The Cartridge System
One machine, year-round lawn care. Switch between mowing, scarifying, aerating, and more in seconds.
Transform Your Mower Into a Complete Lawn Care System
Allett's Quick-Change (QC) and Ultra-Change (UC) cartridges turn a single machine into your year-round turf partner.
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Traditional lawn care requires multiple specialized machines: a mower, scarifier, aerator, dethatcher. Allett's cartridge system eliminates that.
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One precision machine accepts interchangeable cartridges that swap in 15 seconds without tools.
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You invest once in a quality platform, then expand capability as needed.
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It's versatile, space-efficient, and cost-effective compared to buying separate machines for each task.
15-Second Swaps (No Tools)
Cartridges lock into place with simple pins or levers.
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Change tasks mid-session without returning to the workshop.
Year-Round Lawn Health
Spring scarifying, summer mowing, fall aerating, winter brushing (where applicable).
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Maintain turf health through every season.
Space & Cost Efficiency
Store one machine + cartridges instead of multiple full machines.
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Lower investment than buying separate equipment for each task.
Professional Results
Cartridges use the same quality construction as cutting cylinders.
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Professional-grade cultivation, not hobbyist attachments.
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Stirling Range - Tool-Free, Under 15 Seconds
ULTRA CHANGE (UC) SYSTEM
Installation Steps:
- Turn off mower and remove battery for safety
- Locate quick-release tabs on both sides of cutting unit
- Lift both tabs simultaneously and disengage the drive
- Slide cartridge forward and lift out
- Align new cartridge with mounting brackets
- Slide cartridge into position until fully seated
- Lower both tabs to lock - you'll hear/feel them engage
- Verify cartridge is secure (attempt to lift—should not move)
- Reinstall battery
- Adjust height/depth as needed for cartridge type
- Test operation before full use
Time: ~10-15 seconds with practice
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Installation Steps:
- Turn off mower and remove battery for safety
- Locate quick-release tabs on both sides of cutting unit
- Lift both tabs simultaneously and disengage the drive
- Slide cartridge forward and lift out
- Align new cartridge with mounting brackets
- Slide cartridge into position until fully seated
- Lower both tabs to lock - you'll hear/feel them engage
- Verify cartridge is secure (attempt to lift—should not move)
- Reinstall battery
- Adjust height/depth as needed for cartridge type
- Test operation before full use
Time: ~10-15 seconds with practice
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Compatibility Matrix
Find the right cartridge for your mower model
| Model | System | 6-Blade | 10-Blade | Scarifier | Aerator | Dethatcher | Verticut | Brush |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic 14E | None | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Classic 17E | None | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Liberty 35 | None | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Liberty 43 | None | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Cambridge 35 | RC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cambridge 43 | RC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kensington 14B | QC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kensington 17B | QC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kensington 20B/20H | QC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stirling 43 | UC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stirling 51/51 Sport | UC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| C24 | QC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| C27 | QC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| C34 | QC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
System Legend
UC = Ultra Change (tool-free, <15 seconds)
RC = Rapid Change (5mm Allen key, <1 minute)
QC = Quick Change (basic tools, ~5 minutes)
Important Compatibility Notes
Cartridges are width-specific within each system.
A 17" UC cartridge (Stirling 43) will NOT fit a 20" UC mower (Stirling 51).
A 17" RC cartridge (Cambridge 43) will NOT fit a 17" QC mower (Kensington 17B).
Always verify BOTH width AND system compatibility before purchasing.
UC, RC, and QC cartridges are NOT interchangeable between systems, even if the width matches.
Each system uses different mounting mechanisms:
- UC: Tool-free lift-tab system
- RC: Two-screw retention system
- QC: Side-cover and belt-driven system
Example Compatibility
- ✓ Stirling 43 (17" UC) → Any 17" UC cartridge
- ✓ Cambridge 43 (17" RC) → Any 17" RC cartridge
- ✓ Kensington 17B (17" QC) → Any 17" QC cartridge
- ✗ Stirling 43 (17" UC) → Cannot use 17" RC or QC cartridges
- ✗ Cambridge 43 (17" RC) → Cannot use 17" UC or QC cartridges
Match your lawn care tasks to the seasons for optimal results.
