National Mower Essential Backlapping and Vertical Mowing Techniques for Your Mower

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Test for end play periodically by trying to move the reel from side to side in the frame. If there is any movement, end play is present.

1.Loosen the lock nut on the adjustment screw (7, Figure 17) and (Figure 18), (inside right end of the reel) and turn adjustment bolt in 1/2 turn or less. Do not over tighten as excessive bearing wear can occur.

2.Test again for endplay. If reel is rotating freely and endplay can not be detected, retighten the locking nut on adjustment bolt.

Locknut and Screw

Figure 18

VERTICAL MOWING UNIT - BLADE CHANGING

1.To change the blades, remove the vertical mowing unit from the frame. Unbolt the (2) hangers (see Parts Manual) from the frame.

2.Remove bearing from the hangers. Remove by loosening the bearing collet setscrews.

NOTE: It is also advised to check the bearings for wear and replace if necessary.

3.Remove nut from the shaft and slide the blade and spacer off.

4.Reassemble with new blades. Make sure you time the blades so they are on a spiral and so that the blades are pointed in the proper direction. Check to make sure there is no side play with the blades when tightening the nut.

5.Re-attach the vertical mowing unit to the frame.

BACKLAPPING PROCEDURE

Backlapping is a very important step in maintaining sharp reel blades on the rear and wing mowers.

This procedure should be performed when the reel blades and bedknife become slightly rounded and the grass cannot be cut cleanly after adjusting the reel to bedknife clearance (see REEL TO BEDKNIFE ADJUSTMENT on page 18).

DANGER: Be extremely careful not to let tools, your fingers, or clothing get caught in the reels. Use approved safety glasses to protect eyes from flying particles and abrasives.

1.Make sure to adjust the reel to the bedknife so that the reel is parallel with the bedknife and light contact is maintained.

2.Reels must be run in reverse direction to be lapped. Remove drive belts and attach a backlapping machine to the reel. Follow the instructions furnished by the backlapping machine manufacturer.

3.With reel running, apply the lapping compound using a 2” or 3” wide brush. Apply the compound evenly to the mowing blades.

4.Stop the reel and examine both bedknife and reel blades to see that the cutting edges are uniformly sharp. If not, gradually tighten nut adjuster (see REEL TO BEDKNIFE ADJUSTMENT on page 18), and repeat step 3 above until the proper sharpness results.

5.Rinse off the compound thoroughly with water to remove all abrasives. Check for sharpness and readjust the bedknife if necessary.

6.Check reel adjustment on each mower and adjust if necessary so that they will cut paper cleanly across the full length of the bedknife when paper is held 90° to the bedknife and pinched when held horizontally.

Many types of compounds are available for lapping. However, we recommend a good pre-mixed water-soluble compound. Premixed compound saves the time required to mix, eliminates the waste, and is available in all grit ranges from coarse to extra fine.

Contact your local Dealer for types and ordering information.

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Contents Triplex Reel Mower Introduction Table of ContentsSafety Notations Practices and Laws Safety DecalsRequired Operator Training Safety Rules Page Page Operation Controls and FeaturesChoke Operating Suggestions Prior to Starting the UnitDriving the Tractor Starting the EngineMowing Operation Pushing or Towing Instructions MowingVertical Mowing Unit Hillside OperationSeat AssemblyTractor Rear MowerSteering Wheel Hydraulic OIL Wing MowersWing Mower Lift Engine Crankcase Battery Service and Adjustments Traction Pedal Adjustments Ground Speed Control Upper Countershaft Belt AdjustmentParking Brake Adjustment Lower Countershaft Chain AdjustmenttReel to Bedknife Adjustment Height of CUT AdjustmentReel END Play Adjustment Vertical Mowing Unit Blade Changing Backlapping ProcedureLapping Compound Grinding ProcedureCharging a Battery MaintenanceGeneral Maintenance Assembly and DisassemblyEngine Jumper CablesBelts Engine Fuel FilterHydraulic OIL Filter Bedknife ReplacementLubrication Symbols Frequency Location Type No. Starting the Engine After Storage StorageGeneral Instructions TiresReel will not Turn TroubleshootingEngine will not Start Tractor will not MoveEngine SpecificationsTwo-Year Limited Turf Products Warranty Exclusions Items Not Covered by This Warranty