Universal Groomer Drive Kit

Greensmaster® Flex™/eFlex® 1800 and 2100, or Greensmaster® 3000 Series DPA Cutting Units

Model No. 04648-Serial No. 319003270 and Up

Introduction

Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and product damage. You are responsible for operating the product properly and safely.

Visit www.Toro.com for product safety and operation training materials, accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or Toro Customer Service and have the model and serial numbers of your product ready. Figure 1 identifies the location of the model and serial numbers on the product. Write the numbers in the space provided.

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Figure 1

  1. Model and serial number location

This product complies with all relevant European directives. For details, please see the Declaration of Incorporation (DOI) at the back of this publication.

Installation

Preparing the Machine

  1. Park the machine on a level surface.

  2. Engage the parking brake.

  3. Shut off the motor and remove the key; refer to your Operator’s Manual.

  4. If the cutting unit is installed, remove the cutting unit from the traction unit; refer to the Operator's Manual for the traction unit.

Preparing the Cutting Unit

Removing the Front Roller and Height-of-Cut Arms

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

    g335501

    Figure 2

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

  2. Remove the plow bolts and flange 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.

  3. 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.

Removing the Electric Motor Counterweight

Hybrid TriFlex Machines

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 assembly in Preparing the Counterweight.

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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)

Removing the Counterweight

  1. Remove the 2 bolts (5/16 x 2-1/4 inches) from the 2 nuts (held 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.

    g037843

    Figure 4

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

  2. Restrain the reel to remove the bearing nut; refer to Restraining the Reel for Removing Threaded Inserts.

  3. 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.

Removing the Motor Mount

Triflex Machines

Remove the 2 socket-head screw (5/16 x 1-1/4 inches) securing the motor mount to the side plate of the cutting unit, and remove the motor mount (Figure 5).

Note: Retain the motor mount and capscrews installation in Assembling the Motor Mount to the Cutting Unit.

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Figure 5

  1. Socket-head screw (5/16 x 1-1/4 inches)
  2. Motor mount
  3. Side plate

Removing the Reel-Drive

Walk-Behind Greensmowers

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

  1. Remove the 4 socket-head screws that secure the cover to the reel-drive housing (Figure 6).

    g329654

    Figure 6

    1. Reel-drive housing
    2. Cover
    3. Socket-head screws

  2. Remove the flange-head screw (1/4 x 3/4 inch) that secures the reel-drive assembly to the side plate of the cutting unit (Figure 7).

    g329655

    Figure 7

    1. Flange-head screw (1/4 x 3/4 inch)
    2. Side plate (cutting unit)
    3. Socket-head screw (5/16 x 1-1/2 inches)
    4. Reel-drive assembly

  3. Remove the 2 socket-head screws (5/16 x 1-1/2 inches) from the 2 locknuts (held captive in the side plate) that secure the reel-drive assembly to the side plate of the cutting unit, and remove the reel drive (Figure 7).

Installing the Counterweight and Groomer Drive Box

Parts needed for this procedure:

Weight1
Torx-socket screw2
Locknut2
Right reel adapter (silver)1
Left reel adapter (black)1
Shim washer2
Groomer drive box1

Preparing the Counterweight

TriFlex Machines with an Electric Reel-Cutting Unit

  1. Assemble the electric counterweight and 2 cap screws (5/16 x 2-3/4 inches) that you removed in Removing the Electric Motor Counterweight to the new weight (Figure 8).

    g035689

    Figure 8

    1. Cap screw (5/16 x 2-3/4 inches)
    2. Electrical counterweight
    3. New weight

  2. Torque the bolts to 198 to 254 N∙m (175 to 225 in-lb).

Installing the Counterweight

  1. Secure the new weight to the side of the cutting unit using 2 bolts (5/16 inch) and 2 nuts (5/16 inch) as shown in Figure 9.

    Note: Attach the weight to the side of the cutting unit on which you intend to mount the groomer drive box.

    g244756

    Figure 9

    1. Torx-socket screw (5/16 x 1-1/4 inches)
    2. Counterweight
    3. Locknut (5/16 inch)
    4. Counterweight (TriFlex machines with an electric cutting unit)

  2. Torque the screws and locknuts to 20 to 26 N∙m (175 to 225 in-lb).

Installing the Groomer Drive Box

  1. Apply medium-strength thread-locking compound (such as Blue Loctite® 243) to the internal threads of the drive-box shaft as shown in Figure 10 and torque the reel adapter and groomer drive-box shaft to 150 to 163 N∙m (110 to 120 ft-lb).

