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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

Qualcast 14" Deluxe Electric Super Panther with 3-speed control

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Hello, a newbie here. I have a question for the Forum: I have a Qualcast 14” Deluxe, Electric Super Panther with the 3-speed control. I am fairly certain it is around 1970 / 1971 vintage from memory of the date stamps inside on the castings. Unfortunately, whilst it has provided sterling service for the last seven years in our ownership, it has had to move over for a more modern, electric rotary mower. Not the Panthers fault, but my wife was finding it just too difficult and heavy to use. It has obviously been well looked after in a previous life as it still has the original steel grass box and around 95+% of the transfer (decal) still visible on the front. Even the original wooden rollers are in excellent condition.

 The question really is it worth anything to anyone or should its last journey be down to the local tip? I should have (hopefully) a classified advert in the December magazine offering the Panther F.O.C. to anyone / enthusiast who would like it. The mower is in perfect working order (complete with a photocopy of the original owner’s handbook!) and would still be giving a beautiful cut with excellent stripes to our lawn if were not just too heavy for our advancing years! The photographs below show the present condition if anyone is interested or I’m afraid its life expectancy is now on a countdown. It really is too good for the local tip but no-one seems to want the poor old Panther leaving me no alternative. I welcome your views and comments.

P.S. The mower is located in B92, Solihull, not far from the N.E.C. / M42.

      

   

Messorestore Thu, 10/12/2020

Hi, thanks for taking the trouble to show your electric Panther. It is indeed in fairly good condition given its age. I don't really collect electric mowers but have just one example - shame on me ! ( JP Super Electric ) I think at the moment the Panther doesn't really have much of a following for the reasons you suggest ie weight, age etc. as much lighter more efficient electric mowers are now made. However in the not too distant future I feel electric mowers and push mowers will come to the fore when 'dirty' petrol and diesel mowers will be confined to the scrap heap in the environmental shake-up. It's up to you what you decide to do but one day it will be an example of earlier electric mowers. By the way I only really collect early push mowers for that reason and precious few petrol examples. I have now probably upset all the petrol heads out there but mark my word it's coming !

wristpin Fri, 11/12/2020

The photographs below show the present condition

Unfortunately, no images. Did you omit to press “insert”  ? Is it the one with the cylindrical motor between the handle bars or the later one with the red motor cover ?

One of the issues is that machines don’t become collectible until it’s almost too late, particularly with post 1950 machines built in the era of down to a standard mass production and the beginning of the “ throw away” society. Hence the reason that I’ve preserved a Qualcast E30 Concorde, built in their thousands and thrown away in equal quantities . One used to see them put out for the bin men.

Hopefully it will find a home.

Ribbleton Fri, 11/12/2020

The photographs below show the present condition

Unfortunately, no images. Did you omit to press “insert”  ? Is it the one with the cylindrical motor between the handle bars or the later one with the red motor cover ?

I do not understand the question. The photographs are visible, the first comment by Messorestore refers to them and, yes, I did press 'insert'. The pictures show it is the one with the motor fitted between the handlebars.

hortimech Fri, 11/12/2020

It is probably a problem with Wristpin's 'etch-a sketch', I can see the pictures. Interestingly, you say the machine is near Solihull, so why 'Ribbleton' ? that place is near Preston which is nowhere near Solihull.

 

Ribbleton Fri, 11/12/2020

You are correct! The connection goes a long way back to my affection and long association with owning Bond Minicars.

wristpin Fri, 11/12/2020

It is probably a problem with Wristpin's 'etch-a sketch

I’ve wound it up but still no images. I’ll have a look on the PC

Ribbleton Fri, 11/12/2020

How strange! The pictures from my original post were visible an hour ago but now they have disappeared leaving just the outline box. However, the pictures can still be viewed by clicking inside the boxes. Is this a known Forum problem?

 

Even more strange!!! I went back into my original post and the pictures were still there. Came out of the edit and the pictures have reappeared.

hortimech Fri, 11/12/2020

And now the pictures have disappeared for me, this site is weird :) Just a lot of boxes.

hillsider Fri, 11/12/2020

I think there is a problem somewhere, like Wristpin I have no sign of images on the iPad ( new machine 2020 and updated ) cranked up the Laptop and image frames only and no results by clicking in the frames.

One for the admin team I think.

wristpin Fri, 11/12/2020

One for the admin team I think.

Definitely - If I click on the empty boxes I get the message “ save image or copy”

olcadmin Sat, 12/12/2020

It looks like there is a new glitch on the site that causes new images to be deleted automatically soon after the initial posting. 

