OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories SCOTT BONNAR Models MODEL 72 & 52 High Arch Rotaries - c1971

Hello ODK history lovers
The Model 72 (720 Series) was Scott Bonnar’s first high-arch
lawnmower. Introduced in late 1971 for the 1972 season,
it would be made under SB’s new owner Electrolux, acting in
Australia as Flymo-Scott Bonnar.

It was an instant hit and a worthy competitor to the popular
Victa VCs of the early 1970s. The 720 Series would also
appear under various names, the most notable being ‘Viking’
– I guess in honour of SBs Swedish owners ...?

Maybe it was also a pun name to 'Lawn King' ...?
Outdoor King members decide ...

The Model 52 (520 Series) appeared later – c1977 – and would
be, essentially, an economy version of the Model 72. The chassis
designs were slightly different but they shared the same 18-inch
cutting width. The Model 52 would also be branded as a Lawn King
and Cabana.

Originally the Model 72 was the flagship sold against the mid-arch Model 49.
The Model 52 became the replacement for that model by the late 1970s.



KNOWN MODELS: -
720016 – (Green) Viking Kirby K11 2-stroke
720024 – (Green) Viking Kirby K6.5 4-stroke
720032 – Kirby K11.3 2-stroke
720040 – Kirby K11.3 2-stroke
720059 – Kirby K8.7 4-stroke
720067 – Kirby K11.3 2-stroke
720075 – Kirby K11.3 2-stroke
720083 – Kirby K11.3 2-stroke
720091 – Kirby K11.3 2-stroke
720104 – B&S Series 9 4-stroke 3.5 hp
720120 – (Blue) Lawn King B&S K11.3 2-stroke
720139 – No cowl (Green) Viking Kirby K8.5 4-stroke
720147 – Kirby Series 11 4-stroke (recoil start)
720155 – B&S Series 11 4-stroke 4hp
720200 – Kirby KAV 87 2-stroke
720219 – Kirby KAV87 2-stroke
720235 – Kirby K11.3 2-stroke
720243 – Kirby K6.5 4-stroke
720403 – B&S Series 9 3.5 hp 4-stroke
720260 – B&S Series 13 4-stroke 5hp

520022 – B&S Series 9 4-stroke 3.5 hp
520049 – Kirby K11 2-stroke 4.6 hp
520081 – B&S Series 11 4hp
520129 – B&S Series 8 4-stroke 3hp

TO BE CONTINUED …

PART TWO – Model 72 & 52 in Brochures
The best easy-route into the Model 72 and Model 52 is through
contemporary Scott Bonnar publications. Here I cover the years
1973 thru 1979 with a gallery selection.

Note that the Model 52 was marketed as the economy model to
the flagship Model 72. I should also point here that the cast
aluminium base did differ between these models. That will
become obvious with an illustrated parts list (to follow).

The Model 52 had a “high rise, stepped discharge chute”
as opposed to the all high chute on the Model 72. Was this
mere marketing differentiation? Of course, it was!

PART THREE – 720 Operator Instructions
This manual is from my collection and it is in very good condition.
Always of a generous size, Scott Bonnar manual were always
succinct and nicely illustrated.



OTHER DOCUMENTATION
The interesting thing about this manual is that it was
accompanied by a warranty card and envelope, catcher
assembly instructions, and a Kirby 2-stroke instruction manual.

Of interest is the date of the registration card: 30 August, 1971.
This suggests that this Kirby 2-stroke machine was one of
the earliest 720s sold in Victoria.



This early 720 was powered by the Kirby-Tecumseh
147cc KAV87, A robust 2-stroke that would power
many 1970s’ rotary lawnmowers.

PART FOUR – Parts List
This Parts List covers both the Model 52 and Model 72
and it is in average condition. It dates to about 1980
when the company was Rover-Scott Bonnar.

Whilst these mowers were still being sold under the
Scott Bonnar brand, they were being powered
exclusively by Briggs & Stratton 9 & 11 Series
4-stroke engines.

As always, this manual is made available to members
for viewing or as a quality download.