How Often Should I Grind?

Reel grinding should be done when the adjustment and backlapping procedures are no longer effective, and before the grass is not cut cleanly. There are some "general" time frames that can be estimated for grind intervals and they are as follows:

• 8" - 10" Diameter ROUGH MOWER reels: Should be backlapped "as needed"; if estimated use totals 15-20 hours of cutting per week, this will yield a need to grind approximately every 400-500 hours, or once every six to eight months.
  
  
• 5" - 7" Diameter FAIRWAY/TRIM reels: Should be backlapped "as needed"; if estimated use totals 20-30 hours of cutting per week, this will yield a need to grind approximately every 375-425 hours, or once every four to six months.
  
  
• 5" Diameter GREENS & TEE MOWER reels: Should be backlapped "as needed"; if estimated use is five to seven times per week, averaging 15-25 hours of cutting time, this will yield a need to grind approximately every 200-250 hours, or once every three to four months.
  
  

The grind intervals noted above are strictly estimates. The need to grind will depend on course conditions, top-dressing practices, adjustments, backlapping and/or non-backlapping practices, and ultimately, the judgment of desired cut quality.