When to Use Which Cartridge
Renovation, thatch removal, wake-up
Spring (April-May)
Recommended Cartridges:
- Scarifier: Remove winter thatch, moss, dead material (early spring)
- Dethatcher: Clean up debris before active growth
- Brush: Disperse worm casts, stand grass upright
- 6-Blade Cylinder: First cuts of season (raise HOC initially)
Regular maintenance, growth management
Early Summer (June-July)
Recommended Cartridges:
- 6-Blade or 10-Blade Cylinder: Weekly mowing (peak growing season)
- Brush: Pre-mowing grooming for cleaner cut
- Verticut: Control lateral growth if needed
Stress management, preparation for fall renovation
Late Summer (August)
Recommended Cartridges:
- 6-Blade Cylinder: Regular mowing (may slow in heat/drought)
- Aerator: Relieve compaction before fall (if needed)
- Brush: Light surface work
Renovation, overseeding prep, winterization
Fall (September-October)
Recommended Cartridges:
- Scarifier: Fall renovation, prepare for overseeding
- Aerator: Relieve summer compaction, improve drainage before winter
- Dethatcher: Clean surface for seed-to-soil contact
- 6-Blade Cylinder: Final cuts of season
Off-season maintenance
Winter (November - March)
Recommended Action:
- Send cartridges and cylinders for sharpening/service
- Off-season is ideal time for reel grinding to be ready for spring
- Tool and Accessory Maintenance
Certified Refurbished FAQ
Common questions about cartridges, compatibility, and use.
What's the difference between UC (Ultra Change), RC (Rapid Change), and QC (Quick Change) cartridges?
Allett offers three cartridge mounting systems designed for different model ranges:
UC (Ultra Change): Used on Stirling range (43 & 51cm). Tool-free system with lift tabs—cartridges swap in under 15 seconds. Cartridges are independently powered by Stirling's dual-motor system, allowing deeper cultivations and more aggressive work.
RC (Rapid Change): Used on Cambridge range (35 & 43cm). Two-screw retention system requiring a 5mm Allen key—cartridges swap in under 1 minute. Balances speed with secure retention, offering significantly faster changes than QC while maintaining robust mounting.
QC (Quick Change): Used on Kensington and Sport Turf models. Traditional belt-driven system with side cover and locking pins—cartridges swap in approximately 5 minutes with basic tools. Proven, reliable system refined over decades.
All three systems are incompatible with each other, even if widths match. Each requires its specific cartridge type.
Can I use an RC cartridge on a Kensington mower (QC system)?
No. Even if the width matches (e.g., 17" RC cartridge and Kensington 17B), the mounting systems are completely different:
- RC uses a two-screw retention system with direct drive
- QC uses side-cover access with belt-driven engagement
Attempting to force-fit incompatible cartridges can damage your mower. Always match: (1) System type (UC/RC/QC), AND (2) Width (14"/17"/20"/24"/27"/34").
Can I use a 17" cartridge on a 20" mower (same system)?
Cartridges are width-specific within each system.
A 17" UC cartridge (for Stirling 43) will not fit a 20" UC mower (Stirling 51), and vice versa.
Width compatibility must match exactly, regardless of system.
Which system is best?
Each system is optimized for its model range:
- UC offers the fastest, most convenient swaps (tool-free, <15 sec) and powered cartridge operation for deepest cultivation
- RC balances speed and security (5mm Allen key, <1 min) with simpler mechanism than QC
- QC is proven, reliable, and compatible with Allett's extensive model history
You can't choose—your mower determines which system you'll use. Choose your mower based on features and specifications, not cartridge system preference.
How often should I sharpen/replace cartridge blades?
Frequency depends on use:
- Cutting cylinders: Annual sharpening typical for residential use, 2-4x/season for professional use
- Scarifier/verticut blades: Replace when tips become rounded (typically 50-100 hours of use)
- Aerator slitter blades: Infrequent replacement unless damaged
- Brush bristles: Last several seasons unless damaged
We offer sharpening services through our Reel Exchange program. Worn cartridge blades can be ordered as replacement parts.
