Textron JACOBSEN Eclipse 2 Technical/Repair Manual page 150

CUTTING UNIT
Definition of Terms
The following terms are used to describe various cut
appearance symptoms.
Washboarding
NOTE: One cutting unit width shown. Arrow indicates
direction of travel.
Probable Cause
Mowing (ground) speed is too fast.
Grass buildup on roller.
Roller is out of round.
Mowing in the same direction.
Use of a groomer on cleanup pass.
Reel drive motor performance is reduced.
Battery tray adjusted too far back.
8
Engine/gen-set adjusted too far back.
8-4
Washboarding is a cyclical pattern of varying cutting
heights, resulting in a wave-like cut appearance. In most
cases, the wave tip-to-tip distance is approximately
6–8 in. (15–20 cm). Color variation (light-to-dark) may
also be noticed.
This condition is usually caused by a rocking motion in
the cutting unit(s). This condition is found mostly on
mowers with multiple (suspended) cutting units, but other
causes in walk-behind mowers can produce the same
result.
Washboarding may also be caused by variations in the
turf.
TN0159
Reduce mowing (ground) speed.
Clean the rollers and use scrapers or brushes.
Replace front roller. (See "Cutting Unit Front Roller" on page 10-8.)
Change mowing direction regularly.
Groomers should be used only in a straight line.
Check operation of reel motor(s) and repair/replace as necessary.
Adjust battery tray. (See "Battery Tray Adjustment" on page 8-15.)
Adjust engine forward on mount plate. (See "Engine Fore/Aft
Adjustment" on page 8-15.)
Remedy
4262930-Rev A