Technical
decks which are set at the wrong angle. The performance of the machine can be severely affected by incorrect deck adjustments, so check the decals of the deck for the correct pin/spacer positions at a given height.
Cylinder Units
Height-of-Cut: Of course, all the units should be set at the same mowing height, which should ensure an even cut. This needs to be checked regularly as things do move during the working day. Any impact to the unit can bend pivot pins or lift arms, resulting in uneven cuts. These will need to be adjusted so that the quality of cut is not affected.
Floating headed units (as used on finer turf applications) have the addition of a front roller to adjust as well. Making sure that both rollers are parallel to the bottom blade is key to maintaining a level even mowing height, particularly when working on undulating terrain.
Setting Units on Cut: Cylinder mowers have two blades, which should work smoothly against each other, cutting the grass which passes between them, but not adding undue additional load onto the drive system.
Always start the working day by setting the units on cut with paper, and then continue to reset them through the day. The type and volume of grass being cut will affect the
frequency of resetting. Observing the quality of cut is the best way of seeing when the units are off‐cut and need adjusting.
The End of the Day
At the end of the working day, there are also procedures that you should follow. Your machinery is probably dirty and low on fuel, so the following checks and tasks need to be completed:
Wash and Clean: You can’t carry out maintenance tasks, or inspect for wear and damage on dirty machines, so they need to be cleaned!
Wash them down and blow out the radiator and the oil coolers. This removes not only the grass and dirt deposits, but also any other “matter” which may be plastered around the machine.
Lubrication: With the machine washed and cleaned, its much safer and easier to get to all the greasing points and lubricate where required. The operator’s instruction book will identify which fittings need either daily or weekly attention.
Inspection: As the washing, cleaning and lubrication is carried out, a visual inspection of the machine can be completed. Any bent, damaged or missing parts need to be identified and reported so the necessary repairs can be made.
You can’t carry out maintenance tasks, or inspect for wear and damage on dirty machines, so they need to be cleaned!
” PC DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 I 125
Refuel: The fuel tanks should be filled at the end of the day, so there is less chance of condensation forming inside the tank as it cools down. While there are water separators in the fuel filtration systems, it’s clearly better to prevent it getting into the tank in the first place.
The Defect Sheet: Where bent, worn or damaged parts are identified, they must be reported so replacement parts can be ordered, and workshop time allocated to make the necessary repairs. Any recurring faults or overheating issues should also be reported, so they can be investigated before more serious failures occur.
So, there are several checks and tests to be made to a machine before it starts, and several things to do after each working day. Operations must allow operators sufficient time to complete pre‐start checks and meet the daily/weekly maintenance requirements. By following these simple steps, machinery will be more productive and, ultimately, more reliable.
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