REEL MOWER

CUTTING UNITS
CLICK TITLE TO VIEW ANIMATION OF REEL PROCEDURE
1. Bed Knife Replacement

2. Reel to Bed Knife Clearance

3. Replacing & Adjusting Bed Knife

4. Setting Height-of-Cut Range

5.Quick Roller Height Adjustments (1/8 in.)

6. Roller Height Adjustments Less than 1/8 in.

TECHNICAL
MANUAL

John Deere
Lawn & Grounds Care Division
TM1528 (24MAY93)
Replaces TM1528 (10AUG92)

Litho in U.S.A
Introduction
FOREWORD This manual is written for an experienced
technician. Essential tools required in performing certain
service work are identified in this manual and are recom-
Safety
mended for use. Live with safety: Read the safety mes-
sages in the introduction of this manual and the cautions
presented throughout the text of the manual. Specifications and
Information
This is the safety-alert symbol. When you see this
symbol on the machine or in this manual, be alert to the
potential for personal injury. Binders, binder labels, and
22 Inch Reel Mower 22 Re

tab sets can be ordered by John Deere dealers direct from

the John Deere Distribution Service Center. This manual
is part of a total product support program. 22 Inch Vertical C.U. 22 VC

The manual is organized so that all the information on a

particular system is kept together. The order of grouping is
as follows:
MARK I Reel Mower MARK

• Table of Contents
• Illustrated Table of Contents MARK II Reel Mower MARK
• Troubleshooting Diagram
• Diagnostics
• Theory of Operation
• Tests & Adjustments 30 Inch Train
Power Vertical C.U. 30 VC
• Assembly & Disassembly

E.S.P. 26 Inch C.U. ESP 2

Note: Depending on the particular section or system
being covered, not all of the above groups may
be used. E.S.P. 30 Inch C.U. ESP 3

Each section or CTM will be identified with a symbol rather

E.S.P
than a number. The groups within a section will be
consecutively numbered.
E.S.P. 30 Inch VCU VCU

All information, illustrations and specifications in this

manual are based on the latest information available at
Attachments
the time of publication, The right is reserved to make
changes at any time without notice.

COPYRIGHT© 1993
JOHN DEERE HORICON WORKS
Horicon, Wisconsin
All rights reserved
Notes:
INFORMATION CONTENTS

Page

INFORMATION
1987 REEL MOWER SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS &
YEAR OF PRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1988 REEL MOWER SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS &
YEAR OF PRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1989 REEL MOWER SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS &
YEAR OF PRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1990 REEL MOWER SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION &
YEAR OF PRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1991 REEL MOWER SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION &
YEAR OF PRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1992 REEL MOWER SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION &
YEAR OF PRODUCTION 3
REEL MOWER AND VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT
SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION AND YEAR OF
PRODUCTION FOR 1993 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
GOLF AND TURF TERMINOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
GRINDING REELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

11/30/94 i-1
Specifications & Information

1987 REEL MOWER SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS & YEAR OF PRODUCTION

303, 305 Gang Mowers and 86-Inch Mounted Mowers were the only products that used reel mowers in
1987 and they all had the MARK I Cutting Units. In 1987 there were no serial numbers on the cutting units.

1988 REEL MOWER SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS & YEAR OF PRODUCTION

In 1988 303,305 Gang Mowers and 86-Inch Mounted Mowers used MARK I Cutting Units. MARK II
Cutting Units were used on the 3325 Professional Turf Mower. All 1988 Cutting Units were either returned
to John Deere from Distributor inventory or reworked at the manufacturer and given new 1989 serial
numbers.
Therefore, there were no 1988 serial numbered machines.

1989 REEL MOWER SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS & YEAR OF PRODUCTION

MARK I Cutting Units in 1989 were installed on the 305 Gang Mower and the 86- Inch Mounted Gang
Mower. The MARK II's were used only on the 3325 Professional Turf Mower. There were also some 30-
Inch Cutting Units that were sold to Region II in Europe that were given a different range of serial
numbers. These are identified in the table below as "Langar" Units. The serial number (A) is located on the
horizontal top frame member.
SERIAL NUMBER RANGE DESCRIPTION

830001 - 832000 ............................................................................................................. MARK I 30-Inch Cutting Units

832001 - 836000 ............................................................................................................ MARK II 30-Inch Cutting Units
837001 - 837300 .............................................................................................................. Langar MARK I Cutting Units
837301 - 837500 ............................................................................................................. Langar MARK II Cutting Units

1990 REEL MOWER SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION & YEAR OF PRODUCTION

1990 was the first year for the 2243 Professional Greens Mower. John Deere 22- Inch Cutting Units were
used exclusively on the 2243. MARK I and MARK II, 30- Inch Cutting Units were produced in 1990 and
were used on the same Gang Mowers and Professional Turf Mowers as 1989. The serial number range for
22-Inch and 30-Inch Cutting Units for 1990 is as follows. All serial numbers are located on the horizontal
top frame member.
SERIAL NUMBER RANGE DESCRIPTION

840001 - 865000 ...........................................................................................................................22-Inch Cutting Units

867001 - 867500 ............................................................................................................. MARK I 30-Inch Cutting Units
867501 - 869000 ............................................................................................................ MARK II 30-Inch Cutting Units

1991 REEL MOWER SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION & YEAR OF PRODUCTION

1991 mirrors reel mower cutting unit application as 1990. The serials numbers, like the previous year are
located on the top frame member. Listed below, are the ranges of serial numbers for 1991 cutting units.
SERIAL NUMBER RANGE DESCRIPTION

880001 - 905000 ..................................................................................................All 22-Inch and 30-Inch Cutting Units

i-2 11/30/94
 Specifications & Information

1992 REEL MOWER SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION & YEAR OF PRODUCTION

For 1992, the serial numbers for MARK I, MARK II, 22-Inch and 30-Inch Cutting Units will have a new
set of numbers as listed below, since these units are the responsibility of John Deere Horicon Works.
22-Inch Cutting Units will continue to be used exclusively for the 2243 Professional Greens Mower.
MARK I's will continued to be used on the 305 Gang Mower. MARK II Cutting Units will be used for the
3325 Professional Turf Mower and the John Deere E.S.P. 30-Inch Cutting Units are manufactured for the
3365 Professional Turf Mower. Like the previous years, serial number locations are on the horizontal top
frame member. Below are the serial number ranges for 1992.
SERIAL NUMBER RANGE DESCRIPTION

M0GT22G010001 ..........................................................................................................................22-Inch Cutting Unit

........................................................................................................................................... 22-Inch Vertical Cutting Unit
M00MK1G912001 ............................................................................................................ MARK I 30-Inch Cutting Unit
M00MK2G912001 ........................................................................................................... MARK II 30-Inch Cutting Unit
M0GT30G010001 ............................................................................................John Deere E.S.P. 30-Inch Cutting Unit

REEL MOWER AND VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION

AND YEAR OF PRODUCTION FOR 1993
For 1993, serial number information is listed below. The units new to the line are the 26-inch ESP reels and
30-inch ESP Vertical Cutting Units. The 26-inch ESP’s are used exclusively on the 2653 Professional Util-
ity Mower and the 30-inch Vertical Cutting Units can be used on the 3325 (with adapter kit) and 3365 Pro-
fessional Turf Mower.
SERIAL NUMBER RANGE DESCRIPTION

MOGT22G020001 ............................................................................................................. 22-inch

Cutting Unit
M0VC22G02001 ..................................................................................................22-inch Vertical Cutting Unit
MOO26HX010001 ................................................................................John Deere E.S.P. 26-inch Cutting Unit
MOOMKIG915001 .............................................................................................. MARK I 30-inch Cutting Unit
MOOMK2G912001 .............................................................MARK II 30-inch Cutting Unit (same s/n as 1992)
MOGT30G020001 ................................................................................John Deere E.S.P. 30-inch Cutting Unit
MOVC30G020001 .................................................................. John Deere E.S.P. 30-inch Vertical Cutting Unit

GOLF AND TURF TERMINOLOGY resulting from mower maladjustment, too fast a
rate of mower travel, or too low a frequency of
1. Compaction - The pressing together of the soil clip for the cutting height. Marcelling usually
particles into a more dense soil mass. happens when the clip ratio is less than the
2. Coring - A method of turf cultivation in which mowing height.
soil cores are removed by hollow tines or spoons. 6. Slicing - A form of cultivation involving a deep,
3. Cultivation - Working of the soil without vertical-cutting action, used to open the soil as
destruction of the turf; eg., coring, slicing, well as the turf.
grooving, forking, spiking or shattering.
7. Spoon Coring - A method of turf cultivation
4. Vertical Mowing - A method of turf cultivation involving curved, hollow or open, spoon like
using vertical cutting blades to cut continuous tines that remove small soil cores and leave
slits through the turf and into the soil, thatch, and openings in the sod.
displace green plant material. 8. Intermediate Rough (Fairway Rough) - A narrow
5. Marcelling (Rippling) - A wave or washboard 6 to 9 foot wide strip of irrigated turf running
pattern on the surface of mowed grass, usually

11/30/94 i-3
Specifications & Information

parallel to each side of the fairway which is 18. Dethatch - Removal of an excess thatch
mowed at a height between those of the fairway accumulation either (a) mechanically, as by
and the primary rough. vertical cutting, or (b) biologically, as by
9. Primary Rough - That portion of the rough topdressing with soil.
immediately surrounding a fairway where errant 19. Grain, turf - The undesirable, horizontally
balls are most likely to be found; it may be oriented growth of grass, leaves, shoots, and
maintained at an intensity of culture between stolons on greens; a rolling ball tends to be
those of the fairway and the most distant deflected from a true course in the direction of
secondary rough. orientation.
10. Putting Green Surrounds - The immediate turfed 20. Mowing Frequency - The number of mowings
area adjacent to and outside the collar, but not per unit of time, or the interval in days between
including the apron, that is usually maintained one mowing and the next.
similar to the primary rough. 21. Putting Green - The area of the hole being
11. Secondary Rough - That portion of the rough played that is specially prepared for putting or
outside the primary rough and most distant from otherwise defined as such by the committee. A
the fairway that is mowed less frequently and ball is deemed to be on the putting green when
higher than the primary rough and may have a any part of it touches the putting green. Putting
woodland character. greens are mowed between 3/32 and 3/8 inch (2.5
12. Rough - Not specifically defined in the "Rules of to 8 mm) depending on the quality desired.
Golf". It is included in through-the-green as 22. Scalping - The removal of an excessive quantity
follows: Through-the-green is the whole area of of green shoots at any one mowing which results
the course except; (a) teeing ground and putting in a stubby, brown appearance from exposed
green of the hole being played and (b) all hazards stems, stolons and dead leaves.
on the course. In terms of maintenance, a rough is 23. Spiking - A method of turf cultivation in which
the area of the course surrounding the green, the solid tines or flat pointed blades penetrate the turf
tee, and the fairway of each hole that is usually and soil surface.
mowed at a height between 2.5 and 4.0 inches 24. Stimpmeter - A portable device designed to
(6.35 and 10 centimeters) depending on the grass measure the speed and uniformity of putting
species. greens.
13. Apron - The fairway area in closest proximity to 25. Thatch - An intermingled organic layer of dead
and in front of the putting green which adjoins the and living shoots, stems and roots that develops
putting green collar; sometimes referred to as the between the zone of green vegetation and the soil
approach. This area is normally mowed at surface.
fairway height, but sometimes is mowed with
26. Topdressing - A prepared soil mix added to a turf
smaller equipment to preserve or improve on the
surface and usually physically worked in by
quality of the turf thereon.
matting, raking and/or irrigating to a smooth
14. Collar - A narrow area of turf adjoining the surface.
putting surface which is mowed at a height
27. Overseeding - Seeding cool-season turfgrasses
intermediate between those of the fairway and the
onto warm-season turfgrasses at or near their start
putting surface. This cut is normally 5/16 to 1/2
of winter dormancy; used in mild climates to
inch (8 to 13 mm). The collar width normally
provide green, growing turf during the winter
desired is approximately 36 inches (90 cm), but
period when the warm-season species are brown
varies depending on the total green area.
and dormant.
15. Cutting height - The distance above the soil line
28. Tee - The area of the whole being played that is
that grasses are clipped.
specially prepared for hitting the first shot of each
16. Bench setting - The height at which the bed knife hole. It contains the teeing ground, designated by
is set above a firm, level surface. two tee markers.
17. Effective cutting height - The actual height at 29. Clip Ratio - The forward distance traveled
which grasses are cut. Varies from bench setting between successive cutting contacts at any one
depending on degree of thatch and floatation of shear point.
cutting unit.

i-4 11/30/94
 Specifications & Information

GRINDING REELS

A
C
B C
A
B
A C B

H
D H H
F

F
E G

A-Cutting Edge C-Grind Pattern E-Excessive Relief Grind G-Secondary Relief Grind
B-Grinding Wheel D-No Relief Grind F-20° Relief Grind H-Backlapped Surface

1. Ensure reel is free of dirt, rust, scale or grease.

2. Refer to grinder manufacturer’s operation manual for proper setup and grinding procedures.
3. Grind reel blades to obtain a 20° relief angle (F) over the entire length of each blade. If desired, a
secondary relief (G) can be ground.

11/30/94 i-5
Specifications & Information

Notes:

i-6 11/30/94
22 REEL CONTENTS

Page
22 REEL
IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
COMPONENT LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
INFORMATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Reel And Bed Knife Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 22 Re
Reel/bed Knife Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Relief Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Backlapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Greens Tender Conditioner (Gtc) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Smooth Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Grooved Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Performance Variables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
REPAIR SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Remove Front Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Roller Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
AET10558 Grooved Roller Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
AET10558 Grooved Roller Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Roller Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Bed Knife/support Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Bed Knife/support Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Reel Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Pivot Arm Disassembly And Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Pivot Arm Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Reel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Greens Tender Conditioner (Gtc) Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Greens Tender Conditioner Disassembly/inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Greens Tender Conditioner (Gtc) Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Fabricated Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Backlapping And Reel-to-bed Knife Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Reel And Bed Knife Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Reel-to-bed Knife Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Backlapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Height-of-cut (Hoc) Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Rear Roller (Hoc) Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Rear Roller/bed Knife Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Adjusting Greens Tender Conditioner (Gtc) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

11/30/94 -1
 22 Inch Cutting Unit IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION

IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION

The 22-Inch Cutting Units manufactured by John Deere prior to 1992 were made at the John Deere
Ottumwa factory. They can be identified by a yellow reel, purchased from Tsuchiya. The cutting units with
black reels are made at the John Deere Horicon Works. The reels of those latest units are also made by John
Deere.
Two reels are available from John Deere. A 9-blade reel for greens and tees and a 5-blade reel for tee
collars and fairway mowing applications. A Greens Tender Conditioner can be mounted to the 22-Inch
2 Reel Cutting Unit for slicing stolons, providing grain control and a truer playing surface. There is also a Power
Brush Attachment for the 22-Inch Cutting Unit. It is used to keep the rear roller clear of cut-grass build-up
that affects cutting height.
22-Inch cutting units are used only on the 2243 Professional Greens Mower.

COMPONENT LOCATION

Counterweight

Eccentric Bolt

Grease Fitting

Pivot Arm
Grease Fittings
Reel-To-Bed knife Adjustment

Front Roller Height Of Cut Adjustment

-2 11/30/94
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS 22 Inch Cutting Unit

GTC AND POWER BRUSH COMPONENT LOCATION

Power Brush

22 Re

GTC

Power Brush Drive Belt and Pulleys GTC Depth Of Cut

Adjustment
GTC Gear Case
GTC Engagement Knob

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM SPECIFICATION
Make . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Deere
Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55.9 cm (22 in)
Backlapping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . On machine variable speed
Clip Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Performance Variables
Front Rollers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Optional (smooth or grooved)
Reel Diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.7 cm (5 in)
Bed Knife Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reel to Bed Knife
Height-of-Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4 to 19mm (3/32 to 3/4 in)
Number of Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (standard) 9 (greens)
Number of Blades (optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 (fairways)
Cutting Unit Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydraulic
Bed Knife Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3mm (1/8 in)
Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.38 mm (3/32 in)
Fairway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.5 mm (1/4 in)
Options:
Greens Tender Conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Standard spacing 6.5 mm (1/4 in)
Rear Roller Power Brush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Optional
Rear Solid Roller Scraper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Optional

11/30/94 -3
 22 Inch Cutting Unit INFORMATION

INFORMATION REEL/BED KNIFE GRINDING

Reasons for grinding:

REEL AND BED KNIFE
RELATIONSHIP To restore the cylindrical shape of a reel that has
become cone-shaped due to improper adjustment of
Reel Mowers are precision machines requiring daily the reel-to-bed knife clearance or worn reel
maintenance to maintain the well-groomed bearings.
appearance of turfgrass. The scissor-like shearing
2 Reel To restore the edge when the grass is not being cut
action, that only a reel mower is capable of
achieving, is only possible if the reel and bed knife across the entire length of the bed knife, evidenced
are sharp and the reel-to-bed knife clearance is by streaks of grass left after the mower has passed.
maintained. Usually the result of nicked blades caused by hitting
foreign objects in the grass.
Close examination of the reel-to-bed knife
relationship reveals two square edges passing one To restore the edge when the lack of frequent
another with approximately .002 of an inch backlapping allowed the edge to be rounded beyond
clearance. the capability of the backlapping procedure to
restore the edge.
There are several reasons why this clearance is
necessary. To restore the edge when the reel-to-bed knife
clearance has been improperly adjusted (Reel
When the reel is allowed to contact the bed knife, contacting bed knife).
the square (sharp) edges of the reel and bed knife
will rollover, becoming dull. Cutting action begins as the bed knife positions the
grass to be cut at the cutting edge. The reel then
Contact between the reel and bed knife generates pulls the grass towards the bed knife where it is
heat. Heat generated through this contact will distort sheared by the cutting edges as they pass one
the shape of the bed knife. Distortion causes the bed another.
knife to draw closer to the reel, resulting in more
rollover of the cutting surfaces and more heat In order for the grass to be cut at the proper height, it
generated in the bed knife. must contact the bed knife at the cutting edge. This
is accomplished by grinding a 5° relief angle on the
Drag produced by an improperly adjusted cutting front face of the bed knife. Without a relief angle,
unit may result in an unacceptable clip ratio, undue the blade of grass will contact the lower edge of the
strain on drive mechanisms and premature wear of bed knife and be bent over at too much of an angle
the cutting unit. prior to being cut. In the case of mowing greens,
where very small cuts are being taken, the reel may
not capture the grass at all, and no grass will be cut.
Although some spingrinding machine manufacturers
say backlapping is not necessary, John Deere
recommends backlapping after spingrinding to
remove burrs and rough edges left from the
spingrinding procedure. Backlapping produces a
honed edge that will cut the grass evenly and leave
the tops of the grass with clean, straight edges.
It is important to note, dull cutting edges will tear
rather than shear the grass drawn into the bed knife.
This will shock the grass plant and retard its growth.

-4 11/30/94
INFORMATION 22 Inch Cutting Unit

RELIEF GRINDING

CORRECT INCORRECT

Double Relief Flat

Relief Grind Grind Ground

Relief
22 Re
Grind

Secondary Relief

20° 20° Excessive

Relief
No Relief
Cutting Edge Cutting Edge

5° Relief

5° Relief

John Deere recommends Relief Grinding the reel and bedknife for these reasons:
• Reduced blade contact area, results in less friction, requiring less horsepower to drive the reel.
• Ensures longer wear life.
• Less time is required to backlap.
• Reduces pulling and tearing of the grass as the unit gets dull by use.
• Provides an area for backlapping compound to be trapped to more effectively backlap reels.
• Relief grinding removes metal from the trailing edge of the blade forming an angle (Relief Angle) to
reduce the contact
• area of the cutting edges.
• Because of the relief grind it is possible, with backlapping, to true a reel (make it round) if a blade is
0.001" to 0.002" too high.

BACKLAPPING
This procedure is used to maintain a sharp cutting Usually course compounds are used initially
edge between grindings. See Reel/Bed Knife followed by a fine abrasive "tournament grade" for
Grinding, in this section, to determine if grinding is final honing. Recommended grits for greens and
necessary. tees when using the 22" cutting units are 120, 180
and 220. Recommended compounds for fairways
Backlapping, when compared to grinding, removes a are 60, 80 and 100 grit. Reel sharpening compounds
very small amount of metal, requires less time and should not be toxic, oily or greasy.
will effect a smooth, clean cut.
The cutting unit should be inspected, lightly
The backlapping procedure is accomplished by backlapped, adjusted and checked every 20 hours.
spinning the reel backwards while applying special of operation for a uniform cut along the complete
abrasive compounds to the reel. length of the bed knife.

11/30/94 -5
 22 Inch Cutting Unit INFORMATION

It is important that the adjustment allows the reel to GROOVED ROLLER

turn freely without dragging against the bed knife.
The grooved roller is used as a ground sensing
Metal-to-metal contact will generate heat, causing
device to detect changes in the contour of the turf as
the reel to expand and intensifying the dragging that
the mower moves forward. The main advantage in
produces more heat. This viscous cycle will quickly
using a grooved roller rather than a smooth one
"shut-down" a mower.
comes when cutting long grass that is very wet.
Grass that is wet will tend to stay down rather than
2 Reel GREENS TENDER CONDITIONER spring up after the roller passes. Grooved rollers will
(GTC) not bend the grass over, allowing it to be cut rather
than passed over.
The conditioning process involves shallow vertical
cutting. The blades are adjusted to cut runners and Along with advantages come disadvantages.
lift horizontal leaf material. It is important Not to Because of the reduced contact area, inherent with a
use a GTC for three days following Top Dressing. It grooved roller, the roller may penetrate deeper into
is also important that frequent and thorough the soil, (especially in wet conditions) lowering the
observations be performed or stress to the plants effective cutting height and possibly scalping the
may occur. Stress has occurred when a yellow or turf. Serious consideration should be given to
brown tint is observed in the color of the grass. mowing Greens with a smooth roller attached,
especially when the turf is very wet.
Grass is conditioned initially with the blades set 1/
32 in. (0.79 mm) below height-of-cut.
The green is then examined closely for PERFORMANCE VARIABLES
inconsistencies or appearance of over- Three performance variables that affect the quality
aggressiveness. GTC penetration should be of cut are.
decreased if indications are present. Number of reel blades
After 1 to 2 hours the green is checked for stress. If Reel rpm
visible stress is observed, GTC penetration is
decreased to 1/64 in. (0.25 mm) below height-of-cut. Ground speed of machine
Conditioning is continued at this setting for three to
NOTE: When discussing performance variables, we
five days checking frequently for signs of stress. If
must assume that other factors such as rate of
no stress is observed, GTC penetration is increased
growth, mowing frequency, soil fertility and
by 0.010 in. (0.25 mm) while observing every two to
equipment condition have been considered
three days for signs of stress.
and are not affecting the quality of cut.
Stress is a cumulative result of many factors such as
irrigation, temperature, humidity, chemical To apply Performance Variables to a formula we
application etc. Conditioning aggressiveness will need to understand three terms:
require adjustment and monitoring as these factors Shear point - A single point of cutting contact
vary. Conditioning frequency may also need to be between the cutting unit and the turf. Due to the Reel
reduced in some cases. mower design, there are an infinite number of shear
points across the bed knife.
SMOOTH ROLLER Clip Ratio (CR) - The forward distance traveled
The roller is used as a ground sensing device to between successive cutting contacts at any one shear
detect changes in the contour of the turf as the point.
mower moves forward. Cutting Height (CH) - The distance above the soil
A smooth roller is always used on the rear of a line that grasses are clipped.
cutting unit to establish the cutting height range. A The most uniform cut occurs when the Clip Ratio
front roller used in conjunction with a rear roller is (CR) equals the Cutting height (CH). If CR is 20%
needed to achieve more exact cutting heights. greater than CH, Marcelling (a wavy, rib-like
appearance) can occur. CR should be within 20% of
CH. Therefore a CH of 0.50" requires a CR of 0.40"

-6 11/30/94
REPAIR SPECIFICATIONS 22 Inch Cutting Unit

to 0.60". If CH is 20% greater than CR, the rotating Example

blades create a fanning affect that blows the grass Using:
down without cutting it. CR is controlled by the
Performance Variables, (the number of blades 2243 Professional Greens Mower at a tested reel
selected, ground speed and reel speed). speed of 2100 RPM
Of these Performance Variables, only two, in most 9 blade reel on a 22" cutting unit
cases, are we able to change. We can use a reel with CH = CR (0.14)
a different number of blades, and/or we can change
Find: MPH (Vehicle Speed) 22 Re
the vehicle ground speed.
(2100) x (.14) x (9) ÷ 1056 = 2.5 MPH
Since we know the number of blades the reel has,
what the reel speed is, the cutting height and the clip
ratio (since CR must equal CH), let's find the vehicle NOTE: To calculate MPH, multiply .68148 x ft.
ground speed. traveled/sec. Another way to calculate speed
is to measure off an 88 ft. distance, record the
Here's the formula: length of time, in seconds, it takes to travel
MPH = (Reel rpm) x (CR or CH) x (Number of Reel that distance and divide 60 by that time.
Blades) ÷ 1056

REPAIR SPECIFICATIONS
Item Specification
Bed Knife Top surface, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5° Relief Angle
Front Surface, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5° Relief Angle
Reel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spin Grind 20° Relief Grind
Roller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Smooth,Grooved
Bed Knife Support
Mounting Bolts
(Lower) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 N•m (35 lb-ft.)
(Upper). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 N•m (60 lb-ft.)
Mounting Screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 N•m (53 lb-in.)
Reel Mounting
Pivot Arm
(Forward) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 N•m (35 lb-ft.)
(Rear) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 N•m (60 lb-ft.)
Roller Mounting
Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 N•m (35 lb-ft.)
Reel/Bed Knife
Clearance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-0.025 mm (0-0.001 in.)

TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Problem Solution
Marcelling Ground speed too See Performance Variables,
High
Engine rpm too See Machine Operator's
Low Manual
Reels are dull See Backlapping Procedure
Wrong Number of See Performance Variables,
Reel Blades For Desired CR

11/30/94 -7
 22 Inch Cutting Unit TROUBLESHOOTING

Streaking Reel/Bed Knife Clearance See Backlapping and Reel-

nconsistent/Excessive to-Bed Knife Adjustment
IAlong Bed Knife
Nick(s) in Reel or Grind Reel and Bed Knife
Bed Knife
HOC Changes Roller Clamp Bolts See HOC Adjustment

2 Reel Loose
Roller Bearings See Roller Removal
Worn
Roller Out-Of-Round See Roller Removal
Cutting Unit Not See Machine Operator's
Floating Properly Manual
Changing Soil Use a Smooth Roller
Conditions
Grass Too Wet Allow Sufficient Time To Dry
Cut Grass Collecting Install Scraper or Power
on roller Brush on Roller
Traction Unit Pivot Repair Or Replace
Arms Worn
Poor Quality Improper Reel to See Reel-to-Bed Knife
of Cut Bed Knife Clearance Adjustment
Reel/Bed Knife Dull See Backlapping and Reel-
to-Bed Knife Adjustment
Excessive grass growth Mow more frequently
Reel Does Not Improper Reel to See Reel-to-Bed Knife
Rotate Bed Knife Clearance Adjustment
Reel Bearings Worn See Reel Removal
Or Seized
Machine Not Operating See Machine Operator's
Properly Manual
Unit Not Cutting Excessive Grass Growth
along with wet conditions
Dull Cutting Unit See Backlapping and Reel
-To-Bed Knife Adjustment
Incorrect Reel-To-Bed Knife Clearance
Machine Speed To Slow See Performance Variables
Too many Reel Blades Too many reel blades, in
highgrass, would fan the
grass down without cuttingit.

-8 11/30/94
REPAIR 22 Inch Cutting Unit

REPAIR 5. Remove brackets (B) from bearing shafts. It may

be necessary to press the bearing shaft from the
bracket if corroded.
REMOVE FRONT ROLLER
1. Remove cutting unit from the tractor. If the ROLLER ASSEMBLY
cutting unit is not removed from the tractor, rest
the cutting unit on wood blocks and be sure to 1. Install grease fittings (C).
observe the following Caution. 2. Position brackets (B) on roller as shown. Install
set screws and jam nuts (A), Do Not tighten. 22 Re

c CAUTION AET10558 GROOVED ROLLER

DISASSEMBLY
Never allow more than one person at a time to
1. Secure roller in a vice. Remove grease fittings.
work on any one cutting unit. Never allow work to
be accomplished on more than one cutting unit at 2. Use a hammer and a block of wood to knock out
the same time. Serious personal injury could the opposite end bearing.
result.
Always wear protective gloves when working on or
near a reel or gtc. Serious personal injury can
result fromcontact with sharp cutting edges.

2. Loosen height-of-cut adjusting nuts (A).

3. Remove bearing from shaft and repeat step 2 to

knock out the other end bearing.

3. Make note of washers and remove cap screws and AET10558 GROOVED ROLLER
washers (B). ASSEMBLY
Remove front roller with brackets (C).

ROLLER DISASSEMBLY

NOTE: Smooth and machine grooved rollers have

identical disassembly and assembly
procedures.

1. Clean roller end cap and bearing shaft with crocus

cloth. Pack bearings with grease.
2. Install bearing shaft and bearings (sealed end of
bearing towards inside). Apply grease to lip of
seal and install with seal lip facing the bearing.
3. Install opposite seal.
4. Install grease fittings and lubricate (Do not over-
4. Loosen jam nuts (A) and remove set screws. lubricate, a shot of grease is fine).

11/30/94 -9
 22 Inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

ROLLER INSTALLATION BED KNIFE/SUPPORT INSTALLATION

1. Use a scraper and a wire brush to remove scale
and rust from the bed knife mounting surface.
2. Check the bed knife mounting surface with a
straight edge for distortion, straighten or replace
as necessary.

2 Reel

1. Insert bracket ends through frame slots (A).

2. Apply NEVER-SEEZ® to the threads of the
clamp bolts (B) and install.
3. Center the roller between the mounting brackets
and tighten the set screws and jam nuts (C). 3. Position the bed knife on the support. Secure with
4. Refer to (HOC) adjustments. new mounting screws (C) starting with the center
screw and working your way toward the ends of
the bed knife alternating from side to side.
BED KNIFE/SUPPORT REMOVAL Tighten to 9 N•m (7 lb-ft.).
4. Clean the mounting screw threads and clean the
bolt shoulders with crocus cloth. Apply NEVER-
SEEZ® to the threads and shoulders of the
mounting bolts.
5. Position the bed knife support (B) in the frame
and rear shield locator (C). Secure with four
mounting bolts (A). Tighten the bolts according
to specifications.

1. Loosen the lower reel adjuster nuts and turn the

top adjuster nuts clockwise to obtain maximum
clearance between the reel and the bed knife.
2. Remove the four bed knife support mounting
bolts (A) and remove the bed knife and support
(B).

3. Using an impact driver, remove the bed knife

mounting screws (C) and discard the mounting 6. See Reel-to-bed knife clearance adjustment.
screws.

- 10 11/30/94
REPAIR 22 Inch Cutting Unit

REEL REMOVAL 3. Inspect bearings and bearing cups for scoring,

pitting or bluing from overheating.

c CAUTION
4. Inspect reel bearing surfaces and seal contact
surfaces for corrosion. Use crocus cloth to
smooth and polish the surface for better sealing.
5. Inspect splined shaft (motor side) of reel for wear.
Always wear glove protection when handling
reels. Serious personal injury can result from
NOTE: If the splines on one side of the reel shaft 22 Re
contact with the sharp cutting edges of the reel.
are worn, the splines on the opposite side can
be utilized by simply transferring the cutting
1. See GTC Removal (if equipped) and Bed Knife/ unit to the other side of the mower.
Support Removal before continuing this
procedure
2. Remove remaining shouldered nuts and eight PIVOT ARM ASSEMBLY
Bellville washers (A) securing left and right pivot
arms (B) to frame. NOTE: Left or right positions are determined by
A standing at rear of unit and looking forward.
A

B B

3. Remove pivot arms and carefully remove reel 1. Install the bearing cups (A) using a suitable driver
from frame. or a press (Tapered end facing outside of case).
2. Pack bearings (B) with multipurpose grease and
position in bearing cups.
PIVOT ARM DISASSEMBLY AND
INSPECTION B

NOTE: Left or right positions are determined by

standing at the rear of the unit and looking
forward.

3. Install keyed washer (Left side only).

4. Install grease seals (C) flush with end of case,
apply grease to lip of seal.
C

1. Remove seals, tapered roller bearings and washer

(left side only) from pivot arms.
2. Clean bearings and pivot arms with solvent.

IMPORTANT: Always replace bearings and

bearing cups as a set.

11/30/94 - 11
 22 Inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

REEL INSTALLATION GREENS TENDER CONDITIONER

(GTC) REMOVAL

c CAUTION B

Always wear glove protection when handling C

reels. Serious personal injury can result from
2 Reel contact with the sharp cutting edges of the reel.

1. Position reel in frame assembly (reel shaft end A

with keyway must be used on the left side).

2. Install wave spring (A) on left end of shaft.

NOTE: There are two set screws (C,E) in each belt

pulley and an access hole in the guard
mounting bracket for the set screws (E) in the
power brush pulley (D).

C
3. Slide left pivot arm (B) on to reel shaft, ensure
key washer engages slot on shaft.
4. Slide right pivot arm on to reel shaft.

B
A ENGAGEMENT KNOB

1. Remove Power Brush guard, belt, pulleys (A,D),

keys and guard mount (if equipped).
2. Remove hex socket screws (B) and remove GTC
adjustment mechanisms (A). It is easier to
5. Install shoulder bolts (C) through adjusters and remove the cover if the engagement knob is
secure with four spring washers (per side) and turned past the "OFF" detent position.
shoulder nuts (D). After bed knife is installed
tighten nuts (D) to 50 N•m (35 lb-ft.). 3. Remove three cap screws (C) and remove GTC
gear case cover and gasket.
6. Refer to Bed Knife/Support and GTC Installation.

- 12 11/30/94
REPAIR 22 Inch Cutting Unit

4. Remove M10 locknut (D), Gear (C), key (B) and

spacer (A)..

A 4. Inspect gears for wear and freedom of movement.

Replace parts as necessary. 22 Re

C
D
5. Remove M10 lock nut (A) from the opposite side
of GTC shaft and remove bracket. 5. Inspect shaft bearings (A) for freedom of
6. Remove two nuts (A) and remove inner gear movement and excessive play. Replace bearings
housing (B). Remove GTC. as necessary.
B A 6. Inspect drive gear (B) for wear and freedom of
movement. Unusual wear patterns may indicate a
bent shaft (C) or worn bearings. Replace gear,
shaft or bearings as necessary.

GREENS TENDER CONDITIONER

(GTC) DISASSEMBLY AND
7. Inspect seal (A) in cover for wear or distortion.
INSPECTION Replace seal if necessary.
1. Remove locknut (A).

2. Remove blades and index rings (B). Inspect

blades for excessive wear, broken or cracked B
cutting teeth and distortion. Inspect index rings
for missing or bent index teeth. Obtain
replacement parts for reassembly.
3. Remove debris or corrosion from shaft and place
8. Ensure sealed bearing (B) in cover moves freely.
on V-blocks. Check run-out at the center of the
Replace bearing if necessary.
shaft. Run-out should not exceed 1.5 mm (1/16
in.). Straighten or replace shaft if necessary. 9. Inspect engagement rod and spring (C) for
condition and binding. Replace shaft or spring if
necessary.

11/30/94 - 13
 22 Inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

GREENS TENDER CONDITIONER 9. Secure gear drive assembly to gear housing (B)
(GTC) ASSEMBLY with two nuts (A).
1. Place index rings and blades on shaft rotating
occasionally to align blades and index rings.
2. Continue assembly, of all 72 spacers and blades,
until approximately 38 mm (1-1/2 in.) of exposed
thread is left.
2 Reel

10. Position spring (E) and secure with cap screw,

ensure spring can move freely and install nut (F)
3. Stand the shaft on end and shake it slightly to to lock cap screw in place.
ensure blades and index rings are aligned.
4. With shaft on end, install locking nut and torque
to approximately 47 N•m (35 lb-ft.).
5. Press driveshaft bearing into housing.
B

A
B
6. Install drive shaft, key, gear and snap ring (B).
D C
NOTE: There are two bearings and one washer 11. Slide spacer (A) on shaft. Insert key (B) in shaft
between each bearing. If the washer is not slot. Slide gear (C) over key and secure with lock
centered, the GTC shaft cannot be installed nut (D).
through both bearings. To hold the washers in 12. Position opposite bearing arm on GTC shaft and
position, give each grease fitting a shot of secure with lock nut (A).
grease, then center the washers. B
7. Slide keyed GTC shaft end (C) through bearings
of gear housing.
A
C

13. Install adjuster assembly and secure with hex

socket screw (C).
B
14. Install gasket and gear case cover, secure with
8. Install shim (B) over studs and position gear three cap screws and washers.
housing (C) over shim.

- 14 11/30/94
REPAIR 22 Inch Cutting Unit

15. Ensure GTC engages and disengages when • 2" or 4" Paint brush, attach a piece of rubber
rotating knurled knob from OFF to RUN position. hose to the handle to extend its length. This will
B be used to apply backlapping compound.

C BACKLAPPING AND REEL-TO-BED

KNIFE ADJUSTMENT
It is best to think of backlapping and reel-to-bed
A knife adjustments as one procedure. Although 22 Re
backlapping removes only a small amount of metal,
the clearance between the reel and bed knife
increases due to backlapping and must be
readjusted.
Another very important point to remember is that
E adjustments can only be successful if the frame
integrity (straightness and strength) is maintained.
Attaching bolts must be secure and bearings must be
well lubricated and not worn.
D
16. Position belt guard bracket (D) and secure with
spacer (C), washer (B) and cap screw (A). REEL AND BED KNIFE INSPECTION

c CAUTION
NOTE: There are two set screws in each belt pulley
and an access hole in the guard mounting
bracket for the set screws in the power brush
pulley.
Always wear protective gloves when working
17. Insert keys into shafts and install pulleys (A,D). on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe per-
Secure with two set screws each (E,C). sonal injury can result from contact with the
18. Install drive belt. Adjust pulleys to align belt and sharp cutting edges.
ensure pulleys do not contact belt guard or guard Never allow more than one person at a time, to
bracket (B). work on any one cutting unit. Never allow
19. Install belt guard and secure with nut. work to be accomplished on more than one cut-
20. See Adjusting Greens Tender Conditioner. ting unit at the same time. Serious personal
injury could result.
Essential Tools:
• 0.001" Feeler Gauge 1. Visually inspect cutting unit for damage. Chipped
paint, dents or gouges may indicate the need for a
• 0.002" Feeler Gauge closer look at the frame for distortion, broken
• Lapping Compound weldments or other damage that could prevent
• Two Bolt Gauge Bar proper adjustment. Repair or replace parts as
necessary.
FABRICATED TOOLS 2. Inspect for vertical or lateral movement in the reel
or bearings supporting the reel, repair or replace
as necessary.
3. While rotating the reel in the reverse direction by
hand, inspect each blade cutting edge for nicks,
gouges or distortion. Ensure the cutting edge land
does not exceed more than 3/4 of the blade
thickness. See Reel and Bed Knife grinding to
restore the relief angle and cutting edge before
continuing with this procedure.

11/30/94 - 15
 22 Inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

. 3. If the reel is contacting anywhere, go to step 4.

C

c CAUTION
Always wear protective gloves when working
on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe per-
2 Reel sonal injury can result from contact with the
sharp cutting edges.

4. Inspect the bed knife cutting edge (C) for nicks, NOTE: Always rotate the reel in the reverse
gouges or distortion. Inspect leading edge of bed direction to avoid damaging or dulling the
knife for relief to prevent catching of knife. A cutting edges of the reel or bed knife.
small relief or dub needs to be added after several
backlappings. 4. Slowly rotate the reel backwards watching for
5. Inspect the bed knife for uneven wear (indicated contact between the reel and bed knife at the
by uneven land width across the length of the bed center of the bed knife (A). If contact is made,
knife. Ensure the cutting edge land does not grind the reel and bed knife to eliminate the
exceed 3/4 of the cutting edge. Replace the bed "Frown" in the bed knife or the out-of-round
knife if the cutting edge starts curling upward. condition of the reel.
5. Measure the clearance at the center of the bed
knife (A). If the clearance exceeds .002 of an
REEL-TO-BED KNIFE ADJUSTMENT inch, grind the reel and bed knife to eliminate the
"Smile" in the bed knife or the out-of-round

c CAUTION
condition of the reel.
6. When properly adjusted and sharpened, each reel
blade should cut a piece of paper held at 90° to
Always wear protective gloves when working the top surface of the bed knife along the entire
on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe length of the bed knife with 0 -.001" clearance.
personal injury can result from contact with
the sharp cutting edges. BACKLAPPING
NOTE: Each flat on the adjustment nut represents
.001" movement of the reel. The lower nut will
lower the reel when turned counterclockwise c CAUTION
and the upper nut will raise the reel when
turned clockwise. (as viewed from the top of Avoid injury from rotating blades. keep hands
the unit looking down) and feet away from blades while machine is
running.
1. Adjust ends of reel to set drag with a .001" feeler Always wear protective gloves when working
gauge (A). on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe per-
2. Now inspect the entire length of the bed knife sonal injury can result from contact with the
with a .002" feeler gauge. It should not go in sharp cutting edges.
anywhere. Go to step 5. Never allow more than one person at a time, to
work on any one cutting unit.
Never allow work to be accomplished on more
than one cutting unit at the same time. Serious
personal injury could result.

- 16 11/30/94
REPAIR 22 Inch Cutting Unit

1. Put machine in the Backlapping Mode. Adjust HEIGHT-OF-CUT (HOC) ADJUSTMENT

machine speed to rotate reel at 100-200 rpm, or
slow enough to prevent the backlapping IMPORTANT: The Effective Height-of-Cut may
compound from being thrown from the reel differ from the bench setting due to the weight
blades.. of options used, type of roller (grooved or
smooth), soil conditions, grass condition and
the use of competitive machines in conjunction
with one another. When mowing greens it is
best to set the height-of-cut .020"-.040" higher 22 Re
for the initial cut and lower it as needed after a
test cut.
Use the table below to ensure the rear roller
mounting brackets are positioned correctly for the
HOC range desired. Use the following procedure to
change the (HOC) range (if needed) before
2. Apply 120 grit compound to the rotating reel continuing with the adjustment at step 5..
evenly from one side to the other and back again
with a long handled brush (see Fabricated Tools). FRAME
HOC BRACKET
3. Allow the reel to spin until quiet. If desired, RANGE PLATE
HOLE
follow with a 220 grit compound to achieve a " HOLE
Tournament Grade" finish.
3/32 - 3/8 Top Top
IMPORTANT: Never operate cutting unit in the 3/16 - 5/8 Bottom Bottom
Forward direction until abrasive compounds
are removed from the cutting unit. The 3/8 - 3/4 Top Middle
abrasive compound will dull the cutting edges

REAR ROLLER (HOC) RANGE

c CAUTION
Never use pressure washers or steam cleaners
to rinse the abrasives from the cutting unit.
The abrasives may be forced past the seals and
damage the bearings.

4. Rinse the lapping compound off the cutting unit

with water and repeat the Adjustment Procedure 1. Loosen lower rear roller support bolts (A) and
before returning the unit to service. remove upper bolt (B) and eccentric (C).
5. Add a relief if needed, to the leading edge of the 2. Align the upper holes in the roller support with
knife, to prevent the edge from "catching" the reel the proper hole in the frame side plate as shown
and curling it up. in the table above.
3. Install bolt (B) and nut on the right side and
tighten.
4. Install the eccentric (C) and nut on the left side.
DO NOT tighten at this time. Ensure the Index
Mark (F) on the eccentric faces the rear of the
cutting unit.

REAR ROLLER/BED KNIFE

11/30/94 - 17
 22 Inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

ADJUSTMENT height to allow enough room for the gauge

bar to be installed.
NOTE: It may be necessary to raise the front roller 13. Position the gauge bar 51 mm (2 in.) from either
height to allow enough room for the gauge end of the bed knife.
bar to be installed.
14. Hook the center gauge screw on the cutting edge
of the bed knife and hold the end of the bar flat
against the rear roller.
2 Reel
NOTE: One flat on the adjustment nut equals 0.25
mm (0.010 in.) of roller movement. Turning
the upper adjustment nut (B) clockwise raises
the roller and turning the lower adjustment
nut (C) counterclockwise lowers the roller.
Remember to loosen the opposite nut to allow
5. Set center gauge screw (C) to desired height-of- movement of the adjusting nut.
cut. Position the gauge bar approximately (A) 51
mm (2 in.) from the right end (fixed end of roller) IMPORTANT: Alternate turns of the
of the bed knife (B). adjustment nuts equally on both sides to
6. Hook the center edge screw (C) on the cutting prevent binding the adjustment mechanism.
edge of the bed knife and hold the end of the bar
flat against the rear roller (D). 15. While holding the roller mounting brackets
7. Turn the rear screw (E) in until it just makes against the rear of the frame guide slots, use the
contact with the bed knife. Tighten the wing nut adjustment nuts to bring the roller down to the
to lock the position of the screw (E). gauge bar.
8. Move the gauge bar to approximately 51 mm (2
in.) from the left end of the bed knife. IMPORTANT: The roller should just touch the
gauge bar, forcing the roller against the gauge
9. Use the eccentric bolt (F) to adjust the roller up or bar will bend it and raise the HOC.
down until the rear gauge screw (E) just makes
contact with the bedknife. 16. After the adjustment is made tighten, the clamp
10. Tighten all rear roller support hardware and bolts (A) and tighten the opposite nut of the one
recheck with the gauge bar to ensure the roller used for adjustment.
has not moved. 17. Use the gauge bar to ensure the roller has not
11. Ensure the rear gauge screw is backed out and moved after tightening the clamp bolts and
will not contact the bed knife. adjuster nuts.

ADJUSTING GREENS TENDER

CONDITIONER (GTC)

c CAUTION
Before adjusting machine:
Disengage all power.
Shut off engine.
Remove key.
12. Loosen the front roller clamp bolts (A) 1/4 to 1/2 Wait until all moving parts have stopped.
turn.

