Installation

Preparing the Machine

  1. Park the machine on a level surface.

  2. Engage the parking brake.

  3. Shut off the engine and remove the key.

Gathering the Tools Required for Setup

  • Torque wrench—5.2 to 6.8 N∙m (46 to 60 in-lb)

  • Torque wrench—115 to 129 N∙m (85 to 95 ft-lb)

  • Torque wrench—135 to 150 N∙m (100 to 110 ft-lb)

  • Torque wrench—150 to 163 N∙m (110 to 120 ft-lb)

  • Reel driveshaft tool, Part No. TOR4112 (used only on 5-inch reels)

  • Reel driveshaft tool, Part No. TOR4074 (used only on 7-inch reels)

  • Adapter wrench tool, Part No. 137-0921

Determining the Setup

Use the following diagram to determine the position of the groomer kit and reel motors.

g027662

Note: If you are installing a groomer kit and a rear roller-brush kit on the cutting unit, install the groomer kit first.

Preparing the Cutting Unit

Parts needed for this procedure:

Extended splined insert (right-hand threads)1
Extended splined insert (left-hand threads)1
Flange locknut (3/8 inch)—Model 133-0151 only2

Note: You may discard all removed parts unless otherwise stated.

  1. Remove all cutting units from the traction unit; refer to your Operator’s Manual.

  2. Remove the carriage bolts and locknuts securing the height-of-cut (HOC) brackets to the cutting-unit side plates (Figure 2).

    Note: Save the carriage bolts to install the new height-of-cut brackets.

    g035987
  3. Loosen the screws securing the height-of-cut brackets to the front-roller shaft (Figure 2).

  4. Remove the existing height-of-cut brackets and the front roller from the cutting-unit side plates (Figure 2).

    Note: Save the front roller for later installation.

  5. Restrain the reel for removal; refer to Restraining the Reel for Removing Threaded Inserts.

  6. Remove the existing splined insert from each end of the reel shaft using the reel driveshaft tool (Part No. TOR4112 for the 5-inch reel and Part No. TOR4074 for the 7-inch reel). Refer to Figure 3.

    Important: The splined insert on the left side of the cutting unit has left-hand threads. The splined insert on the right side of the cutting unit has right-hand threads.

    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.

    g221766
  7. Restrain the reel for installation; refer to Restraining the Reel for Installing Threaded Inserts.

  8. For the reel motor side of the cutting unit only: Apply medium-strength thread-locking compound (such as Blue Loctite® 243) to the threads of the new longer splined insert, and secure it to the reel shaft. Torque the insert to 115 to 128 N∙m (85 to 95 ft-lb).

    Important: Allow the thread-locking compound to cure for 15 minutes before continuing the procedure.

  9. For 7-inch cutting units or if a support rod is installed, remove the support rod and flip the bolts around as follows:

    1. Remove the 2 flange-head bolts securing the support rod, and remove the support rod (Figure 4).

      g037064
    2. Install the 2 existing flange-head bolts from the inside of the cutting unit, and secure them with the 3/8 inch flange locknuts (Figure 5).

      g037065

Installing the Weight Bracket and the Groomer Drive Box

Parts needed for this procedure:

Weight bracket1
Hex-socket, button-head bolt (3/8 x 3/4 inch)2
Right (yellow) reel adapter1
Left (green) reel adapter1
Groomer drive box1
  1. Apply medium-strength thread-locking compound (such as Blue Loctite® 243) to the threads on the inside of the drive shaft (Figure 6).

    g199908
  2. Attach the appropriate reel adapter to the groomer shaft (Figure 6) and torque it to 150 to 163 N∙m (110 to 120 ft-lb).

    Note: Use the yellow adapter on the right side of the machine; use the green adapter on the left side of the machine. Discard the unused reel adapter included in the kit.

    Note: Restrain the groomer shaft with the adapter wrench tool (Part No. 137-0921, sold separately) on the wrench flats on the back side of the groomer drive box (Figure 7).

    g284543
  3. Secure the weight bracket to the reel using 2 hex-socket, button-head bolts (3/8 x 3/4 inch) as shown in Figure 8.

