Universal Groomer Drive Kit

1. Park the machine on a level surface.

2. Engage the parking brake.

3. Shut off the engine and remove the key or spark plug; refer to your Operator’s Manual.

1. Separate the cutting unit from the traction unit; refer to the Operator's Manual for the traction unit.

2. On the cutting unit, loosen the mounting screws securing each end of the front roller to the height-of-cut arms (Figure 2).

   

   Figure 2

   1. Height-of-cut arm
   2. Adjusting screw
   3. Plow bolt
   4. Washer
   5. Flange nut
   6. Roller-mounting screw

3. Remove the plow bolts, washers, and locknuts securing the height-of-cut arms to each end of cutting unit (Figure 2). Remove the height-of-cut arms and roller assembly.

   Note: Save the removed hardware to install the new height-of-cut arms.

4. Remove the height-of-cut adjusting screws and roller-mounting screws from the height-of-cut arms (Figure 2).

   Note: Save the roller mounting screws and the roller for later installation.

5. If you are installing the kit on a cutting unit of a TriFlex hybrid machine, remove the 2 cap screws that secure the electrical counterweight to the reel, and remove the counterweight (Figure 3).

   Note: Retain the electrical counterweight and 2 cap screws for installation in Preparing the Counterweight.

   

   Figure 3

   Cutting Unit—Hybrid TriFlex Machine

   1. Cap screws (5/16 x 2-3/4 inches)
   2. Counterweight (electric reel drive—hybrid TriFlex machine)
   3. Counterweight (cutting unit)

6. Remove the 2 bolts (5/16 x 2-1/4 inches) from the 2 nuts (captive by the side plate) securing the counterweight on the side plate of the cutting unit. Remove the counterweight (Figure 4).

   Note: You may discard the cutting unit counterweight and the mounting bolts.

   

   Figure 4

   1. Bolt (5/16 x 2-1/4 inches)
   2. Counterweight (reel-cutting unit)
   3. Bearing nut

7. Remove the bearing nut from the reel shaft (Figure 4).

   Important: Clean the threads in the end of the reel shaft of any debris or grease before installing the kit splined insert and groomer box.

8. If you are installing the kit on a Triflex machine, remove the 2 bolts securing the motor mount to the cutting unit. Remove the motor mount (Figure 5).

   Note: Retain the bolts and nuts for later installation.

   

   Figure 5

   1. Bolts
   2. Motor mount

Note: Retain all parts in this section except where noted.

1. Loosen the captive bolt securing the belt cover to the cutting unit until you can remove the cover (Figure 6).

   

   Figure 6

   1. Belt-cover bolt (captive)
   2. Belt cover
   3. Belt
   4. Belt-tensioning nut

2. Loosen the belt-tensioning nut and remove the belt (Figure 6).

3. Loosen the 2 set screws securing the lower pulley and remove the pulley from the reel shaft (Figure 7).

   

   Figure 7

   1. Lower pulley
   2. Set screws

4. Remove the 3 bolts securing the belt-drive assembly to the cutting unit, if equipped, and remove the whole assembly (Figure 8).

   

   Figure 8

   1. Belt-drive assembly
   2. Bolt

Parts needed for this procedure:

Parts needed for this procedure:

Only for Universal Groomer assemblies with no rear roller brush kit installed:

1. Apply medium-strength cylindrical bonding retaining compound (such as Green Loctite 609®) around the snap ring groove and the outer diameter surface (Figure 16).

2. Install the cap as shown in Figure 16.

   

   Figure 16

   1. Cap
   2. Apply Green Loctite 609®

Parts needed for this procedure:

1. Assemble the loose parts to the idler assembly as shown in Figure 17.

   Note: Install parts 1 through 5 in reverse if you are installing the idler assembly on the opposite side in Figure 17.

   Important: Install the bearing shields with the fabric side toward the bearings.

   

   Figure 17

   Left side shown

   1. Stub-shaft assemby
   2. Bearing shield
   3. Idler assembly
   4. Adjuster collar—torque to 23 to 31 N∙m (17 to 23 ft-lb)
   5. Flange nut—torque to 37 to 45 N∙m (27 to 33 ft-lb)

2. Remove the motor mount.

3. Position the idler assembly on the opposite side of the reel from the groomer drive box.

4. If you are installing the kit on a cutting unit of a TriFlex machine, proceed to step 5. If you are installing the kit on the cutting unit of a walk-behind greensmower, perform the following steps:

   1. Install the belt-drive assembly to the cutting unit using the 3 bolts that you removed previously (Figure 8).

   2. Install the pulley to the reel shaft using the 2 set screws that you removed previously (Figure 7); torque the set screws to 8.4 to 8.9 N∙m (74 to 79 in-lb).

