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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

MP027: Qualcast Model E

Every Qualcast Model E was sold in a packing box. After World War Two, wood was in short supply and the boxes often used recycled wood, as in this example.

The sidewheel Qualcast Model E was introduced in the late 1920s, just a few years after the Derby-based company started to manufacture mowers. It became one of the most popular lawn mowers ever produced in the UK and remained in production until the 1950s. By that time, Qualcast claimed to have produced over two million examples.

The Model E was originally introduced as a replacement for the company's earlier Model C machine. Its design was similar to most other sidewheel mowers of the period and there were no particular distinguishing features.

The Qualcast Model E was very successful. Most examples had "Fabrique En Angleterre" cast into the wheels, indicating that they were sold in France.

Qualcast specialised in mass production machines and the Model E was soon a great success. The mower was available in 8in, 10in, 12in and 14in cutting widths, although most surviving examples are the two smallest sizes. As with most mowers from that time, the grass box was an optional extra, costing a few shillings on top of the price of the basic mower.

For a short period after the Second World War, only a 12in model was available.

Sidewheel mowers are the most basic designs but they are still made using many components.

The Model E was painted in an attractive pale blue and red finish. Examples in the more traditional red and green are found but it is believed these have been repainted.

The Qualcast Model E is relatively common today although the larger models are slightly more unusual.