OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers SB 20" twin rail to single rail conversion.

Hello all,

The choke linkage goes through the arm on the right of the picture but that's it, there is no physical link between the throttle and the choke. Reading the above instructions it says "move the speed adjusting lever to the choke position" which describes the way the auto choke works on my 3hp Briggs. Convinced something is missing.

Hello Scott

I agree, the parts list is not so helpful in identifying what
the 0144-01 type actually had. It is clearly not the standard spec
because of its specific mention in the parts list.

Remember, this is a replacement engine, and one designed for
stationary application. I believe it would have had separate
choking - and not from the 'Fast-Slow' rod control.

For mobile lawnmowers, a remote, manual throttle is desirable.
I think you will get auto-choke if you add a cable and control.

I see no point in restoring the original stationary screw-knob control.



Hope this helps.
--------------------------
Jack

Well, it's been a while coming but I finally found the time to bring this 20" back to life. New rails, reinforced with a 5mm plate under each rail, full width of the rail. 5mm plate also serves as the retainer for the engine mounting bolts. Had to remake the pad that the clutch lever mount sits on as well. Before and after pics below.

Almost forgot the clutch cable support bracket!! Not happy with the cosmetic appearance of the welds under the rails, I was using a gas-less mig for the first time which was surprisingly different in feel and technique to a gas flux setup. By the time I was finished the weld appearance had improved greatly.

Hi Scott,

What an extraordinary job you've done there !

I guess I only have one concern and that is that you've created a giant rust trap between the rail and the plate. To have avoided this why didn't you simply just make the rails from thicker material to gain the torsional strength that the 20 inch machines really needs. ?


Apart from that it's superb.

Cheers,
BB.

Fish oil in under there will slow any rust up

I did consider making the rail out of thicker material but decided against it as I wouldn't have been able to match the original bend radius.

I like the fish oil idea.

Hi All,

Can I ask for some help identifying the correct decals for this mower. Have googled and found various pics with different layouts.

Hi Scott,

It would've had the Black / White and clear Pentagon decals on the catcher and the chain case. The shield would've had the red, black and white SB logo on it.

Yours is of the last derivative of the 20 inch Model 45.

Cheers,
BB.

Dare I ask, how many variations were there? Obviously solid vs twin rail but what else?

Hi Scott,

You are basically correct but there were quite a few running changes made and yours has the lower kinked handle bar assembly to accommodate the larger fuel tank on the Briggs 3 HP engine.
Also the colour is a bit of a give away.

Cheers,
BB.

Just waiting on engine decals and a throttle control lever, then ready for a new home.

Hi Scott,

Wow That's extraordinary to see what would've normally found its way into hard rubbish be returned to its former glory, You've most certainly taken an ugly duckling and turned it into a beautiful swan. Well we won't talk about the Swans at the moment will we ! Deplorable last night against the Giants.

I recall talking to you about this machine and I was really concerned about the level of work required to do what you wanted as an outcome but what you have demonstrated in the above photos shows clearly that this is child's play for you and your skill level. It's a real credit to you Scott.

I gather you retained the original 20 inch rear roller from this machine ?

If Scott himself (Bonnar) were still alive today he'd be proud of what you've done with one of his companies creations.

Cheers,
BB.

Thanks for the kind words BB. I just can't let one of these machines go to waste if there is a chance of bringing it back to life.

Your query on the rear rollers, this was what almost scrapped this machine. The rear rollers were destroyed, 100% smooth, cracked that bad there was sections missing you could put a tennis ball through As you know, almost impossible to find and I almost conceded defeat. One day I got a call from a contact in WA that I had previously reached out to looking for the rollers and he had a gentleman turn up with a heap of lawn mower parts he wanted to sell and guess what was in the pile, a complete rear roller assemble for a 20" mower. My contact stripped the assemble and inspected it, all perfect condition. We agreed on a price and on a truck to Sydney they went. The rollers cost me more that the mower did but it saved the machine.

G'day Scott, BB and all
I've just seen this one.
I have to agree with Mod BB's thoughts on this.

The image of the bare-metal frame and welds are fantastic.
I feel a lot of trade talent and craftsmanship there.

Another one saved and fit for service.

-----------------------
Jack

Thanks CyberJack,