OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers Scott Bonnar 45 electric

Hi im wondering if anyone can help.
Ive gone and purchased a SB 45 14” mains electric model, it was was very spur of the moment.
I’d always wanted to buy one and convert it into a verticutter if one became available, now the rest is history.
I’d always just assumed (stupidly) that the reels would be the same as it’s petrol powered cousin and now that I’ve bought one it’s time to find out if I’ve made a mistake?
Can anyone answer the question “are the reels the same size?”

Thanks 🙏

Hi I mate , I have seen electric SB scarifier in videos so I’d say the reel assembly would be the same

Hello Troy74
I can confirm that the reels in the 45 petrol, mains electric and
battery electric are indeed identical.

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

Awesome !!

Thanks for that information Jack.
While ive got you do you know if there is any other information floating around about the electric model?
I have read a few posts here and there but thats about it.

Thanks again

Hi SLN,

The reels as Jack has indicated are identical, the only differing thing is the cutter sprocket has a smaller diameter and thus spins a bit quicker.

This would've have been a rev matching thing due to the electric motor having a fixed speed and not being variable like it's petrol counterparts were where the engine speed could be raised to spin the reel faster.

I very much feel that the electric machine would have to be used a tad lighter than a petrol unit and thus taking a few lighter cuts to gain the depth desired. Don't try and use it as a sub-terrain scarifier as these machines are not built to do that. They are a cutting machine that we have adapted to another usage while the Model 46 was the dedicated scarifier that Scott Bonnar made.

Cheers,
BB.

Hi BB

Thanks for the feedback on the electric 45 conversion question, i do apologise but i only read this message yesterday.

I do feel a little like pioneer/ Guinea pig on this one.
That was always a question mark i had on the electric, whether or not the motor would have enough torque and would the components (sprocket,chains.etc) stand up to being used as a verticutter.
Id only ever planned to use it as a groomer or to just break/cut into the very top layer of soil at the most, definitely avoiding anything deeper so as not to strain the mower.
I am aware of the 46 but they are extremely rare down in Melbourne.
I paid $300 for the electric 45 and it was in excellent condition and the verticutting reel allows me to use it to keep on top of thatch build up on my Kikuyu lane which seems to be an ongoing issue at the moment.
I hope to have it ready for spring but i will definitely post an update to let you know how it goes.

Thanks again for your advice.

Lets get some pics of this electric bad boy!