OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories SCOTT BONNAR Models MODEL 33 - 16" BONMOW - c1960

Hello ODK History Lovers

The Scott Bonnar Model 33 is the ultimate chameleon ...
It changed its name [from Bonmow to Model 33]; its colour, and its transmission
[all-chain - belt/chain]; its engine, from 2-stroke to various 4-strokes. It re-invented
itself in the early 1970s to target specific mass merchandisers as the Lawn King.
The first Lawn Kings were a hybrid ... being a Model 33, but with some Model 45 bits.

The Model 33 was Scott Bonnars first viable attempt at a domestic 16" reel mower.
The small-sized Model 17 Supercuts of a decade before were clearly way-too-
expensive for the aspiring domestic lawnmower consumers of the 1960s.

The Model 33 corrected the main defect in the smaller 14" Model 19 introduced
in 1953: the lack of a primary clutch. The Model 33 re-introduced separate
clutches for reel and land roll, enabling the engine to be started free of reel
loading. It had the brilliant hair-trigger landroll clutch, now moved outboard to
be within a sealed transmission case.

The Model 33 would inspire the larger 20" Model 43. Both models would form
the basis for the later, renowned Model 45, in its three sizes. In other words,
the Model 45 consolidated what had been learnt through the successful and
un-successful features of the Models 19, 40, and 43. The Model 45 should be
considered more a refinement of the brilliant Model 33.



This is the History Record for the Scott Bonnar Model 33.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - The First 16" Bonmow
The Model 33 Bonmow was released in late 1959 for the 1960 season.

This model was the most significant Scott Bonnar domestic model thus far.
It ticked all the boxes at the time, but it should be noted that it was updated
over time. There is no single example of the Model 33 without chronological
context. Significant changes were made.

The first Model 33s appear to have had: -
- Villiers' two-stroke Midget MKIII engines (air-cooled);
- Used the Scott Bonnar name and AUS flag catcher logo;
- Had a more stylised chaincase logo;
- Used flat plate handlebars (not tubular steel);
- Paint colour is equivocal: solid or Hammertone?;
- Chaincase transmission is equivocal: all chain or belt/chain?

The earliest advertisement I have dates from January, 1960.



The earliest brochure I have is more-than-likely the original brochure for the
Model 33 from 1959. The brochure reeks 1950s ... with the B&W front page
with basic red and green arrow augmentation. The male model seems to
represent authority and tradition certainly not youth and innovation.
You decide.

Note the snorkel air cleaner. It appears that this snorkel was intended for
the first machines and the feature mimics what the late Bonmow 14"
machines were offering in the late 1950s. But note that the first ads
remove the snorkel and have a Villiers carby filter.

The most contentious point is the spiel on the Enclosed Drive:
Gears and chains are totally enclosed, ensuring freedom from dust, grit and
grass cuttings. It may be that the Model 33 was originally intended to have
chain and final gear drive (like the Model 17 Supercut), but final production
machines became all-chain drive and then belt and chain drive
(to reduce costs). That issue is not settled.

My best guess is that the Model 33 adopted belt and chain final drive when
the Model 33 was offered in 2-stroke and 4-stroke variants.