Reference Guide

10
DETECTABLE AFTER-CUT IMPERFECTIONS
The following illustrations exaggerate after-cut imperfections that the
TurfEvaluator™ can detect. Potential cause and effects are listed.
STREAK
CAUSE
• Rifled or uneven wear on bedknife
• Damaged area on bedknife from hitting an
object(s)
• Loose bedknife screws
• Bent reel blade
EFFECT
• Location - within one cutting unit
• Appearance - ridge of darker color
• Playability - affects ball roll distance and accuracy
STRAGGLER (MANY)
CAUSE
• Incorrect bedknife to reel adjustment
• Dull cutting edges
• Not in clip window
• Not using preparation devices
• Inconsistent turf texture and density
• Wrong type of roller used
EFFECT
• Location - within one cutting unit
• Appearance - color variations with non-crisp feel;
contributes to thatch build-up and spongy turf
• Playability - affects ball roll distance and accuracy
STRAGGLER (FEW)
They will have a minimal effect on appearance and
accuracy. Turf is normally acceptable for non-
tournament mowing conditions.
CUTTING UNIT CONFIGURATION
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.
Component Performance Inf luence
• Reel
Diameter - Grass throw pattern and throw distance
- Height-of-cut range
Number of Blades - Cutting efficiency
- Throw pattern
- Length of grass blades
- Clip spacing
- Overall weight of the unit
- Height-of-cut range
Speed - Throw distance
- Cutting efficiency
- Clip spacing
• Bedknife Attitude - Cutting efficiency
(change for different heights-of-cut and turf types)
• Bedknife Type - Usable life
- Durability
- Height-of-cut potential
• Roller Type - Penetration into the turf; affects
effective height-of-cut
- Overall weight of the unit
- Grass clipping build-up on rollers; affects
effective height-of-cut
• Roller Scrapers - Retards grass clipping build-up on rollers
• Preparation Devices - All assist to stand the grass and retard the
Combs build up of grain, thatch and sponginess in
Brushes (rotating & fixed) groomed turf
Groomers
Verticutters
• Mowing Speed - Clip spacing
- Cut cleanliness
- Power requirements
- Stability of cutting unit
3
REQUIREMENTS UNDERSTANDING