Operator's Manual

7
are spaced closer together and are used more often than
verticutters so that they are more effective in cutting
runners and removing thatch.
Because grooming injures leaf tissue to some degree it
should be avoided 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.
It is difficult to make precise recommendations on use of
grooming reels because so many variables affect the
performance of grooming, including:
• The time of the year (i.e., the growing season) and
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 this
green
• The type of grass on the green
• The overall greens management program
(i.e. irrigation, fertilizing, spraying, coring, over
seeding, etc.)
• Traffic
• Stress periods (i.e., high temperatures, high humidity,
unusually high traffic)
These factors can vary from golf course to golf course and
from green to green. It is important, therefore, to inspect
the greens frequently and vary the grooming practice in
accordance with the need.
The groomer is set at the factory with 1/2 in. (13 mm)
blade spacing. The 1/2 in. setting allows you to groom
slightly deeper to cut stolons without thinning out the turf
excessively. By removing spacers and adding blades or
adding spacers and removing blades the groomer can be
changed to 1/4 in. (6 mm) or 3/4 in. (19 mm) spacing.
Grooming with 1/4 in. (6 mm) blade spacing is
recommended for fast growth periods (spring through
early summer) mainly to thin out the top layer of the
canopy. Grooming with 3/4 in. (19 mm) blade spacing is
recommended for slower growth periods (late summer
through fall and winter). During high stress periods it may
be desirable to not use the grooming reel.
Note: Grooming with 1/4 in. (6 mm) blade spacing will
tend to remove more grass blades and thatch and cut more
runners than grooming with 1/2 in. (13 mm) or 3/4 in.
(19 mm) blade spacing. If you are grooming with 1/4 in.
(6 mm) blade spacing, one or two groomings per week
will probably be sufficient except during maximum
growth periods.
Note: The practice of changing the direction of cut each
time the green is cut should be continued when a groomer
is used. This rotation will enhance the effects of the
grooming.
Raising and Lowering Groomer
To raise or lower the grooming reel:
• Loosen the bolts on the right and left groomer arms
(Fig. 28).
Figure 28
• Rotate the arms up or down (Fig. 29).
Figure 29
1. Raised position
(Transport)
• Tighten the bolts securing the adjustment.