OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Question On Scott Bonnar Cylinder Mowers Potential purchase SB45 20"

Is $4,000 to much for a totally restored SB45 20", hammertone repainted, new chains and sprockets, new B&S XR 3.5 127cc, blades painted in red and sharpened etc., new catcher

I think the pictures show the standard of the recond work.

Hi Ken.
Welcome here, bit short on the SB boys here of late. Seems like a lot of money but I know there is often a massive amount of work that has gone into some restorations

G'day Ken and Norm,

I think the most I've seen one advertised for was about $2500. but I don't look for them , probably worth less these days with the cost of living crisis..

I think $4000. is unrealistic as you are competing with brand new mowers that are a lot cheaper.


Cheers
Max.

Hi Guys,

You're dead right, a $4250 SB45 20" fully recond would be worth $1500-2000 after purchased.

I currently have a 4 year old Bushranger 500CM 20" made in NZ but find the twin drive system difficult to get just right. Just sharpened, serviced and carby rebuild due to me using stale fuel.

I know the SB45 is simpler type of reel mower because of the clutch setup, but is it any better than the BR 500CM?

Hi Ken,

I haven't used both mowers and compared them to one another, but there are advantages with modern reel mowers.

Improved Materials: Modern reel mowers often use stronger, lighter materials like high-grade alloys or composite materials, making them more durable and easier to handle.
Corrosion Resistance: Many newer mowers have protective coatings that help prevent rust and extend the life of the mower.

2. Cutting Technology

Blade Design: Modern mowers often feature improved blade geometry and sharpening mechanisms, allowing for a cleaner cut. High-quality, hardened steels are often used for sharper and longer-lasting blades.
Adjustability: Newer models may offer easier height adjustments, allowing for more precision in cutting height.

3. Ease of Use

Ergonomic Design: Newer reel mowers tend to feature more ergonomic designs, including better handle grips, adjustable handle heights, and lighter frames that reduce user fatigue.
Simplified Mechanisms: Improvements in lever designs and clutch systems make operation more straightforward and intuitive, minimizing the need for complex adjustments.

4. Performance and Efficiency

Enhanced Cutting Performance: Modern reel mowers often incorporate technologies like better alignment systems between the reel and bed knife to improve cutting performance and reduce friction.
Noise and Vibration Reduction: Newer models may have been designed to operate more quietly with less vibration compared to older models.

5. Maintenance Features

Easier Maintenance: Some newer models come with features such as quick-release adjustments for easy blade sharpening or replacement, reducing the time spent on maintenance.
Built-In Oil Reservoirs: Certain mowers may now include oil reservoirs in the bearings, reducing the need for frequent lubrication.

6. Innovation

Technology Integration: Newer models may incorporate innovations such as multi-blade systems, automatic height adjustments, and attachment options for additional tasks (e.g., thatching).

While models like the Scott Bonnar 45 are classics and have their own robust reputation, these advances in design and technology in modern reel mowers can enhance user experience, performance, and overall effectiveness in lawn maintenance.

Here is a YouTube Video that discuses improvements in Reel mower design.

[video:youtube] [/video]

Cheers
Max.

Hi Max,

Thanks for your post, very informative.

I finished up buying a SB45 17" 450546 that has been totally renovated with all brand new parts including:
1. Catcher
2, Front roller
3. Rear rollars
4. Handle Bars
5. All nuts, bolts and fittings
6. New decals
7. B&S XR 3.5 OHV engine 127cc

Only original part is the frame.

Frame was sandblasted, primed and SB Green hammertone finish.

Purchased it privately and cost me $3,000 and had never been used since rebuilt by MowPartsOz in SA.

A little more than I wanted to spend but hopefully it'll last me for years.

I'll include some photos in a day or two.

Cheerz Ken

G'day Ken,

The 45 looks great ,definitely a First-Class Restoration Ken.

Not sure about the new handle bars as I thought the originals were chrome but the black will be longer lasting.


Cheers
Max.

Hi Max,

I agree that chrome looks better and I might even change the sticks to the original style SB45 with white and red.

Might even change the black fittings for brass.

Anyway, it's a brand new SB45 that may benefit with cosmetic changes.

Cheerz

Just bought some items to bling up the mower, brass fittings and some nicer decals.

Would be tempted to get chrome handlebars if I see some at the right price.

Otherwise I could get brass/gold clutch lever to really pimp-it-up with the black handlebars.

Cheerz

I remember a few years ago when Bonar Bloke had a pair of handelbars rechromed at some horrendous cost, but boy did they look good

Can get brand new hard chromed handlebars on eBay for just unter 400 shipped.

With the Decals there are a few to choose from you don't necessarily have to go original ,I like the B decal .

I've not seen these replacement decals up close but have seen an original that looked new and it had a thick clear
coating on top so I assume you don't get that with the replacements.

Hi Norm,

Speaking of those handlebars, I just used that machine for the first time today after 3 years or so of it sitting under blankets in the shed.

Wanna hear a funny story about it ? after 15 minutes of using it the brand new Briggs motor on it started to knock rather loudly. I thought WOW ! WTF is going on here ???

Pulled the engine off the machine and opened the crankcase only to find both cap to conrod bolts had come adrift and the rod was flopping around on the crank. Unbelievable !!! only that would happen to me over the Xmas break wouldn't it.

Anyway rubbed out a few marks on the cap and reassembeled it and did up the bolts tightly using some Loctite and put it all back together. It ran flawlessly for 3 hours after that.

Cheers,
BB.

Hi BB,
Good to hear from you. Is that the replacement motor you got for the one with no oil? I can't remember what that motor was for. But good score on hearing it and saving it from destruction. It really did look a superb restoration
Cheers Norm