Started cutting out intermittently. Took it apart and checked each component separately. All cables ok. Motor runs when connected to different supply and switch bypassed. Switch works when fitted to a lamp. Switch lever assembly operates motor when it is not screwed onto the handle AND it is held away from the handle BUT when moved to within 2 inches of the handle it stops working. Tried many times with same result. Is there something magnetic in there? I took the switch apart and made sure I had good connections but made no difference. The only item that I do not understand is a small electronic rectangular piece of plastic which is connected across live and neutral. I am all out of ideas after 5 hours effort so any suggestions gratefully received.

Lewis, April 2009

what causes excessive noise when in use even when the cutting blades are clear?

Puzzled, March 2016

Just realised something. Asking for a photo to be sent isn't going to work if I can't register as a user. Has anyone been able to figure it out?

Guy, July 2014

I am in the same boat. I have fixed the cable a few times but now the metal strip has fallen out. Just cannot work out where it goes. A picture would be much appreciated.

Guy, July 2014

Please send picture of where the metal strip fits.

Ron, June 2014

Hi Kath,

Could you explain how the assembly is put back together.

I am having some difficulty.

Bob, May 2014

if you still need need help and I will explain it.however I took just my part with the red button in to my local repairers and it was so simple when they showed me and took a second which was free.

kath, May 2014

Please can someone send me or post on here a picture of where the metal strip fits on the qualcast switch unit mine fell out when I undid it to replace handle

mike taylor, May 2014

Do you still have the photo of where yhe metal strip sits in the starting mechanism
Thanks
Ann

ann ward, March 2014

Anybody have a photo of were the metal spring fits in the handle of the qualcast 32 please

paul, October 2013

please send me the foto
gonzo at hammacott.co.uk
thanks

gonzo, August 2013

Has anyone got a photo of where the metal spring is positioned in the handle of a Concord 32

David, May 2013

I cut off about 5 inches of the cable that zig-zags inside the switch casing, re-fitted the remaining cable from the mower motor; pressed the red button & squeezed the hand lever, and the mower started first time, with no cutting out. Let's hope it now goes a few more years before having to repeat the process.
I wonder if Qualcast have improved the piece of wiring inside the casing for current mower production (replacing it with a heavier duty cable?), otherwise this product failure could seriously damage their reputation - if it has not already! In this situation, a car manufacturer would have recalled all sales units under it's warranty & policy scheme, and had the modification carried out by it's dealers.

Dick M, August 2012

I have taken a foto of where the flat metal spring fits in the handle switch unit - it's situated to the side of the casing and provides the tension to the power lever. If anyone wants the foto, then post their email address on this site, and I'll attach & return.

Dick M, August 2012

can anybody send me a diagram of how the metal spring fits in the handle

thanks

steve, September 2010

Had the same problem - the previous posts were very helpful. The cable had failed just where it enters the casing on the handle. Opening the switch described above was not obvious due to plastic flashing but when this was trimmed it popped off OK. I removed about 6inches of cable and now everything is working.

Without this post I think I'd have ended up buying a new mower.

Malcolm D, August 2010

KMR asked "Now that I have taken the switch apart, I can't see where the little metal sprung strip fits? Any diagrams?"
Does anyone have an answer to this little puzzle as I have exactly the same problem with my father-in-law's lawnmower after he disassembled it. So where does the small metal strip go?

Paul, September 2009

Hi KMR,
I don't particulary want to take mine apart again but from memory there were four square sprung clips each of which makes the electrical connection and another clip similar in shape to a curly capital A.

I assume it is this one you are having problems with. If so, look on the underside of the switch 'lid'. You should see that the moulded plastic has a shape into which the spring fits. This is right in the centre of the 'lid'. I just inserted it carefully into the shape so it was held underneath the 'lid' than just applied the lid back on. The switch operates perfectly.

Lewis, May 2009

I have just had exactly the same problem. Is there anyone out there with an answer?
Now that I have taken the switch apart, I can't see where the little metal sprung strip fits? Any diagrams?

kmr, May 2009

Hi John, Took about nine inches off the end which included the zigzag piece internal to the switch handle. It certainly was badly marked from the outside, as the internal handle design forces it into the tight zigzag. Stripped the outer sheath off and looked at the blue and brown wires. No sign of damage at all. Tried to pull the conductor out but could not.

I decided to just replace the whole cable as I had a spare and I have to say that so far all is well, and having changed the position of the switch handle both off and attached to the mower handle, the motor started every time so I suspect your answer was spot on even though I have so far not traced the exact faulty bit of cable.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Lewis, April 2009

Yep, do that - take about 9" of cable off, strip off the insulation and see if you can pull the copper strands out. Not an uncommon occurrance on flexy leads!

John, April 2009

Thanks John, I have already replaced the cable between the Switch lever and the motor. I will perhaps cut a piece off the end of the long cable and remake the connections. Will try tomorrow. Hang on to the invoice!

Lewis, April 2009

You know what? I'll bet that the internal copper conductors inside the wire insulation has fatigued and parted, and you are getting a make or break contact as the cable flexes. Invoice to follow!

John, April 2009