As far as I can see it only affects images inserted directly into a post and not those inserted using the upload and insert method (the one outlined on each posting page). However it's difficult to be sure as only one post has been affected so far. I'll keep looking for a proper resolution.

If the original poster could send me the missing images as attachments to an email I can upload from here.

olcadmin Sat, 12/12/2020

Images should be showing now.

I'll be working on the underlying cause.

In the meantime, happy to help with others if they have similar issues. 

Clive1962 Sat, 12/12/2020

That is a lovely classic...great to see the photos :)

We used to see loads of the more recent EP in 12" and 14" and only a few of the older long motor type.    EMD has come back to mind Electric Motor Developments.  I can't remember seeing more than an odd one or two locally of the 14".   Often simply down to what has been purveyed in an area....which lead me to think ref Wristpin saving a Concorde E30 :)   Jogged memory...was a 10" Concorde maybe with RE35 type lower handle, meeting single handle E30 top, made..but sold only in Southern TV area....maybe I have been dreaming.?...if not, just pondering/reminiscing..

C.

 

 

wristpin Sat, 12/12/2020

As Clive says, a lovely old machine in exceptionally good condition. We used to see one or two even up to the  2000s . One thing that we always looked out for was the fact that they were not double insulated and required the appropriate "earthed machine" PAT test and If damp or poorly maintained would sometimes struggle to pass it. The other issue was that although the lead from the motor would be three core, some would come in with a two core extension lead and effectively be unearthed.

Assuming that the forum software behaves, here's a couple of pics of my Concorde.

  

Clive1962 Sat, 12/12/2020

I'm sure I may have mentioned it before but in my old work we supplied some oddments of blue Concorde  including a brand new dark blue cylinder and a grassbox in card packing back to Qualcast, or at least to Brian Grey? area service rep who I think was based at Eckington Serpar branch. They were going to try to assemble some Qualcast museum exhibits for the Derby Museums...then there was the pull out of Derby...  We swapped parts for  T41175, T41176 belts, a top seller as most caravans in our area had a Concorde minus its handle link pushed flat under the caravan to cut the van surround that otherwise I think was chargeable extra to cut by the site.

I nearly mentioned the fun with ESP when PAT testing came along...had to shorten some otherwise very long thin leads to get a pass.  Also recall a switch box kit to fit to ESP when the motor switch went obsolete.. technically correct and kept an older machine running but not a very practical add on...

Had an interesting one one day when a Blue Concorde came in with a metal plate on each side to bridge a cracked handle top, held by long self tappers that screwed though into the switch casing.....no doubt someone was proud of their handiwork.!!

Also recall, would it have been Clare V154? with test probe, seeing sparks jumping from wooden bench onto the no doubt cold damp workshop wall...

 Apologies as ever for my thread drifts...but I do enjoy re visiting times past,  whilst back sitting at home... 

 

C.

wristpin Sat, 12/12/2020

Also recall, would it have been Clare V154? with test probe, seeing sparks jumping from wooden bench onto the no doubt cold damp workshop wall...

... ...  and that sizzling noise as one moved the probe around while standing on the rubber mat  - of course!

 

Ribbleton Fri, 18/12/2020

Many thanks to all who have replied to my question. However, it appears the Qualcast E.S.P has no particular value in todays society so it looks like it will make its final journey to the tip early in the new year.

Best wishes to all in the O.L.C. and thanks again for taking the time to post your replies.

DJD Mon, 28/12/2020

When I was still in business an old chap got me to look at one of these, he said it wasn't cutting very well and probably needed a sharpen. I looked at it a few days later and was amazed to find no bottom blade fitted, the cylinder was wearing the ally throat plate away! Owner gave me a rather strange look when I took it back, I couldn't find a new blade for it, this was about 2000. The on/off switch is inside with the long heavy motor, cable operated, it works via a lever on the bars. Not well balanced, but they did the job they were designed for. Running over the cable usually put folk off!

wristpin Mon, 28/12/2020

I couldn't find a new blade for it, this was about 2000. 

May still available as a pattern part, as it was essentially the same as used on the later 35 EP. T48311

If anyone is stuck for a bottom blade its worth contacting Garfitts as even if they don't have stock they have patterns going back a long way and they may be able to help; particularly when the blade in question is just a flat piece of steel with a few holes in it - no lip or profile.   

DJD Tue, 29/12/2020

Thanks wristpin, I didn't know of that firm in those days, I think maybe a new bottom blade added to bill plus fitting and fixing screws etc too may well have pushed the final price over the maximum he was prepared to pay.