Service Tips

TIP #1

Fact or Myth, will “Backlapping” ruin my reel bearings?

Here’s the Tip!
Manufacturers choose bearings for specific applications, and the reel is typically designed for bearing loads to withstand ten times the loading which may occur for the lapping process.

Here’s the reel facts!

FACT:

Heavy reel to grinding wheel impact that occurs during the grinding process induces more load on the reel bearings than lapping ever will.

FACT:

If excessive water pressure is used to clean the compound off the reel, it is possible to push grit into the bearing housing area and potentially cause premature damage. It is very important to use a high quality lapping compound that can be removed with low water pressure.

FACT:

If lapping a reel where relief does not exist, minimal material will be removed and most of what is removed will be from the bedknife.

More Tips:

When is it Time to Grind ?

Reel grinding should be done when the adjustment and backlapping procedures are no longer effective, and the grass is not cut cleanly. By checking the cutting edges of the reel blades and the bedknife, you can visibly see if the relief is gone, you can also physically inspect them to see how rounded off and dulled the edges are. Here are some “general” time frames that can be estimated for grind intervals.

Rough Mower 8 -10 inch diameter reels:Backlap as needed, grind approximately every 400-500 hours of operation, six to eight months under normal conditions.

Fairway Mower 5-7 inch diameter reels:Backlap as needed, grind approximately every 375-425 hours of operation, four to six months under normal conditions.

Green and Tee Mowers:Backlap as needed, grind approximately every 200-250 hours of operation, three to four months under normal conditions.

Bedknife Grinding!

Every time you grind the reel, you must grind the bedknife.

Here are some things to keep in mind when grinding a bedknife.

1) Make sure to control heat build up so it never exceeds a comfortable touch.

2) Always pass off the end of the knife.

3) Make sure to spark out.

4) Remove the burr with a wood block.

Never exceed the manufacturers recommended angle of relief.

For more information contact our Service Department: service@armower.com