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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

Atco Standard with Qualcast throw plate?

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I have stripped down an Atco Standard 14" which I believe to be from around 1929. When I removed the heavy throw plate I saw that it has Qualcast written (cast) on the back. Would this be original to the Atco mower or a later replacement? It fits perfect.

Clive1997 Fri, 08/08/2014

Hello Jon

      

The name Qualcast was derived from “Quality Castings”, adopted by the Derwent Iron Foundry when it became a public company in 1928, although Derwent had made mowers under their own name since 1920, Much of this firm's work initially was to make components for machines such as the ATCO “Standard”. So I assume it may well be an original part.

 

Regards

 

Clive

hdtrust Mon, 11/08/2014

Dear Jon,

I take it the Atco you have just might have its petrol tank running side to side and without a fan, So will be a 'HY' not a Standard. If this is the case then it will be normal to have Qualcast stamped on the casting.There are very few 14 inch Standards known to exist as they were only made to order between the years of 1924 and 1928 and will always have an Atco own carb on them.

The part which has the Qualcast stamp on is called the sole plate, which on this machine combines the reflector plate as well.

The HY came in sizes of 12 inch and 14 inch,production started on them in 1928 and ended in 1932.

gtc Mon, 11/08/2014

Hdtrust said: "There are very few 14 inch Standards known to exist as they were only made to order between the years of 1924 and 1928 and will always have an Atco own carb on them."

That's interesting to know, as I also have a 14" Standard (not HY) scheduled for restoration and have been wondering about its year of manufacture.

 

Jon Tue, 12/08/2014

Hello, Thanks for all the reply. All very interesting. My atco 14" is defiantly a Standard as it does have the petrol tank (brass) running from front to back and also has the fan and an Atco own carburetor. I take it this is quite a rare model then, I had no idea. I am currently fully restoring this mower and is now 90% completed. Can I assume then that Qualcast made some parts for Atco hence 'Qualcast' name on the back of the throw/sole plate.