OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Question On Scott Bonnar Cylinder Mowers Scott Bonnar Model 45 - Model Information.

I am putting together a list of Scott Bonnar Model 45 mowers to try to estimate approx date of manafacture, as well as changes made to frames/parts during the manafacturing process. With the model,mower and engine numbers i want to cross referance this with as many mowers as i can, to create a registery so to speak.
If other SB 45 owners wish, could they send me the details of their mowers as well as the date of original purchase if known.

Information i would like is:
Model No. (eg450423)(Some have no model No. on mower)
Mower No. (eg 12345, or 45 12345)
Engine type/HP if original engine(eg Kirby HK25 or B&S 2.5hp)
Engine No. (Kirby have metal tag or plate on housing near starter eg H4-5A W646706)
(B&S have Model Type Code on housing side near petrol tank on early models)
Any other info relating to design changes (eg one piece base, vertical or horizontal bolts on chain drine cover, "SB" decal on handles or "Scott Bonnar" decal, etc.
Any info any one can give me would be greatly appreciated.
There is so little information out there on these mowers in regards to run changes and dates made.
Thanks.
Matt.

Hi Matt, This is a great idea of yours to establish a registry, however, sadly, it will be almost impossible to establish an exact date of manufacture because of so many variables. The later Briggs can be dated due to the manufacture date being included in the model type code.
Unfortunately, Scott Bonnar/Rover-Scott Bonnar did not include such a date code on the chassis itself. Even the mower numbering sequence may or may not be a source of dating information (eg. did they start every new model change with Number 0001?)
With my Model 45 even my info is a bit sketchy, owing to the fact I scrapped the original engine without recording the numbers, and my original handbook (and receipt) were lost in my last move with the RAAF; but I have to following info for you on the chassis:

Model No: 450520 17" petrol
Mower No: 07773
Original engine type: Briggs and Stratton 2.5 HP Orange in colour.
It has a 2 rail engine deck
Vertical chain case screws
Scott Bonnar round decal on handle cover plate
Scott Bonnar shield design logo on catcher and chain case cover.
Original Scott Bonnar embossed handle bar grips
Original rubber grip on clutch lever on handle bar.
Paint is original (sort of olive green hammertone).
Plastic front roller end cap inserts.
Plastic grass deflector adjusting knobs.
Anodised aluminium data plate in red.

Hoping this helps with your data collection, Matt.
Best wishes with your project.

heres my scott bonnar information

Model Number: 450546 - 17" petrol
mower Number 00826
Engine: Briggs and Stratton 2HP 4 stroke, 60102
Engine manufacture date, 14/6/1974

Scott Bonnar Lawn King Decal on the Catcher, no other decals on the chasis.

Thanks Deejay and Tezza.
I understand Deejay that the codeing by Scott Bonnar is not accurate, but i at least want to try to estimate approx year that mowers were made. The more info i can get, the better i can try to estimate this. I have got some info of certain chasis numbers where changes to parts were made, so i want to match this to mowers of known purchase dates that may or may not have these changes. Again it will only ever be an estimate, but better then nothing.

Deejay.
Do your decals say "Scott Bonnar" or "SB"
Thanks.
Matt.

Hi Matt, this is the type of shield design on my catcher and chain case cover, except the lettering is in white and has a clear background. The circular handle decal is the same shield design, with black lettering on white encircled with an orange background.

Hi Matt, Just wondering how the data collection is coming along? Mate, I just bought the book on Scott Bonnar history on E-bay, and found it a wealth of good info. Bruce has indicated he will be uploading some Scott Bonnar history shortly (very large upload). So this new info may help your project along.
Best wishes,

As this post is over 2 years old, I will now close it.