Maintenance
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position.
Supporting the Cutting Unit
Whenever you need to tip the cutting unit to expose the bedknife/reel, prop up the rear of the cutting unit to ensure that the nuts on the back end of the bedbar-adjusting bolts are not resting on the work surface (Figure 10).
Adjusting the Bedknife-to-Reel Contact
Adjusting the Bedknife Daily
Prior to mowing each day, or as required, verify proper bedknife-to-reel contact. Perform this procedure even though the quality of cut is acceptable.
-
Lower the cutting units onto a hard surface, shut off the engine, and remove the ignition key.
-
Slowly rotate the reel in a reverse direction, listening for reel-to-bedknife contact.
-
If no contact is evident, adjust the bedknife as follows:
-
Turn the bedbar adjusting screws clockwise (Figure 11), 1 click at a time, until you feel and hear light contact.
Note: The bedbar adjusting screws have detents corresponding to 0.018 mm (0.0007 inch) bedknife movement for each indexed position.
-
Insert a long strip of cutting performance paper between the reel and bedknife, perpendicular to the bedknife (Figure 12), then slowly rotate the reel forward; it should cut the paper; if not, repeat steps 1 and 2 until it does.
-
-
If excessive contact/reel drag is evident, backlap, reface the front of the bedknife, or grind the cutting unit to achieve the sharp edges needed for precision cutting (Refer to the Toro Manual for Sharpening Reel and Rotary Mowers, Form No. 09168SL).
Important: Light contact is preferred at all times. If you do not maintain light contact, the bedknife/reel edges will not sufficiently self-sharpen, and dull cutting edges will result after a period of operation. If you maintain excessive contact, bedknife/reel wear will be accelerated, uneven wear can result, and the quality of cut may decline.
Note: As the reel blades continue to run against the bedknife, a slight burr will appear on the front cutting edge surface along the full length of the bedknife. Occasionally run a file across the front edge to remove this burr to improve cutting.After extended running, a ridge will eventually develop at both ends of the bedknife. Round off these notches or file them flush with the cutting edge of the bedknife to ensure smooth operation.
-
Adjusting the Bedknife to the Reel
Use this procedure during initial cutting-unit setup and after grinding, backlapping, or disassembling the reel. This is not a daily adjustment.
-
Position the cutting unit on a flat, level work surface.
-
Tip the cutting unit to expose the bedknife and reel.
Note: Ensure that the nuts on the back of the bedbar adjusting bolts are not resting on the work surface (Figure 10).
-
Rotate the reel so that 1 of the blades crosses the bedknife edge between the first and second bedknife bolt heads located on the right side of the cutting unit.
-
Make an identifying mark on the blade where it crosses the bedknife edge.
Note: This will make later adjustments easier.
-
Insert a 0.05 mm (0.002 inch) shim between the blade and the bedknife edge at the point marked in step 4.
-
Turn the right bedbar adjusting bolt (Figure 11) until you feel light pressure on the shim when sliding it side-to-side. Remove the shim.
-
For the left side of the cutting unit, slowly rotate the reel so that the closest blade crosses the bedknife edge between the first and second bolt heads.
-
Repeat steps 4 through 6 for the left side of the cutting unit and left bedbar adjusting bolt.
-
Repeat steps 5 and 6 until there is light pressure at the contact points on both the left and right sides of the cutting unit.
-
To obtain light contact between the reel and bedknife, turn each bedbar adjusting bolt clockwise 3 clicks.
Note: Each click on the bedbar adjusting bolt moves the bedknife 0.018 mm (0.0007 inches). Do not overtighten the adjusting bolts.Turning the adjusting bolt clockwise moves the bedknife edge closer to the reel. Turning the adjusting bolt counterclockwise moves the bedknife edge away from the reel.
-
Insert a long strip of cutting performance paper between the reel and bedknife, perpendicular to the bedknife (Figure 12), then slowly rotate the reel forward; it should cut the paper; if not, turn each bedbar adjusting bolt clockwise 1 clicks and repeat this step until it cuts the paper.
Note: If excessive contact/reel drag is evident, backlap, reface the front of the bedknife, or grind the cutting unit to achieve the sharp edges needed for precision cutting (Refer to the Toro Manual for Sharpening Reel and Rotary Mowers, Form No. 09168SL).
Relief-Grinding the Reel
The new reel has a land width of 1.3 to 1.5 mm (0.050 to 0.060 inch) and a 30 degree relief grind.
When the land width gets larger than 3 mm (0.120 inch) wide, do the following:
-
Apply a 30 degree relief grind on all reel blades until the land width is 1.3 mm (0.050 inch) wide (Figure 13 and Figure 14).
-
Spin grind the reel to achieve <0.025 mm (0.001 inch) reel run-out.
Note: This causes the land width to grow slightly.
