If replacing the bedknife it is important to use the following procedure:
1. Remove the bedbar from cutting unit.
2. Remove the screws from the bedbar using a socket wrench and a bedknife screw tool. Discard the screws.
3. Use a scraper to remove all rust, scale and corrosion from bedbar surface.
4. Lightly oil the bedbar surface before installing the bedknife.
5. Make sure that screw threads in the bedbar are clean.
IMPORTANT: Do not use an impact wrench to tighten the screws into the bedbar.
6. Use new screws to secure bedknife to bedbar. Apply antiseize lubricant to the threads of new screws. Do not apply antiseize lubricant to the taper of the screwheads.
7. Install all screws but do not tighten.
8. Using a torque wrench and bedknife screw tool, tighten the 2 outer screws to 10 in- lb (1 N-m).
9. Working fromthe center of the bedknife toward each end, tighten screws from 200 to 250 in- lb (23 to 28 N- m).
10. Grind the bedknife after installing it to the bedbar.
Since there can be variations in the mounting surface of the bedbar, it is necessary to grind the bedknife after installing it to the bedbar.
When grinding the bedknife, remove only enough material to make sure the top surface of the bedknife is true. Be careful not to overheat the bedknife. Remove small amounts of material with each pass of the grinder. Also, clean and dress grinding stone often during the grinding process.
Because the top grind angle on bedknives is critical for edge retention, and therefore after- cut appear ance,Using special service tools for accurately measuring the top grind angle on all bedknives.
IMPORTANT: Do Not grind the bedknife below it’s service limit. Operating the cutting unit with the bedknife below the service limit may result in poor after- cut appearance and reduce the structural integrity of the bedknife for impacts.
A lead-in chamfer provides a softened entry for the leading side of the reel blade helix as it approaches the bedknife. This helps eliminate rifling caused by heavy contact and vibration. A lead- in chamfer is ground into all new Reelmaster bedknives. The original chamfer should last for the first 40%of the bedknife service life. Check and re-grind the lead- in chamfer as necessary.
The idea is to get a grind in place without spending a lot of time making sure it is exact. Using a file to make the lead-in is a perfectly acceptable method. It is important not to make the lead-in too long or you will notice that there is a streak left behind at the edge of the cutting unit as the reel will not cut well in the area
of the grind or may adversely affect the overlap area.
The Edge Max bedknife includes a leading edge of harder steel.
The Edge Max bedknife Holds an edge twice as long as a standard bedknife, and reduces the need for adjustments, backlapping and grinding.
Set the bedknife to reel adjustment on an Edge Max bedknife as usual. Light contact while running on the ground.
There are no other special requirements.
A dull knife must be sharpened.
If backlapping is part of your maintenance practice, be prepared to backlap for two to three times the amount of time as compared to a standard bedknife. Front face grinding is acceptable in moderation.
Any facing or grinding must be done with exacting tolerances. Do not use a hand held grinder
Using a diamond grinding wheel is recommended to prevent overheating or damaging the bedknife edge while grinding.
Dress the stone more frequently. Before starting, and at least once during grinding. One pass to dress. Multiple passes will cause the stone to load up.
When grinding, remove smaller amounts of material
(a shallower cut).
Expect a different spark pattern.
Bedknife design must allow for maximum material to dissipate heat and yet allow the remaining uncut grass under the bedknife.
Unfortunately, there is no set rule for space left under the knife, nor can there be. This is due primarily to surface density and turf conditions. There is no measurable plane that works, other than, your mower, in your turf.
The only thing that is absolute is that while on the bench, the bedknife can not touch the height of cut adjusting tool. There must be a reasonable space between the bedknife and height of cut adjusting tool.
To look at that in a different manner, place the cutting unit on a table resting on the rollers so as you can look at the end of the cutting unit. The bedknife can not touch the table top. This is the absolute! Everything else depends on the agronomic conditions of the turf.
Listed here are popular Greens mower bedknives and their recommended operating range.
Due to the height of cut variations on a fairway and the requirements of cutting conditions there is another line of bedknives for the fairway or higher height of cut ranges.
