Ransomes Commander 3520, Safety, Operation & Maintenance Manual

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11 QUALITY OF CUT
It is recommended that a “test cut” be performed to
evaluate the mower’s performance before beginning
repairs.
An area should be available where “test cuts” can be
made. This area should provide known and consistent
turf conditions to allow accurate evaluation of the
mower’s performance.
Another “test cut” should be performed after the com-
pletion of the repairs and/or adjustments to verify the
mower’s performance.
Before performing a “test cut” to diagnose cut appear-
ance and mower performance, the following items
should be verified to ensure an accurate “test cut.”
1. Mowing (Ground) Speed.
2. Reel Bearing Condition and Pre-Load (End Play)
Adjustment.
3. Reel and Bedknife Sharpness.
4. Bedknife Alignment to Reel.
5. Reel-to-Bedknife Contact.
6. Height-of-Cut (HOC).
7. Roller and Roller Bearing Condition.
11.1.1 WASHBOARDING __________________________________________________
NOTE: Arrow indicates direction of travel.
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 approxi-
mately
6—8 in. (15—20 cm). Colour 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 can produce the same result.
Washboarding may also be caused by variations in
the turf.
Probable Cause Remedy
Mowing (ground) speed is too fast. Reduce mowing (ground) speed.
Grass build-up on roller. Clean the roller and use scrapers or brushes.
Roller is out of round. Replace roller.
Mowing in the same direction. Change mowing direction regularly.
Use of a groomer on cleanup pass. Groomers should be used only in a straight line.
TN0159
11.1 QUALITY OF CUT TROUBLESHOOTING ________________________________