Less Bovver from Qualcast (Qualcast Power Trak 34)

Member Name: limecc

Product:	Qualcast Power Trak 34
Date:	02/07/03 (1630 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Suction, Unclogability

Disadvantages: none

I had just had a LOT of Bovver with an 1600w Orange beastie (No names mentioned). Despite it being the latest thing, it couldn't suck up for peanuts (or grass clippings too). Back to my DIY store the following day to see what else they had. If I had known about Dooyoo.co.uk I would not have been in that position, as it has rubbish reviews.

I was interested in any other machine that wasn't orange, which meant the choice was limited to the DIY chain's own brand, or a Qualcast, after I got my refund. I wanted a machine that would cut very low, would not clog, and above all, would have lots of suction.

I was not disappointed with the Powertrak 34. It had plenty of power to cut long grass found after my return from holiday, It cuts to 20mm which is the lowest anyone should really need - only a cylinder mower could get lower anyway, and it sucks everything found in the grass, ants included. Sucks wet leaves from concrete too, if you want to use it as a vacuum cleaner (vacuum facility not recommended indoors though).

I have never been able to clog this machine unless the grassbox gets full, and it unclogs itself after you have emptied it. It doesn't stall. Wet grass no problem. I am still impressed every time I use it, I get wonderful stripes, and also, as a complete contrast to the orange machine, the blade doesn't blunt easily when large stones are inadvertently struck. Must be good metal. It has easy one-lever height adjustment so I can quickly change to leave longer grass where required.

No real downsides, an even longer cable would be nice, and proper clips to secure it to the handle instead of a cable-tie would be better finishing. Is it possible for someone to invent a one-piece grassbox? Two piece designs feel flimsy but have no detrimental effect on functionality. I feel the machine could be redesigned slightly to cut closer to walls or edges, but as it stands it is no worse than any others I have seen.


Regularly discounted to about £100, I don't think anyone could ever be unhappy with this machine - buy it now.

Summary: