OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Identification of Particular Machines Off to look at a mower! [Scott Bonnar Model 65]

I’m off to look at a mower it is an sb all I know it is 17” reel and has straight bars! Any idea what models have this I think model 40 is only in 14” is the super cut straight bars and 17”? And a model 33?
Any other ideas?
Not sure what he is going to want or even if it’s worth looking!

Cheers
Ollie

Hi Ollie
Only the model 45 used the 17" cut width.

With straight bars it will be a SB 45 or a SB45 Lawn King.
All other SBs had even-number reel sizes.

Cheers
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Jack

So they did a model 45 with straight bars? Or a sb45 is a different mower? Please forgive my lack of knowledge!!

So I have just had a look through other posts an it’s a sb45 craftsman

G'day Ollie

Yes, they did.

Just type 'Lawn King' in the 'Blue Bar' above.
Your interest will be with the Model 45 Lawn King.
There was also a Model 33 Lawn King.

Identical designs but the straight bars (Pram handle) was
the essential difference (but with a slightly smaller HP rating).

I have argued on these forums how they came about.
A great story in itself.

Well worth saving.

Cheers
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Jack

Cool thanks for the info, so can I assume parts from the model 45 will fit this mower so it could be a viable purchase for resto? Good money is being asked for it but it is in fairly good condition from photos?!

Hello Ollie

Yes, a good assumption there ...
The chassis are identical. Parts are the exact same.

These are 45s with a different handle.
That's the whole story

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

Thanks jack great knowledge will keep u informed once I get to see machine.
Ollie

G'day Ollie

For the record ...
The Lawn King was a 'stencil' in that it was sold to a number of different stores
under the same name. SB created 'Lawn King' [following USA branding influence]

In Australia, MSAA [Mower Specialist Association of Australia] used 'Craftsman'
as a collective name in selling to a group of stores under their same brand name.
Independent small stores formed a collective, selling lawnmowers under the
collective name of 'Craftsman'. [following USA branding influence].

If you like ... 'Lawn King' was a factory 'stencil' - with SB selling to their
mass merchandiser stores.

'Craftsman' was a follow-on stencil ... a SB customer [MSAA] on-selling
to their dealer network under their brand 'Craftsman'.

I think that's clear ...

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Jack

I have just had a message from someone with a 33” Scott Bonnar, any idea what model it may be, possibly a super cut?will add some photos he sent me

Some pics

Hi Ollie,

Well that's a Model 65 and I don't think it's what you are looking for is it ?

This is definitely a Professional machine and not a domestic unit for the average garden I might add.

Cheers,
BB

Nah it is defo not for me and my small yard!!! I said to the bloke I may know someone interested, he said he’s after 650-700 but negotiable! Would anyone be interested here for the fellas details?

Hi Ollie,

Honestly they are a great mower for tennis courts and cricket pitches etc. but domestically these well built beauties are just way over the top.

The thing that surprises me and this is merely a trap for young players is that many feel the SB craze that we are currently experiencing is about every type of Scotty and that's where all the newbies walk right into the Lions Den and hand over way over the top cash.

Well that's the big mistake as the whole craze is merely about one machine and one only................The Model 45

Sadly most of the others will and do find their way to the scrap yard in the end.

Talking about scrap yards, I was at one about a week ago and a bloke drove in with a near new Masport in his trailer along with other stuff. I asked if the mower was coming off the trailer and the owner said yes. The scrap yard attendant asked me "am I into mowers at all" because if I was he could feed me with around 20 per day that come in. I said thanks for the offer and as much as I'd love to say yes and rescue many of these I'd be swamped in no time flat and also a visit to the divorce courts for my troubles.

So this just shows that there are squillions of unloved mowers out there but only a select few that are really sought after.

BTW contrary to popular belief, there really is no shortage of Model 45's out there with plenty still going to scrap as well on a weekly basis.

Cheers,
BB.

Yeah I understand that, you come to find that looking around that there are a lot of dreamers out there!
I may go and check out some scrap yards, it’s not like I’m in a rush to go out and find a mower project the problem is they are either 2 far gone for my capability’s for a first resto or people think they have this serious collectors item that warrants a silly price tag unaware of what needs to be spent!

I am off to see a bloke who said he has saved 4 mowers from scrap and just wants rid 1 is a 17” but by the sounds of it a craftsman/lawnking and a very old Atco with kickstart! And 2 others so may be interesting if price is right.
What’s the view on changing the bars on the craftsman for model 45 bars as they are of the same genetics

Hi Ollie,

That's the only difference, the handle bar assembly. The are interchangeable within 3 minutes. 4 Bolts and they are off and then just poke the bolts straight through the new assembly.

Cheers,
BB.

Nice that was what I imagined! Just have to see what condition they’re in!! Having been saved from scrapping not holding my breath!!

I'm sure it'll be in poor shape and has had a major driveline failure which caused it to be pensioned off.

Well apparently it starts which is a plus, just not an indicator as to the condition!!

If say it is ok! Where is best to source model 45 handlebars? Would I need all new controls? as they look a whole lot different!! maybe clutch may work

Now that's going to be the hard part as they've never been made as a reproduction unit.

Basically one machine must die for another to live with panel and frame parts.

Cheers,
BB.

PS. I despise the pram bars and as such I have a few spare ones laying in the bone yard

That is what I thought! Will have to hit up scrapys, yes fully agree with you on pram handles from what pics I have seen bars off 45 look as though they will give better control

I guess it's not what you got but how you use it ! LOL