    Note: Use the silver adapter if you installed the counterweight at the right side of the cutting unit. Use the black reel adapter if you installed the counterweight at the left side of the cutting unit.

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

    g335503

    Figure 10

    1. Groomer drive-box shaft
    2. Reel adapter—silver (groomer drive-box and counterweight at the right side of the cutting unit)
    3. Reel adapter—black (groomer drive-box and counterweight at the left side of the cutting unit)

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

    Note: When torquing the reel adapter and drive-box shaft, restrain the drive-box shaft with a wrench on the wrench flats at the inboard side of the groomer drive box (Figure 11).

    g335523

    Figure 11

    1. Wrench flats (drive-box shaft)
    2. Hex socket (reel adapter)
    3. Groomer drive-box wrench

  2. For a groomer drive box installed at the left side of the cutting unit, assemble 2 shim washers over the threads of the black reel adapter (Figure 12).

    Important: If you are installing the groomer drive box at the right side of the cutting unit, use only 1 shim washer.

    g335115

    Figure 12

    1. Apply thread-locking compound
    2. Reel adapter (black) into reel shaft
    3. Cutting unit
    4. Shim washers
    5. Hex head

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

  4. Attach the groomer drive box to the reel shaft (Figure 12).

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

  5. Restrain the cutting reel to install the gear box assembly; refer to Restraining the Reel for Installing Threaded Inserts.

  6. While the reel is restrained, torque the hex-head of the drive-box shaft to 135 to 150 N∙m (100 to 110 ft-lb); refer to Figure 12.

    Important: You must torque the hex head of the drive-box shaft 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.

    Note: Do not damage the seal under the outer cover.

  7. If you are installing the groomer at the left side of the machine, perform the following (Figure 13):

    1. Remove the hex-socket screw that secures the clutch knob to the actuator shaft.

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

    3. Assemble the clutch knob to the actuator shaft with the hex-socket screw.

      g298196

      Figure 13

      1. Hex-socket bolt
      2. Clutch-knob assembly

Installing the Groomer Drive Cap

Parts needed for this procedure:

Cap1

Perform 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 14).

  2. Install the cap as shown in Figure 14.

    g335524

    Figure 14

    1. Cap
    2. Apply medium-strength bonding compound

Installing the Idler Assembly

Parts needed for this procedure:

Stub-shaft assembly1
Bearing shield2
Idler assembly1
Adjuster collar1
Flange nut1

Assembling the Idler Plate

  1. Assemble the stub-shaft assembly, 2 bearing shields, and flange nut to the idler assembly as shown in Figure 15.

    Important: Install the bearing shields with the fabric side toward the bearing in the idler.

    g329955

    Figure 15

    Left side installation shown

    1. Stub-shaft assembly
    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)

    Note: Assemble the stub shaft and flange nut (Figure 16) on the opposite sides of the idler assembly if you are installing the idler assembly at the right side of the cutting unit.

    g329967

    Figure 16

    Right side installation shown

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

  2. Assemble the adjuster collar into the threaded hole in the Idler assembly (Figure 15 or Figure 16).

  3. Torque adjuster collar to 23 to 31 N∙m (17 to 23 ft-lb).

Assembling the Reel Drive to the Cutting Unit

Walk-Behind Greens Mowers

  1. Align the idler assembly to the cutting unit as shown in Figure 17.

    g335504

    Figure 17

    1. Flange-head screw (1/4 x 3/4 inch)
    2. Idler assembly
    3. Socket-head screw (5/16 x 1-1/2 inches)
    4. Reel-drive

  2. Assemble the idler assembly and reel drive to the cutting unit (Figure 17) with the 2 socket-head screws (5/16 x 1-1/2 inches) and locknuts (5/16 inch) that you removed in Removing the Reel-Drive.

