I have always been fascinated in old/ vintage mowers, I’ve got a few SB45’s and recently started focusing on the Tow Tractor which had been marketed as names such as “Scott Bonnar”, “Aesco”, “Allen’s” and a few others.
I have browsed every page on here and have come to the realisation that there is in fact very little that has been documented on these, I would love anyone who has any experience, knowledge or tips to post away.
I have recently purchased what is a Mk2 Tow Tractor, it is missing a guard, throttle lever and cutting reel. I would love to track these parts and bring it back to life and would be greatly appreciated for any help and assistance. Even any others that may be in parts or any shape and form I would love to take them home and preserve them for many generations to come.
I have uploaded a few photos and will be keen if I have uploaded them correctly.
I have also created a new Facebook group dedicated to the Scott Bonnar Tow Tractor, I have very little experience on these and would love nothing more but to bring them back to life. My goal would be to share my passion with my son and teach him what I do (restore & admire) money definitely plays a part in purchasing however i have no interest in using these to make a profit. My passion is to restore and remember their history.
Hello dradyz Well, that's a great attitude and approach there.
The Tow Tractor has always been a point of frustration for me.
Clearly a British design, it seems to have been copied in many markets. My best guess is that it may have been designed by Horwool Engineering of Essex, England.
I tend to agree with you as due to the lack of information and documents it’s hard to know where to start, either way even missing the above parts I am really proud to own this wonderful peace of history.
I do plan down the track to get it partial restored (new paint, belts etc… even to have the nephew and niece riding it around creating memories are worth it in my opinion.
Probably the most expensive ride on I’ve bought but not one I regret, I will definitely keep the page updated and I would appreciate anyone who comes across others and parts to please remember me.
Can I ask what makes you believe that it was designed by Horwool Engineering?
Originally Posted by CyberJack
Hello dradyz Well, that's a great attitude and approach there.
The Tow Tractor has always been a point of frustration for me.
Clearly a British design, it seems to have been copied in many markets. My best guess is that it may have been designed by Horwool Engineering of Essex, England.
Hello dradyz Yes, I guess my speculation needs some evidence. It's a train of thought about similarities.
Horwool Engineering of Fullbridge (Street), Maldon, Essex made a triplex mower (the Horwool 84) and they were made here in SA as a licensed copy as the Powermow 84.
Overseas, they were later sold by Allen [UK] and National [USA].
I knew those machines quite well and I noticed design similarities with the Scott Bonnar tow tractors. Things like a narrow chassis rail, the transmission, the big steering wheel, and, particularly, the cutter unit design made me think the Tow Tractor originated with Horwool or the 84 was the inspiration for a smaller, single unit, mower we know as the Allen Rider, or the SB Tow Tractor.
I understand my 'best guess' really means speculation.
It may be that the Allen Rider is the original and Allen licensed D&W Engineering [unknown] to make a version in AUS for Scott Bonnar.
I guess I have, at least, explained my frustration here.
Hello dradyz Yes, I guess my speculation needs some evidence. It's a train of thought about similarities.
Horwool Engineering of Fullbridge (Street), Maldon, Essex made a triplex mower (the Horwool 84) and they were made here in SA as a licensed copy as the Powermow 84.
Overseas, they were later sold by Allen [UK] and National [USA].
I knew those machines quite well and I noticed design similarities with the Scott Bonnar tow tractors. Things like a narrow chassis rail, the transmission, the big steering wheel, and, particularly, the cutter unit design made me think the Tow Tractor originated with Horwool or the 84 was the inspiration for a smaller, single unit, mower we know as the Allen Rider, or the SB Tow Tractor.
I understand my 'best guess' really means speculation.
It may be that the Allen Rider is the original and Allen licensed D&W Engineering [unknown] to make a version in AUS for Scott Bonnar.
I guess I have, at least, explained my frustration here.
---------------------------- Jack
I wasn’t questioning yourself just keen to find out why and how you think that.
Definitely interesting thought, finally picked the old girl up and a few things need attention but she is in pretty good condition (without the reel) otherwise. Engine is shot and as much as I would love to restore it I think putting a new engine on will eliminate many issues.
I did find a serial number: TT2464
The Mk2 has a little gearbox type mechanism that provides drive to the rear and the reel, a little different to the Mk1. The one I have it’s been taken off as the gears kept catching apparently but wasn’t meant to be disassembled by the looks
This will be a project that will take some time and will update the site accordingly.
Strange item to start with but the tyres on this rig appear to be the original and are “Firestone” branded, both front and rear are 2 piece rims. There is no branding or anything stamped on the rim itself so the manufacturer is unknown,
I will attempt to upload photos when I can, I have uncovered some (what I believe) original paint. Exactly the same colour as the SB45 green without the hammer affect, I will in due course hopefully be getting it colour matched. Fingers crossed
