Reference Guide

11
EVALUATING
OVERLAP MARK
CAUSE
• Grass is double cut and rolled in this area
• Roller design can have an effect
EFFECT
• Location - overlap area between units
• Appearance - color variations in overlap area
• Playability - normally does not affect playability if
overall cut is good
STRAIGHT MISMATCH
CAUSE
• Inaccurate height-of-cut setting
• Uneven turf
• Different attitude on one unit
• Thicker bedknife on one unit
• Inconsistent turf density
• Worn roller bearings
EFFECT
• Location - overlap area between cutting units
• Appearance - step in turf with color variations
• Playability - affects ball roll distance and accuracy
ANGLED MISMATCH
CAUSE
• Inaccurate height-of-cut
• Rollers not parallel with cutting edge
• Inconsistent turf density and texture
• Worn roller bearings
EFFECT
• Location - overlap area between cutting units
• Appearance - step in turf with color variations
• Playability - affects ball roll distance and accuracy
2
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. Mowing equipment performance is the most
significant contributor to an excellent formal turf surface. Keep in mind
however, that mowing equipment cannot camouflage poor execution or lack
of proper cultural practices.
REQUIREMENTS FOR HEALTHY TURF
UNDERSTANDING REEL MOWERS
When properly maintained and operated, reel mowers provide superior cut
quality. These mowers are typically dedicated to cutting formal turf areas
such as golf course greens, tees and fairways.
A reel mower consists of a rotating reel cylinder equipped with blades and a
stationary bedknife. The reel blades guide grass leaves toward the bedknife
where they are
cut by a shearing-
type action.
It cannot be
overstated that
reel-type mowers
are precision tools.
It is essential that
they be adjusted
and operated with
this in mind.