OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories SCOTT BONNAR Models MODEL 35 - Histroy Record - c1960

Hello ODK history lovers
The Model 35 utility mower was the most successful side
discharge lawnmower that Scott Bonnar made. Introduced in
late 1960 for the 1961 season, this model would survive –
with changes – for well over a decade.

The Model 35 was not particularly innovative …
more of a catch-up to … Victa. The only significant feature
was the introduction of ball-bearing wheels, a first on these shores.

I lie. Scott Bonnar realised that 'toe-cutters' were not a great idea
for a new decade. This was a true, skirted, side-discarge mower.
Scott Bonnar made relevant the old Victa 1950's design.

The Model 35 simplified and vastly improved the previous –
and clumsy – Model 31 Spincut, with its ill-conceived 2-point height adjuster.

The model 35 initially adopted the Victa system of the single-point
rotary hand wheel for height adjustment. Scott Bonnar also re-introduced
the cast aluminium chassis first used on their first Spincut, the Model 22 of 1956.

Overall, the Model 35 was a styling mimic of a Victa Special from the
previous decade … but with an extra 19-inch cut and an important skirted
base. This mower could accommodate a side grass catcher and this
was Scott Bonnar’s second rotary model to use their own 2-stroke
engine. Scott Bonnar was clearly committed to rotary mowers at this time.

What Scott Bonnar did was make a simple and robust mower for
commercial use, relevant to the 1960s, and the first half on the 1970s.
This was a totally successful model.



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO –Model 35 Details
In its lifespan, the Model 35 had only a couple of significant changes.
The first models had chassis decals; later models would cast
‘Scott Bonnar’ into the chassis.

The only significant upgrade was the change from single-point
rotary knob height adjuster to single-point lever ….
A logical choice for the modern world. Yes, there were less-
significant changes, like handle bars...



This mower offered, from its introduction, a steel side catcher.
These are rare today, and I guess the vast majority of buyers
didn’t need one. This was a grass cutting work-horse.

Other changes were always with the power units offered,
maybe a dozen or so engine variants over the Model 35’s
lifespan. This included changes to engine, starter, and
air cleaner offerings.

A particular point should be made about the base.
It never included secondary skirting … meaning that it was
always considered a professional, rather than domestic lawnmower.

KNOWN MODEL 35 VARIANTS: -
This is an incomplete list. For example, it does not include the earliest models,
like the Villiers 4-stroke powered Model 35s.

35050 Kirby 2-ST Rewind Snorkel
35054 Kirby 4-ST Rewind Snorkel
35060 Scott Bonnar 2-ST Rope Snorkel
350246 Briggs & Stratton 10S Recoil Snorkel
350553 Briggs & Stratton 11S Recoil V-Pull Snorkel
350561 Briggs & Stratton 9S Recoil
350609 Scott Bonnar 2-ST Rope
350668 Briggs & Stratton Recoil
350676 Kirby K11 2-ST Recoil V-Pull
350692 Kirby 4-ST Recoil Snorkel
350696 Kirby K8 4-ST Recoil

TO BE CONTINUED …

PART THREE – Dedicated Publications
Here I include Operator Instructions, Brochures, Leaflets, etc.
I can’t offer much at the moment …

Given the life-span of the Model 35, I know of only a few publications
devoted to it. When Scott Bonnar established a ‘rotary-range’, the Model 35
would always play second fiddle, given that it was part of their professional
range. As such, we generally only see Model 35s as a part of a larger brochure
[see above gallery].

I have one leaflet, c1971, when the Model 35 had a dedicated dealer
information sheet for a 10-Series Briggs & Stratton powered variant.