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  • Home | Foley Company

    Discover industry-leading reel grinders by Foley Company, designed for precision and efficiency. Achieve OEM specifications and optimal turf health with our innovative solutions. YOUR GRINDER YOUR WAY THE EASIEST WAY BACK TO OEM SPEC FIND A DEALER SCHEDULE A DEMO Find A Distributor Get A Quote REEL GRINDERS BEDKNIFE GRINDERS ACCESSORIES Choose your Foley Grinder QUALITY OF CUT Delivering precision and reliability for the industry LEARN MORE FOLEY NEWS 7 hours ago 4 min read The Ultimate Guide to Backlapping Reel Mowers: Everything You Need to Know Maintaining a pristine, well-manicured golf course or sports turf requires precision cutting equipment. Reel mowers, known for their... 6 0 comments 0 Post not marked as liked Jan 30 4 min read Bedknife to Reel Adjustment: Contact vs. No-Contact – What’s Best for Your Turf? When it comes to reel mower maintenance, few adjustments have as much impact as setting the bedknife to the reel . This fine-tuned... 46 0 comments 0 2 likes. Post not marked as liked 2 Nov 26, 2024 2 min read First-Ever Roll-On Roll-Off Quick-Spin Grinder from Foley is a Game-Changer Prescott, WI - It is not often that a completely new product is introduced into the market which will be a complete game-changer, but... 26 0 comments 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 View All WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY As a long-time user of Foley Grinders, I trust their quality and precision with every sharpening job. Foley's reputation for durability and performance makes them my go-to choice, knowing I’m getting consistent, reliable results every time. JOHN SMITH Foley's customer service is outstanding! From product inquiries to post-purchase support, they’re always responsive and knowledgeable. It feels great to know that no matter the issue, I have a team ready to assist. BEN HINRICHS Foley's customer service is outstanding! From product inquiries to post-purchase support, they’re always responsive and knowledgeable. It feels great to know that no matter the issue, I have a team ready to assist. ERIC GONZALES Using Foley Grinders ensures we’re always maintaining OEM specifications for our equipment. This precision is crucial for extending the life of our machinery and maintaining peak performance. You can't compromise on that. OEM SPECS FOLEY GETS YOUR REELS BACK TO OEM SPECS FASTER LEARN MORE OUR PARTNERS FOLEY EVENTS VISIT FOLEY AT AN UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENT SEE ALL EVENTS

  • Neary | Foley

    Access operator and service manuals for Neary's reel and bedknife grinders. Find detailed instructions to keep your equipment running smoothly. Title Manual Type Language Year 555 Service Manual Service Manual English 2017 555 Operator Manual Operator Manual English 2017 200 Operator Manual Operator Manual English 2017 181 Service Manual Service Manual English 2017 181 Operator Manual Operator Manual Dutch 2014 181 Operator Manual Operator Manual Russian 2017 181 Operator Manual Operator Manual English 2014 Neary FIND A DEALER LEARN MORE Neary Grinders are no longer in production , but you can still access old operator manuals for reference. If you need support or are looking for a replacement, Foley Company offers a full line of modern reel and bedknife grinders designed to meet OEM specifications. Support

  • Events | Foley

    Stay updated on Foley's trade shows, demos, and events showcasing turf solutions. New England Turfgrass show 28th Annual New England Regional Turfgrass Conference & Show! Scheduled dates are March 4-6, 2025. Event Details LEARN MORE FIND A DEALER foley events Discover Foley’s upcoming events and tradeshows, where innovation meets precision. Join us to explore our latest products and connect with industry experts.

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Blog Posts (8)