    Note: Attach the weight bracket to the side of the reel where you intend to mount the groomer drive box.

    g227902
  4. Apply medium-strength thread-locking compound (such as Blue Loctite® 243) to the threads of the internal reel shaft (Figure 8).

  5. Attach the groomer drive box to the reel shaft (Figure 8) using the hex-head on the groomer drive box.

    Important: The reel threads on the left side of the cutting unit are left-handed, and the reel threads on the right side of the cutting unit are right-handed.

  6. Restrain the reel for installation; refer to Restraining the Reel for Installing Threaded Inserts.

  7. Torque the hex-head to 135 to 150 N∙m (100 to 110 ft-lb).

    Important: You must use a 6-point socket with heavy wall.

    Important: Do not use an impact wrench for this step.

    Important: Allow the thread-locking compound to cure for 15 minutes before continuing the procedure.

Installing the Idler Assembly

Parts needed for this procedure:

Hex-socket-head bolt2
Pivot hub1
O-ring1
Idler assembly1
Bearing shield2
Adjuster collar1
Stub-shaft assembly1
Flange nut (3/4 inch)1
Flange locknut (3/8 inch)—Model 133-0150 only2
Jam locknut (3/8 inch)—Model 133-0151 only2
  1. Assemble the parts that make up the idler assembly as shown in Figure 9. Torque the flange nut (3/4 inch) to 37 to 45 N∙m (27 to 33 ft-lb); torque the adjuster collar to 33 to 41 N∙m (24 to 30 ft-lb).

    g035823
  2. Position the idler assembly on the opposite side of the reel from the groomer drive box.

  3. Install the O-ring onto the pivot-hub assembly.

  4. Apply anti-seize compound on the outside diameter of the pivot-hub assembly (Figure 9).

  5. Secure the pivot hub over the idler assembly to the reel using 2 hex-socket bolts (Figure 9).

  6. Loosely install the 2 locknuts on the pivot hub (Figure 9).

Installing the HOC Bracket Assemblies and the Front Roller

Parts needed for this procedure:

Left HOC bracket assembly1
Right HOC bracket assembly1
Adjuster pin2
Cotter pin2
Flange locknut (3/8 with 5/8 hex)2
  1. Loosely install the left and right HOC bracket assemblies and the front roller assembly to the cutting-unit side plates using the previously removed carriage bolts (Figure 10).

    g232389
  2. On the groomer box side, slide the adjuster-arm rod of the HOC bracket into the gap on the groomer drive box and secure it with an adjuster pin and cotter pin as shown in Figure 11.

    Note: The adjuster pin must be installed from the inside of the machine to the outside of the machine.

    g232400
  3. On the idler assembly side, align the adjuster-arm rod of the HOC bracket with the adjuster collar on the idler assembly and secure it with an adjuster pin and cotter pin (Figure 12).

    g232388
  4. Tighten the carriage bolts and locknuts securing the HOC bracket assemblies to the side plates (Figure 13).

    g192299
  5. Tighten the locknut on the HOC adjuster bolt, then back off the locknut 1/2 turn (Figure 13).

  6. Center the front roller between the HOC bracket assemblies and lock it in place with the cap screws and flange nuts (Figure 13).

Installing the Groomer Drive Cap

Parts needed for this procedure:

Cap1

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 14).

  2. Install the cap as shown in Figure 14.

    g242099
  3. If you are installing the groomer at the left side of the machine, perform the following (Figure 15):

    1. Remove the O-ring from the clutch knob.

    2. Remove the shear pin that secures the clutch knob to the actuator shaft.

    3. Remove the clutch-knob assembly and flip it over.

    4. Assemble the clutch knob to the actuator shaft with the shear pin.

    5. Install the O-ring into the groove in the clutch knob.

      g246113

Installing the Groomer Assembly and Optional Broomer Kit

Groomer and Broomer Kits Come Separately

Parts needed for this procedure:

Bolt (1/4 x 1-1/2 inches)4
Jam nut4
Shaft clamp4

Installing the Groomer Kit

Ordered Separately
Model NumberGroomer Kit
0377118 inch Groomer Blade Cartridge Kit
0377222 inch Groomer Blade Cartridge Kit
0377827-inch Groomer Blade Cartridge Kit
0376618 inch Fairway QC Grooming Brush Kit
0376722 inch Fairway QC Grooming Brush Kit
  1. Obtain a groomer blade cartridge kit or a brush kit appropriate for your needs and cutting unit; refer to the table above.

