope this helps.
----------------------------
Jack

Thanks for that info so far, I really appreciate it. I had spotted the respray, as the chassis plate was completely painted over (I chipped the paint off so it could be read). I'm guessing the newer decal would have been put on due to the paint job.

From the photos, are you able to tell me what sort of TLC may be needed? I don't know much about reel/cylinder mowers yet.

I found the engine code.

Hi Dale
Yes, a repaint, re-power and new decals in the early 1980s is my best guess.

Well, yes and no...
The machine needs regrinding, with a new bottom blade and bearings.

The condition of the transmission is unknown.
Sprockets and chains can wear due to use or poor adjustment.

You can show us images of that - but it has been well covered on these forums.
This is a first model 45 17" - Model 450423.
This was a good buy!

Hope this helps.
-------------------------
Jack

Thanks a lot Jack.

The gears and chains look almost new to me (I've had various experiences with chains and sprockets through various motorbikes and racing karts).

Yes, good images there. They look serviceable to me too.
Please keep us informed as to progress.

All the best.
-------------------------
Jack