NOTE: It may be necessary to adjust the front roller

- 18 11/30/94
REPAIR 22 Inch Cutting Unit

3. Place preset gauge bar on cutting unit. Hook

height-of-cut screw (B) on bed knife. The ends
should rest firmly on the front and rear rollers.

22 Re

1. Press down on GTC adjuster bolts and swing

adjuster stops (A) around toward the front of the 4. Loosen jam nut (A). Repeat on opposite side.
cutting unit. This is the operating position. 5. Turn adjuster bolt (B) to raise or lower GTC.
Alternate from end to end until the teeth touch the
NOTE: Height of cut must be set prior to adjusting screw on the gauge bar.
GTC. 6. Remove gauge bar.

2. Set GTC adjustment screw (A) on the gauge bar

to equal the height-of-cut, less the penetration
desired below the height-of-cut.

11/30/94 - 19
 22 Inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

Notes:

2 Reel

- 20 11/30/94
22 INCH VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT CONTENTS

Page

22 INCH VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT

IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
COMPONENT LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT THEORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
REPAIR SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Remove Front Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 22 VC
Roller Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Aet10558 Grooved Roller Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Aet10558 Grooved Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Roller Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Reel Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Reel Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Reel Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Pivot Arm Disassembly And Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Pivot Arm Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Reel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Depth Of Cut Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

11/30/94 -1
 22 Inch Cutting Unit

IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION

The 22-Inch Vertical Cutting Unit is built at the John Deere Horicon Works. The frame is similar to the 22-
Inch reel mower and can be easily identified by the star-shaped vertical knives indexed in a Helix pattern.
22-Inch Vertical Cutting Units are used only on the 2243 Professional Greens Mower.

COMPONENT LOCATION

2 VCU

Clamp Bolts

Depth of Cut Adjustment

Pivot Arm

VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT THEORY be operated in the reverse direction. This will
prevent the cutting blades from pulling the tractor
The 22-Inch Vertical Cutting Unit is a dedicated and will provide a more desirable cutting action.
cutting unit used to dethatch greens and tees prior to
topdressing. This tends to promote vertical growth To operate the reel in reverse, the hydraulic lines
for better consistency of play on the golf course. must be reversed at the cutting unit motor
The vertical blades (A) are positioned in a Helix
pattern and are spaced 3/4" apart from the factory.
Spacing is accomplished by placing three 1/4"
spacers (B) together between each blade. If a closer
c CAUTION
spacing is desired, spacers can be removed and Pay close attention to engine and transmission
blades added. operating temperatures to avoid exceeding the
The Helix in the cutters is formed by indexing the temperature limits of the machine.
center hexagonal cut-out one additional flat.
Normal rotational direction for the reel is forward, Always torque oil lines in accordance with machine
however, for very aggressive cutting, the reel should specifications and check for leaks after connecting
oil lines.

-2 11/30/94
 22 Inch Cutting Unit

TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Problem Solution
Poor Performance Dull Cutting Blades Rotate or replace blades
Ground Speed too fast Reduce ground speed
Engine Speed too slow Increase engine rpm
Cutting Unit not floating Lubricate pivot points
Reel bearing(s) seized Remove and Inspect Reel
Bearings
Knives not set deep enough Adjust
22 VC
REPAIR SPECIFICATIONS
Item Specification
Reel Mounting
Pivot Arm
(Forward) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 N•m (35 lb-ft.)
(Rear) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 N•m (60 lb-ft.)
Roller Mounting Bolts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 N•m (35 lb-ft.)

REPAIR ROLLER DISASSEMBLY

REMOVE FRONT ROLLER

ESSENTIAL TOOLS
• Work Gloves
• Metric Open End/Box Wrenches
1. Remove cutting unit from the tractor. If the
cutting unit is not removed from the tractor, rest
the cutting unit on wood blocks and be sure to
observe the following Caution
1. Loosen jam nuts (A) and remove set screws.

c CAUTION 2. Remove brackets (B) from bearing shafts. It may

be necessary to press the bearing shaft from the
bracket.
Never allow more than one person at a time, to
work on any one cutting unit.
Never allow work to be accomplished on more
than one cutting unit at the same time. Serious
personal injury could result.
Always wear protective gloves when working
on or near reel or gtc. Serious personal injury
can result from contact with sharp cutting
edges.

2. Loosen depth-of-cut adjusting nuts.

3. Make note of washers and remove clamp bolts
and washers.
4. Remove front roller with brackets.

11/30/94 -3
 22 Inch Cutting Unit

AET10558 GROOVED ROLLER

DISASSEMBLY

2 VCU
1. Secure roller in a vice. Remove grease fittings.
2. Use a hammer and a block of wood to knock out
the opposite end bearing.
REEL REMOVAL
3. Remove bearing from shaft and repeat step 2 to
knock out the other end bearing.

AET10558 GROOVED ROLLER

ASSEMBLY

1. Remove lock nut (A) and rear roller (B).

1. Clean roller end cap and bearing shaft with crocus

cloth. Pack bearings with grease.
2. Install bearing shaft and bearings (sealed end of
bearing towards inside). Apply grease to lip of
seal and install with seal lip facing the bearing.
3. Install opposite seal. 2. Remove three lock nuts (C), scraper support
4. Install grease fittings and lubricate (Do not over- bracket and rubber scraper.
lubricate, a shot of grease is fine). 3. Carefully pry deflector shield away from frame to
allow access for a wrench to remove cap screws
ROLLER INSTALLATION and nuts (D) from pivot arms.
1. Position brackets (B) on bearing shaft as shown.
2. Apply NEVER-SEEZ® to the threads of the
clamp bolts.
3. Insert bracket ends through frame slots.
4. Center the roller between the mounting brackets
and install the set screws and nuts (A).
5. Refer to Depth of Cut Adjustments.
4. Remove cap screws, nuts and spacers securing
pivot arms to frame.

-4 11/30/94
 22 Inch Cutting Unit

5. Remove pivot arms and reel. 1. Install snap ring in groove on shaft. (Sharp edge
of snap ring facing away from the blades.)
REEL DISASSEMBLY B

c CAUTION
Always wear gloves when handling reel or
cutting blades. Serious personal injury can
result from contact with sharp cutting edges.
22 VC
C
1. Remove set screw (A).

2. Remove nut and remove cutting blades and

spacers from reel shaft.

NOTE: The cutting unit is shipped with three 1/4"

spacers between each cutting blade. Fewer
3. Using a straight edge, check shaft for straightness. spacers and more blades can be used if
Shaft runout should not exceed .020". desired.
4. Inspect machined surfaces (B) of shaft for wear.
Replace shaft if worn. 2. Assemble blades and spacers starting with a blade
(B) against the snap ring. Ensure the index hole
(of the next blade) (C) is placed on the next flat
(counterclockwise) on the shaft as shown. This
will establish the proper helix pattern needed.

NOTE: If the splines on one side of the reel shaft

are worn, the splines on the opposite end can
be utilized by simply transferring the cutting
unit to the other side of the mower.

REEL ASSEMBLY 3. After the last cutting blade is positioned, install a

washer, a spacer (B) and nut. Tighten the nut until
a slight deflection of the the cutting blade, next to

c CAUTION the snap ring, is observed.

4. Install the set screw (A).
Always wear gloves when handling reel or
cutting blades. Serious personal injury can PIVOT ARM DISASSEMBLY AND
result from contact with sharp cutting edges. INSPECTION

11/30/94 -5
 22 Inch Cutting Unit

NOTE: Left or right positions are determined by

standing at the rear of the unit and looking
2 VCU
forward.
C

1. Remove seals, cone bearings and washer (left side

only) from pivot arms. apply grease to lip of seal.
2. Clean bearings and pivot arms with solvent.
REEL INSTALLATION
IMPORTANT: Always replace bearings and
bearing cups as a set.
3. Inspect bearings and bearing cups for scoring,
pitting or bluing from overheating.
c CAUTION
Always wear gloves when handling reel or
PIVOT ARM ASSEMBLY cutting blades. Serious personal injury can
result from contact with sharp cutting edges.
NOTE: Left or right positions are determined by
standing at the rear of the unit and looking
forward.

1. Install spring (A) on keyed end of reel shaft.

2. Position reel into frame (B) (shaft end with
keyway on left side of frame).
3. Slide pivot arms over shaft ends. Ensure keyed
1. Install the bearing cups (A) using a suitable driver
washer in pivot arm engages keyway of reel shaft
or a press (Tapered end facing outside of case).
(left side only).
2. Pack bearings (B) with multipurpose grease and
position in bearing cups. 4. Install cap screw (A), sleeve (B), three spacers (C)
3. Install keyed washer (Left side only). and nut (D) in front pivot arm mount. Repeat on
4. Install grease seals (C) flush with end of case, opposite end.

-6 11/30/94
 22 Inch Cutting Unit

DEPTH OF CUT ADJUSTMENT

22 VC

c CAUTION
Always wear gloves when handling reel or
cutting blades. Serious personal injury can
result from contact with sharp cutting edges.

IMPORTANT: Measure the usable blade length

of the cutting blades. If the usable blade length
is less than the desired cutting depth, replace
the cutting blades before continuing.

5. Install cap screw, washers and nut (E) in rear

pivot arm mount. Repeat on opposite end.

6. Install rubber scraper, scraper support and secure

with carriage bolts and nuts (A). 1. Mark the desired cutting depth on gauge bar.
7. Install hook bolt (B) and roller. Secure with self 2. Place the gauge bar across the front and rear
locking nuts. rollers approximately two inches in from the end
of the rollers.

c CAUTION C B

Alternate from side to side when tightening

nuts on counterweight to avoid damaging the
machined surface of the pivot arm.

8. Install counterweight (C) and secure with two

nuts (D). D
9. Refer to Depth of Cut Adjustment.
IMPORTANT: Adjust both ends of the roller

11/30/94 -7
 22 Inch Cutting Unit

evenly to avoid binding the adjustment

mechanisms.

NOTE: When checking the cutting depth of the

blade against the mark on the gauge bar,
rotate the reel back and forth to ensure the
blade travel does not extend beyond the mark
on the gauge bar.
3. Adjust the front roller height to bring the leading
edge of the cutting blade (B) even with the mark
on the gauge bar.
2 VCU

NOTE: If the desired cutting depth cannot be

achieved with roller adjustment, move the
pivot arms to the lower holes (C) in the cutter
frame and repeat Step three.
4. Tighten roller adjusting nuts (D) and recheck
depth of cut. Readjust if necessary.
5. Adjust scraper to just touch gauge bar (roller
height).

-8 11/30/94
MARK I CONTENTS

Page

MARK I
REEL MOWER IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
COMPONENT LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
INFORMATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Reel And Bed Knife Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Reel/bed Knife Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Relief Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Backlapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Smooth Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
MARK
Grooved Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Performance Variables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Cutting Unit Reinforcement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Standard Roller Disassembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Standard Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Heavy Duty Roller Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Heavy Duty Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Reel Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Reel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Bed Knife Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Reel-to-bed Knife Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Backlapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Adjusting Gauge Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Height-of-cut Adjustment With A
Front & Rear Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Cutting Taller Grass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Height-of-cut Adjustment With A
Rear Roller Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

11/30/94 -1
 MARK I 30 Inch Cutting Unit REEL MOWER IDENTIFICATION & APPLICATION

REEL MOWER IDENTIFICATION & APPLICATION

The MARK I 30-Inch Cutting Unit was made for John Deere by Beaver Equipment LTD. The unit can be
easily identified by the 7-hole bed knife. The MARK I cutting unit is used for fairway and fairway rough
applications.
The MARK I is used on the 303, 305 Hydraulic Gang Mowers and also on the 86- Inch Reel-Mounted
Mower used on the Compact Utility Tractors.

COMPONENT LOCATION

ARK I

A-Rear Roller Adjustment D-Height-of-Cut Adjustment G-Front Roller J-Beknife/Support

B-Pivot Arm E-Runner H-Grease Fitting K-Rear Roller
C-Reel-to-Bedknife Adjustment F-Scraper I-Reel

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM SPECIFICATION
Make. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beaver
Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76.2 mm (30 in)
Reel Diameter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.7 mm 7 3/4 in)
Number of Blades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Standard; 6, 8, 10 optional
Cutting Unit Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydraulic gear motor
Reel Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 940 rpm
Cutting Height Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.5 to 60 mm (3/8 in to 2-3/8 in)
Front and Rear Roller Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1/2 in
Bed Knife Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reel-To-Bed Knife

-2 11/30/94
INFORMATION MARK I 30 Inch Cutting unit

INFORMATION REEL/BED KNIFE GRINDING

Reasons for grinding:
REEL AND BED KNIFE • To restore the cylindrical shape of a reel that has
RELATIONSHIP become cone-shaped due to improper
Reel Mowers are precision machines requiring daily adjustment of the reel-to-bed knife clearance or
maintenance to maintain the well-groomed worn reel bearings.
appearance of turfgrass. The scissor-like shearing • To restore the edge when the grass is not being
action, that only a reel mower is capable of cut across the entire length of the bed knife,
achieving, is only possible if the reel and bed knife evidenced by streaks of grass left after the
are sharp and the reel-to-bed knife clearance is mower has passed. Usually the result of nicked
maintained. reel blades and bed knifes caused by hitting
foreign objects in the grass.
Close examination of the reel-to-bed knife
• To restore the edge when the lack of frequent
relationship reveals two square edges passing one
backlapping allowed the edge to be rounded
another with approximately .002 of an inch MARK
beyond the capability of the backlapping
clearance. There are several reasons why this
procedure to restore the edge.
clearance is necessary.
• To restore the edge when the reel-to-bed knife
• When the reel is allowed to contact the bed clearance has been improperly adjusted (Reel
knife, the square (sharp) edges of the reel and contacting bed knife).•Cutting action begins as
bed knife will rollover, becoming dull. the bed knife positions the grass to be cut at the
• Contact between the reel and bed knife generates cutting edge. The reel then pulls the grass
heat. Heat generated through this contact will towards the bed knife where it is sheared by the
distort the shape of the bed knife. Distortion cutting edges as they pass one another.
causes the bed knife to draw closer to the reel, In order for the grass to be cut at the proper height, it
resulting in more rollover of the cutting surfaces must contact the bed knife at the cutting edge. This
and more heat generated in the bed knife. is accomplished by grinding a 5° relief angle on the
• Drag produced by an improperly adjusted cutting front face of the bed knife. Without a relief angle,
unit may result in an unacceptable clip ratio, the blade of grass will contact the lower edge of the
undue strain on drive mechanisms and bed knife and be bent over at too much of an angle
premature wear of the cutting unit. prior to being cut.
Although some spingrinding machine manufacturers
say backlapping is not necessary, John Deere
recommends backlapping after spingrinding to
remove burrs and rough edges left from the
spingrinding procedure. Backlapping produces a
honed edge that will cut the grass evenly and leave
the tops of the grass with clean, straight edges.
It is important to note, dull cutting edges will tear
rather than shear the grass drawn into the bed knife.
This will shock the grass plant and retard its growth.

11/30/94 -3
 MARK I 30 Inch Cutting Unit INFORMATION

RELIEF GRINDING

CORRECT INCORRECT

Relief Double Relief Flat

Grind Relief Grind Ground

Secondary
ARK I Relief

20° 20° Excessive

Relief
No Relief
Cutting Edge Cutting Edge

5° Relief

5° Relief

John Deere recommends Relief Grinding the reels before spingrinding for these reasons:
• Reduced blade contact area, results in less friction, requiring less horsepower to drive the reel.
• Ensures longer wear life.
• Less time is required to backlap.
• Reduces pulling and tearing of the grass as the unit gets dull by use.
• Provides an area for backlapping compound to be trapped to more effectively backlap reels.
• Relief grinding removes metal from the trailing edge of the blade forming an angle (Relief Angle) to
reduce the contact area of the cutting edges.
• Because of the relief grind it is possible, with backlapping, to true a reel (make it round) if a blade is
.001" to .002" too long.

BACKLAPPING abrasive compounds to the reel. Usually course

compounds are used initially followed by a finer
This procedure is used to sharpen the cutting edges abrasive for final honing. Recommended grits for
when grinding is not necessary. See Reel/Bed Knife fairways and roughs are 60, 80 and 120. Reel
Grinding, in this section, to determine if grinding is sharpening compounds should not be toxic, oily or
necessary. greasy.
Backlapping, when compared to grinding, removes The cutting unit should be inspected, backlapped,
a very small amount of metal, requires less time and adjusted and checked daily for a uniform cut along
will effect a smooth, clean cut.
the complete length of the bed knife. It is important
The backlapping procedure is accomplished by that the adjustment allows the reel to turn freely
spinning the reel backwards while applying special without dragging against the bed knife. Metal-to-

-4 11/30/94
INFORMATION MARK I 30 Inch Cutting Unit

metal contact will generate heat, causing the reel to Reel mower design, there are an infinite number
expand and intensifying the dragging that produces of shear points across the bed knife.
more heat. This viscous cycle will quickly "shut- • Clip Ratio (CR) - The forward distance traveled
down" the mower. between successive cutting contacts at any one
shear point.
SMOOTH ROLLER • Cutting Height (CH) - The distance above the
soil line that grasses are clipped.
The roller is used as a ground sensing device to The most uniform cut occurs when the Clip Ratio
detect changes in the contour of the turf as the (CR) equals the Cutting height (CH). If CR is
mower moves forward. greater than CH, Marcelling (a wavy, rib-like
A smooth roller is always used on the rear of a appearance) occurs. If CH is greater than CR, the
cutting unit to establish the cutting height range. A rotating blades create a fanning affect that blows the
front roller used in conjunction with a rear roller is grass down without cutting it. CR is controlled by
needed to achieve more exact cutting heights, the Performance Variables, (the number of blades
through improved ground contour following. selected, ground speed and reel speed).
MARK
Of these Performance Variables, only two, in most
GROOVED ROLLER cases, are we able to change. We can use a reel with
a different number of blades, and/or we can change
The grooved roller is used as a ground sensing the vehicle ground speed.
device to detect changes in the contour of the turf as
the mower moves forward. The main advantage in Since we know the number of blades the reel has,
using a grooved roller rather than a smooth one what the reel speed is, the cutting height and the clip
comes when cutting long grass that is very wet. ratio (since CR must equal CH), let's find the vehicle
Grass that is wet will tend to stay down rather than ground speed.
spring up after the roller passes. Grooved rollers will Here's the formula:
not bend the grass over, allowing it to be cut rather
MPH = (Reel rpm) x (CR or CH) x (Number of Reel
than passed over.
Blades) ÷ 1056
Along with advantages come disadvantages.
Example
Because of the reduced contact area, inherent with a
grooved roller, the roller may penetrate deeper into Using:
the soil, lowering the effective cutting height and 303 Hydraulic Gang Mower at a tested reel speed of
possibly scalping the turf. 940 RPM
4 blade reel on a 30-inch cutting unit
PERFORMANCE VARIABLES CH = CR (0.58)
Three performance variables that affect the quality Find: MPH (Vehicle Speed)
of cut are.
(940) x (0.58) x (4) ÷ 1056 = 2 MPH
• Number of reel blades
• Reel rpm NOTE: To calculate MPH, multiply .68148 x ft.
• Ground speed of machine traveled/sec. Another way to calculate speed
is to measure off an 88 ft. distance, record the
NOTE: When discussing performance variables, we length of time, in seconds, it takes to travel
must assume that other factors such as rate of that distance and divide 60 by that time.
growth, mowing frequency, soil fertility and
equipment condition have been considered
and are not affecting the quality of cut.
To apply Performance Variables to a formula we
need to understand three terms:
• Shear point - A single point of cutting contact
between the cutting unit and the turf. Due to the

11/30/94 -5
 MARK I 30 Inch Cutting Unit TROUBLESHOOTING

TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Problem Solution
Marcelling Ground speed too High See Performance Variables,
Machine rpm too Low See Machine Operator's
Manual
Wrong Number of Reel Blades For See Performance Variables,
Desired CR
Streaking Reel/Bed Knife Clearance See Backlapping and Reel
Inconsistent Along Bed Knife to Bed Knife Adjustment
Losing overlap of Cutting Units Recut area again. This
occurs due to slopes or

ARK I undulations.
HOC Changes Roller Clamp Bolts Loose See HOC Adjustment
Roller Bearings Worn See Roller Removal
Roller Out-Of-Round See Roller Removal
Cutting Unit Not Floating Properly See Machine Operator's
Manual
Changing Soil Conditions Use a Smooth Roller
Grass Too Wet Allow Sufficient Time To Dry
Cut Grass Collecting on Roller Install Scraper
Traction Unit Pivot Arms Worn Repair Or Replace
Poor Quality of Cut Excessive Grass Growth Mow More Frequently
Improper Reel to Bed Knife Clearance See Reel-to-Bed Knife
Adjustment
Reel/Bed Knife Dull See Backlapping and Reel
-to-Bed Knife Adjustment
No Relief Grind See Reel/Bed Knife
Grinding,
Scalping Undulations in Terrain Mow in Another Direction
Reel Does Not Rotate Improper Reel-to-Bed Knife Clearance See Reel-to-Bed Knife
Adjustment
Reel Bearings Worn Or Seized See Reel Removal
Machine Not Operating Properly See Machine Operator's
Manual

-6 11/30/94
REPAIR MARK I 30 Inch Cutting unit

CUTTING UNIT REINFORCEMENT

MATERIAL: 1 x 1/4 in. angle iron

1/4”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1/4”
31 3/16”
Notch
Front edge of frame Four
Corners

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARK

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ten welds, 2” long, with nine 1 1/4” gaps.

Weld both legs.

Weld to side of housing

Weld both sides

REPAIR 2. Remove the rock guard with a punch. It may be

necessary to use penetrating oil on the guard.
3. Drill a 6.5 mm (1/4 in.) into the metal shield cap.
STANDARD ROLLER DISASSEMBLY 4. Use a punch to remove the cap.

c CAUTION
Wear safety glasses to prevent chips or debris
from entering eyes

NOTE: Overtightening the vise will distort the

roller.
1. Put the roller in a vise. Drill a 6.5 mm (1/4 in.) 5. Remove the snap ring (A).
into the roller rock guard (A).

6. Repeat steps 1 thru 5 on the opposite end of the

roller..

11/30/94 -7
 MARK I 30 inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

IMPORTANT: Bolt head must be centered on

bearing to avoid damage to the inside of the
roller tube.
12. Put end of roller with bearing (A) on a wooden
block.
13. Install shaft and bolts into roller. Use a hammer
to remove the inner seal (B), bearing (A) and
labyrinth seal (C).
14. Clean inner surface of roller and use emery cloth
to remove nicks or burrs.

STANDARD ROLLER ASSEMBLY

1. Use a disk driver to install inner seal (D) to
ARK I bottom of bore in roller tube (A).
2. install beraing (C) tight against seal.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow snap ring groove of

shaft to pass through seal more than once.
Damage to seal will occur.