  2. Line up the groomer assembly with the drive-stub shafts of the groomer drive box and idler assembly (Figure 16).

    g240752
  3. Secure the groomer to the machine as shown in Figure 16 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.

Installing the Broomer Kit

Part NumberBroomer Kit
132-711518-inch Broomer Kit
132-712522-inch Broomer Kit
133-822227-inch Broomer Kit
  1. Obtain an optional broomer kit for groomer blade cartridges appropriate for your needs and cutting unit; refer to the table above.

  2. Loosen the groomer blade-retaining nuts on each end of the groomer shaft (Figure 17).

    g032403
  3. From 1 side of the groomer reel, slide a brush into each groove around the full length of the groomer reel (Figure 18).

    g227786
  4. Verify that the brushes are seated in the groomer blade slots (Figure 17 and Figure 19).

    g032402
  5. Loosely wrap the straps, as shown in Figure 17, around the groomer reel shaft and brushes, inserting the straps in the grooves in the brushes Figure 19.

    Position the straps on the brushes using the following table:

    Reel SizeStrap Spacing
    18 inchPosition the straps between blades 2 and 3; 11 and 12; 21 and 22; and 30 and 31
    22 inchPosition the straps between blades 2 and 3; 14 and 15; 26 and 27; and 38 and 39
    27 inchPosition the straps between blades 2 and 3; 23 and 24 or 24 and 25; 35 and 36; and 45 and 46

    Important: You must wrap the straps around the groomer blade and brush assembly in the primary rotating direction. Figure 18 shows the straps installed for forward rotation.

    Note: If the broomer brushes are not seated properly in the blade slots, loosen the groomer-blade retaining nuts on each end of the groomer shaft, position the broomer brushes properly in the blade slots, and tighten the groomer-blade retaining nuts (Figure 17).

  6. Tighten the groomer blade retaining nuts; torque them to 45.2 N∙m (400 in-lb).

  7. While pushing a screwdriver against the strap buckle, grasp each strap with a locking pliers and pull the straps tight until they lock into the brush grooves (Figure 17).

  8. Trim the strap so that it is 6 mm (1/4 inch) from the buckle and fold the excess strap over the buckle.

Installing the Angled Fitting

For Reelmaster 3550 and 3555 Machines—#1 Front, Center Cutting Location and Kit Model 133-0150 Only

Parts needed for this procedure:

Hydraulic fitting—45° (Part No. 340–101; sold separately)1

Important: For Reelmaster 3550 and 3555 machines—#1 front, center cutting location and kit model 133-0150 only; order 45° hydraulic fitting (Part No. 340–101) and follow the procedure below.

  1. Remove the hydraulic hose from the hydraulic fitting on the motor.

  2. Remove the 2 O-rings on the new 45° fitting, lubricate them with grease, and install them on the fitting.

  3. Remove the existing fitting.

  4. Install the new 45° fitting, positioning the fitting with the angle of the fitting as shown in Figure 20. Torque the fitting to 47 to 58 N∙m (35 to 43 ft-lb).

    g190850
  5. Connect the hydraulic hose into the new fitting; torque the hose fitting to 40 to 64 N∙m (37 to 47 ft-lb).

    Note: Ensure that the fitting is positioned so that the hose does not contact the groomer adjuster.

Operation

Introduction

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.

g006671

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 blue grass, should not be groomed during high-temperature (and high-humidity) periods in midsummer.

