Toro 09168SL - Manual

6 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training 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...

Reel Mowers 7 Toro University Technical Training Average Height of Cut: 3/8 in. – 3/4 in. (9 mm – 19 mm) Mowing Frequency: Three times per weekto daily Fairway Reelmaster 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...

8 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training 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 ...

Reel Mowers 9 Toro University Technical Training Support (Spider) Reel Blade Reel Bedknife Bedbar Shaft Construction Details The reel consists of a number of helix shaped blades, welded to supports and mounted to a shaft. This weldment is then ground to be a perfect cylinder. The reel is rotated by ...

10 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Terminology This drawing depicts the common terms used when referring to a reel mower. We have already discussed the reel, and the bedknife. The attitude, refers to the angle of the bedknife. This reference is in degree differential from the surface ...

Reel Mowers 11 Toro University Technical Training Think of the reel mower cutting action like a scissors; two blades coming together, with light contact, to cut the grass. Without sharp reel and bedknife edges and properly maintained, light contact, the reel mower will not cut the grass and give a g...

Reel Mowers 13 Toro University Technical Training Factors that affect the clip rate: The ideal situation is when H.O.C. = Clip Rate • Diameter of reel • Number of blades • Speed of reel • Ground speed If we observe multiple clips we get a series of triangles set side by side. The top of the triangle...

Reel Mowers 15 Toro University Technical Training If the reel speed is too slow in relation to the ground speed, there is too much space between cuts, resulting in visible clip marks and uncut grass. Clip Marks Visible clip marks in the turf are the result of an incorrect clip rate. NOTE: If you mak...

16 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Reel Speed Chart The speed of the reel can be adjusted on some machines. As we have discussed, it is important that the reel speed be matched with the number of reel blades and the forward speed of the tractor. Factors Affecting Performance Cross sec...

18 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Importance of the Operator The Operator has a significant influence on the aftercut appearance that a reel mower can deliver. The large investment in specialized mowing equipment cannot be jeopardized by unqualified operators. Before an operator can ...

Reel Mowers 19 Toro University Technical Training Preventive Maintenance To get the most out of your equipment investment, it is important to have a good preventive maintenance program. Doing scheduled maintenance and adjustments will prolong the life of your equipment, help prevent expensive downti...

Reel Mowers 21 Toro University Technical Training Cutting Unit Setup and Adjustments The following pages will cover basic requirements for cutting unit set-up and adjustment. Always use the instructions in the Operator’s Manual or Service Manual when working on a specific model. Reel mower performan...

Reel Mowers 23 Toro University Technical Training Parallel, Light Contact and Sharp “ Pull, and cut ”: When the paper is used as a feeler gauge to set even contact across the bedknife, it is held parallel to the bedknife. The reel should pinch with the same amount of resistance at both ends and the ...

24 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Attitude and Behind Center Distance (BCD) of Bedknife The cutting unit attitude is the angle between the bottom of the bedknife and the surface of the turf under the cutting unit. As the bedknife attitude is changed, it is important to note that the ...

26 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Centerline 7 0 BCD @ 0 0 Behind Center Distance (BCD) has a positive correlation to Bedknife Angle At seven degrees the behind center distance is even greater. Increasing the behind center distance results in a more aggressive blade path. Attitude •B...

Reel Mowers 29 Toro University Technical Training Bench Set vs. Effective H.O.C. There can be a significant difference between a bench set height of cut and the actual height of cut when in the turf. The bench set height of cut, is theoretical, based on the assumption that the rollers will set at th...

30 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Quality of Cut and Aftercut Appearance This is NOT the same thing as: Quality of Cut Aftercut Appearance The term Aftercut Appearance, is very specific to appearance and is not the same thing as Quality of Cut. Quality of Cut can affect the appearanc...

Reel Mowers 31 Toro University Technical Training Reel mower sharpness and reel-to-bedknife contact could affect: Related Mowing Quality Issue: Related Mowing Quality Issue: • Visual quality • Plant vigor • Susceptibility to disease Quality of cut can be affected by reel blade sharpness and contact ...