7. Install a 12 x 1.75 mm round head bolt in shaft. 3. Install shaft (G) in end of roller tube opposite the
8. Use a hammer to loosen the shaft (A), bearing (B) seal. (D).
and labryinth seal (C). 4. Install labyrinth seal (E) in roller with outer seal
9. Pry inner seal (D) from roller. lip into the bore first. Push seal tight against
bearing.
10. Install a 12 x 1.75 mm bolt on end of shaft with
seal and bearing. Rest bearing on a vise and use a 5. Install snap ring (F). Tap shaft until snap ring is
hammer to remove the seal and bearing from the against labyrinth seal.
shaft. 6. Repeat steps 1 thru 5 for other end of roller.
11. Install 12 x 1.75 mm bolts in both ends of the 7. Install metal shield cap (B) into roller until a 1-2
shaft. mm gap (0.04 - 0.08 in.) gap exists between the
cap and snap ding. Repeat on other end.
8. Install rock guard (H) until it is tight gainst the
snap ring.
9. Lube fitting on each end of roller.

-8 11/30/94
REPAIR MARK I 30 Inch Cutting Unit

HEAVY DUTY ROLLER 4. Apply grease to seal lip and install over shaft
DISASSEMBLY (metal side facing the inside of roller).

5. Install bearing cone (packed with grease) (A), O-

1. Using a wide screwdriver to hold the shaft ring (B) and sleeve (C) into both ends. MARK
stationary, remove the locknut from each end of
the roller (D). 6. Install lock nut (D) on slotted end only. Tighten
nut until approximately 5 mm (3/16 in.) of shaft
2. Use a brass or wood drift to remove the shaft from extends beyond nut.
the roller
7. Install lock nut on opposite end of shaft. While
3. Remove spacer (C), O-ring (B) and tapered tightening nut, rotate roller to seat bearings.
bearing (A). Tighten nut until shaft will not rotate by hand.
4. Use a two jaw puller with slide hammer to remove then back off nut until shaft rotates freely without
inner seal and bearing cup. (grooved rollers do excessive drag.
not have the inner seal) 8. Check end play of roller shaft. Shaft end play
should not exceed 0.15 mm (0.006 in.)

NEWER STYLE ROLLER

HEAVY DUTY ROLLER ASSEMBLY

9. Apply grease to all outer seals (A and B). Install
NOTE: Grooved rollers do not have the inner seal. seal (A) with metal case side towards outside of
roller. Use a pipe or socket to push seal to the
1. Install bearing cup into each end of the roller with
bottom of the bore.
a disc driver.
10. Fill cavity between seals (A and B) with grease.
2. Apply grease to lip of seal. Install inner seal into
Install seal (B) with metal case towards outside of
one end of the roller, (metal side facing inside of
roller. Push seal (B) tight against seal (A).
roller).
3. Cover threads on both ends of shaft with tape.
Install shaft in end opposite seal.

11/30/94 -9
 MARK I 30 inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

REEL REMOVAL
Essential Tools:
• Metric Open End/Box Wrenches
• Torque Wrench
• Two-Jaw Gear Puller A

B
IMPORTANT: To avoid contaminating the
hydraulic system, cap hoses and motor before
disassembly.

6. Order an additional gear case mounting plate (A)

from your John Deere Golf and Turf distributor.
ARK I This plate will be used as a gear case housing
removal tool.
7. Measure 60 mm (2-3/8 in.) from bottom and 58
mm (2-9/32 in.) from side of this plate and make
a mark. Drill a 8.4 mm (11/32 in.) diameter hole
at location (B).
1. Remove two 30 mm and two 24 mm socket-head 8. Tap (10 mm x 1.5 threads/mm), threads in hole.
screws, lock washers, hydraulic motor (B), and
gasket.
2. Remove two 20 mm socket-head screws, lock
washers, mounting plate (C), and gasket.
3. Hold locking nut (D), and back adjusting bolt (E)
out of casting.
4. 4. Remove shoulder bolts (F) and (G).
9. Fasten plate to gear housing with socket-head
screws (A).
10. Install M10 x 50 cap screw until it bottoms
against the reel shaft. Continue turning cap screw
with a wrench to remove gear housing.
11. Remove socket-head screws (A) and remove
plate from gear case housing.
12. Check bearing (A). Remove snap ring and
replace bearing if necessary.
13. Install seal (B) in housing with seal spring
toward bearing.
B
C
A

G
H

5. Remove snap ring and gear (A) using a gear E

puller. Remove spacer and key from shaft. F

- 10 11/30/94
REPAIR MARK I 30 Inch Cutting Unit

14. Holding lock nut (A), turn adjusting bolt (B) out 23. Remove three cap screws (A) and lock washers,
of arm (C). and cap screw (B) and spacer. Remove plate (C).
15. Remove nut (D), washer, special washer, and 24. Remove cap screw (D) from knife bed.
shoulder bolt. 25. Remove cap screw (E), lock washer, and washer.
16. Remove shoulder bolt (E). 26. Remove cap screw and spacer (F).
17. Remove cap screw (F) and washer. Remove cap 27. Remove lock nut, washer, cap screw (G), and
screw (G), lock washer, washer, and spacer. spacer. Remove skid (H).
18. Remove cap screw (H), lock washer, and washer.

MARK

19. Install nut (A) on an extra 10 x 45 mm cap

screw.
20. Grind three threads from end of cap screw.
21. Remove nut (A) to clean out threads.

28. Put cutting reel unit into position shown and lift
22. Install cap screw (A) into arm. Turn cap screw on roller assembly (A).
clockwise to push reel out of arm. 29. 30. Turn bed knife (B) outward.

F
c CAUTION
Wear gloves when removing reel. Cutting
edges are sharp.
H

30. Remove reel and check bearing. Remove

bearing with puller.
G

C
E

A
A
B

11/30/94 - 11
 MARK I 30 inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

31. Remove and discard seal. For installation,

bearing and seal must be installed with bearing
housing.

REEL INSTALLATION

6. Check and clean vent (A).

7. Refer to Reel-to-Bed Knife Clearance in Group
20.
8. Adjust front and rear scrapers.
ARK I
1. Reverse steps in Removing Cutting Reel, this
section.
2. To prevent misalignment of shaft and bearing,
install end plate (A) on gear case housing. Using
rubber mallet, hit directly in line with reel shaft.
3. Install bearing (A) and seal (B) in casting, with lip
of seal toward reel.

9. Slide cutting unit onto lift arm and install nut,

4. Install special cap screw (A) into casting (refer to washer, and cap (B).
steps 15 through 17 in Removing Cutting Reel, 10. Remove retaining strap (A).
this section, for making cap screw). Turn cap 11. Connect drain hose (C) to drive motor.
screw to move reel to the driven end to install 12. Connect hoses (D) and (E).
snap ring (B). 13. Install plastic tie (F) around hoses (C) and (D).

BED KNIFE REMOVAL

5. Fill gear case using John Deere Spindle Grease or

other SAE Multipurpose Grease meeting NLGI
Consistency Number 00. Gear case capacity is
A
0.4 L (0.8 pt).

- 12 11/30/94
REPAIR MARK I 30 Inch Cutting Unit

1. Remove three cap screws (A) from each end of

cutting unit. Remove bed knife and support.
2. Remove bed knife from support. B

3. Install new bed knife, new screws, and nuts to

support Alternate tightening, starting with center
screw. A

IMPORTANT: It is recommended the bed knife

be ground on a professional grinding machine
to a true straight edge after being fastened to
the bed knife support.
4. Grind a true straight edge on the bed knife to
correct any distortions caused during assembly. 3. Loosen clamp bolt (A) on each end just enough so
support casting can be adjusted.
4. Carefully turn adjusting screws (B) MARK
counterclockwise, alternating on each end until
reel just touches bed knife.
5. Slowly turn adjusters (B) until desired clearance
is achieved.
6. Tighten clamp bolts (A) at both ends and recheck
clearance at each reel support disk.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the reel to interfere

5. Install bed knife assembly (A). with the bed knife. Interference will cause
6. Adjust reel-to-bed knife. (See Reel-to-Bed Knife heating and can damage reel and bed knife.
Adjustment.)
7. Backlap cutting reel. (See Backlapping) * NOTE: After setting height-of-cut, reel-to-bed knife
should be adjusted to 0.05 to 0.08 mm (0.001
REEL-TO-BED KNIFE ADJUSTMENT to 0.002 in.) on both ends. Check clearance
across entire reel and bed knife.
1. The cutting edge of the bed knife must be sharp
and straight, and the relief angle should be 5 IMPORTANT: Clearance should be uniform. If
degrees. Otherwise, remove bed knife and bed less than 0.2 mm (.007 in.) variation, go ahead
knife support and have them ground as a and backlap.
complete unit.

c CAUTION
Always wear protective gloves when manually
rotating reel. Rotating one reel by hand may
cause other reels to rotate. If a reel is rotated,
be sure no other person is near the other units.

2. Use feeler gauges to set recommended reel-to-bed

knife clearance in the range for the grass to be
cut. Finer textured grasses, such as Rye grass or
Bent grass requires a close setting, but the setting
should not be less than 0.05 mm (0.002 in.).

11/30/94 - 13
 MARK I 30 inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

BACKLAPPING 3. Model 305

Fabricated Tools

Reverse hydraulic quick-release couplers (B) and

(C) to allow cutting units to operate in reverse
• 2" OR 4" Paint brush, attach a piece of rubber (backlap).
hose to the handle to extend its length. This is
used to apply backlapping compound.

c CAUTION
ARK I

IMPORTANT: Backlap cutting reels routinely to

prolong life of reels. Do not overtighten bed
knife or excessive wear at the ends will occur. Avoid injury from rotating blades. Keep hands
and feet away while machine is running.
To maintain sharp edges required on cutting reels,
follow this procedure:
Start tractor engine and set throttle on low idle. Reel
1. Adjust reel-to-bed knife (See Adjusting Reel to must be turning backwards and slow enough so that
Bed Knife in this section). compound will not be thrown off the bed knife and
reel.

c CAUTION
4. Engage tractor PTO.

Always wear protective gloves when manually

rotating reel. Rotating one reel by hand may
cause other reels to rotate. If a reel is rotated,
be sure no other person is near the other units.

2. Model 303

5. Using a long-handled brush, apply a reel

sharpening compound from one end of the reel to
the other uniformly. Repeat application in
opposite direction. Allow unit to continue
running backwards until reel is quiet
(approximately 3 minutes).
6. Periodically shut off tractor and visually check
blade appearance. Continue to backlap until
Reverse two hydraulic quick-release couplers (A) to
allow cutting units to operate in reverse (backlap).

- 14 11/30/94
REPAIR MARK I 30 Inch Cutting Unit

blades are evenly sharpened. 8. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until clearance is uniform
across the bed knife.
B 9. Thoroughly wash off all reel sharpening
compound with water.
10. Readjust reel-to-bed knife (See Reel-to-Bed
A Knife Adjustment).

c CAUTION
SHUT TRACTOR ENGINE OFF BEFORE
REVERSING HYDRAULIC QUICK-
7. Inspect reel-to-bed knife clearance. If clearance is RELEASE COUPLERS.
not uniform, partially loosen clamp bolt (A) and MARK
turn bolt (B) counterclockwise 1/2 or 1 flat on the 11. Return hydraulic quick-release connections to
side of the bolt on either end, as needed to make their original position.
clearance uniform. Tighten clamp bolts (A).

ADJUSTING GAUGE BAR

For 12.1 mm (1/2 in.) and Over For under 12.1 mm (1/2 in.)

(3.9 mm (3/8 in.) Minimum)

A-Height-of-Cut D-Section of Knife to be Adjusted

B-Front Screw E-Rear Adjusting Screw Parallel to Gauge Bar
C-Bed Knife

1. Adjust the two-bolt gauge bar as shown for the

desired height-of-cut.
2. Set desired height-of-cut (A) by adjusting front
screw (B) and tighten wing nut.
3. Adjust bed knife (C) to be parallel in section (D)
by turning rear adjusting screw (E), then tighten
rear wing nut.

NOTE: It may be necessary to move the rollers

higher before the gauge bar can be set.

11/30/94 - 15
 MARK I 30 inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

HEIGHT-OF-CUT ADJUSTMENT WITH (C) and move the runner and roller upward.
A FRONT AND REAR ROLLER 7. To raise the rear roller, turn rear roller adjusting
screws (D) clockwise.
8. Position gauge bar on bed knife near one end of
c CAUTION the cutting unit.

IMPORTANT: Gauge bar can be damaged if

DO NOT SERVICE OR ADJUST MACHINE
roller is lowered further after it contacts the
WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING. gauge bar.
A
NOTE: All cutting units must be set at the same
height to obtain an even cut. Floating units
will not provide a quality cut in grass over
approximately 38 mm (1-1/2 in.) tall.
ARK I
1. Adjust reel-to-bed knife.
2. Raise cutting unit and lock in transport position or
remove from machine as desired.
3. Set two-bolt gauge bar to desired height-of-cut.

IMPORTANT: Using a single-bolt gauge bar will

not insure parallelism between rollers and 9. Adjust rear roller down until it just contacts the
may result in an uneven height-of-cut. gauge bar by turning the adjusters (A)
counterclockwise, alternating from end to end
until adjustment is complete.
10. Hold gauge bar close to either end and lower the
front roller by turning the adjuster nut (A)
clockwise alternating from end to end, until the
roller just touches the gauge bar.

B
4. Loosen bottom jam nuts (A).

11. If operating in the fixed position only (without a

front roller installed). Adjust runners to desired
5. Install two-bolt gauge bar (B) as shown. height. Runners must be above gauge bar.
12. Tighten runner bolts (C).
NOTE: If rollers are adjusted to a position so gauge
bar cannot be installed, raise either the front
or rear roller, or both, to allow installation of
the gauge bar.
6. To raise the front roller, loosen front runner bolts

- 16 11/30/94
REPAIR MARK I 30 Inch Cutting Unit

CUTTING TALLER GRASS

When cutting grass taller than approximately 38 mm
(1-1/2 in.), the front roller tends to knock down the
grass which affects the quality of cut. In these
conditions, it may be necessary to operate with
cutting reels in the fixed position. For fixed position:

MARK

1. Remove front roller (A) and scraper.

2. Move cap screw, washer, and nut to locked

position (B).

HEIGHT-OF-CUT ADJUSTMENT WITH

A REAR ROLLER ONLY

NOTE: For cutting heights over 38 mm (1-1/2 in.).

1. Remove front roller.
2. Position cutting unit in the fixed position.
3. Set two-bolt gauge bar to desired height-of-cut.
4. While holding gauge bar firmly against the bed
knife, adjust the rear roller down until it just
contacts the bed knife.

IMPORTANT: Ensure runners are above gauge

bar. Adjust if necessary.

11/30/94 - 17
 MARK I 30 Inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

Notes:

ARK I

- 18 11/30/94
MARK II CONTENTS

Page

MARK II
REEL MOWER IDENTIFICATION & APPLICATION - MARK II, 30-
INCH CUTTING UNIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Reel And Bed Knife Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Reel/bed Knife Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Backlapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Smooth Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Grooved Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Relief Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Performance Variables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
MARK
Standard Roller Disassembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Standard Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Heavy Duty Roller Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Bed Knife/support Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Bed Knife/support Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Adjust Rear Deflector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Height-of-cut Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Cutting Taller Grass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Backlapping & Reel-to-bed Knife Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Reel And Bed Knife Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Reel-to-bed Knife Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Backlapping Cutting Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

11/30/94 -1
 MARK II 30 inch Cutting Unit INFORMATION

REEL MOWER IDENTIFICATION & APPLICATION - MARK II, 30-INCH CUTTING

UNIT
MARK II, 30-Inch Cutting Unit was made for John Deere by Beaver Equipment LTD and can be identified
by the 13-hole bed knife, and the large horizontal support tube across the top of the frame. The MARK II
unit is used for fairway and fairway rough applications.
The MARK II cutting unit is used only on the 3325 Professional Turf Mower.

ARK II

A-Rear Roller D-Runner G-Front Roller J-Pivot Arm

B-Rear Roller Adjustment E-Reel-To-Bed Knife Adjustment H-Reel K-Counterweight
C-Grease Fitting F-Height-Of-Cut Adjustment I-Bed Knife/Support

INFORMATION

REEL AND BED KNIFE • When the reel is allowed to contact the bed
RELATIONSHIP knife, the square (sharp) edges of the reel and
bed knife will rollover, becoming dull.
Reel Mowers are precision machines requiring daily • Contact between the reel and bed knife generates
maintenance to maintain the well-groomed heat. Heat generated through this contact will
appearance of turfgrass. The scissor-like shearing
distort the shape of the bed knife. Distortion
action, that only a reel mower is capable of
causes the bed knife to draw closer to the reel,
achieving, is only possible if the reel and bed knife
resulting in more rollover of the cutting surfaces
are sharp and the reel-to-bed knife clearance is
and more heat generated in the bed knife.
maintained.
• Drag produced by an improperly adjusted cutting
Close examination of the reel-to-bed knife unit may result in an unacceptable clip ratio,
relationship reveals two square edges passing one undue strain on drive mechanisms and
another with approximately .002 of an inch premature wear of the cutting unit.
clearance. There are several reasons why this
clearance is necessary.

-2 11/30/94
INFORMATION MARK II 30 Inch Cutting Unit

REEL/BED KNIFE GRINDING Backlapping, when compared to grinding, removes

a very small amount of metal, requires less time and
Reasons for grinding:
will effect a smooth, clean cut.
• To restore the cylindrical shape of a reel that has
The backlapping procedure is accomplished by
become cone-shaped due to improper
spinning the reel backwards while applying special
adjustment of the reel-to-bed knife clearance or
abrasive compounds to the reel. Usually course
worn reel bearings.
compounds are used initially followed by a finer
• To restore the edge when the grass is not being abrasive for final honing. Recommended grits for
cut across the entire length of the bed knife, fairways and roughs are 60, 80 and 120. Reel
evidenced by streaks of grass left after the sharpening compounds should not be toxic, oily or
mower has passed. Usually the result of nicked greasy.
blades caused by hitting foreign objects in the
grass. The cutting unit should be inspected, backlapped,
• To restore the edge when the lack of frequent adjusted and checked daily for a uniform cut along
backlapping allowed the edge to be rounded the complete length of the bed knife. It is important
beyond the capability of the backlapping that the adjustment allows the reel to turn freely
procedure to restore the edge. without dragging against the bed knife. Metal-to-
metal contact will generate heat, causing the reel to
• To restore the edge when the reel-to-bed knife expand and intensifying the dragging that produces
clearance has been improperly adjusted (Reel more heat. This viscous cycle will quickly "shut- MARK
contacting bed knife). down" the mower.
Cutting action begins as the bed knife positions the
grass to be cut at the cutting edge. The reel then
pulls the grass towards the bed knife where it is SMOOTH ROLLER
sheared by the cutting edges as they pass one The roller is used as a ground sensing device to
another. detect changes in the contour of the turf as the
In order for the grass to be cut at the proper height, it mower moves forward.
must contact the bed knife at the cutting edge. This A smooth roller is always used on the rear of a
is accomplished by grinding a 15° relief angle on the cutting unit to establish the cutting height range. A
front face of the bed knife. Without a relief angle, front roller used in conjunction with a rear roller is
the blade of grass will contact the lower edge of the needed to achieve more exact cutting heights.
bed knife and be bent over at too much of an angle
prior to being cut. In the case of mowing greens,
where very small cuts are being taken, the reel may GROOVED ROLLER
not capture the grass at all, and no grass will be cut. The grooved roller is used as a ground sensing
Although some spingrinding machine manufacturers device to detect changes in the contour of the turf as
say backlapping is not necessary, John Deere the mower moves forward. The main advantage in
recommends backlapping after spingrinding to using a grooved roller rather than a smooth one
remove burrs and rough edges left from the comes when cutting long grass that is very wet.
spingrinding procedure. Backlapping produces a Grass that is wet will tend to stay down rather than
honed edge that will cut the grass evenly and leave spring up after the roller passes. Grooved rollers will
the tops of the grass with clean, straight edges. not bend the grass over, allowing it to be cut rather
It is important to note, dull cutting edges will tear than passed over.
rather than shear the grass drawn into the bed knife. Along with advantages come disadvantages.
This will shock the grass plant and retard its growth. Because of the reduced contact area, inherent with a
grooved roller, the roller may penetrate deeper into
the soil, lowering the effective cutting height and
BACKLAPPING possibly scalping the turf.
This procedure is used to sharpen the cutting edges
when grinding is not necessary. See Reel/Bed Knife
Grinding, in this section, to determine if grinding is
necessary.

11/30/94 -3
 MARK II 30 Inch Cutting Unit INFORMATION

RELIEF GRINDING

CORRECT INCORRECT

Double Relief Flat

Relief Grind Grind Ground
Relief
Grind

Secondary
20° 20° Relief Excessiver
Relief
No Relief
Cutting Edge Cutting Edge
ARK II

5° Relief

5° Relief

John Deere recommends Relief Grinding the reels before spingrinding for these reasons:
• Reduced blade contact area, results in less friction, requiring less horsepower to drive the reel.
• Ensures longer wear life.
• Less time is required to backlap.
• Reduces pulling and tearing of the grass as the unit gets dull by use.
• Provides an area for backlapping compound to be trapped to more effectively backlap reels.
• Relief grinding removes metal from the trailing edge of the blade forming an angle (Relief Angle) to
reduce the contact area of the cutting edges.
• Because of the relief grind it is possible, with backlapping, to true a reel (make it round) if a blade is
.001" to .002" too long.
PERFORMANCE VARIABLES •Shear point - A single point of cutting contact
between the cutting unit and the turf. Due to the Reel
Three performance variables that affect the quality mower design, there are an infinite number of shear
of cut are.
points across the bed knife.
• Reel rpm
• Ground speed of machine •Clip Ratio (CR) - The forward distance traveled
between successive cutting contacts at any one shear
NOTE: When discussing performance variables, we point.
must assume that other factors such as rate of •Cutting Height (CH) - The distance above the soil
growth, mowing frequency, soil fertility and line that grasses are clipped.
equipment condition have been considered The most uniform cut occurs when the Clip Ratio
and are not affecting the quality of cut. (CR) equals the Cutting height (CH). If CR is
greater than CH, Marcelling (a wavy, rib-like
To apply Performance Variables to a formula we
appearance) occurs. If CH is greater than CR, the
need to understand three terms:

-4 11/30/94
TROUBLESHOOTING MARK II 30 Inch Cutting Unit

rotating blades create a fanning affect that blows the Example

grass down without cutting it. CR is controlled by Using:
the Performance Variables, (the number of blades
selected, ground speed and reel speed). •3325 Professional Turf Mower at a tested reel speed
of 1250 RPM
Of these Performance Variables, only two, in most
cases, are we able to change. We can use a reel with •10 blade reel on a 30-inch cutting unit
a different number of blades, and/or we can change •CH = CR (0.51)
the vehicle ground speed.
Find: MPH (Vehicle Speed)
Since we know the number of blades the reel has,
what the reel speed is, the cutting height and the clip (1250) x (.51) x (10) ÷ 1056 = 6 MPH
ratio (since CR must equal CH), let's find the vehicle
ground speed. NOTE: To calculate MPH, multiply .68148 x ft.
traveled/sec. Another way to calculate speed
Here's the formula: is to measure off an 88 ft. distance, record the
MPH = (Reel rpm) x (CR or CH) x (Number of Reel length of time, in seconds, it takes to travel
Blades) ÷ 1056 that distance and divide 60 by that time.

