OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers Qualcast Commodore Cylinder Mower

I went out to a fellows house to purchase a Qualcast Ensign cylinder mower and while I was there was shown this Commodore

Now there is a story behind this mower, the fellows father was a Victa and Qualcast Agent in the 60's and 70's. Larsens Locksmiths at the top of Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley in Brisbane. The mower was returned for warranty and no real fault was found, the customer didn't want it back and was given another mower instead. The mower was left with the agent while a decision was being made by Qualcast, that decision never came and the mower has been stored since, hence the coating of dust.

Here is a pic of the side plate, nice and green

The parts that were removed during the initial work are all present and labeled ready for refitting. The mower has done very little work , I would say about an hour if lucky. The reel still has a near razor edge and was oiled before storage.

There is absolutely no wear on the chain tensioner

I pulled the clutch off to have a look at the linings. They had some oil grunge on them so I cleaned them up with some methylated spirits and a rag

As can be seen in these pics I have refitted the drive chain and outer clutch plate

I have a lot more to do as there are more parts to refit and I still need to diagnose the original complaint :-). Loving my new old mower !

Hi Paul

These rare 'barn finds' come up from time-to-time.
This is the first time I have seen an almost NOS Qualcast Commodore.
Even the cork pads have not changed colour - amazing!
And look at those front rollers!

All very original.
--------------------------
Jack

I found that the engine clutch was not operating as it should, it was engaging but not releasing. I stripped it down and lubricated the shaft, cleaned up the facings and realigned the deck and motor. The clutch does not require much movement to engage and disengage, after some careful adjustment it works perfectly.

Greased all the chains and moved onto the engine, flushed out the fuel tank and removed the carby. I found no float in the fuel bowl just a lot of mud wasp cocoons, now I need a float. Swapped the carby off my Ensign and then dropped the oil. Oil was very clean but 50 years old. Everything back together

More to come :-)

That thing is just beautiful Paul! As is the story behind it. I mean why didn't they wait 12 months ( or 2 years, or 5 or.....) and then put it on the showroom floor and just sell it for whatever they could get.

No Christmas presents for you. Santa has come early, me thinks

I could see a haze and a bit of a smell coming off the motor and exhaust, then I realised it was the paint on the motor. Mmmmmmm new motor smell

Great work Paul!

and a nice video for the record.
I take it you have the deflector plate?

p.s. I did note the Christmas coffee mug on the bench.

Cheers.
--------------------
Jack

Hi Jack,

I love the mug, it's a recent present :-). I have the deflector plate, I have left it off as I need to clean thing up before refitting it. On the lookout for another carb, I don't really want to buy a whole mower just to get a carb float and an idle screw spring.

All done now and I tested it out on the lawn, cuts like a new mower :-) the final pics

Hi Paul

It's come up well hasn't it. Great photos too.
It's odd that the engine plate is missing though ...

The reel looks amazing, and I love the spring-capped oilers.
Just brilliant!

-------------------------
Jack

p.s. I love the learner lines arrows on the grass catcher.

A History Record is now available for the Qualcast Commodore: -
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/96720/qualcast-commodore-c1960.html


This topic has historical interest.
This topic is now locked.