Hi to rossf and mowernut, this is not a rumour it is fact. Rover Australia ceased manufacturing in Brisbane last year and all jigs and tooling was subsequently scrapped. This happened after a bid for the manufacturing rights by a Victorian company was dismissed by Rover.....what a disgrace!!
However, some mower repair outlets still have new old stock (NOS) parts still available and 2 outlets I know of have heaps of new and used parts for sale.
The Scott Bonnar Model 45/ Rover 45, has been cloned in both South Africa as a "Scott Bonnar" and in China as the "Star". These are both knock-offs of the original and may be a source of parts in the future.....Plus the fact that there are plenty of SB 45's out there second hand, available through e-Bay etc. cheap; so it would be easy to buy one to christmas-tree parts from, to keep your pride and joy running sweetly.
To mowernut, re your last thoughts, I disagree with you there, I know of no mower on the current market, made in Australia, that is more reliable than a Scott Bonnar. There are Bowling and Golf clubs still using machines built in the forties, still going strong.
The main point here is don't worry, because of the Model 45's design, most parts can be sourced, and if not, can be locally manufactured.....that is the legacy of Scott Bonnar.