Do I need all the cartridges?
No. Most owners start with the cutting cylinder (included with cartridge-compatible mowers) and add cartridges as needs arise. Common progression:
- Start: Cutting cylinder only (mowing)
- Add: Scarifier (most versatile renovation tool)
- Add: Aerator (if compaction issues)
- Add: Dethatcher or Brush (as needed)
Buy what you'll use. Some owners never need more than mowing and scarifying capability.
Can cartridges damage my lawn?
Used correctly, cartridges improve lawn health. However:
- Too aggressive settings (too deep) can damage turf
- Wrong season (e.g., scarifying in summer heat stress) can harm lawn
- Incorrect technique (too many passes) can over-cultivate
Follow depth guidelines, scarify/aerate in spring or fall, and start conservatively.
When in doubt, go shallower and add passes rather than going deep immediately.
How do I adjust cutting/cultivation depth?
Depth adjustment methods vary by system and cartridge:
- Cutting height: Use mower's Height of Cut (HOC) adjustment (micro-set dial or lever)
- UC cartridges: Most have dedicated depth adjusters on the cartridge itself
- RC/QC cartridges: Adjust via HOC setting and/or cartridge-specific depth controls (varies by cartridge)
- Front roller height: On some models, affects cartridge working depth relative to ground
Consult your manual for specific adjustment instructions per cartridge. Most cartridges include depth setting guides.
Can I leave a cartridge installed when not in use?
Yes, but:
- Cutting cylinders: Fine to leave installed year-round
- Cultivation cartridges (scarifier, aerator, etc.): Can be left installed, but storing separately prevents accidental damage to tines/blades and makes maintenance easier
If storing mower long-term (winter), remove all cartridges, clean thoroughly, and store separately in dry location.
Are cartridges covered under warranty?
Cartridges are considered accessories and have separate warranty:
- Manufacturing defects: Covered (typically 6-12 months)
- Normal wear (blade dulling, bristle wear): Not covered
- Damage from misuse or improper adjustment: Not covered
Warranty specifics provided with cartridge purchase.
Can I buy cartridges separately from a mower?
Yes, if you have a cartridge-compatible model (Cambridge, Kensington, Stirling, or Sport Turf).
However, buying a cartridge doesn't make a non-compatible model compatible, you must own the correct mower.
Check system (UC/RC/QC) and width compatibility before purchasing.
What maintenance do cartridges require?
Regular maintenance:
- Clean after every use (remove grass buildup)
- Check for worn or damaged blades/tines
- Lubricate moving parts per manual
- Store clean and dry
- Annual inspection before season start
- Sharpen cutting cylinders annually (or more often for heavy use)
Where can I get cartridges serviced or sharpened?
Cartridge servicing options:
- Send to Allett Canada: We offer cartridge sharpening, blade replacement, and refurbishment
- Reel Exchange Program: Convenient swap service for cutting cylinders (you receive a sharp one while we sharpen yours)
- DIY: Some maintenance (cleaning, simple blade replacement) can be done at home with proper tools
Contact us for service options and turnaround times.
Do UC cartridges work better than QC cartridges?
UC and QC cartridges perform different functions optimally:
- UC cartridges are independently powered by Stirling's dual-motor system, enabling deeper cultivations (up to -14mm vs -10mm for QC scarifiers) and more aggressive work
- QC cartridges are gravity/contact-driven and work excellently for their design parameters
UC isn't inherently "better"—it's designed for the Stirling platform's capabilities. QC cartridges deliver professional results on Kensington and Sport Turf models.
Choose your mower based on overall features, not just cartridge system.
Can I upgrade my QC mower to UC or RC cartridges?
No. The mounting systems are fundamentally different and integrated into the mower's design.
You cannot retrofit a Kensington (QC) to accept UC or RC cartridges, or vice versa.
If you want a different cartridge system, you need a different mower from that range.