TROUBLESHOOTING
MARK
Symptom Problem Solution
Marcelling Ground speed too Fast See Performance Variables
Machine rpm too Low See Machine Operator's
Manual
Wrong Number ofReel Blades See Performance Variables
ForDesired CR
Streaking Reel/Bed Knife Clearance See Backlapping and Reel
Inconsistent Along Bed Knife to Bed Knife Adjustment
HOC Changes Roller Clamp Bolts Loose See HOC Adjustment
Roller Bearings Worn See Roller Removal
Roller Out-Of-Round See Roller Removal
Cutting Unit Not Floating Properly See Machine Operator's
Manual
Changing Soil Conditions Use a Smooth Roller
Grass Too Wet Allow Sufficient Time To Dry
Cut Grass Collecting on Roller Install Scraper
Traction Unit PivotArms Worn Repair Or Replace
Poor Quality of Cut Excessive Ground Speed Slow Down
Excessive Grass Growth Mow More Frequently
Improper Reel to Bed Knife Clearance See Reel-to-Bed Knife
Adjustment
Reel/Bed Knife Dull See Backlapping and Reel
to-Bed Knife Adjustment
No Relief Grind See Reel/Bed Knife Grin
ing,
Weight TransferSystem Needs Adjustment See Machine Operator's

11/30/94 -5
 MARK II 30 Inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

or Malfunctioning Manual
Reel Does Not Rotate Improper Reel to Bed Knife Clearance See Reel-to-Bed Knife
Adjustment
Reel Bearings Worn Or Seized See Reel Removal
Machine Not Operating Properly See Machine Operator's
Manual

REPAIR 5. Remove the snap ring (A).

STANDARD ROLLER DISASSEMBLY

c CAUTION
Wear safety glasses to prevent chips or debris
ARK II from entering eyes

NOTE: Overtightening the vise will distort the

roller. 6. Repeat steps 1 thru 5 on the opposite end of the
roller.
1. Put the roller in a vise. Drill a 6.5 mm (1/4 in.)
into the roller rock guard (A).

2. Remove the rock guard with a punch. It may be

necessary to use penetrating oil on the guard.
3. Drill a 6.5 mm (1/4 in.) into the metal shield cap.
4. Use a punch to remove the cap.

7. Install a 12 x 1.75 mm round head bolt in shaft.

8. Use a hammer to loosen the shaft (A), bearing (B)
and labryinth seal (C).
9. Pry inner seal (D) from roller.

-6 11/30/94
REPAIR MARK II 30 Inch Cutting Unit

10. Install a 12 x 1.75 mm bolt on end of shaft with 8. Install rock guard (H) until it is tight gainst the
seal and bearing. Rest bearing on a vise and use a snap ring.
hammer to remove seal and bearing from shaft. 9. Lube fitting on each end of roller.
11. Install 12 x 1.75 mm bolts in both ends of shaft.

MARK

IMPORTANT: Bolt head must be centered on HEAVY DUTY ROLLER

bearing to avoid damage to the inside of the DISASSEMBLY
roller tube.
12. Put end of roller with bearing (A) on wood
block.
13. Install shaft and bolts into roller. Use a hammer
to remove the inner seal (B), bearing (A) and
labyrinth seal (C).
14. Clean inner surface of roller and use emery cloth
to remove nicks or burrs.

STANDARD ROLLER ASSEMBLY

1. Use a disk driver to install inner seal (D) to 1. Using a wide screwdriver to hold the shaft
bottom of bore in roller tube (A). stationary, remove the locknut from each end of
the roller (D).
2. install beraing (C) tight against seal.
2. Use a brass or wood drift to remove the shaft from
the roller
IMPORTANT: Do not allow snap ring groove of
shaft to pass through seal more than once. 3. Remove spacer (C), O-ring (B) and tapered
Damage to seal will occur. bearing (A).
4. Use a two jaw puller with slide hammer to remove
3. Install shaft (G) in end of roller tube opposite seal. inner seal and bearing cup. (grooved rollers do
(D). not have the inner seal)
4. Install labyrinth seal (E) in roller with outer seal
lip into bore first. Push seal tight against bearing.
5. Install snap ring (F). Tap shaft until snap ring is
against labyrinth seal.
6. Repeat steps 1 thru 5 for other end of roller.
7. Install metal shield cap (B) into roller until a 1-2
mm gap (0.04 - 0.08 in.) gap exists between cap
and snap ding. Repeat on other end. NEWER STYLE ROLLER

11/30/94 -7
 MARK II 30 inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

HEAVY DUTY ROLLER ASSEMBLY 9. Apply grease to all outer seals (A and B). Install
seal (A) with metal case side towards outside of
NOTE: Grooved rollers do not have the inner seal. roller. Use a pipe or socket to push seal to the
bottom of the bore.
1. Install bearing cup into each end of the roller with 10. Fill cavity between seals (A and B) with grease.
a disc driver. Install seal (B) with metal case towards outside of
2. Apply grease to lip of seal. Install inner seal into roller. Push seal (B) tight against seal (A).
one end of the roller, (metal side facing inside of
roller).
BED KNIFE/SUPPORT REMOVAL
3. Cover threads on both ends of shaft with tape.
Install shaft in end opposite seal. 1. Remove rear roller attaching screws (A) and rear
4. Apply grease to seal lip and install over shaft roller (B).
(metal side facing the inside of roller). 2. Remove skid clamp screws (C), washers, and
spacers.
3. Remove skids and front roller as an assembly.
4. Remove all screws attaching bed knife support to
cutting unit housing.
5. Remove bed knife support, with bed knife (A)
ARK II
attached, from cutting unit housing.
6. Remove and discard screws attaching bed knife to
support. Discard bed knife.
7. Remove debris, corrosion, and rust from bottom
surface of bed knife support.
5. Install bearing cone (packed with grease) (A), O-
ring (B) and sleeve (C) into both ends. BED KNIFE/SUPPORT INSTALLATION
6. Install lock nut (D) on slotted end only. Tighten
1. Install bed knife using 13 new screws and nuts.
nut until approximately 5 mm (3/16 in.) of shaft
extends beyond nut. 2. Put bed knife support and bed knife in a suitable
grinder and grind until material is removed from
7. Install lock nut on opposite end of shaft. While
the entire top surface of the bed knife lip.
tightening nut, rotate roller to seat bearings.
Tighten nut until shaft will not rotate by hand. 3. Raise the reel at least 13 mm (1/2 in.) by turning
then back off nut until shaft rotates freely without the reel adjusting screws counterclockwise.
excessive drag. 4. Reinstall the bed knife support assembly.
8. Check end play of roller shaft. Shaft end play 5. Reinstall the skids and front roller assembly.
should not exceed 0.15 mm (0.006 in.) 6. Reinstall rear roller.
7. Set the height-of-cut. See Adjusting Height-of-
Cut in this section.
8. Adjust the reel-to-bed knife. See Adjusting Reel-
to-Bed Knife in this section.
9. Backlap reel. See Backlapping Cutting Units in
this section.
10. Check the height-of-cut and adjust as necessary.
See Adjusting Height-of-Cut in this section.

-8 11/30/94
REPAIR MARK II 30 Inch Cutting Unit

ADJUST REAR DEFLECTOR

C B A
1. Loosen lock nuts (B).
2. Position rear deflector (C or D) and clamps (A) so
material thrown from the blades is deflected
downward.
3. Tighten nuts (B).

Wing and Center Cutting Units

A
B

MARK

Front Cutting Units

GROUND SPEED
7 km/h 8 km/h 9 km/h 10 km/h 11 km/h 11.6 km/h
(4.5 mph) (5.0 mph) (5.5 mph) (6.0 mph) (6.5 mph) (7.2 mph)
Frequency:
6 Blades 16.0 mm 18.0 mm 20.0 mm 22.0 mm 23.0 mm 26.0 mm
(0.63 in.) (0.71 in.) (0.78 in.) (0.85 in.) (0.92 in.) (1.02 in.)
8 Blades 12.0 mm 13.0 mm 15.0 mm 16.0 mm 18.0 mm 19.0 mm
(0.47 in.) (0.51 in.) (0.59 in.) (0.63 in.) (0.71 in.) (0.75 in.)
10 Blades 10.0 mm 11.0 mm 12.0 mm 13.0 mm 14.0 mm 15.0 mm
(0.38 in.) (0.42 in.) (0.47 in.) (0.51 in) (0.55 in.) (0.59 in.)

NOTE: Reel speed is rated at 1250 rpm.

11/30/94 -9
 MARK II 30 inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

HEIGHT-OF-CUT ADJUSTMENT A
1. Set two-bolt adjusting gauge bar to desired
height-of-cut

c CAUTION
Always wear gloves when manually rotating
reel. Rotating one reel by hand may cause
other reels to rotate. if a reel is rotated, be sure
no other person is near the other units.
NOTE: Make final adjustment of rear roller by
NOTE: Using a single-bolt adjusting gauge bar will turning adjusting nuts counterclockwise. Do
not insure parallelism between rollers and not turn adjusters beyond where the rear roll
may result in uneven height-of-cut. just touches the gauge bar.
2. Install two-bolt gauge bar as shown. 7. Hold gauge bar close to either end and lower front
ARK II roll by carefully turning nut (A) clockwise
NOTE: If rollers are adjusted to a position so gauge alternately from end to end, until front roll just
bar cannot be installed, raise either the front touches gauge bar.
or rear roller or both to allow installation of
the gauge bar. IMPORTANT: Do not turn nut (A) beyond
D where the front roll just touches the gauge bar
or the gauge bar will bend.

B 8. Float position only (with front roller installed);

carefully lower front roller so it just touches the
gauge bar.
9. Fixed position only (without front roller); adjust
C runners to desired height. Runners must be above
gauge bar.
A 10. Tighten runner bolts.

CUTTING TALLER GRASS

3. To raise front roller, loosen bolts (A) and nut (B)
and turn nut (C) counterclockwise on each end of NOTE: When cutting grass taller than
cutting unit, alternating between sides. approximately 38 mm (1-1/2 in.), the front
4. To raise rear roller, turn bolt (D) on each end of roller tends to knock down grass affecting the
cutting unit clockwise. quality of cut. In these conditions, it may be
5. Position gauge bar on bed knife near one end of necessary to operate with cutting units in
cutting unit. fixed position.

IMPORTANT: Damage may result to gauge bar 1. Remove front roller and scraper.
if rear roller is lowered further after contact 2. Move cap screw, washer, and nut to fixed
with the gauge bar. position.

6. Adjust rear roller down so it just contacts the

gauge bar by turning adjusters (A)
counterclockwise, alternating from end to end
until adjustment is complete.

- 10 11/30/94
REPAIR MARK II 30 Inch Cutting Unit

BACKLAPPING & REEL-TO-BED gouges or distortion. Ensure the cutting edge land
KNIFE ADJUSTMENT does not exceed more than 3/4 of the blade
thickness. See Reel and Bed Knife grinding to
ESSENTIAL TOOLS
restore the relief angle and cutting edge before
• .002" Feeler Gauge continuing with this procedure.
• .004" Feeler Gauge 4. Inspect the bed knife cutting edge for nicks,
• Lapping Compound gouges or distortion.
• Two Bolt Gauge Bar 5. Inspect the bed knife for uneven wear (indicated
FABRICATED TOOLS by uneven land width across the length of the bed
knife. Ensure the cutting edge land does not
• 2" OR 4" Paint brush, attach a piece of rubber exceed 3/4 of the cutting edge. Replace the bed
hose to the handle to extend its length. This is knife if the cutting edge is the same thickness as
used to the bed knife.
It is best to think of backlapping and reel-to-bed
knife adjustments as one procedure. Although
backlapping removes only a small amount of metal, REEL-TO-BED KNIFE ADJUSTMENT
the clearance between the reel and bed knife will be 1. The cutting edge of the bed knife must be sharp
increased and must be readjusted. and straight, and the relief angle should be 5
Another very important point to remember is that degrees. Otherwise, remove bed knife and bed MARK
adjustments can only be successful if the frame knife support and have them ground as a
integrity (straightness and strength) is maintained. complete unit.
Attaching bolts must be secure and bearings must be

c CAUTION
well lubricated and not worn.

REEL AND BED KNIFE INSPECTION

Always wear protective gloves when manually
rotating reel. Rotating one reel by hand may
c CAUTION cause other reels to rotate. If a reel is rotated,
be sure no other person is near the other units.
Always wear protective gloves when working
on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe per- 2. Use feeler gauges to set recommended reel-to-bed
knife clearance in the range for the grass to be
sonal injury can result from contact with the
cut. Finer textured grasses, such as Rye grass or
sharp cutting edges. Bent grass requires a close setting, but the setting
Never allow more than one person at a time, should not be less than 0.05 mm (0.002 in.).
Work on any one cutting unit. Never allow
work to be accomplished on more than one cut-
ting unit at the same time. Serious personal C
injury could result. A

1. Visually inspect cutting unit for damage. Chipped

paint, dents or gouges may indicate the need for a
closer look at the frame for distortion, broken
weldments or other damage that could prevent B
proper adjustment. Repair or replace parts as
necessary.
2. Inspect for vertical or lateral movement in the reel
or bearings supporting the reel, repair or replace 3. Loosen clamp bolt (A) on each end just enough so
as necessary. support casting (B) can be adjusted.
3. While rotating the reel in the reverse direction by
hand, inspect each blade cutting edge for nicks,

11/30/94 - 11
 MARK II 30 inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

4. Carefully turn adjusting screws (C) NOTE: Adjusting bolt pipe end (B) should be flush
counterclockwise, alternating on each end until against bracket when clamping bolt (C) is
reel just touches bed knife. loosened. If not flush, slot the top hole (D)
5. Slowly turn adjusters (C) until desired clearance toward the inside. Slot approximately 3 mm
is achieved. (1/8 in.) or just enough so adjuster bolt "pipe"
6. Tighten clamp bolts (A) at both ends and recheck sets flush against side of bracket.
clearance at each reel support disk.
D
IMPORTANT: Do not allow the reel to interfere
with the bed knife. Interference will cause
heating and can damage reel and bed knife.

NOTE: After setting height-of-cut, reel-to-bed knife

should be adjusted to 0.05 to 0.08 mm (0.002
to 0.003 in.) on both ends. Check clearance
across entire reel and bed knife.
7. Clearance should be uniform. If less than 0.2 mm
ARK II (.007 in.) variation, go ahead and backlap. If
more clearance, follow steps 7 and 8. 7. Check 8. Install washer (E) on both sides of adjuster. This
front roll adjuster (A), both ends.. will provide a good clamping surface for the
tightening nuts. Check reel-to-bed knife
adjustment. If not within the 0.2 mm (0.007 in.)
variation proceed to next step.

IMPORTANT: Remove rear roller at

approximate height-of-cut.

E 9. Remove rear roller and check reel-to-bed knife

clearance.
A
NOTE: After removing roller, check reel-to-bed
knife clearance. If unchanged or change is
less than 0.07 mm (0.003 in.) reinstall and
backlap.If bed knife to reel clearance changes
more than 0.07 mm (0.003 in.) when roller is
removed, adjustment of roller is needed.
10. A .004" feeler gauge should not go in anywhere.
If tight fit, file off ends of roller. If roller is loose
between rear towers, shim to snug fit.
B
IMPORTANT: Step 9 is not a permanent fix. A
large change in height-of-cut can make the
same symptoms reappear. Also check new
C rollers and adjust accordingly.
11. Install rear roller. Set height-of-cut, check reel-
to-bed knife clearance and backlap.

- 12 11/30/94
REPAIR MARK II 30 Inch Cutting Unit

BACKLAPPING CUTTING UNITS

NOTE: Backlapping cutting units must be done on a

routine basis to prolong reel life, prevent
downtown, and provide sharp cutting action.

IMPORTANT: The reel-to-bed knife clearance

should be adjusted to approximately 0.076 mm
(0.002 in.) at the ends.
C
1. Set parking brake and start engine.
2. Raise seat.

reels in reverse and adjust speed. Thumbscrews

are located on right side, behind fuel tank, and
A
below battery. Reels must be turning backwards
slowly enough so grinding compound will not be
thrown off during backlapping.
MARK

3. Pull up interlock switch (A), located under seat.

c CAUTION
Avoid injury from rotating blades. keep hands 7. Using a long-handled brush, carefully apply reel
and feet away while machine is operating. sharpening compound, uniformly, from one end
of the reel to the other. Repeat application in
opposite direction. Allow unit to continue
4. Move backlapping switch (A) to "N" (neutral running backwards until reel is quiet.
position) for backlapping. Set throttle (B) on low
idle. 8. Periodically disengage PTO lever and shut engine
off to visually check blade appearance.
B

B
A

5. Engage PTO. 9. Inspect reel-to-bed knife clearance. If clearance is

not uniform, partially loosen clamp bolt (A) and
6. Turn thumbscrews (C) inward (clockwise) to turn
turn bolt (B) counterclockwise 1-1/2 flats on the

11/30/94 - 13
 MARK II 30 inch Cutting Unit REPAIR

side of the bolt on either end, as needed to make

clearance uniform. Tighten clamp bolts (A).
10. Repeat steps 7, 8, and 9 until clearance is
uniform across the bed knife.

NOTE: Cutting units may be backlapped separately.

The left thumbscrew controls the left cutting
unit. The center thumbscrew controls the right
cutting unit. The right thumbscrew controls
the three remaining units.

ARK II

11. Disengage PTO lever and shut off engine. Turn

thumbscrews (C) counterclockwise.
12. With reel stopped, use water to thoroughly wash
off all reel sharpening compound.

IMPORTANT: Do not operate units in the

forward direction until reel sharpening
compound is washed from the unit. Unless
properly washed, the reels can be dulled by the
compound.
13. See Reel-to-Bed Knife Adjustment.

- 14 11/30/94
MARK VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT CONTENTS

Page

MARK VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT

IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
COMPONENT LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT THEORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Reel Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Assembling & Installing Cutting Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Adjusting Depth Of Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

30 VC

11/30/94 -1
 30 Inch Vertical Cutting Unit IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION

IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION

The 30-Inch Vertical Cutting Unit is built for John Deere by Beaver Equipment LTD and is easily identified
by the many vertical knives bolted to vertical disks. The Vertical Cutting Unit is a dedicated cutting unit
used for dethatching, vertical cutting and exposing soil surface for overseeding applications.
The 30-Inch Vertical Cutting Unit is used on the 3325.

COMPONENT LOCATION

0 VCU

A - Runner D - Depth Adjustment F - Discs H - Front Roller

B - Grease Fitting E - Depth of Cut Adjustment G - Cutting Blades I - Rear Roller
C - Pivot Arm

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM SPECIFICATION
Make. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beaver
Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 762 mm (30 in)
Depth of Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 mm - 25.4 mm (0 - 1 in.)
Blade Diameter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241 mm (9.5 in.)
Blade Thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 mm (.118 in.)
Number of Blades Per Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Number of Discs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Total Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Blade Spacing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 mm (1 1/4 in.) standard
Cutting Unit Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydraulic gear motor
Reel Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 940 - 1150 rpm

-2 11/30/94
TROUBLESHOOTING 30 Inch Vertical Cutting Unit

TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Problem Solution
Poor Cutting Dull Cutting Blades Rotate or replace blades
Ground Speed too fast Reduce ground speed
Engine Speed too slow Increase engine rpm
Cutting Unit not floating, Unit in Lubricate pivot points
fixed position Operate in floating position
Reel bearing(s) seized Remove and Inspect Reel
bearings
Excessive Penetration Raise Reel

VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT THEORY 2. Remove snap ring, and vertical cutting reel drive
gear using a gear puller.
Vertical mowers are used to cultivate turf by cutting
continuous slits through the turf, thatch and soil. 3. Remove spacer behind cutting reel drive gear.
This opens the soil and helps achieve better results Remove key from shaft.
when Topdressing. B

The vertical cutting blades cut the horizontally

growing runners of grass, forcing them to root again
A
at the point they were severed. As a result, the turf 30 VC
gets thicker and tends to grow vertical rather than
horizontal. This is desirable since grass that is
growing horizontally tends to deflect a rolling ball in
the direction of orientation rather than on a true
course. D

Vertical cutters are used to mechanically remove

excess thatch accumulation when time does not
permit other methods to be used.

REPAIR

REEL REMOVAL
C
ESSENTIAL TOOLS
• Metric Open end/Box Wrenches
• Torque Wrench 4. Remove snap ring in front of vertical cutting reel
shaft bearing.
1. Remove two M6 x 25 socket-head screws, lock
washers, mounting plate, and gasket. 5. Hold locking nut (A). Turn adjusting bolt (B) out
of casting.
6. Remove shoulder bolts (C and D) from casting.

11/30/94 -3
 30 Inch Vertical Cutting Unit REPAIR

7. Order an additional gear case mounting plate (A) 15. Remove shoulder bolts (C and D).
from your John Deere Golf and Turf distributor. 16. Remove cap screw (E).
This plate will be used as a gear case housing
removing tool.

17. Install nut (A) on M10 x 45 cap screw.

18. Grind off three threads from end of cap screw.
19. Remove nut (A) to clean out threads.
8. Measure 60 mm (2-3/8 in.) from the bottom and 20. Install and tighten special cap screw (A) to push
58 mm (2-9/32 in.) from the side of this plate and reel out of housing.
make a mark.
9. Drill a 8.4 mm (11/32 in.) diameter hole at A
location (B).
10. Using a tap (10 mm x 1.5 threads per mm), make
threads in hole.
0 VCU 11. Fasten plate to gear case housing with socket-
head screws (A).
21. Remove snap rings (A) that retain bearings and
seals.
22. Remove bearing and seals. Install new bearing
and seals.
23. Remove bolts (A), spacers, and brackets from
each side.
E D

12. Install M10 x 50 cap screw into the hole tapped F

in step 10 until it bottoms against the reel shaft.

C
Continue turning cap screw with a wrench to A
remove gear case housing. B

13. Remove socket-head screws and remove plate

from gear case housing.
B
B
A

C D
24. Remove and set aside front roller assembly.
25. Remove cap screws (B) and bottom side plates
(C) on each side.
26. Remove two nuts (D) and rear deflector.
27. Lift cutting unit at point (E). Turn unit until it
rests on rear roller adjusting towers (F)
E 28. On each side, loosen rear roller special grease
bolts (A). Pull runners (B) down. This will allow
14. Hold locking nut (A) and back adjusting bolt (B) removal of the vertical cutting unit reel
out of casting.

-4 11/30/94
REPAIR 30 Inch Vertical Cutting Unit
. 7. Install reel driven gear (A) on reel shaft using the
special driver and rubber mallet.

c CAUTION 8. Install special cap screw (A) in casting to move

reel to the driven end.
9. Install snap ring (A) with flat corner side facing
Wear gloves when removing reel. Cutting outward.
edges are sharp. 10. Install new gear case gasket (A) and gear case
motor plate (B) using two M6 x 25 bottom socket
head screws and dowels.
11. Fill gear case through hole (C) with John Deere
Spindle Grease or other SAE Multipurpose
Grease meeting NLGI Consistency Number 00.

NOTE: Gear case capacity is 0.4 L (0.8 pt.)

12. Adjust depth of cut to desired height.

29. Inspect reel shaft for excessive wear. Replace

reel if necessary.
30. Rotate or replace blades.
30 VC
ASSEMBLING & INSTALLING
CUTTING UNIT 13. Turn vertical cutting unit reel by hand when
placed in position shown. Reel should rotate
freely and not contact housing when assembled
14. Tighten rear roller bolts (A).
15. Loosen bolts (B) and adjust scraper so it just
clears the roller when turning the roller by hand..