   3. Install the belt and tighten the belt-tensioning nut (Figure 6).

   4. Install the belt cover and tighten the captive bolt (Figure 6).

5. If you are installing the kit on a cutting unit of a TriFlex machine, install the motor mount to the left end of the cutting unit using the 2 bolts that you removed previously (Figure 5).

6. Torque the bolts to 20 to 26 N∙m (175 to 225 in-lb).

Parts needed for this procedure:

1. Apply removable thread-locking compound to the hole for the groomer pin if it is not present on the groomer-pin threads.

2. Secure the groomer pin to the height-of-cut arm (Figure 18).

   

   Figure 18

   1. Height-of-cut arm
   2. Hole
   3. Groomer pin (shown with or without removable thread-locking compound)

3. Perform this procedure to the opposite side.

Parts needed for this procedure:

1. Thread the previously removed height-of-cut adjusting screws into the top of the height-of-cut assemblies (Figure 19).

   

   Figure 19

   1. Height-of-cut adjusting screw
   2. Plow bolt, nut, and special washer
   3. Height-of-cut bracket assembly

2. Install the height-of-cut assemblies to the cutting unit side plates using the previously removed plow bolt, nut, and special washer (Figure 19).

3. Slide the adjuster-arm assembly rod near the groomer drive box into the gap on the drive box and secure it with an adjuster pin and cotter pin (Figure 20).

   Note: Make sure that you bend the legs of the cotter pin so that the pin does not fall out of the adjuster pin.

   

   Figure 20

   1. Cotter pin
   2. Groomer drive box
   3. Adjuster-arm assembly rod
   4. Adjuster pin

4. Align the adjuster-arm assembly rod near the idler assembly with the adjuster collar on the idler assembly and secure it with an adjuster pin and cotter pin (Figure 21).

   Note: Make sure that you bend the legs of the cotter pin so that the pin does not fall out of the adjuster pin.

   

   Figure 21

   1. Cotter pin
   2. Adjuster collar
   3. Adjuster-arm assembly rod
   4. Adjuster pin

5. Insert and center the front roller shaft between the height-of-cut brackets and secure it with the 2 mounting screws removed from the old height-of-cut brackets (Figure 22).

   

   Figure 22

   1. Mounting screw
   2. Height-of-cut bracket assembly
   3. Groomer guard

6. Attach the groomer guards to either side of the front roller shaft (Figure 22).

7. Torque the groomer guards to 22 to 24 N∙m (16 to 18 ft-lb).

Parts needed for this procedure:

1. Obtain a groomer reel appropriate for your needs and cutting unit; refer to the following list of available groomer reels:

   • 18-inch groomer, spring steel (with 1/2 inch spacing)

   • 18-inch groomer, carbide

   • 18-inch soft grooming brush

   • 18-inch stiff grooming brush

   • 18-inch thin-spring steel groomer (with 1/4 inch spacing)

   • 21-inch groomer, spring steel (with 1/2 inch spacing)

   • 21-inch groomer, carbide

   • 21-inch soft grooming brush

   • 21-inch stiff grooming brush

   • 21-inch thin-spring steel groomer (with 1/4 inch spacing)

2. Line up the groomer with the groomer drive box and idler assembly (Figure 23).

   

   Figure 23

   1. Drive-stub shaft
   2. Groomer assembly
   3. Jam nut (4)
   4. Shaft clamp (4)
   5. Bolt (4)

3. Secure the groomer to the machine as shown in Figure 23 and snug the bolts.

4. To prevent binding, set the height of cut and height of groom, then loosen the bolts.

   Note: To set the height of cut refer to your cutting unit Operator’s Manual; refer to Adjusting the Groomer Height for adjusting the height of groom.

5. Torque the bolts to 5 to 7 N∙m (46 to 60 in-lb).

6. Check and adjust height of cut and height of groom as necessary.

Grooming is performed in the turf canopy above the soil level. Grooming promotes vertical growth of grass plants, reduces grain, and severs stolons, producing a denser turf. Grooming produces a more uniform and tighter playing surface for faster and truer action of the golf ball.