  • The Ultimate Guide to Backlapping Reel Mowers: Everything You Need to Know

    Maintaining a pristine, well-manicured golf course or sports turf requires precision cutting equipment. Reel mowers, known for their ability to deliver a superior quality of cut, must be regularly maintained to keep their cutting edges sharp. One of the most common maintenance practices is backlapping, a process that helps extend the life of reels and bed knives between full grinding sessions. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into backlapping compound, the backlapping process, the pros and cons, grit selection, and best practices to ensure your reel mowers perform at their peak. Trent Manning of Reel Turf Techs - Backlapping John Deere 2500E What is Backlapping and Why is it Important? Backlapping is the process of sharpening reel mower blades by spinning the reel in reverse while applying an abrasive compound. This method hones the cutting edges of both the reel and the bed knife, restoring sharpness without removing significant amounts of metal. Unlike grinding—which re-establishes the proper angle and removes material—backlapping is a preventative maintenance technique that helps sustain a clean cut, reduces wear on turf, and extends the time between major sharpening sessions. Understanding Backlapping Compound and Grit Selection Backlapping compound consists of an abrasive grit suspended in a grease- or oil-based medium. The grit size is a crucial factor in determining how aggressively the compound sharpens the reel and bed knife. Common Grit Sizes and Their Uses 80 Grit (Coarse) Used when reels and bed knives have significant dullness or minor imperfections. Removes material quickly but leaves a rougher finish. 120 Grit (Medium) The most widely used grit for routine backlapping. Provides a balance between material removal and edge refinement. Ideal for maintaining sharpness between grinds. 180-220 Grit (Fine) Used for finishing after coarser grits to refine the cutting edge. Produces a cleaner cut for high-end turf applications. 280+ Grit (Ultra-Fine) Rarely necessary but may be used for a mirror-polished edge. Beneficial for ultra-fine turf conditions such as tournament greens. Choosing the right grit ensures an optimal cutting edge while preventing unnecessary wear. Step-by-Step Guide to Backlapping Reels and Bed Knives 1. Preparation Secure the mower on a stable surface. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses. If the mower has a backlapping function, engage it. If not, manually adjust the settings to spin the reel in reverse. 2. Apply Backlapping Compound Use a brush, spatula, or paint stick to apply the compound evenly across the reel blades. Avoid excessive application, as it can create an uneven sharpening effect. 3. Start the Backlapping Process Set the reel to spin at a moderate speed in reverse. Let it run for 2-5 minutes, checking periodically. ⚠️ If backlapping takes longer than 5-7 minutes combined without noticeable improvement, it’s a strong indicator that grinding is needed. Continuing beyond this point is ineffective and may result in excessive wear. 4. Reapply if Necessary Stop the process, inspect the edge, and reapply compound if the blades still appear dull. Resume backlapping for another 2-3 minutes as needed. 5. Check Cutting Performance Stop the reel and test sharpness using a thin strip of paper or a blade of grass. The reel should cut cleanly across its full width. 6. Rinse and Clean Thoroughly Remove all backlapping compound with water. If the compound is oil-based, use a degreaser to prevent residue buildup. 7. Adjust the Reel-to-Bed Knife Contact Ensure a light, even contact between the reel and bed knife. Avoid overtightening, which can accelerate wear and create excessive friction. 8. Conduct a Final Test Cut Run the mower on a test patch of grass. If the turf appears ragged or torn, further adjustments or grinding may be necessary. Pros and Cons of Backlapping Benefits ✔️ Extends the Life of Cutting Units – Reduces the frequency of full grinding sessions. ✔️ Cost-Effective – Saves on reel and bed knife replacements. ✔️ Minimal Material Removal – Maintains the factory grind angles longer. ✔️ Easy to Perform – Can be done in-house without specialized equipment. ✔️ Improves Turf Health – Reduces tearing, promoting cleaner cuts. Limitations ❌ Not a Replacement for Grinding – Won’t correct blade angles or severe wear. ❌ Requires Frequent Application – Must be done regularly for best results. ❌ Time-Consuming for Large Fleets – Multiple reels mean significant downtime. ❌ Over-Application Risk – Too much compound or excessive backlapping can cause uneven sharpening. ❌ May Mask Underlying Issues – Severely worn reels or bed knives need grinding, not just backlapping. Best Practices for Effective Backlapping ✅ Don’t wait until reels are extremely dull. Frequent, light backlapping is more effective. ✅ Use the right grit for the job. Coarse grits for dull blades, fine grits for finishing. ✅ Always clean thoroughly after backlapping. Residual compounds can cause wear. ✅ Check reel-to-bed knife contact before and after. Proper adjustment ensures consistent cutting quality. ✅ Monitor turf quality. If turf appears damaged despite backlapping, a full grinding session may be needed. When to Backlap vs. When to Grind Situation Backlapping Grinding Slightly dull cutting edges ✅ Yes ❌ No Small nicks or burrs ✅ Yes ❌ No Uneven blade angles ❌ No ✅ Yes Heavy wear or pitting ❌ No ✅ Yes Poor cutting quality after backlapping ❌ No ✅ Yes Routine maintenance ✅ Yes ❌ No Conclusion: The Key to Maintaining Reel Mowers Backlapping is an essential part of reel mower maintenance that helps preserve sharpness and cutting performance between full grinds. When done correctly and consistently, it extends the life of cutting units, reduces maintenance costs, and promotes healthier, cleaner turf. However, backlapping is not a substitute for grinding. If blades remain dull after 5-7 minutes of backlapping, it’s time for a professional grind. By using the right grit, following proper procedures, and monitoring results, turf professionals can ensure their reel mowers deliver top-tier performance season after season. Would you like to dive deeper into specific backlapping compounds or troubleshooting common backlapping issues? Let us know in the comments!