Note: To extend the longevity of the sharpness of the edge of the reel and the bedknife—after grinding the reel and/or the bedknife—check the reel to bedknife contact again after cutting 2 fairways, as any burrs will be removed, which may create improper reel to bedknife clearance and thus accelerate wear.
Adjusting the Rear-Roller Height
Depending on your desired height-of-cut range, you need to adjust the rear-roller brackets (Figure 15 or Figure 16) to the low or high position:
-
Position the spacer above the sideplate-mounting flange (factory setting) when the height-of-cut settings range from 1.5 mm to 6 mm (1/16 inch to 1/4 inch) as shown in Figure 15.
-
Position the spacer below the sideplate-mounting flange when the height-of-cut settings range from 3 mm to 25 mm (1/8 inch to 1 inch) as shown in Figure 16.
-
Raise the rear of the cutting unit and place a block under the bedknife.
-
Remove the 2 nuts securing each roller bracket and spacer to each sideplate mounting flange.
-
Lower the roller and bolts from the sideplate mounting flanges and spacers.
-
Place the spacers onto the bolts above or below the roller brackets, as required (Figure 15 or Figure 16).
-
Secure the roller bracket and spacers to the underside of the mounting flanges with the nuts previously removed.
Note: The position of the rear roller to the reel is controlled by the machining tolerances of the assembled components and paralleling is not required.
Adjusting the Height of Cut
Use the following chart to determine which bedknife is best suited for the desired height of cut.
Bedknife | Part No. | Height-of-Cut |
Edgemax Micro-cut (Standard) | 115-1880 | 1.5 to 4.7 mm (0.062 to 0.188 inch) |
Edgemax Tournament (Optional) | 115-1881 | 3.1 to 12.7 mm (0.125 to 0.500 inch) |
Micro-cut (Optional) | 93-4262 | 1.5 to 4.7 mm (0.062 to 0.188 inch) |
Tournament (Optional) | 93-4263 | 3.1 to 12.7 mm (0.125 to 0.500 inch) |
Extended Micro-cut (Optional) | 108-4303 | 1.5 to 4.7 mm (0.062 to 0.188 inch) |
Extended Tournament (Optional) | 108-4302 | 3.1 to 12.7 mm (0.125 to 0.500 inch) |
Low-cut (Optional) | 93-4264 | 4.7 to 25.4 mm (0.188 to 1.00 inch) |
High-cut (Optional) | 94-6392 | 7.9 to 25.4 mm (0.312 to 1.00 inch) |
Fairway (Optional) | 63-8600 | 9.5 to 25.4 mm (0.375 to 1.00 inch) |
Fairway EdgeMax (optional) | 112–7475 | 9.5 to 25.4 mm (0.375 to 1.00 inch) |
Note: For heights of cut greater than 9.5 mm (0.375 inch), install the high-height-of-cut kit.
Adjusting the Height-of-Cut Gauge
Before adjusting the height of cut, set the height-of-cut gauge as follows:
-
Loosen the nut on the gauge bar and set the adjusting bolt to the desired height of cut (Figure 17).
Note: The distance between the bottom of the bolt head and the face of bar is the height of cut.
-
Tighten the nut.
Adjusting the Height of Cut
-
Loosen the locknuts securing the height-of-cut arms to the cutting-unit side plates (Figure 18).
-
Hook the bolt head of the height-of-cut gauge onto the right side of the cutting edge of the bedknife and rest the rear end of the bar onto the rear of the roller (Figure 19).
-
Rotate the adjusting bolt until the roller contacts the front of the gauge bar.
-
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the left side.
-
Adjust both ends of the roller until the entire roller is parallel to the bedknife.
Important: When set properly, the rear and front rollers will contact the gauge bar and the bolt will be snug against the bedknife. This ensures that the height of cut is identical at both ends of the bedknife.
-
Tighten the nuts to secure the adjustment enough to remove play from the washer.
-
Verify that the height-of-cut setting is correct; repeat this procedure if necessary.
Adjusting the Cut-Off Bar
Adjust the cut-off bar to ensure that the clippings are cleanly discharged from the reel area, as follows:
Note: The bar is adjustable to compensate for changes in turf conditions. Adjust the bar closer to the reel when the turf is extremely dry. By contrast, adjust the bar further away from the reel when the turf conditions are wet. The bar should be parallel to the reel to ensure optimum performance. Adjust it after the reel is sharpened on a reel grinder.
-
Loosen the bolts securing the top bar (Figure 20) to the cutting unit.
-
Insert a 1.5 mm (0.060 inch) feeler gauge between the top of the reel and the bar then tighten the bolts.
Important: Ensure that the bar and reel are equal distance apart across the complete reel.
Note: Adjust the gap as needed for your turf conditions.
Servicing the Bedbar
Only a properly trained mechanic should service the bedbar and bedknife to prevent damage to the reel, bedbar, or bedknife. Ideally, take the cutting unit to your authorized Toro distributor for service. Refer to the Service Manual for your traction unit for complete instructions, special tools, and diagrams for servicing the bedknife. Should you ever need to remove or assemble the bedbar yourself, instructions are provided below, as are the specifications for servicing the bedknife.
