OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Four Stroke Lawn Mower Frames Scott Bonnar Identification - 520?

Hi all,

New to the forum, never thought I'd be on a hobby related forum on lawn mowers, or at least not for another 20 years!

As it turns I have my dad's old mower and although it is going alright now, it could probably use a bit of TLC before things do brake or rust out. Has some sentimental value so I'm trying to start off by finding out the exact model and year.

Its a Scott Bonnar "Cabana", with a Briggs & Stratton 3HP motor. From all the googling (that heads back to this forum), I can see its probably a 520 series, but I can't pick the year as it does not have the plastic wheels and the folding point of the handle is aluminum with "Cabana" on it.

I have a couple of pic from a phone camera.



Also: [img]http://1drv.ms/1EuvZM5[/img]

Need to track down a throttle lever eventually.... Wheels are getting pretty smooth/worn..... Luckily the catcher is in reasonable nick... I assume the frame is alloy as its not rusted, tho the handle brackets are starting to....

Cheers
Ben

Hi Ben and ODK members,

I think one of the Scott Bonnar experts might want to say something here.

I've looked at the images and this can't be a 520.
This machine is a Rover-Scott Bonnar (Rover acquired Scott Bonnar in the 1980s).

This machine is - essentially - a later Rover design (not Scott Bonnar).
These are excellent machines, equal to any earlier Scott Bonnar rotary.

The throttle cable will not be a problem at all.
The wheels have quality ball-bearings in them. I think replacement kits are available.
I'm not sure about wheel options.

Because this machine has sentimental value, you have said you want to date it.
Here we can be fairly accurate, but you will need to supply the experts here with a
Model, Type, and Code. These are stamped on the tinware flywheel cover, probably
above the muffler.

Here is an amusing American video on this:


Ben , welcome to ODK and we look forward to helping your sentimental journey.
Just having a mower called a 'Cabana' would bring a smile to anyone's face

All very sentimental.
--------------------------------------
JACK.

Agreed Jack, I have the exact same model same colour and engine and its Rover badged(Wayfarer). Dont know what youd call it. Its not a 520 in the traditional SB style nor a 720. Check the rear flap for a model code....parts shoukd be easy enough,think the throttke control is still on mine ill check and let you know:)

Just for comparison, here's a pic [pinched from a recent FleaBay ad] of what I reckon to be a definite SA built 520:


Distinguishing points: Handle locking setup; deck, height adjuster and discharge flap design are typical '70s SB, not Rover. Decal style and placement, ditto. Seller quotes the model number as 520129, as well, which is correct for the 1978 era.

Another one of those marketing names that SB along with many other companies use to gain more market share and also gain exclusivity with certain retailers.

Nice to see a 520 / 720 Chassis without the mouth smashed in like most of them are.

Cheers,
BB

Now im confused? Your ebay image is Definately a 520 Gadge...And traditionally what a 520 features.

But the question still hasnt been answered? His SB is Not a 520 in the traditional style.

I think bonnar blokes on the money....Just Big brands putting their name to existing models. B2s mower was first sold in this style as A Rover....

And your right BB it is nice to see a good base,but it is for nought when you cant even give them away....im scrapping 2 and a perfect rover tommorrow:)

So what model does it actually come under?

Sadly with the advent of these cheap newer slick looking machines this makes the 520 / 720 models look like old steam train and no one wants to be seen with one of those, especially when ones neighbour has a new Honda. I had a 720 for over 15 years and it served me superbly. The other issue is that catchers for them in good nick are a bit like rockin' horse s%$&t.

Yeah I am a little mystified as to what model I have...

The whole rover thing is a new angle on it all....

I have the Engine and Frame plates, plus another over view photo....






Cheers
Ben

Model 29...Ill check that as its not familiar and ive got every model listed from 58 to 78.

The Rover" reference relates to this Style" being originally a Rover Mower.

SB have just rebadged and renamed it,most likely to fill a gap increase sales by alt means or meet demand.

Anyway its easy enough to service and engine/service parts are still available...still alot of SH parts around to. Like I said previously,Im scrapping an original rover tommorrow identical to yours:)

Hi to B_2, CyberJack, Mal and ODK members,
B_2's machine could be considered as a transitional model, manufactured by Rover-Scott Bonnar in the Rover factory in Eagle Farm, Brisbane, Qld.