1. Install blades, rear deflector, side plates, and front

roller assembly.
2. Install bearings, seals, and snap rings.
3. Install reel in housing.
4. Install gear case housing plate.
5. Install drive gear. 16. Tighten scraper bolts (B).
6. Install mounting plate and motor. 17. Adjust the front roller scraper using the same
procedure.
NOTE: To prevent misalignment of shaft and 18. Install rear deflector with clamps on top of
bearing, order JDM-66-5 Bushing and Seal deflector. Insert round-head bolts through
Driver from your John Deere Distributor. deflector and clamps. Place lock nuts (C) on
round-head bolts.

11/30/94 -5
 30 Inch Vertical Cutting Unit REPAIR

19. Adjust rear deflector so material thrown from the 3. Loosen cap screw (C) and adjust front roller to
blades is deflected downward. center of slot. Tighten cap screw (C). Repeat on
20. Tighten nuts (C). opposite side.

4. Check gap on each end so front roller is level.

5. Mark desired cutting depth on gauge bar. Initial
setting of 8 mm (5/16 in.) recommended.

21. Position vertical cutting unit under machine.

22. Install quick lock pin (A) (if equipped) or four
nuts (B) and round-head bolts. Tighten nuts (B).
23. Install motor (C) and new motor plate gasket.
0 VCU Fasten motor housing using two M6 x 45 (upper)
and two M6 x 30 (lower socket) head screws.
24. Lubricate all grease fittings using John Deere
Moly High Temperature EP Grease or equivalent
as stated in Lubrication and Maintenance Section.

ADJUSTING DEPTH OF CUT

IMPORTANT: Vertical reel must be level in

housing to prevent uneven cutting and
reduced bearing life.
B
6. Set gauge bar on edge against front and rear roller.
Turn rear roller adjusting screw (A) until leading
corner of vertical cutting blade is at desired depth
of penetration. Check both ends of reel until they
are adjusted to the same setting.
7. If blades contact soil during operation, raise all
A
units up 2 mm (1/16 in.) to 6 mm (1/4 in.) depth.

IMPORTANT: These vertical cutting units are

not designed for ground engagement
operations.
8. Continue to raise, in 2 mm (1/16 in.) increments,
1. Check gap between spacer and bottom slot on until no ground engagement occurs.
both ends of reel.
2. If gaps are not equal, loosen nut (A). Turn NOTE: If desired depth of penetration cannot be
adjusting screw (B) until gaps are equal. Tighten achieved by adjusting the rear roller, adjust
nut (A). the reel and/or front roller.

-6 11/30/94
E.S.P. 26 CONTENTS

Page

E.S.P. 26
IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
COMPONENT LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Reel And Bed Knife Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Reel/bed Knife Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Relief Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Backlapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Smooth Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Grooved Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Performance Variables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Roller Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Disassembly And Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Roller Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Bed Knife/support Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Bed Knife/support Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Reel Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Pivot Arm Disassembly And Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Pivot Arm Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Reel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
26 Inc
Backlapping And Reel-to-bed Knife Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 REEL
Reel And Bed Knife Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Reel-to-bed Knife Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Backlapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Height-of-cut (Hoc) Adjustment.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

CLICK TITLE TO VIEW ANIMATION OF REEL PROCEDURE

1. Bed Knife Replacement

2. Reel to Bed Knife Clearance

3. Replacing & Adjusting Bed Knife

4. Setting Height-of-Cut Range

5.Quick Roller Height Adjustments (1/8 in.)

6. Roller Height Adjustments Less than 1/8 in.

11/30/94 -1
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION

The 26-Inch Cutting Units are manufactured by John Deere at the John Deere Horicon Works Factory.
They can be identified by the ratchet teeth located on the roller height adjustment mechanism. The 26-Inch
cutting unit is used only on the 2653 Professional Turf Mower.

COMPONENT LOCATION
REEL-TO-BED KNIFE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT

FRONT ROLLER HOC ADJUSTMENT

RATCHET TEETH

6 Inch
REEL
REAR DEFLECTOR

REAR ROLLER SCRAPER

REAR ROLLER HOC ADJUSTMENT

-2 11/30/94
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT
TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Problem Solution
Marcelling Ground speed too High/Low See Performance Variables,
Machine rpm too High/Low See Machine Operator's
Manual
Wrong Number of Reel Blades For See Performance Variables,
Desired CR
Streaking Reel/Bed Knife Clearance See Backlapping and
lnconsistent Along Bed Knife Reel to Bed Knife
Adjustment
Damaged Section of Reeel or Bed Knife Grind as Needed
HOC Changes Roller Clamp Bolts Loose See HOC Adjustment
Roller Bearings Worn See Roller Removal
Roller Bent See Roller Removal
Cutting Unit NotFloating Properly See Machine Operator's
Manual
Changing Soil Conditions Use a Smooth Roller
Grass Too Wet Allow Sufficient Time To Dry
Cut Grass Collecting on Roller Install Scraper or
Power Brush
Traction Unit PivotArms Worn Repair Or Replace
Poor Quality of Cut Improper Reel toBed Knife Clearance See Reel-to-Bed
Knife Adjustment
Reel/Bed Knife Dull See Backlapping and
Reel-to-Bed Knife
26 Inc
Adjustment
REEL
No Relief Grind See Reel/Bed Knife
Grinding
Weight TransferSystem Needs Adjustment See Machine Operator'
or Malfunctioning Manual
Reel Does Not Rotate Improper Reel to Bed Knife Clearance See Reel-to-Bed Knife
Adjustment
Reel Bearings Worn Or Seized See Reel Removal
Machine Not Operating Properly See Machine Operator's
Manual

11/30/94 -3
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

INFORMATION REEL/BED KNIFE GRINDING

Reasons for grinding:
REEL AND BED KNIFE •To restore the cylindrical shape of a reel that has
RELATIONSHIP become cone-shaped due to improper adjustment of
the reel-to-bed knife clearance or worn reel
Reel Mowers are precision machines requiring daily
bearings.
maintenance to maintain the well-groomed
appearance of turfgrass. The scissor-like shearing •To restore the edge when the grass is not being cut
action, that only a reel mower is capable of across the entire length of the bed knife, evidenced
achieving, is only possible if the reel and bed knife by streaks of grass left after the mower has passed.
are sharp and the reel-to-bed knife clearance is Usually the result of nicked blades caused by hitting
maintained. foreign objects in the grass.
Close examination of the reel-to-bed knife •To restore the edge when the lack of frequent
relationship reveals two square edges passing one backlapping allowed the edge to be rounded beyond
another with approximately .002 of an inch the capability of the backlapping procedure to
clearance. There are several reasons why this restore the edge.
clearance is necessary. •To restore the edge when the reel-to-bed knife
•When the reel is allowed to contact the bed knife, clearance has been improperly adjusted (Reel
the square (sharp) edges of the reel and bed knife contacting bed knife).
will rollover, becoming dull. Cutting action begins as the bed knife positions the
•Contact between the reel and bed knife generates grass to be cut at the cutting edge. The reel then
heat. Heat generated through this contact will distort pulls the grass towards the bed knife where it is
the shape of the bed knife. Distortion causes the bed sheared by the cutting edges as they pass one
knife to draw closer to the reel, resulting in more another.
rollover of the cutting surfaces and more heat In order for the grass to be cut at the proper height, it
generated in the bed knife. must contact the bed knife at the cutting edge. This
•Drag produced by an improperly adjusted cutting is accomplished by grinding a 5° relief angle on the
unit may result in an unacceptable clip ratio, undue front face of the bed knife. Without a relief angle,
strain on drive mechanisms and premature wear of the blade of grass will contact the lower edge of the
the cutting unit. bed knife and be bent over at too much of an angle
6 Inch prior to being cut. In the case of mowing greens,
REEL where very small cuts are being taken, the reel may
not capture the grass at all, and no grass will be cut.
Although some spingrinding machine manufacturers
say backlapping is not necessary, John Deere
recommends backlapping after spingrinding to
remove burrs and rough edges left from the
spingrinding procedure. Backlapping produces a
honed edge that will cut the grass evenly and leave
the tops of the grass with clean, straight edges.
It is important to note, dull cutting edges will tear
rather than shear the grass drawn into the bed knife.
This will shock the grass plant and retard its growth.

-4 11/30/94
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

RELIEF GRINDING
CORRECT INCORRECT

Double Relief
Relief Grind Grind Flat Ground

Secondary Relief
Relief
Grind

20° 20° Excessive

Relief
No Relief
Cutting Edge Cutting Edge
5° Relief

5° Relief

John Deere recommends Relief Grinding the reels before spingrinding for these reasons:
• Reduced blade contact area, results in less friction, requiring less horsepower to drive the reel.
• Ensures longer wear life.
• Less time is required to backlap.
• Reduces pulling and tearing of the grass as the unit gets dull by use.
• Provides an area for backlapping compound to be trapped to more effectively backlap reels.
• Relief grinding removes metal from the trailing edge of the blade forming an angle (Relief Angle) to
reduce the contact area of the cutting edges.
• Because of the relief grind it is possible, with backlapping, to true a reel (make it round) if a blade is 26 Inc
.001" to .002" too high. REEL

BACKLAPPING The cutting unit should be inspected, backlapped,

adjusted and checked daily for a uniform cut along
This procedure is used to sharpen the cutting edges the complete length of the bed knife. It is important
when grinding is not necessary. See Reel/Bed Knife that the adjustment allows the reel to turn freely
Grinding, in this section, to determine if grinding is without dragging against the bed knife. Metal-to-
necessary. metal contact will generate heat, causing the reel to
Backlapping, when compared to grinding, removes a expand and intensifying the dragging that produces
very small amount of metal, requires less time and more heat. This viscous cycle will quickly "shut-
will effect a smooth, clean cut. down" the mower.
The backlapping procedure is accomplished by
spinning the reel backwards while applying special SMOOTH ROLLER
abrasive compounds to the reel. Usually course
compounds are used initially followed by a finer The roller is used as a ground sensing device to
abrasive for final honing. Recommended grits for detect changes in the contour of the turf as the
fairways and roughs are 60, 80 and 120. Reel mower moves forward.
sharpening compounds should not be toxic, oily or A smooth roller is always used on the rear of a
greasy. cutting unit to establish the cutting height range.

11/30/94 -5
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

A front roller used in conjunction with a rear roller The most uniform cut occurs when the Clip Ratio
is needed to achieve more exact cutting heights. (CR) equals the Cutting height (CH). If CR is
greater than CH, Marcelling (a wavy, rib-like
appearance) occurs. If CH is greater than CR, the
GROOVED ROLLER rotating blades create a fanning affect that blows the
The grooved roller is used as a ground sensing grass down without cutting it. CR is controlled by
device to detect changes in the contour of the turf as the Performance Variables, (the number of blades
the mower moves forward. The main advantage in selected, ground speed and reel speed).
using a grooved roller rather than a smooth one Of these Performance Variables, only two, in most
comes when cutting long grass that is very wet. cases, are we able to change. We can use a reel with
Grass that is wet will tend to stay down rather than a different number of blades, and/or we can change
spring up after the roller passes. Grooved rollers will the vehicle ground speed.
not bend the grass over, allowing it to be cut rather
than passed over. Since we know the number of blades the reel has,
what the reel speed is, the cutting height and the clip
Along with advantages come disadvantages. ratio (since CR must equal CH), let's find the vehicle
Because of the reduced contact area, inherent with a ground speed.
grooved roller, the roller may penetrate deeper into
the soil, lowering the effective cutting height and Here's the formula:
possibly scalping the turf. MPH = (Reel rpm) x (CR or CH) x (Number of Reel
Blades) ÷ 1056
PERFORMANCE VARIABLES Example
Three performance variables that affect the quality Using:
of cut are. •3365 Professional Turf Mower at a tested reel speed
• Number of reel blades of 1250 RPM
• Reel rpm •8 blade reel on a E.S.P. cutting unit
• Ground speed of machine •CH = CR (0.58)
Find: MPH (Vehicle Speed)
NOTE: When discussing performance variables, we
must assume that other factors such as rate of (1250) x (.58) x (8) ÷ 1056 = 5.5 MPH
growth, mowing frequency, mowing patterns,
6 Inch
soil fertility and equipment condition have NOTE: To calculate MPH, multiply .68148 x ft.
REEL
been considered and are not affecting the traveled/sec. Another way to calculate speed
quality of cut. is to measure off an 88 ft. distance, record the
length of time, in seconds, it takes to travel
To apply Performance Variables to a formula we that distance and divide 60 by that time.
need to understand three terms:
• Shear point - A single point of cutting contact
between the cutting unit and the turf. Due to the
Reel mower design, there are an infinite number
of shear points across the bed knife.
• Clip Ratio (CR) - The forward distance traveled
between successive cutting contacts at any one
shear point.
• Cutting Height (CH) - The distance above the
soil line that grasses are clipped.

-6 11/30/94
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

REPAIR 4. Inspect bearings and bearing cups for pitting,

scoring and bluing from overheating. Replace
bearings and bearing cups as necessary.
ROLLER REMOVAL
ROLLER ASSEMBLY
1. Install bearing cup. Install shaft into roller.

2. Apply grease to seal lip and install seal (E) over

shaft with lip of seal facing out.
3. Pack bearing (A) with grease and slide over shaft
into bearing cup.
4. Lubricate O-ring (B) and install next to bearing.
C
5. Slide spacer (C) over shaft with O-ring groove
1. Remove the two cap screws (A) securing the facing bearing.
roller adjustment brackets to the cutter frame.
Remove roller with brackets from cutting unit.
2. Loosen lock nut and set screw (left side only).
Slide the roller adjustment brackets (B) off the
roller.
3. Remove grease fittings (C).
26 Inc
REEL
ROLLER DISASSEMBLY AND
INSPECTION
6. Apply grease to lips of seals (A, B) and install
G
(seal lip facing bearing).Repeat steps 2 through 6
E on opposite end.
7. Install self-locking nuts (D) and tighten until
F snug, then back off slightly and retighten to a
D rolling torque of .35 N•m (3-7 lb-in.).
8. Install grease fittings and lubricate.

1. Remove lock nuts from each end of the roller.

2. Press roller shaft out of roller.
3. Remove seals (D) (G smooth roller only) spacer
(E) and bearings (F), clean bearings and end caps
with a suitable solvent.

11/30/94 -7
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

ROLLER INSTALLATION BED KNIFE/SUPPORT INSTALLATION

1. Slide adjustment brackets (A) onto roller shaft
(bracket with set screw on left side).
2. Secure brackets to frame with two cap screws (B).

A
D
7. Position the bed knife on the support and secure
3. Center the roller between the brackets and tighten with new mounting hardware (install the outer
set screw (D). Tighten jam nut (C). screws first to position the bed knife). Starting
4. Refer to Height-of-Cut Adjustment. with the center hex screw and working your way
toward the ends of the bed knife alternating from
side to side, torque the bolts in two steps to a final
BED KNIFE/SUPPORT REMOVAL torque of 45-51 N•m (33-38 lb-ft.).
8. Grind bed knife after securing it to the support

c CAUTION and before installing in cutter frame.

9. Clean the mounting screw threads and clean the
bolt shoulders with crocus cloth. Apply NEVER-
Always wear protective gloves when working SEEZ® to the threads and shoulders of the
6 Inch on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe mounting bolts.
REEL personal injury can result from contact with 10. Position the bed knife support in the frame and
the sharp cutting edges. secure with six mounting bolts. Torque the bolts
to 63 N•m (46 lb-ft.).
1. Raise reel away from bed knife approximately 10 11. Refer to Reel-to-Bed Knife Adjustment,
mm (3/8 in.). Backlapping and Height-of-Cut Adjustment.
2. Remove six cap screws (3 each side) securing bed
knife support to cutter frame.
3. Carefully remove bed knife support from cutter
frame.
4. Remove ten hex head cap screws and nuts
securing bed knife to support.
5. Remove dirt and corrosion from bed knife
mounting surface.
6. Inspect support for straightness, repair or replace
if necessary.

-8 11/30/94
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

REEL REMOVAL 1. See Bed Knife/Support Removal prior to

performing this procedure.

c CAUTION
2. Loosen reel-to-bed knife adjustment nuts.
3. Remove end cover.
4. Remove one retaining nut, washer,tapered roller
Always wear protective gloves when working bearing and one spring (right side only) from
on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe each end of the reel.
personal injury can result from contact with 5. Remove nuts, washers and shoulder bolts
the sharp cutting edges. securing the pivot arms to the cutter frame.
6. Remove the pivot arms. Remove reel

Grease Fitting
Reel-To-Bed Knife Adjustment Nuts

Shoulder Bolt

Pivot Arm

Grease Fitting

Shoulder Bolt
Pivot Arm
26 Inc
REEL

Coupling

Wave Washer

Snap Ring
Cup
Bearing Cone

End Cover

11/30/94 -9
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

PIVOT ARM DISASSEMBLY AND PIVOT ARM ASSEMBLY

INSPECTION 1. Install seals (flush with pivot arm housing).
1. Remove bearing cup, wave spring and seal from 2. Install wave spring (right side only).
the right side. 3. Install bearing cup.

c CAUTION REEL INSTALLATION

1. Position reel in frame. Apply grease to lip of seal
and slide pivot arm over reel shaft.
Never spin bearings with compressed air.
Bearings can separate from their cage at high 2. Install shoulder bolts through adjustment link,
velocity and cause injury. pivot arm and cutter frame. Install spring washers
and shoulder nuts, Do Not tighten. Repeat on
opposite side.
2. Clean parts in a suitable solvent.
3. Position shoulder bolt through pivot arm and
cutter frame, secure with washer and nut, Do Not
IMPORTANT: Always replace bearing and
tighten. Repeat on opposite side.
bearing cup as a set.
4. Pack bearings with grease and slide over shaft and
3. Inspect bearings and bearing cups for wear, into bearing cup (one each side). Install washers
scoring and bluing from overheating. Replace if and nuts. Do Not tighten.
necessary. 5. Torque reel attachment nuts to 50 lb-ft. min..
4. Inspect wave spring for distortion or wear, replace 6. See Reel-To-Bed Knife Adjustment.
if worn.

Pivot Arm

6 Inch Wave Washer

REEL (Right Side Only)
Bearing Cup

Bearing Cone

Washer

Nut

Seal

- 10 11/30/94
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

BACKLAPPING AND REEL-TO-BED 1. Visually inspect cutting unit for damage. Chipped
KNIFE ADJUSTMENT paint, dents or gouges may indicate the need for a
closer look at the frame for distortion, broken
weldments or other damage that could prevent
Essential Tools:
proper adjustment. Repair or replace parts as
• .002 Feeler Gauge necessary.
• Lapping Compound
• Two Bolt Gauge Bar
Bed Knife Support
Fabricated Tools:

• 2" OR 4" Paint brush, attach a piece of rubber Bed Knife

hose to the handle to extend its length. This is
used to apply backlapping compound.
It is best to think of backlapping and reel-to-bed
knife adjustments as one procedure. Although
backlapping removes only a small amount of metal,
the clearance between the reel and bed knife will be
increased and must be readjusted. Land
Another very important point to remember is that 2. Inspect for vertical or lateral movement in the reel
adjustments can only be successful if the frame or bearings supporting the reel, repair or replace
integrity (straightness and strength) is maintained. as necessary.
Attaching bolts must be secure and bearings must be
well lubricated and not worn. 3. While rotating the reel in the reverse direction by
hand, inspect each blade cutting edge for nicks, 26 Inc
gouges or distortion. Ensure the cutting edge land REEL
REEL AND BED KNIFE INSPECTION does not exceed more than 3/4 of the blade
thickness. See Reel and Bed Knife grinding to
restore the relief angle and cutting edge before
c CAUTION continuing with this procedure.
4. Inspect the bed knife cutting edge for nicks,
gouges or distortion.
Always wear protective gloves when working
5. Inspect the bed knife for uneven wear (indicated
on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe
by uneven land width across the length of the bed
personal injury can result from contact with
knife). Ensure the cutting edge land does not
the sharp cutting edges.
exceed 3/4 of the cutting edge. Replace the bed
Never allow more than one person at a time to
knife if the cutting edge extends below 1.45 mm
work on any one cutting unit. Never allow
from the mounting surface.
work to be accomplished on more than one
cutting unit at the same time. Serious personal
injury could result.

11/30/94 - 11
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

REEL-TO-BED KNIFE ADJUSTMENT 5. Measure the clearance at the center of the bed
knife (A). If the clearance exceeds .010 of an
inch, grind the reel and bed knife to eliminate the

c CAUTION "Smile" in the bed knife or the out-of-round

condition of the reel.
6. When properly adjusted and sharpened, each reel
Always wear protective gloves when working blade should cut a piece of paper held at 90° to
on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe the top surface of the bed knife along the entire
personal injury can result from contact with length of the bed knife with minimal contact to
the sharp cutting edges. .002" clearance (max.).

1. The lower adjusting nut (A) will lower the reel

when turned counterclockwise and the upper BACKLAPPING
adjusting nut (B) will raise the reel when turned

c CAUTION
clockwise. (as viewed from the top of the unit
looking down)

Avoid injury from rotating blades. keep hands

and feet away from blades while machine is
running.
Always wear protective gloves when working
B on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe
personal injury can result from contact with
the sharp cutting edges.
Never allow more than one person at a time to
work on any one cutting unit. Never allow
work to be accomplished on more than one
A cutting unit at the same time. Serious personal
injury could result.

1. Set the parking brake and start the engine. Lower

6 Inch the cutting units to the ground.
REEL B
1. Adjust ends of reel to set drag with a .002" feeler
gauge (A). A
2. Now try to insert a .002” feeler gauge along the
entire length of the bed knife . It should not go in
anywhere. Go to step 5.
3. If the reel is contacting anywhere, go to step 4

IMPORTANT: Always rotate the reel in the

reverse direction to avoid damaging or dulling
the cutting edges of the reel or bed knife.
4. Slowly rotate the reel backwards watching for
contact between the reel and bed knife at the
center of the bed knife (A). If contact is made, 2. Lift the left access panel to expose the
backlap the reel and bed knife to eliminate the backlapping valve. Pull up and rotate the
"Frown" in the bed knife or the out-of-round Forward/Reverse knob (A) to align it with the
condition of the reel. notch on the valve block.
3. Engage the PTO. (The reels should now be
rotating in the reverse direction)

- 12 11/30/94
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

4. Using the flow control knob (B), adjust machine

speed to rotate reels at 100-200 rpm, or slow
enough to prevent the backlapping compound B

from being thrown from the reel blades.

