OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers Scott Bonnar - Model 33 - Groomer Modification

I recently came across what looks to be a modified SB model 33? It's been set up as a scarifier with an adjustable front roller and a hex shaft with locking nuts either end. I originally wanted to build a groomer using a 17" SB45 however this unit already has a hex shaft all set up, which will mean a lot less work for me all that will be required is to buy a new set of blades and spacers or machine up some new spacers out of thick pvc pipe like they've done.

Hello cory.m

A warm welcome to these forums.

This is clearly a quality modification to a Model 33.
The mods to the front roller speak for themself.

Any ideas on the blades?
I guess they were procured from a known machine. But which?

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Jack

Thanks cyber jack, I'm not sure on the brand of blade after cleaning the blades you can see that they are painted red?

Do you think new spacers made from pvc pipe would Suffice or would I need to use the finned type in the picture below? The only difference I could see is the finned type might create some more airflow?

G'day all,
The 'spider' spacers would help to prevent the blades bending, I'd say.

The across-flats measurement of the hex shaft will determine what blades will fit. Scott Bonnar grooming 'wheels' used 25.4mm [1"] hex, but may be difficult to find now - NLA example. Golf & Bowling Machinery in Vic would probably be the best bet for those.

One of the blokes in the threads linked below used 27mm hex, but he didn't mention what the OEM machine for that blade/wheel was.

Setting the 33 up as a groomer would be cheaper than acquiring and setting up an SB45, if it's anything like a reasonable price.

If you haven't found them yet, here are a couple of threads where ODK members made, or had made, groomer reels for SB45's.
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=22926

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/60344/1.html

Hello.

Quite a lucky find. If you can find the extra blades you'd be on to a winner.

I am looking to build a groomer out of a spare SB45 17" that I have.

I'd rather not pay $3.5k for a Protea 25" Groomer. 37 Blades at a guess of $25 for each blade would get me $925 Groomer plus the satisfaction of doing the modification.

I have been looking for those blades everywhere. Any information where I could purchase these blades would be useful and much appreciated.

I know these blades are fitted with tungsten tips, but is that really needed for the amount of times you are going to use it in a domestic situation. What about looking into getting them laser cut out of 3mm plate or even stainless. Laser cutting is cheap once it is setup

maybe use very cheap circular saw blade is carbide tiped
ebay seller fats017 sell 6inch blade bore25.4 12 teeth carbide tipped for $6.00 free post
you could file grind blade for keyway or drill holes in blade for dowel pins
the blade will drill holes with carbide masonry drill bit
some thing to think about

Hey thanks for the reply. You have given me some great ideas. I think another member SimonR who also did a mod of a SB17 to make a verticutter/groomer had blades no thicker than 1-1/4 inch so I'll definitely check that option out.

Thanks

Gadge thanks for showing me those links, some very helpful info right there!

as for the tungsten tips in on the fence with that one. Not sure if they're really needed for a domestic application the idea of getting the blades laser cut out of 2mm think steel is appealing

I reckon Freebird is onto it with the standard circular saw blades from an economy point of view. I have no idea if they would work as well as a blade designed for the job? If you use a decent HSS drill bit on a low speed and stop start the drill and use oil it should drill just fine. Same technique used for stainless. Laser cutting a blank is another great idea and like said, the main cost is getting the computer program. If you can do this yourself in the right file format you'll save some coin. We use "laser man" at work. An added advantage of cutting from stainless is the laser cut edge is somewhat hardened by the laser. You could always talk to a saw specialist and see what they suggest. I know a good saw place will be able to weld hardened tips onto your blade I think our local is around $1 per tip. Google up saw sharpening services.

well here it is,I took the plunge and had some blades laser cut as I don't know how well the groomer is going to work on my grass.hoping to have the unit all bolted up ready to test tomorrow!

Job well done there with a nice twist