OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Question On Scott Bonnar Cylinder Mowers Thinking of trading in my 33 for a 45?

Hi guys. I'm getting a bit worried that my old girl SB 33 probably hasn't got much left in her. The old Tecumseh power plant is tiring and the cylinder is starting to make a hell of a noise. I have rung a few local mower shops and, over the phone, they are reluctent to reccommend me spending any money on it. They all say that parts are hard to come by (if at all) and I might be throwing good money away even if I could get parts.

I am not mechanically minded at all but I do love the good old machines. What I really want is for someone to rebuild my 33 to it's original condition but that's probably a bit unrealistic.
Unless Deviosi moves to Perth. He does an awesome job.

Anyway, I'm tossing up whether I should keep my 33 and hope that it keeps on keeping on or keep my eye out for a 45 and try and sell the 33 for about the same price or a little bit less while it's still going? any thoughts?

I've just found a cheap 45 ($250) which I might have to go and have a look at. It looks in pretty good nic.

Hi wazzbat, I can see that you're in a quandary and you've now reached a cross road. Let's go through the options. The model 33 was built from 1960 and is now (depending on the build date) almost 50 years old. The bearings, if still original, will need to be replaced, and the roller drum and cutter clutches will most probably need attention.
I am not a big fan of Tecumseh engines, the company has gone down the gurgler and spare parts will be hard to get in future; so an engine replacement will be on the horizon at some stage.
The cylinder reel, depending on how many times it has been spin ground and sharpened, may not have much life in it and have to be replaced....These, if available, are expensive.

If you had the time, money and expertise, all these probs can be resolved and it could be restored to original condition.It all depends on what you feel is appropriate for you.
To give it the "Deviosi" treatment would cost serious dollars.
If you decided to sell it, it would be better to do so whilst in going order.

Now to a Model 45, these were manufactured from 1968 and have only just ceased production (as the Rover 45), but there is a "knock-off" being produced in China as the "Star" and also one manufactured in South Africa as a "Rover" which from all reports, is of good build quality.
All parts are readily available. You can even purchase a brand new chassis if required. Catchers are being manufactured and sold on e-bay. Decals and stickers are now available.
It comes with a sturdy Briggs and Stratton engine, parts are available and are fixable (with expertise from members on this forum)if needed.
You have a choice of a 17" or 20" cutting width in the Model 45. They are relatively easy to work on, and well maintained will give you hours of mowing pleasure.
Hoping that this has given you food for thought.
Best wishes and please let us know your decision,

Hi wazzbat, I forgot to mention that the Model 45 also comes in the 14" mower; these are known as a "terrace" mower and are meant primarily for small lawns....depending on the size of your lawn, you may prefer a 17" or 20" machine. Mine is a 17" machine and does a great job.

Thanks for your reply Deejay. I'm leaning towards keeping my eye out for a 45. The missus is leaning towards "why the hell did you buy the one you've got if it's no good. We can't afford another lawn mower".

So if I can change it over without spending too much money, I think that's what I will do. I'm hoping I can sell mine for $300 to $400 and pick up a 45 for about the same or a little bit more. It will be sad to see the 33 go though. I love the fact that it is about 20 years or so older than me and still cuts my lawn well.

Then if I need to spend a little bit on the 45, I can do it without the wife knowing how much I really spend on it.

Thanks for your advice!

Hi Wazzbat, there are times when you say to yourself... do I want functionality, originality, or nostalgia...this is where you may be at present....your Model 33 is like an old friend, but to keep him functional...he's going require some TLC and $$$. If you consider originality...that's lots of TLC and big $$$. And as for nostalgia....Well my old man (who's 94) says.."It ain't what it used to be"...
If you are really considering a functional cylinder mower at an affordable price, then you can't go past a Model 45 Scotty.
But, as I have said in the past....It is your decision...



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