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:

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).

   

   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).

   

   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).

Parts needed for this procedure:

Parts needed for this procedure:

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.

   

   Figure 14

   1. Cap
   2. Apply medium-strength bonding compound

Parts needed for this procedure:

Parts needed for this procedure:

1. Apply removable thread-locking compound to the hole for the flange-head screw if it is not present on the screw threads.

2. Secure the grass basket guard to the height-of-cut arm (Figure 20).

   

   Figure 20

   Right side shown

   1. Height-of-cut arm
   2. Hole
   3. Grass basket guard (right)
   4. Flange-head screw (shown with or without removable thread-locking compound)

3. Repeat this procedure on the opposite side.

Parts needed for this procedure:

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

   

   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. Apply medium-strength thread-locking compound (such as Blue Loctite® 243) to the shoulder bolts before installing them to the adjuster-arm assemblies.

4. On the groomer drive 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 22; torque the shoulder bolt to 16 to 22 N∙m (12 to 16 ft-lb).

   

   Figure 22

   1. Hardened washer
   2. Adjuster-arm assembly rod
   3. Shoulder bolt

5. On the idler assembly side, secure the adjuster-arm assembly rod to the idler assembly by installing a shoulder bolt through the adjuster-arm rod and into the adjuster collar as shown in Figure 23; torque the shoulder bolt to 20 to 26 N∙m (15 to 19 ft-lb).

   

   Figure 23

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

6. 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).

   

   Figure 24

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

7. Attach the groomer guards to either side of the front roller shaft (Figure 24).

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

Parts needed for this procedure:

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 25).

   

   Figure 25

   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 25; 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.

Parts needed for this procedure:

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 26.

   

   Figure 26

   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.

Parts needed for this procedure:

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Figure 29

1. Adjustment notch
2. Knob

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.

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.

When you wish to mow without the groomer or need to transport the machine, move the quick-up lever to the TRANSPORT position (Figure 30).

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

Figure 30

1. TRANSPORT position
2. OPERATION position

1. Clean the external surfaces of the groomer housing.

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

2. Remove the drain plug on the bottom of the housing (Figure 33).

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 33).

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 31).

   

   Figure 31

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

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

7. Install the drain plug.

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

   

   Figure 32

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

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

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

Figure 33

Left side shown

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

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 34).

3. Remove the shoulder bolt and hardened washer connecting the groomer drive box to the adjuster arm (Figure 34).

   

   Figure 34

   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 34.

6. Remove the groomer drive box from the cutting reel by turning the groomer drive hex-head (Figure 34).

   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.

Figure 35

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

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°, and install it so that the unworn side is facing the direction of rotation.

Note: Because the groomer may introduce more debris (e.g., 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.