Important: Always follow the bedknife procedures detailed in your Service Manual when servicing the bedknife. Failure to install and grind the bed knife correctly can lead to damage to the reel, bedbar, or bedknife.
Removing the Bedbar
-
Turn the bedbar adjusting screw, counterclockwise, to back the bedknife away from the reel (Figure 21).
-
Back out the spring-tension nut until the washer is no longer tensioned against the bedbar (Figure 21).
-
On each side of the machine, loosen the locknut securing the bedbar bolt (Figure 22).
-
Remove each bedbar bolt allowing the bedbar to be pulled downward and removed from the cutting unit (Figure 22).
Account for the 2 nylon washers and 1 steel washer on each end of the bedbar (Figure 23).
Assembling the Bedbar
-
Install the bedbar, positioning the mounting ears between the washers and the bedbar-adjusting screw (Figure 21).
-
Secure the bedbar to each side plate with the bedbar bolts (nuts on bolts) and 3 washers (6 total).
-
Position a nylon washer on each side of the side-plate boss. Place a steel washer outside each of the nylon washers (Figure 23).
-
Torque the bedbar bolts to 27 to 36 N∙m (240 to 320 inch-lb).
-
Tighten the locknuts until you remove the end play from steel washers, but you are able to rotate them by hand. The washers on the inside may have a gap.
Important: Do not overtighten the locknuts or they will deflect the side plates.
-
Tighten the spring tension nut until the spring is collapsed, then back it off 1/2 turn (Figure 24).
-
Adjust the bedknife to the reel; refer to Adjusting the Bedknife-to-Reel Contact.
Checking the Top Grind Angle
The angle that you use to grind your bedknives is very important.
Use the angle indicator and the angle-indicator mount to check the angle that your grinder produces and then correct for any grinder inaccuracy.
-
Place the angle indicator on the bottom side of the bedknife as shown in Figure 25.
-
Press the Alt Zero button on the angle indicator.
-
Place the angle-indicator mount on the edge of the bedknife so that the edge of the magnet mates with the edge of the bedknife (Figure 26).
Note: The digital display should be visible from the same side during this step as it was in step 1.
-
Place the angle indicator on the mount as shown in Figure 26.
Note: This is the angle that your grinder produces, and should be within 2 degrees of the recommended top grind angle.
Reel Grinding Specifications
Reel Diameter (New) | 128.5 mm (5.06 inches) |
Service Limit - Reel Diameter | 114.3 mm (4.50 inches) |
Reel Shaft Diameter (OD) | 34.9 mm (1.375 inches) |
Blade Relief Angle | 30° |
Blade Relief Angle Range | 28–32° |
Blade Land Width | 1 mm (0.040 inch) |
Blade Land Width Range | 0.8 to 1.2 mm (0.030 to 0.050 inch) |
Service Limit - Reel Diameter Taper | 0.25 mm (0.010 inch) |
Installing the Bedknife
-
Remove the rust, scale, and corrosion from the bedbar surface and apply a thin layer of oil to the bedbar surface.
-
Clean the screw threads.
-
Apply thread-locking compound to the screws and install the bedknife to the bedbar.
-
Torque the 2 outer screws to 1 N∙m (10 in-lb).
-
Working form the center of the bedknife, torque the screws to 23 to 28 N∙m (200 to 250 in-lb).
-
Grind the bedknife.
Bedknife Specifications
Bedknife Screws
Torque: 23 to 28 N∙m (200 to 250 in-lb)
Installation tool: TOR510880
Installation order:
Bedknife Grinding Specifications
Standard bedknife relief angle | 3° minimum |
Extended bedknife relief angle | 7° minimum |
Front Angle Range | 13° to 17° |
Backlapping the Cutting Unit
Danger
Contact with the reel or other moving parts can result in personal injury.
Keep your fingers, hands, and clothing away from the reels or other moving parts.
-
Stay away from the reel while backlapping.
-
Never use a short handled paint brush for backlapping. Part No. 29-9100 Handle assembly complete or individual parts are available from your local authorized Toro distributor.
-
Position the machine on a clean, level surface, lower the cutting units, stop the engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the ignition key.
-
Remove the reel motors from the cutting units and disconnect and remove the cutting units from the lift arms.
-
Connect the backlapping machine to the cutting unit by inserting a piece of 3/8 inch square stock into the splined coupling in the end of the cutting unit.
Note: Additional instructions and procedures on Backlapping are available in your traction unit Operator’s Manual and the Toro Sharpening Reel and Rotary Mowers Manual, Form Number 80-300PT.
Note: For a better cutting edge, run a file across the front face of the bedknife and reel when the lapping operation is completed. This will remove any burrs or rough edges that may have built up on the cutting edge.