  3. Assemble the reel drive to the cutting unit (Figure 17) with the flange-head screw (1/4 x 3/4 inch).

  4. Torque the fasteners as show in the table that follows:

    FastenerTorque
    Socket-head screw (5/16 x 1-1/2 inches)20 to 26 N∙m (175 to 225 in-lb)
    Flange-head screw (1/4 x 3/4 inch)1017 to 1243 (90 to 110 in-lb)

  5. Assemble the cover to the reel-drive housing (Figure 18) with the 4 socket-head screws (1/4 x 3/4 inch).

    g335505

    Figure 18

    1. Reel-drive housing
    2. Cover
    3. Socket-head screws

  6. Torque the socket-head screws to 10 to 12 N∙m (90 to 110 in-lb).

Assembling the Motor Mount to the Cutting Unit

TriFlex Machines

  1. Align the idler assembly to the cutting unit as shown in Figure 19.

    g329944

    Figure 19

    Motor mount shown with an electric-motor clamp; the hydraulic mount is similar.

    1. Idler assembly
    2. Side plate
    3. Motor mount
    4. Socket-head screw (5/16 x 1-1/4 inches)

  2. Align the idler plate to the side plate of the cutting unit as shown in Figure 19.

  3. Assemble the motor mount through the idler plate and into the side plate of the cutting unit (Figure 19).

  4. Assemble the mount to the plate (Figure 19) with the 2 socket-head screw (5/16 x 1-1/4 inches) that you removed in Removing the Motor Mount.

  5. Torque the socket-head screws to 20 to 26 N∙m (175 to 225 in-lb).

Installing the Groomer Pins

Greensmaster 3120, 3150, and 3250-D Machines Only

Parts needed for this procedure:

Groomer pin2

  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 20).

    g335525

    Figure 20

    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.

Installing the Height-of-Cut Bracket Assemblies and the Front Roller

Parts needed for this procedure:

Left height-of-cut bracket assembly1
Right height-of-cut bracket assembly1
Adjuster pin2
Cotter pin2

  1. Thread the previously removed height-of-cut adjusting screws into the top of the height-of-cut assemblies (Figure 21).

    g335522

    Figure 21

    1. Height-of-cut adjusting screw
    2. Plow bolt and flange locknut
    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 21).

  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 22).

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

    g033273

    Figure 22

    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 23).

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

    g031457

    Figure 23

    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 24).

    g231793

    Figure 24

    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 24).

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

    Note: For setups where additional spring force is required, install the optional flange nut (Part No. 3290-357) to the eye bolt to compress the height-of-groom springs at a low height of groom.When using this optional part, set the spring length to 19 mm (3/4 inch) when the groomer is in the engaged position (Figure 25).

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    Figure 25

    1. Set the spring length to 19 mm (3/4 inch) in the engaged position.
    2. Optional flange nut (Part No. 3290-357)

Installing the Groomer

Parts needed for this procedure:

Bolt (1/4 x 1-1/2 inches)4
Jam locknut4
Shaft clamp4
Grooming reel (order separately)1

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

    • 18-inch twin tip groomer blade (Model 04801)

    • 18-inch soft grooming brush (Model 04268)

    • 18-inch stiff grooming brush (Model 04269)

    • 21-inch twin tip groomer blade (Model 04802)

    • 21-inch soft grooming brush (Model 04270)

    • 21-inch stiff grooming brush (Model 04271)

  2. Line up the grooming reel assembly with the groomer drive box and idler assembly (Figure 26).

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    Figure 26

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

  3. Ensure that the groomer box alignment is correct and do the following:

    1. Loosely install the bolts to hold the groomer assembly in place.

    2. Set the height of cut and height of groom to be equal.

    3. Ensure that the groomer box is centered.

    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.

  4. Tighten the bolts that hold the groomer assembly in place as shown in Figure 26; torque the bolts to 5 to 7 N∙m (46 to 60 in-lb).

    Important: Ensure that you do not put any side load on the groomer box when tightening the bolts and jam nuts; keep the box centered and perpendicular to the reel.

Install the Suspension Front Roller

Parts needed for this procedure:

Pull link kit and extension coupler for Greensmaster 3120, 3150, and 3250 machines (ordered separately)–

Some machines require a pull link kit and extension couplers when installing this universal groomer kit; refer to the following list and their Installation Instructions.

  • Pre-2018 Greensmaster 3120 or 3150 traction units have roller shafts with fine threads and require pull link kit Part No. 106-2643.

  • Post-2018 Greensmaster 3120 or 3150 traction units have roller shafts with course threads and require pull link kit Part No. 138-4976.

