OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Question On Scott Bonnar Cylinder Mowers Hey everyone, Few questions from a newbie :)

Hi RideTo Live, and a warm welcome to the the forum. Its great to have another Scott Bonnar owner on board. We all like to learn new things and tinker here.

Just a heads up, as a newbie, please note that advertising is inappropriate on OutdoorKing, and is against the forum rules of conduct. I have removed the reference to the Ballarat business to which you were referring. I hope you understand this decision. Please read the FAQ located on the top toolbar, for further information.

From my observations, I have noted the following;
(1) What you have there is a genuine Scott Bonnar Model 45, 17" machine and from the pics, is a fairly late model.

(2) The original Scott Bonnar ID plate, normally affixed to the rear rail of the engine deck has been removed...you will notice the 2 holes where the plate was originally riveted. This plate carried the model number and the mower number....This removal is unusual....

(3) The handle bars are not from this model of machine; they are from a Scott Bonnar Lawn King, a very early model of SB 45, painted in a hammertone cobalt blue colour.

(4) The inner cutter clutch housing is suffering from "Tenants Improvements" (the previous owner) and has been radically modified; I think a hole has been drilled through the cutter clutch housing and perhaps right through the engine shaft, and a crazy nut and bolt set-up fitted It should contain a captive cotter pin.

(5) The cylinder reel looks in great nick....maybe never re-ground....but it will need re-sharpening, as will the bottom blade. At that time you will need to remove the cylinder reel and sole plate complete with the bottom blade (bed-knife)and take both to the engineer who will do the grind for you....See this thread....Click HERE

(6) Considering the overall condition of the machine, at the time of the reel and bed-knife sharpening, you might consider replacing the reel bearings, as they are critical to achieving perfect reel to bed-knife clearance adjustment when the assembly is re-installed.

(7) You are correct, the roller clutch handle, cable and associated assembly is missing, as you guessed is causing the over-speed problem...these parts can be easily sourced and fitted...the condition of the roller clutch will have to be ascertained at the same time...but may be perfectly serviceable....hopefully.

To enable us to assist you further, can you please post the complete string of numbers stamped into the air cowling of the Briggs engine. From these numbers we can tell you the date of manufacture of the engine, and grumpy, our resident Briggs and Stratton guru, will be able to give you advice on getting the engine purring like a kitten!
Can you please also remove the chain-case cover on the left-hand side of the machine, and take some close-up pics of all the sprockets...particularly where it is not covered by the chain....from this we will be able to advise on the sprocket and chain condition.
As for the handles, this is an illustration of what they should look like on you machine...you should be able to source some in Ballarat... (If you get my drift! )

Hoping this helps, and once again, to OutdoorKing,