OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Ride-On Mowers Rover Ranger Rover-Scott Bonnar 1866

G'day,

I recently bought one of these ride-on mowers. Just trying to find a bit of info on it.

This has the 12HP I/C cast iron sleeve B&S with electric start/generator.

Interested to find out when these were manufactured.

Not fired it up yet. Bought it cheap off gumtree from a bloke that had it from new and last used it 5 years ago.

Compression feels good, the carby is in mint condition inside (well looked after filter), no fuel was left inside tank.

Hoping to do a restore and get some use out of it. Few minor issues like tie ends that are worn, but overall looks in good shape.

Anyone else here done a resto on one of these? Be keen to know any potential issues other may have had.

Greetings stuart1866,
May I extend a warm welcome to the ODK Forums.

As far as year of manufacture goes, we can get a pretty close estimate from the numbers on the engine. Presuming that it's original to the machine, that is.

The numbers are the Model, Type and Code; and they are to be found on the engine cowling, just above the spark plug.

Thank you, from the date code on the Briggs, its a 1989 engine, and I am sure its the original as the owner I bought it from said he had it from new.

Done a full strip down and am de-rusting bits and rust treating the underside. Lucky the chassis is very heavy gauge metal and its really only surface rust.

I am amazed at the spares still available for it. Ordered a few things and most were over the counter.

Another question. I see you have a subscription area here. Do you have a manual for the 1866 specifically? I cant seem to find a listing of available manuals.

Hello Stuart

Here is the sub page.
I think we only have a parts list.
This will be a Rancher, not a Ranger?

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/7306/Rover_Ride_On_Information.html#Post7306

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