OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories UK & EUROPEAN Rotary Models QUALCAST: The First Rotaries - c1957

SPECIFICATION

These lawnmowers would have looked pretty, but were ultimately conservative designs.

Both machines had alloy bases and swing-back blades. Importantly, the bases were advertised as having
�Safety skirts�; meaning that the grass would be cut and discharged in a controlled way, unlike the
prevalent �Toe Cutter� bases of the time. The rubber wheels were solid (later semi-pneumatic) and used �oilite� bushings.

The height adjustment was also American style � independent adjustment on each wheel � and was
described as a �split second height adjustment� in advertising. The handle could be tilted,
but not folded for transport.

The engines were significantly different. The Rotor Mower had the 70 c.c. Villiers engine.
The larger Lawn Speed used a larger JAP engine with recoil starter. I think the engine was a C80,
and the exhaust would have been directed downward through the base (I think). Note the unusual lower crankcase.

In any case, most advertising records depict the smaller Rotor Mower and its 70cc engine:-





MANUAL - LAWNSPEED
Member Kye Turnbull has generously supplied scans of his Lawnspeed
Operator's Manual. It is a four page document available for download.