OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories SCOTT BONNAR Models MODEL 14 - Eagle Gang Unit - c1930s

Hello ODK History Lovers

The iconic Australian company Scott Bonnar built its reputation on
solid designs that suited our sometimes-harsh environments.

IF someone asked me what was one of the Top-three Designs that
Scott Bonnar produced I would be compelled to say one would be the
Model 14 – the Eagle - Gang Mower.

Why? … [1] Design; [2] commercial importance and [3] production longevity.



The robust design was made for Australian conditions.
Everything about the Model 14 was … heavy duty.

Commercially, Scott Bonnar realised the importance of the gang mower.
There were two significant historical factors in the interwar years –
[1] the growth of urbanisation and parklands and golf courses in Australia, and
[2] the growth of Australian aviation and the advent of the large modern aerodromes.

The model 14 had production longevity – let’s say about half a century!

Question: Why is the Model 14 a forgotten relic?
Answer: It was never a domestic mower.
Question: Should the Model 14 be remembered?
Answer: I hope so.

To Be Continued …

Hi Jack,

You've nailed it ! Commercial units are not put up on a pedestal like the domestic units are, mainly due to low numbers using them and the mentality of the folks that used them saw them only as a tool and not an idol to worship like the 45 has become.

Cheers,
BB.

PART TWO – Context and Early Units

The Model 14 was specifically designed for the emerging ‘mechanical horse’
… the tractor age. As such, there are clear differences between the Model 13
and Model 14 gang units. Here I am specifically referring to changes in gear
ratios and gear-case sealing. I say this because of a design reality –
mechanical horses were faster than the animal ones!

It is not clear when the Model 14 gang was introduced.
My best guess is that the Model 13 was introduced in the mid-1930s;
and followed by the Model 14 a couple of years’ later. This is not clear.

There is perhaps good reason as to this uncertainty … the lead-up
to and the advent of that terrible war - WWII. When domestic lawn
mower production had seized in Australia, large aerodromes and
parklands still needed to be cut!

Scott Bonnar was in wartime production – of munitions – but the
Model 14 was an essential war-effort machine. I feel this best
explains the lack of introductory information on the Model 14.

In any case, it would appear that Scott Bonnar quickly developed
the Model 14 for tractor use, but did so for a short period (late 1930s)
using a most unusual configuration that made the tractor integral to
the gang design.

To be continued …

PART THREE – Brochure c1950s
This post-war brochure is a good reflection of the Model 14 Eagle
at that time. Note the lack of hydraulic lifting capability.
That would change the next decade.


SOURCE: Museums Victoria Collections
https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/1560883
Accessed 02 March 2021

PART FOUR – Specification & Brochure c1970s
No one should underestimate the importance that the Model 14
played in the mowing of large areas – for sport, recreation, or
commerce – in the modern world.

Gang mowers were domestic ‘pushies’ on steroids.
The Eagle was a 30-inch heavy duty gang unit made to suit
tough Australian conditions.

I distinctly remember working on them, and once I did a full
overhaul and re-paint (Hammertone Apple Green) of the units
and framework … fond memories!



The second brochure I would like to share is one that dates to about 1972.
Note the emergence of hydraulics for lifting and transporting the units,
so important a feature to municipal councils.

This brochure is from my collection and it is in great condition.


https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/images/jack/icon_brochure.jpg

PART FIVE – Operator & Parts Manual – c1950s
The cover gives away the date to this manual – the late 1950s.
The black & white images are a great way to understand the Eagles
‘innards’. Note the first use of an optional hydraulic lifting frame
(with all its limitations).

Note the drive pawls were located on the wheel hub of each wheel …
meaning that every unit had to be dis-engaged so as to free-wheel for
transport. On a septuple gang unit that would mean disengaging 14
wheels for transport! Clearly, there were serious limitations to friction-
drive gang units.

This manual is from my collecting and it is in average condition.
As always, I make it available to members for viewing or as a
quality download.