Set-Up And Adjustments - Toro GR 105 Fundamentals

Fundamentals of Reel Mowers

Set-up and Adjustments

Reel mower performance depends on proper set–up and adjustment procedures. An error of .010 inch or
.25 mm, in height end–to–end, or from one cutting unit to another, is visible as a mismatch on many golf
course greens. Although there are design variations in cutting units, most require the same basic
procedures. A surface plate, accurate height of cut tools and proper instruction are essential for setting up
a cutting unit.
Factors that affect quality of cut
• Tire pressure
• Engine governed speed
• Reel bearing
condition/adjustment
• Reel and bedknife
sharpness
• Bedknife parallel to reel
• Bedknife to reel contact
• Bedknife attitude (angle)
• Roller(s) parallel to reel
• Height of cut (bench set
vs. actual)
To accurately maintain height of cut and performance, routinely check the following components:
•
Reel Bearings
•
Bedknife to Reel Adjustment
•
Attitude Adjustment
•
Roller Parallelism
•
Height of Cut
TORO® Service Training
• Correct bedknife
• Cutting unit alignment
and ground following
• Roller and roller bearing
condition
• Reel speed
• Traction speed
• Cutting unit drop speed
and sequence
• Cutting unit
counterbalance or down
pressure setting
There are many factors that can affect quality
of cut, including condition of the mowing
equipment and agronomic factors. Turf
conditions such as excessive thatch,
"sponginess" or attempting to cut off too much
grass height may not always be overcome by
adjusting the machine. It is important to
remember that the lower the height of cut, the
more critical these factors are.
Remember that the "effective" or actual height
of cut depends on cutting unit weight, cutting
unit accessories and turf conditions. Effective
height of cut will be different than the bench
set height of cut.
Effective height of cut is the actual height the
grass has been cut. Making an accurate height
measurement on the turf is difficult due to
many variables. A true base is simply not
present. If the surface is uneven, spongy or
varies in density, color variations in the turf
may appear in the form of a streak. This is due
to the effective height of cut being too low for
the existing turf conditions. To correct
problems, start or change a cultural practice,
change cutting unit configuration or raise the
bench set height of cut. The lower your height
of cut, the more predictable and smooth the
turf surface must be.
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