OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories SCOTT BONNAR Models MODEL 49 - History Record - c1968

Hello ODK History Lovers

Arguably the most handsome of the Scott Bonnar rear-discharge rotaries, the Model 49
was released for the 1968-69 lawn mowing season. This was a medium-arch lawnmower that
introduced a more modern look to SB rotaries. It would hold its own into the mid-1970s, when
the high-arch Model 520 and Model 720 were the 'top of the range' mowers.

This is the ODK History Record for the Model 49.



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - Specification

The two factors that dominated lawnmower design in the 1960s were Safety and Features.
It is no surprise then that the Model 49 complied with the new Australian Manufacturers'
Safety Standards for rotary lawnmowers.

Crafted along traditions Scott Bonnar lines, it had an aluminium base with a double safety
skirt at the front and a partial one at the rear, and incorporating a safety gap between the
blade tip and the rear axle and chute flap. A safety shield was provided when mowing
without a catcher. Unlike previous models, this had a conventional 18 inch cut.

Feature-wise, the chassis ran on ball-bearing wheels, and the handle was both folding and
height adjustable. With chrome highlights, this was a handsome mower on the showroom floor.
The grass catcher, originally metal, would be made of plastic on the later models.

Original engine options were the Villiers 'Torque Major' 2-stroke, and the Kirby-Tecumseh
VK30 4-stroke engines. Both had Impulse start. Later variants would include 49s fitted with
Briggs & Stratton 4-strokes, and Kirby-Tecumseh 2 and 4 stroke engines.




TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART THREE - Models

The Model 49 had a long production run, spanning several mowing seasons.
The first models offered were the 490206 and 490409

Here is my tally of the models offered over the model's life:-



1974-75 MODEL49 LINE-UP


TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART FOUR - MODEL 49 OPERATING MANUAL


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: A thank you to GEOFF NOWAK for supplying this document.

PART FIVE - PARTS MANUAL


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: A thank you to GEOFF NOWAK for supplying this document.

PART SIX - SAFETY MANUAL

The MODEL 49 was the first Scott Bonnar rotary to introduce the then new
Australian Manufacturers' Safety Standards for Rotary Mowers.
Available for download are two Instructions Sheets that accompanied SB models.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: A thank you to GEOFF NOWAK for supplying this document.

PART SEVEN - SIGNIFICANCE

The Model 49 was Scott Bonnar's first rotary mower that reflected a modern look.
The previous rear discharge machines - the Models 47 & 48 - looked dated, particularly
when fitted with the ageing Model 201 engine. Testament to its modern styling is the
fact that the Model 49 stayed in production for several years with little change.

The driving force to modernise came about, I guess, with the push for safer lawnmowers,
but may have also been due to the competition ... the sleek Corvettes, Turners, and the
like of the era. In any case, Scott Bonnar came to the party and produced, arguably,
their best mid-arch lawnmower.

The rest is history.
--------------------------------------------------
JACK

These scans are from member willingworker:-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I've attached scans of advertising material for the Scott Bonnar 49.
By the printer's code at the bottom of the page, I'd guess it's 1971.
Regards
Grant

Respected Member Blumbly has given us some great photographs for the record.
To visit that post topic: https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=27727

PART EIGHT - Brochure - c1970
I acquired this brochure in 2020 and it is in great condition.
It is a full-size, single fold, 4 panel colour brochure it dates
to c1970, when the Electrolux Group acquired Scott Bonnar.

As always, I make it available to members for viewing, or
as a high-quality download.

Blumby's Model 49:
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=27727



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