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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
Trainee
Hi All,

Have recently completed a SB45 17" restore as a groomer to accompany my SB45 mower. Its all complete but thought some people might want to check out some photos.

Original mower was purchased from a deceased estate and after initial inspection the mower was found to be in amazing condition. little to no use would best describe its mechanical condition. Original catcher with minimal surface rust, 2.5hp Kirby motor still starting first pull albeit deteriorated primer bulb. Some not to spec touch up paint work was the biggest problem.

mods - feel free to tidy up my image sizing.

Attachments
original.jpg (611.42 KB, 175 downloads)
IMG_0400.jpg (335.25 KB, 174 downloads)
IMG_0401.jpg (306.86 KB, 169 downloads)
IMG_0405.jpg (320.66 KB, 168 downloads)
Last edited by mikeo; 09/01/18 02:47 PM.
Portal Box 6
mikeo #89675 09/01/18 01:11 PM
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
Trainee
I am a bit handy on 3d modeling and have been toying with some ideas for a while. With some helpful in put from member Simrice and googling I settled on a design. Using laser cut blades with 9 tips, 1.5mm thk and 8 variations to the centre hole orientation I sent the order off for them.

I had a worn out donor reel from another machine and wanted to reuse what I could for parts. I cut and removed the blades and circular plates from the reel to be left with just a shaft. I used some 20x3 Gal. S.H.S as a sleeve to slide over the shaft with a slight interference fit. The square section is the basis of driving the blades. The square cut out in the blade has a small arc on one edge so i could identify which blade was which type. There was 4 of each type and 8 types with about 5 deg of rotation difference so that it creates the spiral pattern when all assembled on the shaft.

For spacers i used more S.H.S cut at 10mm which can be doubled up for using the machine as a dethatcher.

Attachments
screenshot.31.jpg (128.66 KB, 189 downloads)
IMG_0426.jpg (1.01 MB, 193 downloads)
IMG_0427.jpg (992.05 KB, 192 downloads)
IMG_0431.jpg (231.55 KB, 193 downloads)
IMG_0432.jpg (142.19 KB, 195 downloads)
IMG_0602.jpg (514.41 KB, 180 downloads)
1 member likes this: Celts88
mikeo #89676 09/01/18 01:18 PM
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
Trainee
to run the groomer reel in the SB45 machines with a blade diameter large enough to give a deep cut when needed, you need to make some other changes. Bed knife was removed from the Sole Plate and new mounting holes were drilled to move it back in the chassis and tilted forward to avoid it bottoming out into lawn, to better follow the shape of the new blade and allow the deflector plate to be reinstalled.

so all assembled and time for some testing.

Attachments
IMG_0598.jpg (518.08 KB, 170 downloads)
IMG_0597.jpg (437.77 KB, 170 downloads)
Last edited by Bonnar_Bloke; 19/02/18 08:01 AM. Reason: terminology of parts
mikeo #89677 09/01/18 01:40 PM
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
Trainee
all operating well but needed a tidy up and a fresh coat of paint. might as well stick a new motor on it too. fitment of the B&S motors to the earlier SB45's with the straight lower handlebars doesn't work well and spacer plates are normally fitted to allow clearance. In my case I didn't want to fit spacers and managed to reshape the bolt plate of the upper handlebar section to bring the bars forward enough that the grips are around level. a nice simple fix.


Attachments
IMG_0667.jpg (470.55 KB, 194 downloads)
IMG_0668.jpg (376.78 KB, 200 downloads)
IMG_0674.jpg (400.57 KB, 190 downloads)
Last edited by mikeo; 09/01/18 02:39 PM.
mikeo #89679 09/01/18 01:43 PM
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
Trainee
I also had my dad (ex commecrial artist) take care of the id plate restoration. I think he did a top job.

bit of brasso, steel wool, red engine enamel, 800 grit and 1200 grit wet dry.

Attachments
IMG_0402.jpg (358.12 KB, 178 downloads)
IMG_0682.jpg (447.25 KB, 184 downloads)
IMG_0681.jpg (355.79 KB, 181 downloads)
IMG_0680.jpg (452.63 KB, 178 downloads)
IMG_0678.jpg (356.72 KB, 171 downloads)
Last edited by mikeo; 09/01/18 02:42 PM.
mikeo #89681 09/01/18 06:21 PM
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 193
Apprentice level 2
Very nice!

mikeo #90111 16/02/18 01:29 PM
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
Trainee
hi all, there has been quite a few enquiries about me making up groomers for others. if you have any questions let me know on pm

mikeo #90175 19/02/18 08:12 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,998
Likes: 16
Former Moderator
Hi Mikeo,

What are the blades made from ? Mild steel or a hardened product ?

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.
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 122
Likes: 5
Apprentice level 2
Hi Mikeo,

Well done, it looks terrific

mikeo #90206 21/02/18 06:29 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,998
Likes: 16
Former Moderator

Post removed as no longer relevant.

Cheers,
BB.

Last edited by Bonnar_Bloke; 18/09/18 06:31 PM. Reason: Comment no longer relevant to thread

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.
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
Trainee
Hi BB, They are Stainless steel blades Gr. 304. 1.5mm thick. I've tried to sell it a couple of times but can't seem to let go of it.

mikeo #90216 22/02/18 08:55 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,998
Likes: 16
Former Moderator
Hi Mike,

I'll think you'll find it's purchasers are finding it hard to let go of their money, especially Gumtree buyers. They are the worst !

Cheers,
BB.


PS. Are you able to make up another Grooming reel ?


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.
mikeo #90218 22/02/18 04:56 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 8,110
Likes: 231
SENIOR TECHNICIAN
BB you are right there, the percentage of DH people that are on Gumtree never fails to surprise me, but at least I get a chuckle out of it sometimes. I guess the world is full of silly people and Gumtree attracts them like bees to a honeypot

mikeo #90220 22/02/18 07:14 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,998
Likes: 16
Former Moderator
Hi Norm,

Really don't know where that saying of "Bees to a Honeypot" comes from as it should be "Bears to a Honeypot".

Bees make honey, they're not attracted to it.

Amazing how many sayings are actually wrongly worded aren't they.

Wasn't it Pooh Bear that was always attracted to honeypots ?


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.
mikeo #90221 22/02/18 08:43 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 8,110
Likes: 231
SENIOR TECHNICIAN
Sorry BB could be my bad never even thought about it

Joined: May 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
Trainee
Originally Posted by Bonnar_Bloke
Hi Mike,

I'll think you'll find it's purchasers are finding it hard to let go of their money, especially Gumtree buyers. They are the worst !

Cheers,
BB.


PS. Are you able to make up another Grooming reel ?

yes i can make another.



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