OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Finding and Swapping For Sale ARCHIVE: Brand New Scott Bonnar - Model 45

I have acquired a 17'' Scott Bonnar 45, which has been stored and not used since new. It is approx. 30 years old. I don't have the heart to use it. But would suit a collector.

Hi timtoolman, and a warm welcome to the forum. It's nice to have you aboard.
A picture says a thousand words, so can you please post some pics of the machine from different angles (with and without the catcher) so as we can assess its condition.
A NOS Scotty 45 is a fabulous score.

Instructions for posting pics can be found HERE

I, for one, can't wait to see the pics, and find out which model this is...Series 1 or 2.....
Once again Timtoolman, to OutdoorKing.

I have more photos but the files are too large. I don't know how to resize.
I will try to post some more, later.

I first thought is was a old one which had been restored, but after close inspection, I found it was the real deal. There is some surface rust from sitting in a garage with a towel over it. It had oil put in it when it was sold originally, but never any fuel. The guy got it originally from an insurance claim when his reel mower was stolen. But he brought a second hand one to use and stored the new one. He passed away a few years ago, but never got to use it. I got hold of the mower to up date my well used rover 45 with it, but I can't bring myself to use it.

Hi again Tim,
Well it certainly looks the real deal, and is a 17", Series 2, twin-rail machine, but to make sure, can you please post the Model, Type and Code stamped into the metal air cowling of the Briggs; that should be adjacent to the inlet manifold of the carby. Can you please post the whole string of numbers that you find. This will give us the date of manufacture of the Briggs in the USA and an approximate date of manufacture of your machine.

Can you also post a close up pic of the cylinder reel.
It presents as what we call the transitional machine....that is made after the take over of Scott Bonnar by Rover, its ID Plate bears "Rover-Scott Bonnar" and has the modified chain-case with no hole for the ill-fated edger attachment.
The one thing that does concern me a little, is the over-spray on the rear roller...that really shouldn't be there....but was common practice on the Rover 45's, where the whole rear roller was painted.
But for all of that....you really have a nice tidy well presented machine there...my again on a great score.

Hi Darryl,

I will send a pic through tonight of the cylinder and the M.T.C.
I have never seen this colour before on a 45 only on restored models. but I have shown it to Paul Keogh here in Perth , who has been around them for years, and had confirmed that they used that colour for a short period before they brought out the lime green Rover/Scott Bonnars. Out of all the reel mowers I have seen only the early machinery green had only the paint on the roller with out the over spray.

Hi Tim, The only Rover 45 that I actually have seen in its working clothes was a solid (not hammertone) lime green, and that had the rear roller painted.
I was also going to comment on the colour of your machine, as I have not seen one other than restored...but considering the move from the SB Thebarton factory in SA to the Rover factory in Eagle Farm in QLD, a new paint supplier would have most probably been sought, and maybe a change of formula.

Model 80202 Type 1735-02 Code 83120603

Hi Darryl,

Still getting the hang of this posting thing.
I have also the receipt of when it was first purchased.
The code of the engine dates it to 1983 but it normal takes a year to get in on a machine and sold in Australia.

Hi Tim,
Well mate, you don't get better provenance than that, having the original receipt with the date of sale, being the 7th August 1984, and according to the stamped code, the Briggs being manufactured in Rolla Missouri, on the 6th December 1983, which is almost exactly 8 months.

The only date we don't know exactly, is the date of receipt of the engine by Rover and the date erection of the machine at the Rover factory in Brisbane and perhaps how long in storage, before freighting it to WA.

But this timeline is great information for our archives, as we have been roughly allowing 6 months from manufacture of the engine to placing it on a new machine, ready for dispatch and subsequent sale in the eastern states; obviously a little longer for WA.
All good stuff mate, and thanks for posting.

I can confirm from the pics of your cylinder reel that it appears never to have been used.
Just a brilliant score!

Hi all,

So... is any one interested in buying it. I can't store it any longer, and I can't bring my self to use it. But it would be fantastic in some sort of Scott Bonnar collection.

Hi Tim,
You are right there, if someone had a collection of restored Scott Bonnar's, this would be the star! An NOS 1984 Model Rover-Scotty 45.
I myself would love it, but would be divorced....(I have 4 mowers already)
But if any member is interested, the way to do it is by sending you a PM, to keep negotiations private.
Best of luck with it, I hope it goes to a good home.

Offers any one?

That is a beautiful machine you have there, freight costs would probably be prohibative for me to make an offer, but well done on having such a fine example.

If it was a Rotomo id offer you 5k...Can you turn it into one by any chance?...

sorry Bluegmhtmonaro I lost my wand

This is listed on Gumtree for $2000 neg.