OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories AUSTRALIAN Rotary Models ROVER - Domestic Brochure - c1986

Hello ODK History Lovers

By the mid-1980s there was a shift in perceptions about domestic
walk-behind lawnmowers. Whilst designs and development expanded
for domestic ride-ons, the domestic walk-behinds were a shadow of
their former selves.

They were being cheapened on a large scale.

Rover Mowers, founded in 1956, would grow rapidly to become one
of the top-two Australian manufacturers of lawnmowers. In the 1950s,
1960s and 1970s. Beyond this, the rot set in.

This 6-page, fold-out brochure, represents the model line-up for
1986, when the GWA Group owned Rover-Scott Bonnar Limited.



MODELS:
This was a puffed-up limited range. Two rear-discharge chassis:
the 450mm (18 inch) and 500mm (20-inch). The 18-inch models were
the 200/ES, Suzuki 2-stroke XL, and 200ES/XL. The 20-inch models
were the Supercut 220, Supercut 260 I/C and the Supercut 260 I/C
Self Propelled. Note the limited features: -



Two side-discharge models were offered in 480mm (19-inch), and
530mm (21-inch) widths. These were the Rover Utility and the Super Ute.

Let's now discuss the Scott Bonnar part in Rover-Scott Bonnar Limited.

Note on the last page that the company was trading as Rover-
Scott Bonnar limited, but what remained of the great Scott Bonnar
domestic range of half-a-decade before? Well, bugger all!

It's the single 17" Model 45 reel mower! That's it!

When Scott Bonnar was bought by Swedish Electrolux in 1970 and
then New-Zealand Challenge Corp in 1973, both companies did a good
job of keeping the brand relevant and of a quality make. The video-
star, GWA, killed off the radio-star, the once-great Scott Bonnar!

TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - The Brochure
This brochure is from my collection and it is in excellent
condition, albeit with binder punch holes.

It's a poorly designed brochure in my view. The cartoonesque
front cover is not anchored to any other page! The slogan for
the campaign: 'Great Australian Garden Machines'. It's not a
great slogan is it?

Superfluous real estate pages of pretty homes appear on page 5 ...
not a Rover in sight! What were they thinking?

Note how the company name - Rover-Scott Bonnar - appears
in small font on the last page. The Rover logo is prominent
everywhere else! I think you get the idea...