After the take-over of SB by Rover Mowers (Australia) which happened in 1980, the SB factory at Thebarton, Sth Australia was then mainly concerned with filling all the export orders prior to the factory closure in 1983.

B_2's model, type and code on the Briggs has that engine being manufactured on the 29th May 1981 in the USA and then freighted to Rover...making his machine a late 1981 early 1982 model.

Hi All,

Shouldn't this thread be moved to the "4 Stroke Lawnmower Frames" section as it has nothing to do with Reel Mowers ?

Cheers,
BB

Hi BB,
You have got an eagle -eye for detail...You're quite correct mate...I will move it to the correct forum.

Id say Your Spot on Deejay....My Rover is also 81 Coded. Keeping both names running would ensure increased sales. Clearly though they didnt care about technology as this Rover chassis design is old and differs very little,if at all from 60s Models.

Thanks Mal, yes, mate, that seems to be the case...Hey I just found a reference to a Model 29 base in a catcher catalogue HERE Have a look for P/No: J00291 Suits 29 Base...In the price list... Rover Baron....$51.00
The plot thickens...

Yep that looks like it...That chassis runs the square head pin on the flap,and that piece on the front of the catcher for it to lock into is a giveaway.

Good score on the brochures...All my stuff only goes to 78.

So a model 29 it is...just seems funny they went out of sequence as model 29# id expect from the late 50,early 60s

Well deduced inspector Deejay:)

Hi,

Well it definitely looks like I came to the right place for the info.... I'm surprised there isn't a rover sticker there somewhere.... If it's about a late 81 model, that puts it as old I am - but don't hold that against me

Guess I'll just have to keep an eye out for Rover & "29" models..... It's a pity I don't live in NSW...

Cheers
Ben

This is it's slightly larger rover brother, the baron 45 is the same as yours but this one is a 20" cut and has an I/C motor.... I'm not too sure if the o in countryman was intentionally painted over or not

Well I managed to find a Rover 'Craftsman' for $15 that has an amazing number of common bits so I am able to strip both and pick the best.

Since my last post, the motor had given in also, not sure why, but when I found a new one for $150 I just jumped on that. It's officially my first "crate motor", just a shame it has 1 cylinder instead of 8. Will keep the old motor in case I get "really" enthusiastic and rebuild that - but I doubt it.




And with that, the below parts need a sandblast and respray.... Hoping I can find a mate with sandblasting equip maybe and then I respray with the closest hammertone green in a pressure pack I can find?



Managed to get a few bits off ebay also such as an OEM throttle handle, ball bearing kit for the wheels, some decals close enough and blades etc.

The only thing I cant find online is some new rubber for the wheels or a reproduction set? I don't want to change these aluminum wheels for some plastic crap when the rubber caves in (like the craftsman has).

I might have a set here that I'm not using if your interested.

Hi,

Yes I would definitely be interested, you can PM me if you like?

Cheers
Ben

Well it's certainly not an "original" rebuild by any means, but everything has had a rework or replace - hopefully will see it go for another 30 years....


Last thing is to chase down a remake for some of the original stickers and apply some clear coat to protect them..... Short of commissioning a custom decal place that just wants far too many $$$, not much joy yet..... Anyone know if the Scott Bonnar font is a particular close to a standard one available?

there is a guy on ebay ,also a member here , he does repro's of almost anything , got a few from him myself good quality too , cant remember the name now though but if i found it then its easy !
looks great too and yup just needs the decals

Dave

Yes if you look up up this link below,
Decals
That takes you to his ebay store.His eBay username is silensmessor and on here it's willingworker,but I don't think he has been on for a while.Best to get him through eBay.If you have problems contacting let me know and I'll get you a phone number,(Through the PM system).

a little more for you , just got the S/B as a trade in , on a talon !!!! both the same year , 84 even catchers fit each other only difference is sb has a "t" throttle handle and rover is as always



and already sold , a fast oil change and a muffler n off it went to a new home , seems sb name still carries honour , it was beside the rover and still took it , rovers in better nick too
Dave