  • Greensmaster 3250 traction units require 1 pull link kit Part No. 112-9248 per cutting unit.

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 is not 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.

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Figure 27

  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., hot 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, using the grooming reel may cause damage to the turf.

Note: Using the groomer reel improperly or aggressive groomer use (i.e., grooming too deep or grooming too frequently) 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

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.

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

Groomer Height and Depth Table

Number of rear-roller spacers requiredHeight of cut (HOC)Height-of-grooming range (HOG)
01.5 mm (0.06 inch)3.0 mm (0.12 inch)4.8 mm (0.19 inch)6.4 mm (0.25 inch)0.8 to 1.5 mm (0.03 to 0.06 inch)1.5 to 3.0 mm (0.06 to 0.12 inch)2.3 to 4.8 mm (0.09 to 0.19 inch)3.0 to 6.4 mm (0.12 to 0.25 inch)
17.9 mm (0.31 inch)9.7 mm (0.38 inch)3.8 to 7.9 mm (0.15 to 0.31 inch)4.6 to 9.7 mm (0.18 to 0.38 inch)
211.2 mm (0.44 inch)12.7 mm (0.50 inch)5.3 to 11.2 mm (0.21 to 0.44 inch)6.4 to 12.7 mm (0.25 to 0.50 inch)
315.9 mm (0.625 inch)9.4 to 15.9 mm (0.37 to 0.625 inch)
419.1 mm (0.75 inch)12.7 to 19.1 mm (0.50 to 0.75 inch)

Preparing the Cutting Unit

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

  2. Use the Groomer Height and Depth Table to 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.

Adjusting the Groomer Height

  1. Use the Groomer Height and Depth Table to 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 adjust the groomer 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.

  2. Rotate the quick-up levers (Figure 28) to the OPERATING position (the handle points toward the front of the cutting unit).

    g031469

    Figure 28

    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)

  3. At the end of the groomer reel, measure the distance from the lowest tip of the groomer blade to the working surface (Figure 28). Turn the height-adjuster knob (Figure 28) to raise or lower the tip of the groomer blade to the desired height.

  4. Repeat step 3 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.

Changing the Groomer Operating Direction

The groomer has 3 settings: NEUTRAL(N), FORWARD(F), and REVERSE(R). 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.

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Figure 29

  1. Adjustment notch
  2. Knob

Testing the Groomer Performance

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

Danger

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

  • Before you make any adjustments to the cutting unit, disengage the cutting unit, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, and wait for all movement to stop.

  • Keep your hands, feet, and clothing away from the reel or other moving parts.

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.

  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 different from cutting 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 cutting 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 adjust to the grooming procedure as often as necessary.

Transporting the Machine

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

Maintenance

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 32).

  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 32).

  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 30).

    g299691

    Figure 30

    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.

    g299692

    Figure 31

    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).

g299662

Figure 32

Left side shown

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

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. 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.

    g010613

    Figure 33

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

    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. Tip up the cutting unit so that you access the bottom of the reel.

    2. Insert a long-handled pry bar (recommended 3/8 x 12 inches with a screwdriver handle) through the bottom of the cutting reel, closest to the side of the cutting unit that you will be torquing (Figure 34).

    3. Place the pry bar against the weld side of the reel support plate (Figure 34).

      Note: Insert the pry bar between the top of the reel shaft and the backs of the 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.

      g280339

      Figure 34

      1. Threaded insert for removal
      2. Reel shaft
      3. Weld side of reel support plate
      4. Pry bar

    4. Rest the handle of the pry bar against the 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 cutting unit to rest on the rollers.

    Restraining the Reel for Installing Threaded Inserts

    1. Insert a long-handled pry bar (recommended 3/8 x 12 inches with a screwdriver handle) through the front of the cutting reel, closest to the side of the cutting unit that you will be torquing (Figure 35).

    2. Place the pry bar against the weld side of the reel support plate (Figure 35).

      Note: Insert the pry bar between the top of the reel shaft and the backs of the 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 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.

      g280287

      Figure 35

      1. Threaded insert for installation
      2. Reel shaft
      3. Weld side of the support plate
      4. Pry bar

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

    4. Follow the installation instructions for the threaded inserts to install them while keeping the pry bar in place. Torque the insert as recommended.

    5. Remove the pry bar.