Textron Jacobsen SLF530, Repair Manual

Page: 303 / 352

CUTTING UNITS
673831-Rev A 8-17
8
Checks and Adjustments
Reel and Bedknife Inspection
See Figure 8 -4.
1. Park the mower safely. (See “Park Mower Safely” on
page 1-6.)

CAUTION
2. Check the reel bearings for end play or radial play. If
there is any abnormal movement of the reel,
up-and-down or side-to-side, adjust or replace
components as needed. (See “Reel Bearing
Pre-Load Adjustment” on page
8 -21.)
Figure 8-4
3. Inspect the reel blades and bedknife to ensure good
sharp edges without bends or nicks.
a. The cutting edges of the reel blades and
bedknife must be sharp, free of burrs, and show
no signs of rounding off.
b. The bedknife and bedknife backing must be
securely tightened. The bedknife must be
straight and sharp.
c. A flat surface of 0.035 in. (0.9 mm) minimum
must be maintained on the front face of the
bedknife. Use a standard flat file to dress the
bedknife.
4. If wear or damage to the reel or bedknife cannot be
corrected by the lapping process, the reel or bedknife
must be reground. (See “Bedknife” on page
8 -30.)
5. Proper reel-to-bedknife adjustment is critical. A
clearance of 0.001–0.003 in. (0.025–0.076 mm) must
be maintained across the entire length of the reel and
bedknife.
6. The reel must be parallel to the bedknife. An
improperly adjusted reel will lose its sharp edges
prematurely and may result in serious damage to the
reel and bedknife.
7. Grass conditions will also affect the adjustment.
a. Dry, sparse grass requires a wider clearance to
prevent heat buildup and damage to the reel and
bedknife.
b. High-quality grass with a good moisture content
requires a smaller clearance (near zero).
To prevent personal injury and damage to the
cutting edges, handle the reel with extreme care.
0.035 in.
(0.9 mm)