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Reel Mower Basics PART NO. 09168SL Reel Mowers Table of Contents 1 Historical Background 2 Application . 6 Theory . 8 Importance of the Operator . 18 Preventive Maintenance 19 Set-up and Adjustments 21 Quality of Cut and Aftercut Appearance 30 Sharpening 34 Bedknives, Rollers and Accessories 47 Groomers and Thatchers . 52 Toro University Technical Training 2 Reel Mowers Historical Background The concept of the reel mower goes back to the 1800’s.
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It evolved out of a need for groomed turf areas being maintained on a regular basis. The first reel type fairway gang mowers were horse drawn. Here is an example of a horse drawn three gang fairway mower. Toro University Technical Training Reel Mowers The first tractor drawn gang mower. (Toro “Bull ” Tractor in 1926). 3 Golf course development during the 1920’s and 30’s brought about design improvements in engines and mower drive systems. These improvements continued, allowing for lighter weight and easier to use equipment. Toro University Technical Training 4 Reel Mowers Productivity and quality of cut improved. The development of hydraulics during the 50’s and 60’s improved the reliability, safety, operator comfort and lowered maintenance costs. With the introduction of the riding greens mower, the industry reached new heights in the areas of productivity and efficiency. Toro University Technical Training Reel Mowers 5 The introduction of hydraulically driven cutting units greatly reduced wheel slippage and the resulting turf stress. Although dramatic improvements have been made in reel type mowers, some of the same frustrations that developed working with reel cutting units years ago are still present today. Toro University Technical Training 6 Reel Mowers Application When properly maintained and operated, reel mowers provide superior quality of cut and aftercut appearance. These mowers are typically dedicated to mowing formal turf areas at low heights of cut. A triplex riding greens mower is shown here; a Toro Greensmaster 3150 with DPA (Dual Precision Adjust) cutting units. Applications Average Height of Cut: 1/16 in. 1/4 in. (2.5 mm 5 mm) Mowing Frequency: Daily Golf course greens are intensely managed, and mowed every day, at heights of cut from 1/16 in. 1/4 in. (2.5 mm 5 mm). Greens Greensmaster Tees are typically mowed three times per week, at heights of cut from 3/8 in. 1/2 in. (9 mm 12 mm). Tees Average Height of Cut: 3/8 in. 1/2 in. (9 mm 12 mm) Mowing Frequency: Three times per week Reelmaster Greensmaster Toro University Technical Training Reel Mowers 7 Fairways are typically mowed three times per week, at heights of cut, from 3/8 in. 3/4 in. (9 mm 19 mm). Other areas, such as intermediate / semiroughs and surrounds may also be maintained with reel mowers. Fairway Average Height of Cut: 3/8 in. 3/4 in. (9 mm 19 mm) Mowing Frequency: Three times per week to daily Reelmaster Other Applications · Sports fields · Other finely manicured turf areas Reel mowers are also utilized, for mowing elite sports fields and other finely manicured turf areas. Reelmaster Greensmaster Toro University Technical Training 8 Reel Mowers Theory This section will describe the construction, and cutting action of a reel mower cutting unit. If reel mowers’ unique characteristics are not understood and responded to, the end result will be a poor quality of cut, and expensive down time and repairs. reel bedknife rear roller frame front roller There are three main structural members in a reel cutting unit: The REEL, consists of several helix shaped blades, mounted to a rotating shaft. The BEDKNIFE, is attached to the bedbar and the assembly is mounted to the main frame in a manner that allows for paralleling and adjustment to the reel. The FRAME, supports the rollers, the bedbar assembly and reel with its drive mechanism, which can be hydraulic, belt driven, or ground driven. A reel mower cuts grass with a scissors-like shearing action, as the moving helix shaped blades pass over the stationary bedknife.