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Hi I’m Ollie and I have recently aquired a Scott bonnar 40 reel mower it is a little rough round the edges due to poor storage a bit of oil seeping out plug missing catcher but I started her up on first pull after I sticking pull cord and realising I forgot fuel tap!! Anyone have any idea of age, whether it worth doing a resto what are these worth restored v unrestored or worth more as parts? I have a kikuyu lawn and have been told these aren’t the best for kikuyu! Tho would like to get rid of kik for couch!!! Any into much appreciated thanks Ollie

Hello Ollie81!
A warm welcome from me to these forums.

Many thanks for the great images for this machine

The Model 40 is a great SB reel mower, let down, these day,
by parts availability.

The model 40 was a great design and it forms a crucial part of
the domestic Scott Bonnar reel mower story.

I have a History Record for the Model 40 here: -

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/u...0-14-reel-lawnmower-c1961.html#Post84288

I hope this one is saved, and well worth a resto.
They attract little market value in any form - but not because of
any design deficiency.

The Model 40 is as good as any reel mower on this grass.
As a powered reel, it should present no problem on maintained kik grass.

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

Hi Mod CJ and new member ollie81,

Kikuya......mmmmmmmmmmm my favourite lawn to despise.

It all depends on how high it's allowed to become as it's one of those lawns that if not maintained becomes really spongey and cylinder cut mowers are not good on that sort of surface (sorry Jack)

Cylinder cut mowers require a firm base to work on or they will dig in on the sides creating a not so nicer finish.

Without a doubt couch is the very best for these types of machines.

Now as far as changing Kikuya to Couch, that's another huge issue as Kikuya is rather ruthless and has quite deep roots which need to be poisoned or physically removed. The only way to do this properly is to use a herbicide and poison it off fully so that absolutely no signs of life exist and then it needs to be dug out and new soil trucked in and fresh Couch planted. It's a lot of work but rest assured it's only for the very dedicated and disciplined to embark on.

One has to ask the question, am I really this sort of person or am I the sort that just wants a rather nice looking lawn without too much maintenance. If the latter then Kikuya is for you, if the former then couch is right up your alley.

Have a good look through the thread "New Playground for my Scottys" under the Lawn Care sub-forum and see if this is for you.

Cheers,
BB.

Hi guys thank so for responses I would love to restore Thisbe girl back to her former glory and in all honesty I don’t think it is too bad condition I bit of a rough exterior but all else seems well like I say fires up first pull! With regards to my lawn yes I understand kik is aggressive but i moved in about 5 yr ago and it has been struggling to grow where I want it to! Everywhere but the lawn!!! This is due to massive amounts of oxalis, I am starting to get this under control but it one has a slight knock on to the grass so it is still not in the beatbox of condition so prob as hard to remove as an established lawn only 40sqm also! Though I do t mind the kik as it is durable, if you think it won’t be a prob with this reel beauty I may keep the kik then it just gives me purpose to use regularly! A small for part doesn’t anyone’s have any tips where to find as I have read on here they are not the easiest to come across! I may have found a catcher al beit a little rust and a hole but will be a good base! Cheers Ollie

Hi ollie,

I think that I've gone a little too far indepth with my response within the introduction sub-forum, so this thread will have to be ended and if you could please repost it under the Walk behind Lawnmowers Sub-Forum and then within the Scott Bonnar section.

Cheers,
BB.