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Figure 24
5. On 1 end of groomer shaft, measure the distance
from the lowest tip of a groomer blade to work
surface. Turn the groomer height adjusting knob
(Figure
25) to raise or lower blade tip to the
desired grooming height. Each notch on the
adjusting knob is approximately equal to 0.08
mm (0.003 inch) of groomer depth.
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Figure 25
1. Groomer height adjusting knob
6. Repeat this procedure on the opposite end of
the groomer, then check the setting on first side.
Adjust as required.
7. If you are not using the grooming mode, raise
the grooming reel from A to B or from B to C.
Note:
At higher grooming heights, the grooming
reel may have to be set in the C position, making
the raise/lower feature unavailable.
Testing the Performance of
the Groomer
Important:
Improper or over-aggressive use of
the grooming reel (i.e., too deep or too frequent
grooming) may cause unnecessary stress on the
turf leading to severe greens damage. Use the
groomer cautiously.
It is important to determine the performance of
the groomer before putting it into regular use on
greens. We strongly suggests that you use a formal
test procedure. The following is a practical way of
determining the proper height/depth setting:
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1. Set the cutting reel to the height-of-cut that you
would normally use without the grooming reel.
Use a Wiehle roller and scraper for the front
roller.
2. Set the groomer reel 1/2 the height-of-cut setting
above the ground (e.g., for 3.2 mm (1/8 inch)
height-of-cut setting, set the groomer at 1.6 mm
(1/16 inch) above the ground).
Note:
If you are using the groomer brush, set
it at the height-of-cut setting above the ground
(e.g. for 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) height-of-cut setting,
set the groomer at 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) above the
ground).
3. Make a pass over the test green, then lower
the groomer flush with the roller level and make
another pass over the test green.
Note:
If you are using the groomer brush,
lower it to 1/2 the height-of-cut setting above the
ground (e.g. for 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) height-of-cut
setting, set the groomer at 3.2 mm (1/8 inch)
above the ground).
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4. Compare the results. The first groomed area
when the setting was 1/2 the height-of-cut setting
above the ground will have removed significantly
less grass and thatch than the second setting.
Check the test green 2 or 3 days after the first
grooming for general condition/damage. If the
groomed areas are turning yellow/brown, and
the non-groomed areas are green, then the
grooming was too aggressive.
Note:
The color of the grass will change when
you use the grooming reel. An experienced
greens superintendent can judge by the color
of the turf (along with close examination) if the
current grooming practice is appropriate for the
particular green. Because the grooming reel
stands up more grass and removes thatch, the
quality of the cut will not be the same as without
the groomer. This effect is most noticeable the
first few times you use a groomer on a green.
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