Hi again all, I am hoping that someone may be able to give me some advice or knowledge with the model 33 Scott Bonnar. I have seen one at a very attractive price and I am looking for a machine to restore. I would like a project that I can involve my young son, as he loves machines and finding out how things work. I would also like to keep the mower for long term use. I am trying to find out a bit about the model. I rang a local mower shop in perth, that regularly refurbishes/restores reel mowers and he said that they are a good mower, however, unless it is in very good condition, to avoid it as there are no longer parts available for this model. I rang a 2nd mower shop in sydney that also restores mowers and he said that he has parts for this model (although he said there is 3 different series in the model 33) and that it is a good model and more or less encouraged me to get the mower. I haven't seen the mower in person yet, but expect to meet it tomorrow possibly. All I know is that it is a model 33, 16 inch, it has a solid chassis under the motor and the motor on it looks like it could be an original. The owner says it blows a bit of smoke, but it runs and cuts the lawn as is. He suggested it will benefit greatly from a sharpen on the reel and blade. I would greatly appreciate any information/advice or tips on where I can learn more about this model. Also whether or not this would be a good model to invest the time and energy into restoring for personal use, or whether I should be looking at a different model.
I hold the Model 33 in high regard, and have written about them. I am working on a History Record - but this takes time.
In fact, a lot has been said about the 33 on ODK. Simply type Model 33 in the Blue Search Bar above to see what I mean.
The Model 33 is the precursor to the Model 45. Post-war, SB had three separate designs for their 14", 16" and 20" machines. This would prove to be a bad strategy, as the rotary revolution unfolded.
The best of the designs was the Model 33 and it is this one that would be used in developing the scalable Model 45 - meaning three design types would be replaced by one.
These machines are highly regarded.
Hope this helps. ---------------------------- Jack
Hi Jack, Thank you for your post. I have been reading many of the past posts for the model 33 and it seems like it is a really good mower. I can't really recall reading any negative feedback yet. My main concern is whether or not I will be able to source parts to restore and keep running into the future. What is your opinion? Otherwise it seems like a solid unit. The single plate deck is appealing from what I'm told and 16 inch size would suit my needs. Or would I be better off holding out for a 17 inch model 45 with a solid deck? Is there any benefits to this?
I would be interested to hear your opinion on comparing the 2 models.
Common wearing parts for the 33 will be available. I guess you can't but see the 33 on offer - it could be in good condition. If in good condition, it will be a life-long runner - if maintained.
The 45 has the edge for restorers simply because many more parts are available. In use, the 33 and the 45 are similar in operation and easy to use.
I would like to see more 33s as projects. The 45 is less of a challenge for restorers.
If you can give us some images of the 33 I can make further comment. This would include the reel, bottom blade and transmission (with chaincase removed).
Hope this helps. -------------------------------- Jack
Hi Jack, Thanks for the reply. I will be taking a look at the mower soon. The owner has said he will give me first right of refusal, which is great. I will take a look and see it running and have a general look over it, but may just have to make a decision an that basis. I like the idea of a slightly older and less common model and from my current research it seems that the design is a good one. I have only 1 image of the machine at the moment, but will post a few more once i see it. If I do grab it, I will be on an exciting little journey and will be grateful for any direction and advice you may have. One question i have is in regards to the handles on this model. The ones on the machine are the same as the ones in the middle picture you posted above. My question is how many different types of handles did the model 33 come with and is it an indication of the year/s of manufacture. I am wondering whether the model 33 was more standard in its options than what I have read about some of the SB variants. The other item of note is that is has a red motor as per the same picture above.
Hi Jack, I have seen another one with a b and s 3.0hp black engine on it. Were the 33's sent out new with these engines on them or is it definitely non factory. Also is there anywhere that could supply a catcher for the 33, or anywhere in perth that could make one?
Hi Jack, Would I be right in assuming that the model 33 with the handles that don't fold half way up and only have 1 support are the lawn king variant? Regards, Evan
Jack and I have discussed the Lawn King situation for countless hours over the years and Jack will eventually document it all on the ODK site, but for now,
The 33's all had much a similar style handle bar arrangement, regardless whether it was the LK variant or not, but in the Model 45 the LK had a pram bar set up while the standard Scott Bonnar 45 had the winged bar arrangement.
The LK was always a cheaper machine made for and sold through chain stores.
Hope this clarifies your point.
Cheers, BB.
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
