Need help?


Search OutdoorKing by entering Key Words Below



Who's Online Now
3 members (AussieHJ, aitchey, maxwestern), 85 guests, and 115 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Online Spare Parts


Online Store


Newest Topics
Victa utility can I use catcher style blades
by aitchey - 12/10/24 07:24 PM
Scott Bonnar 45 ID please
by Adam L - 07/10/24 08:01 PM
Kohler 7000 series 20HP
by viewerau - 05/10/24 04:32 PM
Evolution 3 Mk2A 12.5-30 Drive Idler Pulleys
by MattDT - 04/10/24 07:23 PM
Pace/Victa
by Stace - 01/10/24 01:39 PM
Rover Colt 5 - Jockey Arm Spring broken?
by shrek2ondvd - 27/09/24 04:16 PM
Greenfield Anniversary Cutter belt
by NormK - 25/09/24 05:32 PM
Topic Replies
Victa utility can I use catcher style blades
by aitchey - 12/10/24 09:10 PM
I'm done with Victa float needles
by maxwestern - 11/10/24 08:01 PM
Evolution 3 Mk2A 12.5-30 Drive Idler Pulleys
by maxwestern - 11/10/24 07:11 PM
Kohler 7000 series 20HP
by maxwestern - 08/10/24 08:21 PM
Scott Bonnar 45 ID please
by maxwestern - 08/10/24 04:50 PM
Kawasaki Brushcutter
by AVB - 05/10/24 08:30 AM
Greenfield Anniversary Cutter belt
by NormK - 03/10/24 08:41 AM
Pace/Victa
by Stace - 02/10/24 03:31 PM
Pope / Rover 82-203
by Freddy1333 - 30/09/24 12:36 PM
Briggs and Stratton 171 cc oil issue
by Austech - 28/09/24 02:22 PM
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Hop To
#112280 15/06/21 08:40 PM
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 8
dradyz Offline OP
Novice
Hi All,

First time post, long time lurker!!

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.

Attached Images
Portal Box 6
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 8
dradyz Offline OP
Novice
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.

Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 287
Forum Historian
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.

Please keep us informed.

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

1 member likes this: dradyz
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 8
dradyz Offline OP
Novice
Hi CyberJack,

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.

Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 8
dradyz Offline OP
Novice
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.

Please keep us informed.

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

Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 287
Forum Historian
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

Attached Images
Horwool.jpg (132.09 KB, 51 downloads)
2015_ebay_uk.JPG (107.23 KB, 51 downloads)
tt_01.JPG (326.92 KB, 51 downloads)
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 8
dradyz Offline OP
Novice
Originally Posted by CyberJack
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

Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 287
Forum Historian
Quote
I wasn’t questioning yourself just keen to find out why and how you think that.
Hello again dradyz
That's right. I was, in fact, very much questioning myself.

Please keep us informed as you are helping us understand these machines.

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

Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 8
dradyz Offline OP
Novice
Haha that’s ok, I do it regularly and have to convince myself.

I will definitely keep this forum updated.

Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 8
dradyz Offline OP
Novice
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,

Sizes are,
Front: 3.50-6 (Tyre & Tube)
Rear: 4.50-8 (Tyre & Tube)


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

Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 8
dradyz Offline OP
Novice
Nothing new to add just yet, work and training are going flat out so have little time at the moment for projects.

It will get work done slowly but I will update the page as I go along.


Moderated by  Bruce, CyberJack, Gadge, prd 

Link Copied to Clipboard
October
M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
ShoutChat
Comment Guidelines: Do post respectful and insightful comments. Don't flame, hate, spam.
Newest Members
DaveLeigh, Rosiekoamillie, Rosieb, Bondo, John L D
16,969 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums145
Topics12,765
Posts104,936
Members16,969
Most Online2,545
Dec 23rd, 2019
OutdoorKing Showcase
20 Bucks from FB Marketplace
20 Bucks from FB Marketplace
by Return Rider, February 20
Victa Cortina 2 Shed Find
Victa Cortina 2 Shed Find
by Return Rider, January 25
My Rover Baron 45
My Rover Baron 45
by Maxwell_Rover_Baron, April 16
SHOWCASE - Precision Mowers - 2021
SHOWCASE - Precision Mowers - 2021
by CyberJack, April 14
SHOWCASE – Atco Rotary – Paul C - 2020
SHOWCASE – Atco Rotary – Paul C - 2020
by CyberJack, December 28
HOME |CONTACT US
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5
(Release build 20201027)
Responsive Width:

PHP: 7.4.33 Page Time: 0.026s Queries: 40 (0.020s) Memory: 0.7206 MB (Peak: 0.8111 MB) Data Comp: Zlib Server Time: 2024-10-12 11:58:46 UTC
Valid HTML 5 and Valid CSS