The Toro 8 and 11 Blade DPA Cutting Units with 5-inch Reels are designed for use with Reelmaster 5210 and 5410 Traction Units. These cutting units are primarily used for mowing turf, offering precision cutting capabilities for various grass types and conditions.
Function Description
The cutting unit's core function is to precisely cut grass using a reel and bedknife system. The dual knob bedknife-to-reel adjustment system simplifies the adjustment procedure, allowing for optimal mowing performance. This design enables a continual self-sharpening action, maintaining sharp cutting edges and reducing the need for routine backlapping. The cutting unit's aggressiveness of cut, which refers to the angle of the bedknife relative to the ground, significantly impacts its performance. This setting can be adjusted to suit different turf conditions and desired results, with less aggressive settings generally preferred for warm-season grasses and more aggressive settings for cool-season grasses.
The turf compensation spring transfers weight from the front to the rear roller, helping to reduce wave patterns or "marcelling" in the turf. The location of the lift arm chain attachment determines the rear roller pitch angle, further influencing the cutting unit's interaction with the turf.
Usage Features
The cutting units are designed for ease of setup and adjustment. Upon removal from the box, users should inspect the reel for grease, ensure all nuts and bolts are tightened, and verify that the carrier frame suspension operates freely. A kickstand is provided to prop up the rear of the cutting unit when tipping it for bedknife/reel exposure, preventing damage to the bedbar adjusting screws.
The rear shield can be adjusted to optimize grass dispersion. For most conditions, a closed rear shield (front discharge) provides the best dispersion. However, in heavy or wet conditions, the shield can be opened by loosening a cap screw, rotating the shield to the open position, and retightening the screw.
Counterweights are mounted to the cutting unit, and their position can be adjusted based on the specific cutting unit and reel motor configuration.
Daily adjustments are crucial for maintaining optimal cutting performance. Before each mowing session, the bedknife-to-reel contact must be checked. This involves lowering the cutting units onto a hard surface, shutting off the engine, and removing the ignition key. The reel is then slowly rotated in reverse, listening for contact with the bedknife. If no contact is evident, the bedknife adjusting knobs are turned clockwise, one click at a time, until light contact is felt and heard. The adjustment knobs have detents, with each click corresponding to a precise bedknife movement. Light contact is always preferred to ensure the bedknife/reel edges self-sharpen effectively. Excessive contact can accelerate wear and lead to uneven wear.
The height of cut (HOC) is adjusted by loosening locknuts on the height-of-cut brackets and setting the adjusting screw to the desired HOC. The rear roller brackets are adjusted to the desired HOC range by positioning spacers below the side plate mounting flange. The front roller is adjusted to contact the gauge bar, ensuring the entire roller is parallel to the bedknife.
Maintenance Features
Regular lubrication is essential for the longevity of the cutting unit. Each unit has six grease fittings that require regular lubrication with No. 2 General Purpose Lithium Base Grease. Lubrication points include the front roller, rear roller, and reel bearings. Lubricating immediately after washing helps purge water from bearings and extends bearing life.
The reel bearings should be periodically checked for end play to ensure long life. This involves loosening the reel to bedknife contact, holding a reel blade with a padded glove, and attempting to move the reel assembly side to side. If end play exists, the external set screw securing the bearing adjusting nut is loosened, and the nut is slowly tightened until no end play remains. Over-tightening the bearing adjuster nut should be avoided as it can damage the reel bearings.
Servicing the bedbar involves backing off the bedknife from the reel by turning the bedbar adjuster screws counterclockwise. The spring tension nut is loosened until the washer is no longer tensioned against the bedbar. Locknuts securing the bedbar bolt on each side of the machine are loosened, and the bedbar bolts are removed, allowing the bedbar to be pulled downward. When reassembling, the bedbar is positioned with its mounting ears between the washer and bedbar adjuster, secured with bedbar bolts and washers, and the spring tension nut is tightened until the spring is collapsed, then backed off by half a turn.
The bedknife service limits are provided in charts, indicating when the bedknife needs replacement. Operating with a bedknife below the service limit can lead to poor after-cut appearance and reduced structural integrity. The recommended top and front bedknife grind angle is 3 to 7 degrees. Over time, a slight burr may appear on the front cutting edge of the bedknife, which can be removed with a file to improve cutting. A lead-in chamfer on the right end of the bedknife is designed to last for a portion of the bedknife's life and may need regrinding.
Roller rebuild kits and tool kits are available for servicing the roller. These kits include all necessary bearings, bearing nuts, inner seals, and outer seals, along with installation instructions.
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