A

5. Apply 60-80 grit compound for units with

extended service time and 120 grit compound for
new, newly ground reels or when applied on a
weekly basis to the rotating reel evenly from one
side to the other and back again with a long
handled brush (see Fabricated Tools).
8. Disengage PTO switch and shut off the engine.
6. Allow the reel to spin until quiet. If desired, Turn the flow control knob (B) fully
follow with a 120 grit compound to achieve a counterclockwise.
smoother finish. 9. Rotate Forward/Reverse knob (A) to allow the pin
to engage the slot
IMPORTANT: Never operate cutting unit in the
Forward direction until abrasive compounds
are removed from the cutting unit. The HEIGHT-OF-CUT (HOC)
abrasive compound will dull the cutting edge. ADJUSTMENT.

c CAUTION c CAUTION
Avoid injury from rotating blades. keep hands Do not service or adjustcutting units while the 26 Inc
and feet away from blades while machine is engine is running. Disengage pto and shutoff REEL
running. engine prior to making any adjustments.
Always wear protective gloves when working Always wear protective gloves when working
on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe on or near the reel or bed knife.
personal injury can result from contact with Never allow more than one person at a time to
the sharp cutting edges. work on any one cutting unit. Never allow
Never allow more than one person at a time to adjustments to be accomplished on more than
work on any one cutting unit. Never allow one cutting unit at the same time. Serious
work to be accomplished on more than one personal injury could result.
cutting unit at the same time. Serious personal
injury could result.
NOTE: The Effective Height-of-Cut may differ from
the bench setting due to the weight of options
7. Rinse the lapping compound off the cutting unit used, type of roller (grooved or smooth), soil
with water and repeat the Reel-to-Bed knife conditions, grass condition and the use of
Adjustment Procedure before returning the unit competitive machines in conjunction with one
back to service. another. Floating units may not provide a
quality cut when grass length exceeds 38 mm
(1-1/2 in.), operate cutting units in fixed
position only.

11/30/94 - 13
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

1. If HOC range needs to be changed, loosen nut NOTE: It may be necessary to raise the rollers, to
(A). Remove nut and washer (B) and two bolts allow for installation of the gauge bar.
(C) (per side) and position the carriage bolt for Forcing the gauge bar into position will bend
the cutting height range. it and result in an inacurate height
adjustment.
B
A

A D

Cutting unit shown upside down for clarity.

C
.
B
A-FORWARD BOLT C-BED KNIFE MOUNTING BOLT

B-REAR BOLT D-BED KNIFE SUPPORT

IMPORTANT: Ensure the rear bolt (B) on the

gauge bar rests on the bed knife support,
ensure it does not rest on a bed knife mounting
bolt (C).
NOTE: For cutting heights of 3/8 - 1 5/8 in.,
position carriage bolt into the upper square
opening (A). For cutting heights of 1 1/2 - 3 1/ NOTE: Gauge bar should be positioned near the
2 in., position carriage bolt into the lower end of the solid roller but not on the end cap.
square opening (B). 2. Adjust gauge bar for desired height-of-cut and
install on cutting unit (see Note above), ensure the
head of the bolt (A) rests on the lip of the bed
6 Inch knife.
REEL 3. Adjust rear bolt (B) until the gauge bar is parallel
to the bed knife.

- 14 11/30/94
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

Rear Roller 7. Loosen bolts (F) and adjustment nuts (E) (both
sides) on the front roller and slide the roller up or
NOTE: To avoid binding the adjustment down to center the bolts (F) in the slot. Tighten
mechanisms, make small adjustments on each bolts and adjustment nuts.
end of the roller. 8. Tighten all hardware and recheck with a HOC
Each tooth on the adjustment mechanism gage to ensure setting did not change.
equals 1/8 in 9. Loosen nut (G) (both sides) and position the roller
as close to the gauge bar as possible without
4. Loosen bolts (F) and adjustment nuts (E) (both touching it. Tighten nuts (G). Ensure the same
sides) on the rear roller and slide the roller up or number of ratchet teeth are exposed at each end
down to center the bolts (F) in the slot. Tighten of the roller. (setting should agree with rear roller)
bolts and adjustment nuts.
10. Loosen bolts (F) and adjustment nuts (E) and
5. Loosen nut (G) (both sides) and position the roller slide the roller down until it just touches the
as close to the gauge bar as possible without gauge bar. Repeat on opposite end. Recheck the
touching it. Tighten nuts (G). Ensure the same adjustment for the opposite side and readjust if
number of ratchet teeth are exposed at each end necessary.
of the roller.
6. Loosen bolts (F) and adjustment nuts (E) and slide
the roller down until it just touches the gauge bar.
Repeat on opposite end. Recheck the adjustment
for the opposite side and readjust if necessary.

Front Roller

26 Inc
REEL
F
G

NOTE: To avoid binding the adjustment

mechanisms, make small adjustments on each
end of the roller.
Each tooth on the adjustment mechanism
equals 1/8 in.

11/30/94 - 15
 E.S.P. 26 INCH CUTTING UNIT

Notes:

6 Inch
REEL

- 16 11/30/94
E.S.P 30 INCH CONTENTS

Page

E.S.P 30 INCH
IDENTIFICATION & APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
COMPONENT LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Repair Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Reel And Bed Knife Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Reel/bed Knife Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Relief Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Backlapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Smooth Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Grooved Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Performance Variables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Roller Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Disassembly And Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Roller Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Bed Knife/support Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 ESP 3
Bed Knife/support Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Reel Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Pivot Arm Disassembly And Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Pivot Arm Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Reel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Backlapping And Reel-to-bed Knife Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Reel And Bed Knife Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Reel-to-bed Knife Adjust. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Backlapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Height-of-cut (Hoc) Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

11/30/94 -1
 E.S.P. 30 Inch Cutting Unit

IDENTIFICATION & APPLICATION - JOHN DEERE E.S.P. 30-INCH CUTTING

UNITS
The John Deere E.S.P. (Extra Strength and Precision) 30-Inch Cutting Unit is designed and built by John
Deere Horicon Works. The E.S.P. can be identified by the triangular shaped bracket located on top of the
unit. The E.S.P.reel also has two torque tubes where the top frame member is attached. The E.S.P. can be
further identified by the plastic deflector mounted to the back of the top frame piece.
The John Deere E.S.P. reel is used on the 3365 Professional Turf Mower and can be retrofitted for use on
the 3325 machine with Adaptor Kit BM 17687.

COMPONENT LOCATION

Deflector Shield
Rear Roller HOC
Adjustment

SP 30

HOC Adjustment
Reel-To-Bed Knife
Adjustment

SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM SPECIFICATION
Make. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Deere
Cutting Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 762 mm (30 in)
Reel Diameter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 mm (7-3/4 in.)
Number of Blades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Standard; 8 or 10 optional
Cutting Unit Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hydraulic Gear Motor
Reel Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1275 rpm
Cutting Height Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 to 76 mm (0.375 to 3.0 in)
Bed Knife Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reel To Bed Knife

-2 12/1/94
 E.S.P. 30 Inch Cutting Unit

REPAIR SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM SPECIFICATION
Bed KnifeTop Surface, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5° Relief Angle
Front Surface, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5° Relief Angle
Reel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spin Grind
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 ° Relief Grind
Roller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Smooth
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grooved
Roller Shaft Nuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 N•m (3 lb-in.) Rolling Torque W/O Grease
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 N•m (7 lb-in.) Rolling Torque With Grease
End Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.006 in.
Roller (HOC) Adjustment Nuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 N•m (59 lb-ft.)
Bed Knife Support Mounting Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 N•m (46 lb-ft.)
Bed Knife Mounting Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-51 N•m (33-38 lb-ft.)
Reel Shaft Nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 N•m (75 lb-ft.) min.

TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Problem Solution
Marcelling Ground speed too High/Low See Performance Variables
Machine rpm too High/Low See Machine Operator's
Manual
Wrong Number of Reel Blades For See Performance Variables
Desired CR
Streaking Reel/Bed Knife Clearance See Backlapping and Reel
Inconsistent Along Bed Knife to Bed Knife Adjustment ESP 3
HOC Changes Roller Clamp Bolts Loose See HOC Adjustment
Roller Bearings Worn See Roller Removal
Roller Out-Of-Round See Roller Removal
Cutting Unit NotFloating Properly See Machine Operator's
Manual
Changing Soil Conditions Use a Smooth Roller
Grass Too Wet Allow Sufficient Time To Dry
Cut Grass Collecting on Roller Install Scraper or Power
Brush
Traction Unit PivotArms Worn Repair Or Replace
Poor Quality of Cut Improper Reel toBed Knife Clearance See Reel-to-Bed Knife
Adjustment
Reel/Bed Knife Dull lSee Backlapping and Reel-
o-Bed Knife Adjustment
No Relief Grind See Reel/Bed Knife
Grinding
Weight TransferSystem Needs Adjustment See Machine Operator's
or Malfunctioning Manual

12/1/94 -3
 E.S.P. 30 Inch Cutting Unit

Reel Does NotRotate Improper Reel to Bed Knife

See Reel-to-Bed Knife Clearance
Adjustment
Reel Bearings Worn Or Seized See Reel Removal
Machine Not Operating Properly See Machine Operator’s
Manual

INFORMATION • To restore the edge when the grass is not being

cut across the entire length of the bed knife,
evidenced by streaks of grass left after the
REEL AND BED KNIFE mower has passed. Usually the result of nicked
RELATIONSHIP blades caused by hitting foreign objects in the
Reel Mowers are precision machines requiring daily grass.
maintenance to maintain the well-groomed • To restore the edge when the lack of frequent
appearance of turfgrass. The scissor-like shearing backlapping allowed the edge to be rounded
action, that only a reel mower is capable of beyond the capability of the backlapping
achieving, is only possible if the reel and bed knife procedure to restore the edge.
are sharp and the reel-to-bed knife clearance is • To restore the edge when the reel-to-bed knife
maintained. clearance has been improperly adjusted (Reel
Close examination of the reel-to-bed knife contacting bed knife).
relationship reveals two square edges passing one Cutting action begins as the bed knife positions the
another with approximately .002 of an inch grass to be cut at the cutting edge. The reel then
clearance. There are several reasons why this pulls the grass towards the bed knife where it is
clearance is necessary. sheared by the cutting edges as they pass one
another.
• When the reel is allowed to contact the bed
knife, the square (sharp) edges of the reel and In order for the grass to be cut at the proper height, it
SP 30 bed knife will rollover, becoming dull. must contact the bed knife at the cutting edge. This
• Contact between the reel and bed knife generates is accomplished by grinding a 5° relief angle on the
heat. Heat generated through this contact will front face of the bed knife. Without a relief angle,
distort the shape of the bed knife. Distortion the blade of grass will contact the lower edge of the
causes the bed knife to draw closer to the reel, bed knife and be bent over at too much of an angle
resulting in more rollover of the cutting surfaces prior to being cut. In the case of mowing greens,
and more heat generated in the bed knife. where very small cuts are being taken, the reel may
not capture the grass at all, and no grass will be cut.
• Drag produced by an improperly adjusted cutting
unit may result in an unacceptable clip ratio, Although some spingrinding machine manufacturers
undue strain on drive mechanisms and say backlapping is not necessary, John Deere
premature wear of the cutting unit. recommends backlapping after spingrinding to
remove burrs and rough edges left from the
spingrinding procedure. Backlapping produces a
REEL/BED KNIFE GRINDING honed edge that will cut the grass evenly and leave
Reasons for grinding: the tops of the grass with clean, straight edges.
• To restore the cylindrical shape of a reel that has It is important to note, dull cutting edges will tear
become cone-shaped due to improper rather than shear the grass drawn into the bed knife.
adjustment of the reel-to-bed knife clearance or This will shock the grass plant and retard its growth.
worn reel bearings.

-4 12/1/94
 E.S.P. 30 Inch Cutting Unit

RELIEF GRINDING
CORRECT INCORRECT

Relief
Grind Flat Ground

20° Double 20° Excessive

Relief Relief
Grind Relief Grind
No Relief
Cutting Edge Cutting Edge

5° Relief
Secondary
Relief

5° Relief

John Deere recommends Relief Grinding the reels before spingrinding for these reasons:
• Reduced blade contact area, results in less friction, requiring less horsepower to drive the reel.
• Ensures longer wear life.
• Less time is required to backlap. ESP 3
• Reduces pulling and tearing of the grass as the unit gets dull by use.
• Provides an area for backlapping compound to be trapped to more effectively backlap reels.
• Relief grinding removes metal from the trailing edge of the blade forming an angle (Relief Angle) to
reduce the contact area of the cutting edges.
• Because of the relief grind it is possible, with backlapping, to true a reel (make it round) if a blade is
.001" to .002" too high.

BACKLAPPING Reel sharpening compounds should not be toxic,

oily or greasy.
This procedure is used to sharpen the cutting edges
when grinding is not necessary. See Reel/Bed Knife The cutting unit should be inspected, backlapped,
Grinding, in this section, to determine if grinding is adjusted and checked daily for a uniform cut along
necessary. the complete length of the bed knife. It is important
that the adjustment allows the reel to turn freely
Backlapping, when compared to grinding, removes without dragging against the bed knife. Metal-to-
a very small amount of metal, requires less time and metal contact will generate heat, causing the reel to
will effect a smooth, clean cut.
expand and intensifying the dragging that produces
The backlapping procedure is accomplished by more heat. This viscous cycle will quickly "shut-
spinning the reel backwards while applying special down" the mower.
abrasive compounds to the reel. Usually course
compounds are used initially followed by a finer
abrasive for final honing. Recommended grits for
fairways and roughs are 60, 80 and 120.

12/1/94 -5
 E.S.P. 30 Inch Cutting Unit

SMOOTH ROLLER • Cutting Height (CH) - The distance above the

soil line that grasses are clipped.
The roller is used as a ground sensing device to
detect changes in the contour of the turf as the The most uniform cut occurs when the Clip Ratio
mower moves forward. (CR) equals the Cutting height (CH). If CR is
greater than CH, Marcelling (a wavy, rib-like
A smooth roller is always used on the rear of a appearance) occurs. If CH is greater than CR, the
cutting unit to establish the cutting height range. A rotating blades create a fanning affect that blows the
front roller used in conjunction with a rear roller is grass down without cutting it. CR is controlled by
needed to achieve more exact cutting heights. the Performance Variables, (the number of blades
selected, ground speed and reel speed).
GROOVED ROLLER Of these Performance Variables, only two, in most
The grooved roller is used as a ground sensing cases, are we able to change. We can use a reel with
device to detect changes in the contour of the turf as a different number of blades, and/or we can change
the mower moves forward. The main advantage in the vehicle ground speed.
using a grooved roller rather than a smooth one Since we know the number of blades the reel has,
comes when cutting long grass that is very wet. what the reel speed is, the cutting height and the clip
Grass that is wet will tend to stay down rather than ratio (since CR must equal CH), let's find the vehicle
spring up after the roller passes. Grooved rollers will ground speed.
not bend the grass over, allowing it to be cut rather Here's the formula:
than passed over.
MPH = (Reel rpm) x (CR or CH) x (Number of Reel
Along with advantages come disadvantages. Blades) ÷ 1056
Because of the reduced contact area, inherent with a
grooved roller, the roller may penetrate deeper into Example
the soil, lowering the effective cutting height and Using:
possibly scalping the turf.
•3365 Professional Turf Mower at a tested reel speed
of 1250 RPM
PERFORMANCE VARIABLES •8 blade reel on a E.S.P. cutting unit
SP 30
Three performance variables that affect the quality •CH = CR (0.58)
of cut are.
Find: MPH (Vehicle Speed)
•Number of reel blades
(1250) x (.58) x (8) ÷ 1056 = 5.5 MPH
•Reel rpm
•Ground speed of machine NOTE: To calculate MPH, multiply .68148 x ft.
traveled/sec. Another way to calculate speed
NOTE: When discussing performance variables, we is to measure off an 88 ft. distance, record the
must assume that other factors such as rate of length of time, in seconds, it takes to travel
growth, mowing frequency, soil fertility and that distance and divide 60 by that time.
equipment condition have been considered
and are not affecting the quality of cut.
To apply Performance Variables to a formula we
need to understand three terms:
• Shear point - A single point of cutting contact
between the cutting unit and the turf. Due to the
Reel mower design, there are an infinite number
of shear points across the bed knife.
• Clip Ratio (CR) - The forward distance traveled
between successive cutting contacts at any one
shear point.

-6 12/1/94
 E.S.P. 30 Inch Cutting Unit

REPAIR scoring and bluing from overheating.

ROLLER REMOVAL ROLLER ASSEMBLY

Essential Tools: 1. Install bearing cup (A). Install shaft (B) into
• Metric Hand Tools roller.
• Press C
• Bearing Puller/Installer
• Torque Wrench
• Dial Indicator
A

E B

D
E
1. Remove the four cap screws (E) securing the
roller adjustment brackets to the cutter frame. 2. Apply grease to seal lip and install seal (C) over
Remove roller with brackets from cutting unit. shaft with lip of seal facing out.(smooth rollers ESP 3
only)
C 3. Pack bearing (D) with grease and slide over shaft
into bearing cup.
4. Lubricate O-ring (E) and install next to bearing.
5. Slide spacer H) over shaft with O-ring groove
A facing bearing

2. Loosen lock nut and set screw (C) (left side only).
Slide the roller adjustment brackets off the roller.
3. Remove grease fittings (A).

ROLLER DISASSEMBLY AND

INSPECTION
1. Remove lock nuts from each end of the roller. H

2. Press roller shaft out of roller.

3. Remove seals and bearings, clean bearings and
end caps with a suitable solvent.
4. Inspect bearings and bearing cups for pitting,

12/1/94 -7
 E.S.P. 30 Inch Cutting Unit
.
BED KNIFE/SUPPORT REMOVAL

c CAUTION
Always wear protective gloves when working
on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe
personal injury can result from contact with
the sharp cutting edges.

6. Apply grease to lips of seals (A,B) and install 1. Raise reel away from bed knife approximately 10
(seal lip facing bearing). mm (3/8 in.).
7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 on opposite end.
8. Install self-locking nuts and tighten until snug,
then back off slightly and retighten to a rolling
torque of .35 N•m (3 in-lb.).
9. Install grease fittings and lubricate.

ROLLER INSTALLATION

E
B

SP 30

2. Remove six cap screws (A) (3 each side) securing

bed knife support to cutter frame.
3. Carefully remove bed knife support (B) from
cutter frame.
4. Remove twelve hex head cap screws and nuts
securing bed knife to support.
1. Slide adjustment brackets onto roller shaft
(bracket with set screw on left side)Secure 5. Remove dirt and corrosion from bed knife
brackets to frame with four cap screws (E). mounting surface.
6. Inspect support for straightness, repair or replace
C
if necessary.

BED KNIFE/SUPPORT INSTALLATION

1. Position the bed knife on the support and secure
A
with new mounting hardware starting with the
center hex screw and working your way toward
the ends of the bed knife alternating from side to
side. Torque the bolts in two steps to a final
torque of 45-51 N•m (33-38 lb-ft.).
2. Center the roller (A) between the brackets and 2. Grind bed knife after securing it to the support
tighten set screw. Tighten jam nut (C). and before installing in cutter frame.
3. Refer to Height-of-Cut Adjustment.

-8 12/1/94
 E.S.P. 30 Inch Cutting Unit

3. Clean the mounting screw threads and clean the 2. Loosen reel adjustment nuts (C,B).
bolt shoulders with crocus cloth. Apply NEVER-
SEEZ® to the threads and shoulders of the
mounting bolts.

3. Remove cover and O-ring seal (A).

4. Remove lock nut (D), washer and drive gear with
A
bearing.

4. Position the bed knife support (B) in the frame

and secure with six mounting bolts (A). Torque
the bolts to 63 N•m (46 lb-ft.).
5. Refer to Reel-to-Bed Knife Adjustment,
Backlapping and Height-of-Cut Adjustment. 5. Remove dust cover (A).

REEL REMOVAL

c CAUTION
ESP 3

Always wear protective gloves when working

on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe
personal injury can result from contact with
the sharp cutting edges. 6. Remove nuts, washers (A), shoulder bolts and
pivot arm (B).
NOTE: Front roller removed for photos.
1. See Bed Knife/Support Removal prior to
performing this procedure.

12/1/94 -9
 E.S.P. 30 Inch Cutting Unit

7. Remove nuts, washers, shoulder bolts and 3. Inspect bearing (B) and bearing cup for wear,
opposite pivot arm. scoring and bluing from overheating. Replace if
necessary.

4. Inspect wave spring (A) for distortion or wear,

replace if worn or if standing height is less than
19 ± .5 mm (3/4 ± 3/16 in.).
8. Remove reel. 5. Inspect drive gear and gear teeth (C) for wear,
replace if worn.
PIVOT ARM DISASSEMBLY AND
INSPECTION

6. Remove bearing cup (A) and seal from drive side

pivot arm
1. Remove bearing cup, wave spring and seal (A)

c CAUTION
SP 30

c CAUTION Never spin bearings with compressed air.

Never spin bearings with compressed air. Bearings can separate from there cage at high
Bearings can separate from there cage at high velocity and cause severe injury or death.
velocity and cause injury.
7. Clean parts in a suitable solvent.
2. Clean parts in a suitable solvent.
IMPORTANT: Always replace bearing and
IMPORTANT: Always replace bearing and bearing cup as a set.
bearing cup as a set.
8. Inspect bearing and bearing cup for wear, scoring
and bluing from overheating. Replace if
necessary.

- 10 12/1/94
 E.S.P. 30 Inch Cutting Unit

PIVOT ARM ASSEMBLY 1. Position reel in frame. Apply grease to lip of seal
and slide pivot arm (A) over reel shaft.

1. Install seal (B) flush with pivot arm housing.

2. Apply grease to lip of seal and slide opposite

pivot arm (B) over reel shaft.

2. Install bearing cup (A).

3. Apply NEVER-SEEZ® to shoulder bolts and (C)

install through adjustment link, pivot arm and
cutter frame. Install spring washers and shoulder
nuts as shown (A), Do Not tighten. Repeat on
opposite side.
3. Install seal (A) flush with housing. ESP 3

4. Install spring (B).

4. Apply NEVER-SEEZ® to bolt shoulder and
5. Install bearing cup (C).
position bolt (A) through spring washer, washer,
pivot arm and cutter frame, secure with nut, Do
REEL INSTALLATION Not tighten. Repeat on opposite side.

12/1/94 - 11
 E.S.P. 30 Inch Cutting Unit

5. Install key (B). Pack bearing with grease and slide REEL AND BED KNIFE INSPECTION
over shaft and into bearing cup. Install washer
and nut (D). Do Not tighten.

c CAUTION
Always wear protective gloves when working
on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe
personal injury can result from contact with
the sharp cutting edges.
Never allow more than one person at a time,
work on any one cutting unit. never allow work
to be accomplished on more than one cutting
6. Install key. Pack bearing with grease and slide unit at the same time. Serious personal injury
over shaft and into bearing cup. Install washer could result.
and nut (A). Do Not tighten.
7. Tighten lock nuts to 102 N•m (75 lb-ft.).
8. Install grease cap.
9. See Reel-To-Bed Knife Adjustment.

