Hello ODK members,

The Qualcast 16" Side-wheel Power Mower was a purpose-built self-propelled lawnmower.
This lawnmower was manufactured in Australia to a British Qualcast design. English-
made machines were also sold here after local production ceased.

Introduced in 1954, it would be Qualcast's answer to the number of competitor
powered side-wheels on the market - particularly from Ogden and Pope.

This was a significant machine because Qualcast could offer a cheaper reel mower than
its aging and more expensive 16" power reel/roller mower. This lawnmower was
price-competitive with rotaries.

There were two Model variations: the original P1 and the up-graded P2.

[Linked Image]

MODEL P1

The drive was by a double reduction through a 'V' belt and chain drive down to the cutting reel
and then from the reel shaft through cast iron pinions to the side wheels. It had a 6 blade
cutting reel, semi-pneumatic tyres and a manual clutch that engaged both reel and wheels.

The original QSW16 was powered by a Villiers 4G 70cc engine.
The most unusual feature of that engine was the fuel system employed on this first model.

TO BE CONTINUED ...