OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums General Discussion Forum Off Topics Scott Bonnar DUX

Hi guys
I was just wondering if anyone had any info on the Scott Bonnar Dux? Or any early Scott Bonnar Push / Hand Mowers. The only thing I’ve found is a brief bit of info on the Bon model.

Any info would be much appreciated

Hello NCB3
That's an unusual question there.
We largely know about Scott Bonnar push mowers through
only a few sources...

Grant Simpson's excellent Compilation is the main source.
It depicts the Standard, Ace, Dux, and the Putting Green mower.
Surprisingly, no illustration of the Bon that I researched some time ago...

Scott Bonnar Bon: -
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/77119/re-model-bon-a-handmower-c1930s.html

I have never found any evidence of the Dux beyond Grant's.
However, at least one Putting Green mower survives,
confirming its production.

The second image (below) from Grant's Compilation shows
the South African Agency. The interesting thing there are the
non-Scott Bonnars.

I think that's a Royal Enfield power mower on the left; and the
side-wheels look to be Pennsylvania [USA] mowers.

Do you have any information?

Cheers
-------------------
Jack

Hi Jack

I suppose I have some information - I have one. Other than that though I have next to no information on them at all. It’s in terrible condition but restorable. Normally I’m very good at finding information on the net but have come up with pretty much zip on this one, except for an old advert from QLD and Grant Simpsons write up.

The only information I have on the individual mower, is it came from a deceased estate in Adelaide who apparently had it for as long as anyone could remember and the lady who I got it off was using it as garden art. Unfortunately it came with no catcher but from the image you have they look to be similar to the Supercut catcher. It has DX3 Stamped on the inside of the Gear Case Cover and 60?? Stamped on the handle support.

Would you have any idea of what type of timber they would have used for the handle? Or the front rollers? (If they were timber or steel)
And one of the biggest questions I have is what would the hooks on the back of the mower be for?

Apologies for the photos, I’ll have to post some better pics when I can.

Cheers for your help - Im a huge fan of your work Jack

Regards Nick

Hi Nick
Well, they're the first images I've seen of a Dux.
Brilliant!

Sorry, I can't help with the wood used.

Following convention used on many mowers the DX3 (Dux 3) is
most likely a part number. Normally the sideframes would be
numbered first (e.g., DX1 and DX2). Best guess.

The hooks are curious - maybe a sort of aerator attachment...?
see attached 1963 example). Or a backlapping stand;
or an optional different handle (from the single upright).

I have some bad news about that Dux advert.
That's not a Scott Bonnar, but a Swedish side-wheel
pushmower that sold here interwar and post WWII.
[see ads below]

I have looked at SB newsprint advertising and have
recorded about 3,000. For unexplained reasons, none
advertise specifically the Dux or the Putting Green mower.

I have three thoughts about this: -
[the effects of the Great Depression on sales]
[the intervention of WWII killed the models prematurely].
[Scott Bonnar's desire to be the greatest maker of mowers in this hemisphere]

These are super-rare mowers, so sincere thanks
for adding to the record.

-------------------------------
Jack