Grooming should not be considered as a replacement for verticutting. Verticutting is generally a more rigorous and periodic treatment that can temporarily damage the playing surface, while grooming is a routine and gentler treatment designed to manicure the turf.

Figure 24

1. Grass runners (stolons)
2. Thatch

Grooming brushes are less intrusive than conventional grooming blades when adjusted to lightly contact the turf canopy. Brushing may be better for the ultra-dwarf cultivars, since these grass types have an upright growth pattern and do not fill in well through horizontal growth. Brushes can injure leaf tissue if they are set to penetrate too deeply into the canopy.

Groomer blades should never penetrate the soil. They are effective in cutting runners and removing thatch.

Because grooming injures leaf tissue, avoid grooming during periods of high stress. Cool season species, such as creeping bent grass and annual bluegrass, should not be groomed during high-temperature (and high-humidity) periods in midsummer.

Many variables affect the performance of grooming, including:

• The time of the year (i.e., the growing season) and the weather pattern

• The general condition of each green

• The frequency of grooming/cutting—both how many cuttings per week and how many passes per cutting

• The height-of-cut setting on the main reel

• The height/depth setting on the grooming reel

• How long the grooming reel has been in use on the green

• The type of grass on the green

• The overall greens management program (i.e., irrigation, fertilizing, spraying, coring, overseeding, etc.)

• Traffic

• Stress periods (i.e., high temperatures, high humidity, unusually high traffic)

These factors can vary from green to green. Inspect the greens frequently and change the grooming practice as needed.

Various grooming shaft assemblies are available. The 13 mm (1/2 inch) spacing allows you to groom slightly deeper to cut stolons without thinning out the turf excessively. By removing spacers and adding blades or by adding spacers and removing blades, you can adjust the spacing between the groomer and blade to 6 mm (1/4 inch) or 19 mm (3/4 inch).

Note: Groom with a 6 mm (1/4 inch) blade spacing for fast-growth periods (spring through early summer) to thin out the top layer of the canopy. Groom with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) blade spacing for slower growth periods (late summer through fall and winter). During high-stress periods, you may use the grooming reel.

Note: Using the groomer reel improperly or too aggressively (i.e., too deep or too frequent grooming) may unnecessarily stress the turf, causing severe turf damage. Use the groomer cautiously.

Note: Continue changing the direction of cut whenever you use the groomer. This enhances the effects of the grooming.

Note: Operate the groomer in a straight line as much as possible. Use caution when turning while operating the groomer.

Use the following chart, figures, and procedure to set the groomer height/depth.

Note: If you are using the groomer on an eFlex traction unit, note that the groomer causes the traction unit to deplete the battery faster than when not running the groomer. The deeper into the grass you set the groomer, the more power it requires and the faster the machine uses up the battery charge.

1. Ensure that the rollers are clean. Position the machine on a flat, level work surface.

2. Using the above chart, determine the amount of rear-roller spacers required to set the desired grooming height/depth.

   Note: If you are installing 3 or 4 spacers on each side of the rear roller, use the longer screws—included in the optional High Height of Groom Kit (Above 0.375 inch)—instead of the standard screws.

3. Set the height of cut of the main reel.

4. Using the chart, determine the position required to set the desired grooming height/depth. Raise or lower the grooming reel as follows:

   Important: Never set the groomer lower that 1/2 the height of the cut—up to 13 mm (0.5 inch); you can make adjustments 0 to 6 mm (0 to 0.25 inch) below the height of cut thereafter.

   Important: If you set the groomer higher that the height of cut, inadvertent groomer contact with the basket may occur when using the QUICK-UP POSITION. Never set the groomer higher than the height of cut in the OPERATING position.

   1. Rotate the quick-up levers (Figure 25) to the OPERATING position (the handle points toward the front of the cutting unit).

      

      Figure 25

      1. Height-adjuster knob
      2. Quick-up lever (shown in the ENGAGED position)
      3. Groomer height (HOG)
      4. Number of rear-roller spacers (below side plate pad)

   2. At the end of the groomer reel, measure the distance from the lowest tip of the groomer blade to the working surface (Figure 25). Turn the height-adjuster knob (Figure 25) to raise or lower the tip of the groomer blade to the desired height.

   3. Repeat step 2 on the opposite end of the groomer, then check the setting on the first side of the groomer. The measured height at each end of the groomer reel must be identical. If the measured height at each end of the groomer is different, rotate the adjuster knob(s) until they are identical.

