A Guide To Evaluating Reel Mower Performance And Using The TurfEvaluator To receive additional information on the TurfEvaluator™ contact: The Toro Company Commercial Marketing Services Department 8111 Lyndale Avenue South Bloomington, MN 55420-1196 or locate Toro on the Internet at www.toro.com Form No. 97-931-SL ©1997 — The Toro Company. All Rights Reserved. ™ ™ Printed in U.S.A.
TIRE TRACK CAUSE • Tire rolling on grass • Tire pressure has an effect • Inconsistent turf density and texture EFFECT • Appearance - darker color behind tires • Playability - ball roll distance and accuracy are not normally affected if overall cut is acceptable CLIP MARK CAUSE • Incorrect clip spacing for height-of-cut • Reel speed too slow or fast for ground speed • Reel diameter or number of blades not matched to conditions • Inconsistent turf density and texture EFFECT For over 60 years, The Toro Comp
ANGLED RIDGE INDEX CAUSE • Inaccurate height-of-cut at one end • Rollers not parallel • Uneven turf • Worn roller bearings REQUIREMENTS FOR HEALTHY TURF 2 UNDERSTANDING REEL MOWERS 2 EFFECT • Location - overlap area between cutting units • Appearance - ridge in turf with color variations • Playability - affects ball roll distance and accuracy Cutting Unit Configuration 3 SCALPING Cutting Unit Set-Up And Adjustment 4 CAUSE Height-Of-Cut 4 • Cutting below normal maintained height-of-cut • Inco
REQUIREMENTS FOR HEALTHY TURF It is essential to have a basic understanding of healthy turf and reel mowers before evaluating reel mower performance. A visually appealing, predictable turf surface requires many different cultural practices. These include: Irrigation Fertilizing Spraying Aeration Verticutting Seeding Rolling Top Dressing Grooming The execution of these practices in their proper rate and sequence is critical for groomed turf areas.
CUTTING UNIT CONFIGURATION The following illustrations exaggerate after-cut imperfections that the TurfEvaluator™ can detect. Potential cause and effects are listed. The component that most affects reel mower after-cut appearance is the individual cutting unit. Its configuration is critical to the reel mower’s efficiency and performance. As shown below, each component of the cutting unit is designed to perform a specific function.
CUTTING UNIT SET-UP AND ADJUSTMENT USING THE TurfEvaluator™ Reel mower performance depends on proper set-up and adjustment procedures. An error of .010 of an inch, in height end-to-end, or from one cutting unit to another, is visible as a mismatch (see Page 11) on many golf course greens. Many turf discrepancies are subtle and require closer examination. In these instances, the TurfEvaluator™ grass viewing tool is helpful.
EVALUATING REEL MOWER PERFORMANCE Formal, low-cut turf is evaluated primarily for its visual appearance and functional performance, also called “playability.” The turf surface can be given a quick evaluation using sight and touch. After mowing, the surface should be firm with a crisp appearance and feel. This can be sensed by placing an open palm against the surface. A crisp, brush-type feel will usually indicate minimal stragglers and an efficient cut.
OPTIMIZING REEL MOWER PERFORMANCE TRAINING OPERATORS AND MECHANICS Operators and mechanics play a significant role in determining quality of cut, down time, and life of mowing equipment. Make a commitment to train and familiarize staff with each product. MAINTENANCE CHECKS AND ADJUSTMENTS Toro suggests following its reel mower maintenance and adjustment recommendations.
OPTIMIZING REEL MOWER PERFORMANCE TRAINING OPERATORS AND MECHANICS Operators and mechanics play a significant role in determining quality of cut, down time, and life of mowing equipment. Make a commitment to train and familiarize staff with each product. MAINTENANCE CHECKS AND ADJUSTMENTS Toro suggests following its reel mower maintenance and adjustment recommendations.
EVALUATING REEL MOWER PERFORMANCE Formal, low-cut turf is evaluated primarily for its visual appearance and functional performance, also called “playability.” The turf surface can be given a quick evaluation using sight and touch. After mowing, the surface should be firm with a crisp appearance and feel. This can be sensed by placing an open palm against the surface. A crisp, brush-type feel will usually indicate minimal stragglers and an efficient cut.
CUTTING UNIT SET-UP AND ADJUSTMENT USING THE TurfEvaluator™ Reel mower performance depends on proper set-up and adjustment procedures. An error of .010 of an inch, in height end-to-end, or from one cutting unit to another, is visible as a mismatch (see Page 11) on many golf course greens. Many turf discrepancies are subtle and require closer examination. In these instances, the TurfEvaluator™ grass viewing tool is helpful.
CUTTING UNIT CONFIGURATION The following illustrations exaggerate after-cut imperfections that the TurfEvaluator™ can detect. Potential cause and effects are listed. The component that most affects reel mower after-cut appearance is the individual cutting unit. Its configuration is critical to the reel mower’s efficiency and performance. As shown below, each component of the cutting unit is designed to perform a specific function.
REQUIREMENTS FOR HEALTHY TURF It is essential to have a basic understanding of healthy turf and reel mowers before evaluating reel mower performance. A visually appealing, predictable turf surface requires many different cultural practices. These include: Irrigation Fertilizing Spraying Aeration Verticutting Seeding Rolling Top Dressing Grooming The execution of these practices in their proper rate and sequence is critical for groomed turf areas.
ANGLED RIDGE INDEX CAUSE • Inaccurate height-of-cut at one end • Rollers not parallel • Uneven turf • Worn roller bearings REQUIREMENTS FOR HEALTHY TURF 2 UNDERSTANDING REEL MOWERS 2 EFFECT • Location - overlap area between cutting units • Appearance - ridge in turf with color variations • Playability - affects ball roll distance and accuracy Cutting Unit Configuration 3 SCALPING Cutting Unit Set-Up And Adjustment 4 CAUSE Height-Of-Cut 4 • Cutting below normal maintained height-of-cut • Inco
TIRE TRACK CAUSE • Tire rolling on grass • Tire pressure has an effect • Inconsistent turf density and texture EFFECT • Appearance - darker color behind tires • Playability - ball roll distance and accuracy are not normally affected if overall cut is acceptable CLIP MARK CAUSE • Incorrect clip spacing for height-of-cut • Reel speed too slow or fast for ground speed • Reel diameter or number of blades not matched to conditions • Inconsistent turf density and texture EFFECT For over 60 years, The Toro Comp
A Guide To Evaluating Reel Mower Performance And Using The TurfEvaluator To receive additional information on the TurfEvaluator™ contact: The Toro Company Commercial Marketing Services Department 8111 Lyndale Avenue South Bloomington, MN 55420-1196 or locate Toro on the Internet at www.toro.com Form No. 97-931-SL ©1997 — The Toro Company. All Rights Reserved. ™ ™ Printed in U.S.A.