BACKLAPPING AND REEL-TO-BED

KNIFE ADJUSTMENT
Essential Tools:
• .002 Feeler Gauge
• Lapping Compound 1. Visually inspect cutting unit for damage. Chipped
• Two Bolt Gauge Bar paint, dents or gouges may indicate the need for a
Fabricated Tools: closer look at the frame for distortion, broken
SP 30 weldments or other damage that could prevent
proper adjustment. Repair or replace parts as
necessary.
2. Inspect for vertical or lateral movement in the reel
(A) or bearings (B) supporting the reel, repair or
replace as necessary.
3. While rotating the reel in the reverse direction by
hand, inspect each blade cutting edge for nicks,
• 2" OR 4" Paint brush, attach a piece of rubber gouges or distortion. Ensure the cutting edge land
hose to the handle to extend its length. This is does not exceed more than 3/4 of the blade
used to apply backlapping compound. thickness. See Reel and Bed Knife grinding to
• It is best to think of backlapping and reel-to-bed restore the relief angle and cutting edge before
knife adjustments as one procedure. Although continuing with this procedure.
backlapping removes only a small amount of 4. Inspect the bed knife cutting edge for nicks,
metal, the clearance between the reel and bed gouges or distortion.
knife will be increased and must be readjusted. 5. Inspect the bed knife for uneven wear (indicated
• Another very important point to remember is that by uneven land width across the length of the bed
adjustments can only be successful if the frame knife. Ensure the cutting edge land does not
integrity (straightness and strength) is exceed 3/4 of the cutting edge. Replace the bed
maintained. Attaching bolts must be secure and knife if the cutting edge extends below 1.45 mm
bearings must be well lubricated and not worn. from the upper edge.

- 12 12/1/94
 E.S.P. 30 Inch Cutting Unit

REEL-TO-BED KNIFE ADJUSTMENT BACKLAPPING

c CAUTION c CAUTION
Always wear protective gloves when working Avoid injury from rotating blades. keep hands
on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe and feet away from blades while machine is
personal injury can result from contact with running.
the sharp cutting edges. Always wear protective gloves when working
on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe
NOTE: The lower adjusting nut will lower the reel personal injury can result from contact with
when turned counterclockwise and the upper the sharp cutting edges.
adjusting nut will raise the reel when turned Never allow more than one person at a time,
clockwise. (as viewed from the top of the unit work on any one cutting unit. Never allow
looking down) work to be accomplished on more than one
cutting unit at the same time. Serious personal
injury could result.
1. Adjust ends of reel to set drag with a .002" feeler
gauge (A).
2. Now inspect the entire length of the bed knife 1. Put machine in the Backlapping Mode. Adjust
with a .002" feeler gauge. It should not go in machine speed to rotate reel at 100-200 rpm, or
anywhere. Go to step 5. slow enough to prevent the backlapping
3. If the reel is contacting anywhere, go to step 4 compound from being thrown from the reel
blades.
2. Apply 60-80 grit compound to the rotating reel

c CAUTION evenly from one side to the other and back again
with a long handled brush (see Fabricated Tools).
3. Allow the reel to spin until quiet. If desired,
Always wear protective gloves when working follow with a 120 grit compound to achieve a ESP 3
on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe smoother finish.
personal injury can result from contact with
the sharp cutting edges. IMPORTANT: Never operate cutting unit in the
Forward direction until abrasive compounds
4. Always rotate the reel in the reverse direction to are removed from the cutting unit. The
avoid damaging or dulling the cutting edges of abrasive compound will dull the cutting edges.
the reel or bed knife.
5. Slowly rotate the reel backwards watching for
contact between the reel and bed knife at the
center of the bed knife (A). If contact is made, c CAUTION
grind the reel and bed knife to eliminate the
"Frown" in the bed knife or the out-of-round Never use pressure washers or steam cleaners
condition of the reel. to rinse the abrasives from the cutting unit.
6. Measure the clearance at the center of the bed The abrasives may be forced past the seals and
knife (A). If the clearance exceeds .002 of an damage the bearings.
inch, grind the reel and bed knife to eliminate the
"Smile" in the bed knife or the out-of-round 4. Rinse the lapping compound off the cutting unit
condition of the reel. with water and repeat the Adjustment Procedure
7. When properly adjusted and sharpened, each reel before returning the unit to service.
blade should cut a piece of paper held at 90° to
the top surface of the bed knife along the entire
length of the bed knife with minimal contact to
.002" clearance.

12/1/94 - 13
 E.S.P. 30 Inch Cutting Unit

HEIGHT-OF-CUT (HOC) NOTE: It may be necessary to raise the rollers to

ADJUSTMENT install the gauge bar. To raise the rollers,
loosen the bottom adjusting nuts (A) and turn
IMPORTANT: The Effective Height-of-Cut may the top adjusting nuts (B) clockwise.
differ from the bench setting due to the weight 3. Hook head of bolt (D) over edge of bed knife.
of options used, type of roller (grooved or Ensure bolt (F) does not rest on a bed knife screw.
smooth), soil conditions, grass condition and
4. Loosen wing nut (E). Turn bolt (F) until gauge bar
the use of competitive machines in conjunction
is parallel with bed knife. Measure the distance
with one another. When mowing greens it is
between front (G) and rear (H) of the bottom of
best to set the height-of-cut .020"-.040" higher
the bed knife to the top of the gauge.
for the initial cut and lower it as needed after a
test cut.
IMPORTANT: Alternate roller height
adjustments from side to side to avoid binding
NOTE: For cutting heights of 3/8 - 1 1/2 in.,
the adjustment mechanisms.
position long end (A) towards the bed knife.
For cutting heights of 1 1/2 - 3 1/2 in.,
position short end (B) towards bed knife. IMPORTANT: Gauge bar should be positioned
Ensure alignment pin (C) is installed in hole on the flat surface of the roller and
of attaching bracket. approximately 2 in. from the end of the roller.

1. Position roller adjuster brackets for the height-of- 5. Adjust the rear roller (A) down until it just
cut range desired. touches the gauge bar. Do Not force the roller
down onto the gauge bar or it will bend the gauge
bar.
NOTE: Use a two-bolt gauge bar to ensure
parallelism between the front and rear rollers. 6. Adjust the front roller (B) down until it just
touches the gauge bar.
2. Set height-of-cut on gauge bar by loosening the 7. Tighten adjusting nuts and recheck adjustments
wing nut (C) and turning the bolt in or out to with the gauge bar.
obtain the proper distance between the head of
SP 30
the bolt (D) and the gauge bar. Tighten wing nut
(C).

- 14 12/1/94
E.S.P. 30 INCH VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT CONTENTS

Page

E.S.P. 30 INCH VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT

IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
COMPONENT LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Vertical Cutting Unit Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
REPAIR SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Depth Of Cut Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Roller Removal And Disassembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Roller Assembly And Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Reel Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Pivot Arm Disassembly And Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Pivot Arm Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Reel Disassembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Reel Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Reel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

30 Inc
VCU

11/30/94 -1
 E.S.P. 30 INCH VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT

IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION

The E.S.P. (Extra Strength and Precision) 30-Inch Vertical Cutting Unit is built at the John Deere Horicon
Works. The frame is similar to the 30-Inch E.S.P. reel mower and can be easily identified by the star-shaped
vertical knives indexed in a Helix pattern. 30-Inch E.S.P. Vertical Cutting Units are used only on the 3365
Professional Turf Mower and can be retrofitted for use with the 3325 machine with Adaptor Kit BM17687.
COMPONENT LOCATION
A

C G
H
B
C

D
E
0 Inch
C
VCU F
A-Deflector C-Depth-Of-Cut Adjustment E-Gear Box G-Vent Cap I-Roller Height Adjustment
B-Vertical D-Roller Bracket Mounting Bolts F-Lock Bolt H-Grease Fitting J-Roller
Blades and Jam Nut

VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT THEORY

The 30-Inch Vertical Cutting Unit is a dedicated

c CAUTION
cutting unit used to dethatch greens and tees prior to
topdressing. This tends to promote vertical growth
for better consistency of play on the golf course.
The vertical blades are positioned in a Helix pattern Pay close attention to engine and transmission
and are spaced 1 1/4" apart from the factory. The operating temperatures to avoid exceeding the
Helix in the cutters is formed by indexing the center temperature limits of the machine. Always
hexagonal cut-out one additional flat. torque oil lines in accordance with machine
specifications and check for leaks after
connecting oil lines.

-2 11/30/94
 E.S.P. 30 INCH VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT

REPAIR SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM SPECIFICATION
Reel Mounting Pivot Arm
Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 N•m (35 lb-ft.)
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 N•m (60 lb-ft.)
Roller Mounting Bolts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 N•m (35 lb-ft.)
Roller Adjusting Nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 N•m (59 lb-ft.)
Gearcase Mounting Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 N•m (51.5 lb-ft.)
Shaft end-play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.152 mm (.006 in.)
Shaft Nut Torque (rolling)
W/O Grease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.34 N•m (3 lb-in.)
W/ ET15755 Grease. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.80 N•m (7 lb-in.)

TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Problem Solution
Poor Performance Dull Cutting Blades Rotate or replace blades
Ground Speed too fast Reduce ground speed
Engine Speed too slow Increase engine rpm
Cutting Unit not floating Lubricate pivot points
Reel bearing(s) seized Remove and Inspect Reel
Bearings
Knives not set deep enough Adjust

REPAIR

DEPTH OF CUT ADJUSTMENT

c CAUTION 30 Inc
VCU

Always wear gloves when handling the reel or 1. Mark the desired cutting depth on a gauge bar.
cutting blades. Serious personal injury can 2. Place the gauge bar across the front and rear
result from contact with the sharp cutting edges rollers approximately two inches in from the end
of the blades. of the rollers.
IMPORTANT: Adjust both ends of roller evenly
Measure Here
to avoid binding the adjustment mechanism.
NOTE: When checking cutting depth of blade
against mark on gauge bar, rotate reel back
and forth to ensure blade travel does not
extend beyond mark on gauge bar.
3. Adjust front roller height to bring leading edge of
cutting blade even with mark on gauge bar.
IMPORTANT: Measure the usable blade length
of the cutting blades. If the usable blade length NOTE: If desired depth cannot be achieved with
is less than the desired cutting depth, replace roller adjustment, adjust pivot arms to raise
the cutting blades before continuing. or lower the cutting blades..

11/30/94 -3
 E.S.P. 30 INCH VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT

ROLLER REMOVAL AND 1. Install bearing cup (A). Install shaft (B) into
DISASSEMBLY roller.
2. Apply grease to seal lip and install seal (C) over
Essential Tools: shaft with lip of seal facing out.
• Work Gloves A

• Metric Open End/Box Wrenches

3. Pack bearing (D) with grease and slide over shaft

into bearing cup.
4. Lubricate O-ring (A) and install next to bearing.

1. Remove the four cap screws (E) securing the

roller adjustment brackets to the cutter frame.
Remove roller with brackets from cutting unit.
A

5. Slide spacer (B) over shaft with O-ring groove

facing bearing.
6. Apply grease to lips of seals (A,B) and install
B (seal lip facing bearing).
2. Loosen lock nut (A) and set screw (left side only).
Slide the roller adjustment brackets off the roller.
0 Inch 3. Remove grease fittings (B).
VCU
4. Remove lock nuts (A) from each end of the roller.
5. Press roller shaft out of roller.
6. Remove seals (B) and bearings (C), clean
bearings and end caps with a suitable solvent.
7. Inspect bearings and bearing cups (D) for pitting,
scoring and bluing from overheating.

ROLLER ASSEMBLY AND 7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 on opposite end.

INSTALLATION 8. Install self-locking nuts and tighten until snug,
then back off slightly and retighten to a rolling
A
torque of 0.35 N•m (3 lb-in.).
9. Install grease fittings and lubricate.
B 10. Slide adjustment brackets onto roller shaft
(bracket with set screw on left side).

-4 11/30/94
E.S.P. 30 INCH VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT

3. Remove cover and O-ring seal (A).

B 4. Remove lock nut (D), washer and drive gear with

bearing.
11. Ensure dowel pin (A) is installed and secure 5. Remove dust cover (A).
brackets to frame with four cap screws (B).
12. Center the roller between the brackets and
tighten set screw. Tighten jam nut.
13. Refer to Depth-of-Cut Adjustment.

REEL REMOVAL
D

c CAUTION 6. Remove nuts, washers (D), shoulder bolts and

pivot arm.
Always wear protective gloves when working
on or near the reel or bed knife. Severe
personal injury can result from contact with
the sharp cutting edges.

NOTE: Front roller removed for photos. D

30 Inc
VCU
7. Remove nuts, washers, shoulder bolts (D) and
C
opposite pivot arm.

1. Loosen reel adjustment nuts (C,B). C

2. Remove rear roller.

8. Remove three nuts and bolts (C) from each end

and remove panels.
9. Remove reel.

11/30/94 -5
 E.S.P. 30 INCH VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT

PIVOT ARM DISASSEMBLY AND .

INSPECTION

6. Remove bearing cup (A) and seal from drive side

pivot arm.
1. Remove bearing cup, wave spring and seal (A).
7. Clean parts in a suitable solvent.

c CAUTION IMPORTANT: Always replace bearing and

bearing cup as a set.

Never spin bearings with compressed air. 8. Inspect bearing and bearing cup for wear, scoring
Bearings can separate from there cage at high and bluing from overheating. Replace if
velocity and cause serious personal injury. necessary.

2. Clean parts in a suitable solvent. PIVOT ARM ASSEMBLY

IMPORTANT: Always replace bearing and
bearing cup as a set.
3. Inspect bearing (B) and bearing cup (A) for wear,
scoring and bluing from overheating. Replace if
necessary.

1. Install seal (B) flush with pivot arm housing.

0 Inch
VCU

4. Inspect wave spring (A) for distortion or wear,

replace if worn or if standing height is less than
19 ± .5 mm (3/4 ± 3/16 in.).
2. Install bearing cup (A).

5. Inspect drive gear and gear teeth (C) for wear, 3. Install seal (A) flush with housing.
replace if worn

-6 11/30/94
E.S.P. 30 INCH VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT

4. Install spring (B).

5. Install bearing cup (C). 1. Install a nut and three washers on the shaft.
Measure about 51 mm (2.0 in.) from the end of
the first landing to the blade for placement of the
REEL DISASSEMBLY nut..
B

c CAUTION
Always wear gloves when handling reel or
cutting blades. Serious personal injury can
result from contact with sharp cutting edges.

NOTE: Use a 1 1/4" spacer between each cutting

blade.
2. Assemble blades and spacers starting with a blade
A
(B) against the three washers. Ensure the index 30 Inc
hole (of the next blade) (C) is placed on the next V C U
1. Remove cotter pins (A) from end nuts. flat (counterclockwise) on the shaft as shown.
This will establish the proper helix pattern
2. Remove nut and remove washers, cutting blades needed.
and spacers from reel shaft.
3. Using a straight edge, check shaft for straightness.
Shaft runout should not exceed .020". Inspect
machined surfaces of shaft for wear. Replace
shaft if worn.

REEL ASSEMBLY

c CAUTION A

Always wear gloves when handling reel or cut- 3. After the last cutting blade is positioned, install
three washers and a nut. Torque nut to 170 N•m
ting blades. Serious personal injury can result
(125 lb-ft.).
from contact with sharp cutting edges.
4. Install a cotter pin (A) into each end nut.

11/30/94 -7
 E.S.P. 30 INCH VERTICAL CUTTING UNIT

REEL INSTALLATION

1. Position reel in frame, install panels and secure

with three cap screws and nuts. 5. Apply NEVER-SEEZ® to bolt shoulder and
position bolt (A) through spring washer, washer,
pivot arm and cutter frame, secure with nut, Do
Not tighten. Repeat on opposite side.

2. Apply grease to lip of seal and slide pivot arm

(A) over reel shaft.

6. Install key (B). Pack bearing with grease and slide

over shaft and into bearing cup. Install washer
and nut (C). Do Not tighten.
0 Inch 7. Install key. Pack bearing with grease and slide
VCU over shaft and into bearing cup. Install washer
and nut (A). Do Not tighten.
3. Apply grease to lip of seal and slide opposite
pivot arm (B) over reel shaft.

D
8. Tighten lock nuts to 102 N•m (75 lb-ft.).
4. Apply NEVER-SEEZ® to shoulder bolts and 9. Install grease cap.
install through adjustment link, pivot arm and
cutter frame. Install spring washers and shoulder
nuts as shown (D), Do Not tighten. Repeat on
opposite side.

-8 11/30/94
 INDEX

Numerics D
1987 Serial Number Locations i - 2 Dept of Cut Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(30 V) - 3
1988 Serial Number Locations i - 2 Depth of Cut Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . .(22 V) - 7
1989 Serial Number Locations i - 2 Depth of Cut Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . (MK V) - 6
1990 Serial Number Locations i - 2 F
1991 Serial Number Locations i - 2 Fabricated Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 15
1992 Serial Number Locations i - 3 G
1993 Serial Number Locations i - 3 General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 2
A General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK I) - 2
Adjusting Gauge Bar (MK I) - 15 General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK V) - 2
B Golf & Turf Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i - 3
Backlapping & Reel-to-Bed Knife Greens Tender Conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 6
Adjustment (22 R) - 15 Greens Tender Conditioner
Backlapping & Reel-to-Bed Knife Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 18
Adjustment (26 R) - 11 Greens Tender Conditioner
Backlapping & Reel-to-Bed Knife Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 14
Adjustment (E 30) - 12 Greens Tender Conditioner
Backlapping & Reel-to-Bed Knife Disassembly & Inspection . . . . . (22 R) - 13
Adjustment (MK II) - 11 Greens Tender Conditioner
Backlapping (22 R) - 5, 16 Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 12
Backlapping (26 R) - 5, 12 Grinding Reels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i - 5
Backlapping (E 30) - 5, 13 Grooved Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 6
Backlapping (MK I) - 4, 14 Grooved Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 6
Backlapping (MK II) - 3 Grooved Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 6
Backlapping Cutting Units (MK II) - 13 Grooved Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK I) - 5
Bed Knife Removal (MK I) - 12 Grooved Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK II) - 3
Bed Knife/Support Installation (22 R) - 10 Grooved Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 9
Bed Knife/Support Installation (26 R) - 8 Grooved Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . .(22 V) - 4
Bed Knife/Support Installation (E 30) - 8 Grooved Roller Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 9
Bed Knife/Support Installation (MK II) - 8 Grooved Roller Disassembly . . . . . . . . . .(22 V) - 4
Bed Knife/Support Removal (22 R) - 10 H
Bed Knife/Support Removal (26 R) - 8 Heavy Duty Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . . (MK I) - 9
Bed Knife/Support Removal (E 30) - 8 Heavy Duty Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . (MK II) - 8
Bed Knife/Support Removal (MK II) - 8 Heavy Duty Roller Disassembly . . . . . . . (MK I) - 9
C Heavy Duty Roller Disassembly . . . . . . (MK II) - 7
Component Location (22 R) - 2 Height-of-Cut Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 17
Component Location (22 V) - 2 Height-of-Cut Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 13
Component Location (26 R) - 2 Height-of-Cut Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 14
Component Location (30 V) - 2 Height-of-Cut Adjustment . . . . . . . . . (MK II) - 10
Component Location (E 30) - 2 Height-of-Cut Adjustment with
Component Location (MK I) - 2 Front & Rear Roller . . . . . . . . . (MK I) - 16
Component Location (MK V) - 2 Height-of-Cut Adjustment with
Cutting Taller Grass (MK I) - 17 Rear Roller Only . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK I) - 17
Cutting Taller Grass (MK II) - 10 I
Cutting Unit Assembly & Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 2
Installation (MK V) - 5 Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(22 V) - 2
Cutting Unit Reinforcement (MK I) - 7 Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 2
Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(30 V) - 2

11/30/94 INDEX - 1
INDEX

Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 2 Reel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 11

Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK V) - 2 Reel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(MK I) - 12
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 4 Reel Mower Identification . . . . . . . . . . . .(MK I) - 2
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 4 Reel Mower Identification . . . . . . . . . . . (MK II) - 2
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 4 Reel Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 11
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK I) - 3 Reel Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 V) - 4
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK II) - 2 Reel Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 9
P Reel Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (30 V) - 5
Performance Variables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 6 Reel Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 9
Performance Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 6 Reel Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(MK I) - 10
Performance Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 6 Reel Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK V) - 3
Performance Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK I) - 5 Reel/Bed Knife Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 4
Performance Variables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK II) - 4 Reel/Bed Knife Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 4
Pivot Arm Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 11 Reel/Bed Knife Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 4
Pivot Arm Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(22 V) - 6 Reel/Bed Knife Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . .(MK I) - 3
Pivot Arm Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 10 Reel/Bed Knife Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK II) - 3
Pivot Arm Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(30 V) - 6 Reel-to-Bed Knife Adjustment . . . . . . . (22 R) - 16
Pivot Arm Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 11 Reel-to-Bed Knife Adjustment . . . . . . . (26 R) - 12
Pivot Arm Disassembly & Reel-to-Bed Knife Adjustment . . . . . . . (E 30) - 13
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 11 Reel-to-Bed Knife Adjustment . . . . . . .(MK I) - 13
Pivot Arm Disassembly & Reel-to-Bed Knife Adjustment . . . . . . (MK II) - 11
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(22 V) - 6 Relief Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 5
Pivot Arm Disassembly & Relief Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 5
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 10 Relief Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 5
Pivot Arm Disassembly & Relief Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(MK I) - 4
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(30 V) - 6 Relief Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK II) - 4
Pivot Arm Disassembly & Remove Front Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 9
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 10 Remove Front Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 V) - 3
R Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 9
Rear Deflector Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . (MK II) - 9 Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 V) - 3
Rear Roller (HOC) Range . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 17 Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 7
Rear Roller/Bed Knife Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (30 V) - 3
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 18 Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 7
Reel & Bed Knife Inspection . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 11 Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(MK I) - 7
Reel & Bed Knife Inspection . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 12 Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK II) - 6
Reel & Bed Knife Inspection. . . . . . . . (MK II) - 11 Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK V) - 3
Reel & Bed Knife Relationship . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 4 Repair Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 7
Reel & Bed Knife Relationship . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 4 Repair Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 V) - 3
Reel & Bed Knife Relationship . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 4 Repair Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (30 V) - 3
Reel & Bed Knife Relationship . . . . . . . (MK I) - 3 Repair Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 3
Reel & Bed Knife Relationship . . . . . . (MK II) - 2 Roller Assembly & Installation . . . . . . . . (30 V) - 4
Reel Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 V) - 5 Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 9
Reel Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(30 V) - 7 Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 7
Reel Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(22 V) - 5 Roller Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 7
Reel Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(30 V) - 7 Roller Disassembly & Inspection . . . . . . (E 30) - 7
Reel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 12 Roller Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 9
Reel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(22 V) - 6 Roller Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 V) - 3
Reel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 10 Roller Disassmbly & Inspection . . . . . . . (26 R) - 7
Reel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(30 V) - 8 Roller Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 10

INDEX - 2 11/30/94
 INDEX

Roller Installation (22 V) - 4 T

Roller Installation (26 R) - 8 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22 R) - 7
Roller Installation (E 30) - 8 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(22 V) - 3
Roller Removal & Disassembly (30 V) - 4 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (26 R) - 3
Roller Removal (26 R) - 7 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(30 V) - 3
Roller Removal (E 30) - 7 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E 30) - 3
S Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK I) - 6
Smooth Roller (22 R) - 6 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK II) - 5
Smooth Roller (26 R) - 5 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (MK V) - 3
Smooth Roller (E 30) - 6 V
Smooth roller (MK I) - 5 Vertical Cutting Unit Theory . . . . . . . . . .(22 V) - 2
Smooth Roller (MK II) - 3 Vertical Cutting Unit Theory . . . . . . . . . . (30 V) - 2
Specifications (E 30) - 2 Vertical Cutting Unit Theory . . . . . . . . . (MK V) - 3
Standard Roller Assembly (MK I) - 8
Standard Roller Assembly (MK II) - 7
Standard Roller Disassembly (MK I) - 7
Standard Roller Disassembly (MK II) - 6

11/30/94 INDEX - 3
INDEX

Notes:

INDEX - 4 11/30/94