Many variables affect the performance of grooming, including the following:

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

  • The general condition of the grass

  • 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

  • The type of grass

  • The overall 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 fairway to fairway. Inspect the mowing area frequently and change the grooming practice as needed.

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.

Adjusting the Groomer Height

Danger

Contact with the reels or other moving parts can result in personal injury.

  • Before making any adjustments to the cutting units, disengage the reels, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, and remove the key.

  • Keep your hands and clothing away from the reels or other moving parts.

  1. Park the machine on a clean and level surface, lower the cutting units completely to the ground, shut off the engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the key.

  2. Make sure that the rollers are clean and the cutting unit is set to the desired height-of-cut (see your cutting unit Operator’s Manual).

  3. Rotate the quick-up levers (Figure 22) to the ENGAGED position (the handle points toward the front of the cutting unit.

    Important: Use the Height-of-Cut (HOC) and Height-of-Groom (HOG) recommended range chart for setting the gauge bar.

  4. At 1 end of the groomer reel, measure the distance from the lowest tip of the groomer blade to the working surface (Figure 22). Turn the height adjuster knob (Figure 22) to raise or lower the groomer blade tip to the desired height.

    g240964
  5. Repeat step 4 at the opposite end of the groomer, then check the setting on the first side of groomer.

    The height setting on both ends of the groomer should be identical. Adjust the height as required.

Height-of-Cut (HOC) and Height-of-Groom (HOG) Recommended Range

Height-of-Cut (mm)Height-of-Cut (inch)Number of Rear Roller SpacersRecommended HOG = HOC - Groomer EngagementRecommended HOG = HOC - Groomer Engagement
(mm)(inch)
6.30.25003.1 to 6.30.125 to 0.250
9.50.37504.7 to 9.50.187 to 0.375
9.50.37514.7 to 9.50.187 to 0.375
12.70.50006.3 to 12.70.250 to 0.500
12.70.50016.3 to 12.70.250 to 0.500
12.70.50026.3 to 9.50.250 to 0.375
15.80.62509.5 to 15.80.375 to 0.625
15.80.62519.5 to 15.80.375 to 0.625
15.80.62529.5 to 12.70.375 to 0.500
19.00.750112.7 to 19.00.500 to 0.750
19.00.750212.7 to 19.00.500 to 0.750
19.00.750312.7 to 15.80.500 to 0.625
22.20.875115.8 to 22.20.625 to 0.875
22.20.875215.8 to 22.20.625 to 0.875
22.20.875315.8 to 19.00.625 to 0.750
25.41.002*19.0 to 25.40.750 to 1.00
25.41.00319.0 to 25.40.750 to 1.00
25.41.00419.0 to 22.20.750 to 0.875

Note: Maximum HOG recommended is half the HOC to 6 mm (1/4 inch) maximum engagement

*Move the groomer front height-of-cut (HOC) bracket to the bottom (cutting unit location) side-plate hole.

Changing the Groomer Operating Direction

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.

g246866

Testing the Groomer Performance

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 damage. Use the groomer cautiously.

Danger

Contact with the reels or other moving parts can result in personal injury.

  • Before making any adjustments to the cutting units, disengage the reels, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, and remove the key.

  • Keep your hands and clothing away from the reels or other moving parts.

Determine the performance of the groomer before putting it into regular use.

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

  1. Set the main cutting reels to the height-of-cut setting that you would normally use without the grooming reel. Use a Wiehle roller on the front and a full roller on the rear.

    The amount of grass removed is a key indicator in determining the height/depth setting of the grooming reel.

  2. Set each of the grooming reels to the desired height setting.

  3. Examine the test area and determine if the groomed areas gives the desired results. If not, increase or decrease the height of the groomers and make another test pass.

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

Maintenance

Danger

Contact with the reels or other moving parts can result in personal injury.

  • Before making any adjustments to the cutting units, disengage the reels, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, and remove the key.

  • Keep your hands and clothing away from the reels or other moving parts.

Changing the Gearbox Lubricant

Service Interval
After the first 100 hours
Every 500 hours / Yearly (Whichever comes first)
  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 26).

