OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Question On Scott Bonnar Cylinder Mowers What to restore victa or SB

After 12 years in the motorcycle industry I have decided its time to restore a mower.

Question is which one??

I am thinking of a Scott Bonnard 45 OR a victa imperial 125.

I'm not interested in profiting from this job but more the satisfaction of restoring a desirable mower.

Can anyone make some suggestions for me??

Definately SB, I have both, and trying to find parts for the victa is next to impossible, the scotty is relatively easy to find parts for the model 45.

Hi Craig, I definitely agree with Joe, the Scotty 45 is the way to go, all chassis parts are still available and if Briggs and Stratton powered, they are a rugged little engine that are easy to work on....plus we have grumpy on the forum who is our Briggs guru. He would help you out if you have a prob.
Just steer clear of the Kirby Tecumseh/Lauson engined version.....parts for that engine are not easy to come by, as Tecumseh (America) has gone down the gurgler.

If you can post some pics of the machine before you purchase, we can give you a good idea of its condition, and please also post the complete string of numbers stamped on the air cowling of the Briggs, we can then tell you its date of manufacture.

Fantasic information guys.

One last question - if I were to pick up a 45 with a Kirby engine would I be able to bolt on a new b&s??

Hi Craig, the short answer is yes, but there is a output-shaft issue that would have to be addressed. The are threads on this within this forum topic.
Here's one to check out; Click HERE

Hi Guys,

So i am the proud new owner of another scott bonnar. I picked this us for $125 and mechanically it runs sweet but it is a bit beaten up. Can you please nelp me ID this model and give an approx year??

I don't think we can tell much from the serial number Craig. If it happens to have a Briggs & Stratton engine, please post the long string of numbers stamped on the cooling shroud above the exhaust pipe: from that we can tell when the engine was made. Some pictures of the mower will also help Deejay figure out roughly when it was made, from which running changes in design are incorporated in it.