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; 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.

Parts needed for this procedure:

Torque wrench (Not included)

–

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

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

Parts needed for this procedure:

Extended splined insert (right-hand threads)	3
Extended splined insert (left-hand threads)	2
Flange locknut (3/8 inch)—Model 03768 only	10

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. Restrain the reel to remove the existing splined insert; refer to Restraining the Reel for Removing Threaded Inserts.

3. 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.

   

   Figure 3

   Right side of cutting unit shown

   1. Extended splined insert (Torque to 115 to 128 N∙m (85 to 95 ft-lb))
   2. Apply medium-strength removable locking compound to the threads.

4. Restrain the reel to install the new insert; Restraining the Reel for Installing Threaded Inserts.

5. 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.

6. Remove the carriage bolts and locknuts securing the height-of-cut (HOC) brackets to the cutting-unit side plates (Figure 4).

   Note: Save the carriage bolts to install the new HOC brackets.

   

   Figure 4

   1. Height-of-cut bracket
   2. Carriage bolt
   3. Locknut
   4. Screw
   5. Front roller

7. Loosen the screws securing the height-of-cut brackets to the front-roller shaft (Figure 4).

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

   Note: Save the front roller for later installation.

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 5).

      

      Figure 5

      1. Flange-head bolts
      2. Support rod

   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 6).

      

      Figure 6

      1. Flange-head bolts
      2. Flange locknuts (3/8 inch)

Parts needed for this procedure:

Weight bracket	5
Hex-socket, button-head bolt (3/8 x 3/4 inch)	10
Groomer drive box (left drive)	3
Groomer drive box (right drive)	2

1. Identify the left-drive groomer drive boxes and the right-drive groomer drive boxes; refer to Figure 7.

   

   Figure 7

   1. Right (yellow) adapter
   2. Left (green) adapter
   3. Groomer drive box—right drive
   4. Groomer drive box—left drive

2. 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.

   

   Figure 8

   1. Weight bracket
   2. Hex-socket, button-head bolt—3/8 x 3/4 inch (2)
   3. Groomer drive box (left drive shown)
   4. Thread-locking compound
   5. Hex-head (Torque to 135 to 150 N∙m (100 to 110 ft-lb))

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

4. 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.

5. Restrain the cutting reel; 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: Torque the hex head of the drive-box shaft to 135 to 150 N∙m (100 to 110 ft-lb).

   Important: 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.

Parts needed for this procedure:

Hex-socket bolt	10
Pivot hub	5
O-ring	5
Idler assembly (left)	2
Idler assembly (right)	3
Flange locknut (3/8 inch)—Model 03763 only	10
Jam locknut (3/8 inch)—Model 03768 only	10

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

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

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

   

   Figure 9

   1. Locknut—3/8 inch (2)
   2. Hex-socket bolt (2)
   3. Pivot hub
   4. O-ring
   5. Idler assembly (right side shown)
   6. Apply anti-seize compound on the outside diameter of the hub.

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

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

Parts needed for this procedure:

Left HOC bracket assembly	5
Right HOC bracket assembly	5
Shoulder bolt	10
Hardened washer	5
Flange locknut (3/8 with 5/8 hex)	10

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).

   

   Figure 10

   1. Right HOC bracket assembly
   2. Front roller assembly
   3. Left HOC bracket assembly
   4. Washers
   5. Carriage bolt and flange locknut (3/8 with 5/8 inch hex)

2. Apply medium-strength cylindrical bonding retaining compound (such as Blue Loctite 242^®) to the shoulder bolts prior to installing the adjuster arms to the groomer drive box and the idler assembly.

3. On the groomer box side, position the adjuster-arm rod of the HOC bracket on the inside of the groomer drive box and secure it with a shoulder bolt and a hardened washer as shown in Figure 11; torque the shoulder bolt to 16 to 22 N⋅m (12 to 16 ft-lb).

   Note: The shoulder bolt must be installed from the inside of the machine to the outside of the machine.

   

   Figure 11

   1. Shoulder bolt
   2. Adjuster-arm rod
   3. Hardened washer
   4. Groomer drive box

4. 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 a shoulder bolt as shown in Figure 12; torque the shoulder bolt to 20 to 26 N⋅m (15 to 19 ft-lb).

