OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers My first reel mower, SB Model 33

Hi all, I recently picked up this Scott Bonnar Model 33 from an auction. I had wanted one for a while and I thought it might not be a bad start and the price was right .

I didn't know what I had when I picked it up two days ago but I've since learned a bit about it....I initially thought the motor had been repainted but found out they all came in this paint everything style.


Overall it seems in pretty good condition and I don't think it ever really bad a lot of use as there's a few signs that indicate the lack of usage. I must have been stored in a shed all its life aswelll.

First thing i did was block off the air cleaner inlet and pressure washed it down.
The fuel lines were perished so I made some new ones up with some larger hose with reducers over the flanges (will get right sized hose tomorrow), I also cleaned out the bowl and made a new grommet for the primer button thing from a bit of bike tube which stopped the constant leakage from it.
I gave the things good clean down including removing the side plate where all the chains looked in good nick and it looks like I still has the original v belt on it!


I tried a few times Sunday to get it going but no luck besides a bit of a cough and splutter. I later discovered that the governor spring was overstretched so I took a bit out to make it shorter and then I could finally give it some throttle and it started up nicely!


I mowed two strips in my little backyard patch and it cut well but it started to surge and then stop.
I could restart it easily enough but it was like it was maybe starving or fuel or something. I may have a kink in my fuel hose from the tank tap to the first line that may be restricting it so I'll try with a new hose tomorrow to see if that makes a difference.
I've read a little on motors "hunting" having an erratic surge type idol due maybe to a lean situation and if the kinked line isn't the culprit I may have to look further into it.

I'm trying to find an exploded view of the Kirby Hk25 to see if there might be a mesh filter or something in the fuel tank tap that may need a clean out aswell. I found one in my travels somewhere but can't find it again lol.

Hello bUd540

I feel you are very astute in this purchase. This must be a lucky find.
The images seem to depict an extremely low mileage 33.

A Kirby Workshop Manual is here: -
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/u...-mechanics-handbook-c1963.html#Post96100

Related: -
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/93780/model-33-16-bonmow-c1960.html

The manual should provide guidance here.

Please keep us informed.

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

P.s. Is it possible to get a close-up of the maker's plate?

Hi Jack, thanks for the reply and the link to that manual, I had not come across that one yet and it has sooo much info which is exactly what I need. I love researching and learning as I go.

And yes I think it was a good buy, it was at an auction over 2 days they had a tonne of old mowers not far from where I live. There was another restored SB (think it was a 14 solid) that I had my eye on but it was a day 2 item and this one I was initially looking at was day 1. The pre-bidding bidding went over my budget ($500) for the day 2 item so I decided to stick with this one and I'm glad I did. As I said I wasn't sure at first on what I bought and the condition of it as I bid over the internet, pretty stoked to find its in good nick and hasn't done a lot of work.

I don't have a decent pic of the plate yet but I think it says model 33 then 07211.

Thanks again

Looks like this spring dosent do alot and the manual don't really show how it goes, is it meant to hold it fully open or closed or left alone...looks like it's been that way for a while

Success it purrs like a kitten!

If there's one thing I find really strange and that is there seem to be many more superb Model 33 survivors out there opposed to Model 45's.

It's much easier to find a good straight rust free 33 catcher than a 45 variant. Why ??................I just have absolutely no idea as to why.

This one is another great example of a fantastic Model 33 and truthfully the Kirby engine is a smoother power plant opposed to the Briggs units that were supplied for so many years.

When a Kirby runs well it's such a thing of beauty, but when they run bad then they are really shocking.

This one is one of those beautiful examples I might add.


Oh........ and those forward facing large fuel tanks, there are just GOLD, much better and more masculine looking than any Briggs.


Cheers,
BB.

G'day bUd540 and Glo Mod BB
Many thanks - that goes to provenance.

This is a great record for a low mileage and original Model 33.
I can't say I understand Kirby carby linkages...

Briggs did this with the flo-jet designs, but most AUS OEMs did not specify them.
I think Briggs was gender inclusive rather than just in the navy ...

Cheers
--------------------
Jack