QUALITY OF CUT 11
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11
QUALITY OF CUT
11.1 QUALITY OF CUT TROUBLESHOOTING _______________________________________
It is recommended that a “test cut” be performed to
evaluate the mower’s performance before beginning
repairs.
An area should be available where “test cuts” can be
made. This area should provide known and consistent
turf conditions to allow accurate evaluation of the
mower’s performance.
Another “test cut” should be performed after the
completion of the repairs and/or adjustments to verify the
mower’s performance.
Before performing a “test cut” to diagnose cut
appearance and mower performance, the following items
should be verified to ensure an accurate “test cut.”
1.
Mowing (Ground) Speed.
2.
Reel Bearing Condition and Pre-Load (End Play)
Adjustment.
3.
Reel and Bedknife Sharpness.
4.
Bedknife Alignment to Reel.
5.
Reel-to-Bedknife Contact.
6.
Height-of-Cut (HOC).
7.
Roller and Roller Bearing Condition.
11.2 WASHBOARDING__________________________________________________________
NOTE: Arrow indicates direction of travel.
Washboarding is a cyclical pattern of varying cutting
heights, resulting in a wave-like cut appearance. In most
cases, the wave tip-to-tip distance is approximately
6—8 in. (15—20 cm). Color variation (light-to-dark) may
also be noticed.
This condition is usually caused by a rocking motion in
the cutting unit(s). This condition is found mostly on
mowers with multiple (suspended) cutting units, but other
causes can produce the same result.
Washboarding may also be caused by variations in the
turf.
Probable Cause
Remedy
Mowing (ground) speed is too fast.
Reduce mowing (ground) speed.
Grass build-up on roller.
Clean the roller and use scrapers or brushes.
Roller is out of round.
Replace roller.
Mowing in the same direction.
Change mowing direction regularly.
Use of a groomer on cleanup pass.
Groomers should be used only in a straight line.
TN0159