   

   Figure 12

   1. Shoulder bolt
   2. Adjuster-arm rod
   3. Adjuster collar
   4. Idler assembly

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

   

   Figure 13

   1. Adjusting bolt
   2. Locknut
   3. Carriage bolt and flange locknut (3/8 with 5/8 inch hex)
   4. Flange nut
   5. Capscrew

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

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

Parts needed for this procedure:

Cap

5

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.

   

   Figure 14

   1. Cap
   2. Apply Green Loctite 609®

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

   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 (Figure 15).

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

      

      Figure 15

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

Groomer and Broomer Kits Come Separately

Parts needed for this procedure:

Bolt (1/4 x 1-1/2 inches)	20
Jam nut	20
Shaft clamp	20
Grooming reel (order separately)	5

Parts needed for this procedure:

Washer (Part No. 3256-24, not included)

–

For low height-of-groom setups where additional spring force is required, install additional washers (Part No. 3256-24) to the eye bolt to compress the height-of-groom springs at a low height of groom.

1. Set the desired cutting unit height of cut; refer to your cutting unit Operator’s Manual.

2. Set the desired height of groom; refer to Adjusting the Groomer Height.

3. Ensure that the groomer adjusters are in the engaged (operating) position; refer to Transporting the Machine.

4. Measure the distance between the washers (the current spring length) as shown in Figure 20.

   

   Figure 20

   1. Top washer
   2. Original spring length (distance between top and bottom washers)
   3. Desired spring length with optional washers – 0.75 inches (19 mm)
   4. Bottom washer

5. Subtract the desired (.75 inch or 19 mm) spring length from the current spring length, and divide this difference by 0.06 inches to determine how many washers you need to add to achieve the desired spring length.

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 21. Torque the fitting to 47 to 58 N∙m (35 to 43 ft-lb).

   

   Figure 21

   1. Cutting unit motor
   2. 45° fitting
   3. Groomer adjuster

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.

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.

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.

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 23) 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 23). Turn the height adjuster knob (Figure 23) to raise or lower the groomer blade tip to the desired height.

   

   Figure 23

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

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 Spacers	Recommended HOG = HOC - Groomer Engagement	Recommended HOG = HOC - Groomer Engagement
			(mm)	(inch)
6.3	0.250	0	3.1 to 6.3	0.125 to 0.250
9.5	0.375	0	4.7 to 9.5	0.187 to 0.375
9.5	0.375	1	4.7 to 9.5	0.187 to 0.375
12.7	0.500	0	6.3 to 12.7	0.250 to 0.500
12.7	0.500	1	6.3 to 12.7	0.250 to 0.500
12.7	0.500	2	6.3 to 9.5	0.250 to 0.375
15.8	0.625	0	9.5 to 15.8	0.375 to 0.625
15.8	0.625	1	9.5 to 15.8	0.375 to 0.625
15.8	0.625	2	9.5 to 12.7	0.375 to 0.500
19.0	0.750	1	12.7 to 19.0	0.500 to 0.750
19.0	0.750	2	12.7 to 19.0	0.500 to 0.750
19.0	0.750	3	12.7 to 15.8	0.500 to 0.625
22.2	0.875	1	15.8 to 22.2	0.625 to 0.875
22.2	0.875	2	15.8 to 22.2	0.625 to 0.875
22.2	0.875	3	15.8 to 19.0	0.625 to 0.750
25.4	1.00	2*	19.0 to 25.4	0.750 to 1.00
25.4	1.00	3	19.0 to 25.4	0.750 to 1.00
25.4	1.00	4	19.0 to 22.2	0.750 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.

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.

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.

It is important to determine the performance of the groomer before putting it into regular use.

To determine the proper height/depth setting for quality grooming, 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.

   Note: 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.

When you wish to mow without the groomer or need to transport the machine, move the quick-up lever to the TRANSPORT position (Figure 25).

Note: This moves the groomer reel into a raised position.

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 28).

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 28).

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 26).

   

   Figure 26

   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 the included 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.

   

   Figure 27

   1. Syringe with 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).

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 BOSS 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 shoulder bolt and hardened washer connecting the groomer drive box to the adjuster arm (Figure 29).

   

   Figure 29

   1. Shoulder bolt
   2. Hardened washer
   3. Groomer drive hex-head
   4. Reinforcement screw

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-lb) as shown in Figure 29.

6. Remove the groomer drive box from the cutting reel by turning the groomer drive hex-head (Figure 29).

   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.

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 and replace worn blades. When inspecting the blades, check to see that nuts on the right and left blade-shaft ends are tight.