The groomer has 3 settings: NEUTRAL, FORWARD, and REVERSE. To change the direction of the groomer, turn the knob at the end of the groomer drive box and align the desired position with the adjustment notch.

Figure 26

1. Adjustment notch
2. Knob

Important: Improper or over-aggressive use of the grooming reel (i.e., too deep or too frequent grooming) may cause unnecessary stress on the turf, leading to severe greens damage. Use the groomer cautiously.

To determine the proper height/depth setting, do the following:

1. Set the cutting reel to the height of cut that would normally be used without a grooming reel.

   Note: Use a Wiehle roller and scraper for the front roller.

2. Set the groomer reel to the height-of-cut setting above the roller level.

3. Set the grooming brush equal to the height-of-cut setting above the roller.

   Note: Adjust the grooming brush (up or down) in 0.25 mm (0.01 inch) increments to avoid unintended turf damage.

4. Make a pass over the test green, then lower the grooming reel 1/2 the roller level and make another pass over the test green.

   Note: For example, to set a 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) height-of-cut, set the grooming reel at 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) above the roller.

5. Compare the results.

   Note: The first setting (when the groomer setting was adjusted to the height-of-cut setting above the roller level) should have removed significantly less grass and thatch than the second setting.

6. Check the test green 2 or 3 days after the first grooming for general condition or damage. If the groomed areas are turning yellow or brown, and the non-groomed areas are green, the grooming was too aggressive.

   Note: The color of the grass changes when you use the grooming reel. An experienced greens superintendent can judge by the color of the turf (along with close examination) if the current grooming practice is appropriate for the particular green. Because the groom reel stands up more grass and removes thatch, the quality of cut is not the same as without the groomer. This effect is most noticeable the first few times that you use a groomer on a green.

   Note: On multiple passes (i.e., double and triple cutting), the groomer penetrates deeper on each successive pass. Multiple passes are not recommended.

   After testing the performance of the groomer on a test green and you obtain satisfactory results, you can begin grooming on the playing greens. However, each green may respond differently to grooming. In addition, growing conditions constantly change. Inspect the groomed greens frequently and make adjustments to the grooming procedure as often as necessary.

When you wish to mow without the groomer or need to transport the machine, raise the grooming reel into its raised transport position.

1. Clean the external surfaces of the groomer housing.

   Important: Ensure that there is no dirt or clippings on the outside of the groomer housing; if debris gets inside of the groomer it can damage the gearbox.

2. Remove the drain plug on the bottom of the housing (Figure 29).

3. Remove the fill plug on the side of the housing and loosen the air vent plug on the top so air can pass through (Figure 29).

4. Align a suitable container beneath the oil drain port to catch drained oil.

5. Tip the cutting unit vertically until the drain port is at the bottom to ensure complete drainage (Figure 27).

   

   Figure 27

   1. Remove the drain plug from the drain port.
   2. Remove the fill plug from the fill port.
   3. Loosen the air vent plug.

6. Rock the cutting unit back and forth to ensure complete drainage. When the oil is completely drained, place the cutting unit on a level surface.

7. Install the drain plug.

8. Use a syringe (Part No. 137-0872) to fill the drive box with 50 cc of 80-90W oil.

   

   Figure 28

   1. Syringe with 50 cc of 80-90W oil
   2. Fill port

9. Install the fill plug and tighten the air-vent plug.

10. Torque all plugs to 3.62 to 4.75 N∙m (32 to 42 in-lb).

Figure 29

Left side shown

1. Air-vent plug
2. Fill plug
3. Drain plug

Clean off the grooming reel after using it by spraying it with water. Do not direct the water stream directly at the groomer bearing seals. Do not permit the grooming reel to stand in water so that the components rust.

Inspect the grooming-reel blades frequently for damage and wear. Straighten bent blades with a pliers. Replace worn blades, and torque the locknuts to 42 to 49 N∙m (31 to 36 ft-lb). When inspecting the blades, check to see that nuts on the right and left blade-shaft ends are tight.

Note: If you are using spring steel blades, when 1 side of the blades become worn, remove the grooming reel, rotate it 180 degrees, and install it so that the unworn side is facing the direction of rotation.

Note: Because the groomer may introduce more debris (i.e., dirt and sand) into the cutting unit than what the reel would normally be exposed to, check the bedknife and main reel for wear more frequently. This is especially important in sandy soil and/or when the groomer is set for penetration.

Figure 30

1. Grooming blade
2. Dull (rounded) edges
3. Sharp edges