  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 26).

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

  5. Tip the cutting unit back onto the kickstand until the drain port is at the bottom to ensure complete drainage (Figure 24).

    g240875
  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 80-90W oil. Fill with 50 cc for 5-inch reels or 90 cc for 7-inch reels.

    g240898
  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).

g241100

Removing the Groomer Drive Box

Note: Retain all removed parts for later installation unless otherwise stated.

Important: If you have any issues removing the groomer drive box, refer to your traction unit Service Manual or contact your authorized Toro distributor.

  1. Remove the cap from the groomer.

  2. Remove the clamp bolts connecting the groomer to the drive box (Figure 16).

  3. Remove the adjuster pin and cotter pin connecting the groomer drive box to the adjuster arms (Figure 27).

    g283882
  4. Restrain the reel for removal; refer to Restraining the Reel for Removing Threaded Inserts.

  5. Install the reinforcement screw (Part No. 1-803022—sold separately) to the internal threads of the groomer drive hex head and torque to 13.5 N⋅m (120 in-lbs) as shown in Figure 27.

  6. Remove the groomer drive box from the cutting reel by turning the groomer drive hex-head (Figure 27).

    Important: If the groomer drive box is installed on the right side of a cutting unit, turn the groomer drive hex-head counter-clockwise (right-hand thread) to remove the drive-box shaft from cutting unit.

    Important: If the groomer drive box is installed on the left side of a cutting unit, turn the groomer drive hex-head clockwise (left-hand thread) to remove drive-box shaft from cutting unit

    Important: You must use a 6-point socket with heavy wall.

Cleaning the Grooming Reel

Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
After each use
  • 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.

    Inspecting the Blades

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Before each use or daily
  • Inspect the grooming-reel blades frequently for damage and wear. Straighten bent blades with a pliers and replace worn blades. When inspecting the blades, check to see that nuts on the right and left blade-shaft ends are tight.

    g010613

    Restraining the Reel

    Warning

    The cutting reel blades are sharp and capable of amputating hands and feet.

    • Keep your hands and feet outside of the reel.

    • Ensure that the reel is restrained before servicing it.

    Restraining the Reel for Removing Threaded Inserts

    1. Loosen the shield-bolt on the left side of the cutting unit and raise the rear shield (Figure 29).

    2. Insert a long-handled pry bar (recommended 3/8" x 12" with screwdriver handle) through the back of the cutting reel, closest to the side of the cutting unit that you will be torquing (Figure 29).

    3. Place the pry bar against the weld side of the reel support plate (Figure 29).

      Note: Insert the pry bar between the top of the reel shaft and the backs of 2 reel blades so that the reel will not move.

      Important: Do not contact the cutting edge of any blades with the pry bar; this may damage the cutting edge and/or cause a high blade.

      Important: The insert on the left side of the cutting unit has left-hand threads. The insert on the right side of the cutting unit has right-hand threads.

      g280383
    4. Rest the handle of the pry bar against the rear roller.

    5. Complete the removal of the threaded insert while ensuring that the pry bar stays in place, then remove the pry bar.

    6. Lower the rear shield and tighten the shield-bolt.

    Restraining the Reel for Installing Threaded Inserts

    1. Insert a long-handled pry bar (recommended 3/8" x 12" with screwdriver handle) through the front of the cutting reel, closest to the side of the cutting unit that you will be torquing (Figure 30).

    2. Place the pry bar against the weld side of the internal cutting reel reinforcement (Figure 30).

      Note: The pry bar should contact a blade at the front, the reel shaft, and a blade at the back of the back of the reel, locking it in place.

      Important: Do not contact the cutting edge of any blades with the pry bar; this may damage the cutting edge and/or cause a high blade.

      Important: The insert on the left side of the cutting unit has left-hand threads. The insert on the right side of the cutting unit has right-hand threads.

      g280384
    3. Rest the handle of the pry bar against the roller

    4. Per the insert’s installation instructions and torque requirements, complete the installation of the threaded insert while ensuring that the pry bar stays in place, then remove the pry bar.