34 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Sharpening Sharpening is part of the required maintenance for proper function of a reel mower cutting unit. How can you tell if sharpening is necessary? The grass is not cut cleanly. The color of the grass; it may have a dull appearance or have brown...

36 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Sharp vs. Dull Cutting Blades Cutting units should be kept as sharp as possible. This will: • Promote growth of healthy grass. • Optimize cutting unit performance. • Extend the life of the mower. • Maximize operator mowing time. • Allow the tractor t...

Reel Mowers 37 Toro University Technical Training pressure Rifling Streaks of uncut grass, will appear on the low areas of a grooved or wavy (rifled) bedknife When the cutting unit blades become dull and quality of cut deteriorates, the tendency is to want to tighten the bedknife to reel contact, re...

38 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Sharpening Methods • Maintain proper ADJUSTMENT • BACKLAP the bedknife and reel • GRIND the reel and bedknife There are several methods that may be used to sharpen a cutting unit. The one that you choose will depend upon the condition of the cutting ...

Reel Mowers 39 Toro University Technical Training WARNING: Always use a brush with an extended handle to apply the lapping compound to the rotating reel. Using a short handle brush could cause your hand to be pulled into the reel, and cause serious injury. Keep your hands, feet and clothing away fro...

40 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Grinders There are several manufacturers of reel grinders. These same manufacturers also produce bedknife grinders. WARNING ! Always wear a face shield or safety glasses when grinding or backlapping. Remember to always wear a face shield or safety gl...

42 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Reel Grinding Grind parallel to the Reel Shaft Do Not grind by equaling the spark pattern on each end A B A = B Whichever grinder you use, be sure to compensate for a cone or barrel shaped condition. Grind parallel to the Reel Shaft. Do Not setup the...

44 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training • The EdgeMax ™ bedknife includes a leading edge of harder steel • Holds an edge twice as long and reduces the need for adjustments, backlapping and grinding • Set bedknife to reel adjustment as usual – Light contact while running on the ground • No ...

Reel Mowers 47 Toro University Technical Training Bedknives, Rollers and Accessories Greens Mower Bedknives Fairway Low-Cut Tournament Micro-cut .375 in (9.5 mm ) – 1in ( 25 mm) HOC .188 in (4. 8 mm) - 1 in (25 mm ) HOC .125 in (3.2 mm) – .50 0 in (12.7 m m) HOC .062 in (1.6 mm) - .18 8 in (4.8 m m)...

48 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training DPA Fairway Mower Bedknives EdgeMax ™ (Original Equipment) Standard HD Low-Cut .375 in (9 .5 mm) – 2 in (51 mm ) HOC .375 in (9. 5 mm) – 1 .5 in (38 m m) HOC .500 in (12.7 m m) – 2 in (51 m m) HOC .250 in (6 .4 mm) - .375 in (9 .5 mm) H OC Due to the...

Reel Mowers 49 Toro University Technical Training Rollers Wiehle Full or Solid The basic groups of ground contacting rollers are shown here. Full Rollers (Also referred to as solid rollers) Full rollers provide a stable platform using full width contact. Some characteristics of full rollers include:...

50 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Wiehle Rollers Here are some adaptations of the Wiehle roller: Aluminum lessens contact pressure due to weight difference. Cast iron increases cutting unit control by increasing contact pressure. Wider spacing tends to increase incursion into the can...

52 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Groomers and Thatchers Groomer Groomers are intended to cut stolons, promote upright growth and stand grass up for a more uniform cut. Warm season grasses such as Bermuda grass and others, but also Creeping Bentgrass, which is considered a cool seaso...

54 Reel Mowers Toro University Technical Training Grooming is similar to verti-cutting in its runner cutting action. Grooming blades however, should never penetrate the soil like verti-cutting or dethatching. Groomer blades are spaced closer together and are used more often than verti-cutters so tha...

Reel Mowers 55 Toro University Technical Training Conclusion This document has provided you with a basic knowledge of reel mower operating theory, set-up, adjustment, and maintenance. This information will not only help you understand the how, but also give some insight into why some operating, adju...