  • Bedknife to Reel Adjustment: Contact vs. No-Contact – What’s Best for Your Turf?

    When it comes to reel mower maintenance, few adjustments have as much impact as setting the bedknife to the reel . This fine-tuned adjustment determines how well your mower cuts, how much wear occurs, and ultimately, how healthy and playable your turf remains. In the world of turf maintenance, there are two primary schools of thought: Contact Setting  – Where the reel blades lightly touch the bedknife at all times. No-Contact Setting  – Where the reel spins with minimal clearance from the bedknife but does not make direct contact. Both methods have their place, and each comes with benefits and trade-offs. In this article, we’ll explore both approaches, explaining when and why each might be the right choice for your golf course or sports turf facility. Understanding the Reel and Bedknife Relationship A reel mower functions much like a pair of scissors. The rotating reel blades pass over the stationary bedknife, slicing grass cleanly rather than tearing it. The precision of this interaction is what makes reel mowers the preferred choice for high-quality turf surfaces. The way you adjust the bedknife relative to the reel determines several factors: Quality of Cut  – Whether the grass is cleanly sliced or torn. Wear on Components  – How quickly the reel and bedknife dull. Energy Efficiency  – How much power is required to turn the reel. Maintenance Intervals  – How often grinding and adjustments are needed. Let’s dive into the two different adjustment methods. The Contact Setting: Always in Touch What It Means A contact setting  means the reel blades are adjusted so they continuously make slight contact with the bedknife as they rotate. Think of it as a pair of scissors with the blades pressed together—every cut is crisp, precise, and consistent. Advantages ✅  Consistent Cutting Performance  – With constant contact, every blade rotation results in a reliable, uniform cut. This is particularly important on greens and high-end fairways where even the slightest inconsistency is noticeable. ✅  Cleaner Cut = Healthier Turf – A sharp, precise cut minimizes stress on the grass, reducing the chances of disease and improving recovery. ✅  Reliable in Variable Conditions  – Whether the grass is wet, thick, or fast-growing, a contact setting ensures the mower continues cutting effectively without adjustment. Disadvantages ❌  Increased Wear & Tear – With continuous friction between the reel and bedknife, both components wear faster, requiring more frequent grinding and sharpening. ❌  Higher Power Demand  – The constant contact creates resistance, making the reel harder to turn, increasing fuel or battery consumption. ❌  Heat Buildup  – Excessive contact can generate heat, leading to faster dulling of the cutting edges. Best Uses for the Contact Setting Golf Greens & High-End Fairways  – Where premium turf quality is a top priority. Courses with Frequent Maintenance Schedules  – If you have a rigorous grinding program, the extra wear from contact settings can be managed. Thick or Fast-Growing Grass  – Ensures consistent cutting in challenging conditions. The No-Contact Setting: Precision Without Friction What It Means A no-contact setting  (also called minimal clearance) means the bedknife is adjusted as close as possible to the reel without actual metal-on-metal contact. Ideally, the grass is still cleanly cut, but without unnecessary friction between the blades. Advantages ✅  Reduced Wear on Components – Because the reel isn’t grinding against the bedknife, both parts last longer, reducing sharpening frequency and replacement costs. ✅  Lower Energy Consumption – Less friction means the reel spins more freely, improving efficiency and reducing fuel or battery drain. ✅  Less Heat & Stress on Metal  – Without constant friction, heat buildup is minimized, keeping the blades sharper for longer. ✅  Extended Grinding Intervals – Less wear means you can go longer between reel sharpening and relief grinding, saving time and money. Disadvantages ❌  Potential for Inconsistent Cutting  – If not adjusted perfectly, a no-contact setting can lead to tearing instead of cutting, especially in thick or fast-growing grass. ❌  Requires More Frequent Monitoring  – Small changes due to vibration, wear, or environmental factors can affect performance, requiring frequent fine-tuning. ❌  Grass Type & Conditions Matter  – A no-contact setting may not work as well in wet, dense, or fast-growing turf where slight contact helps ensure a clean cut. Best Uses for the No-Contact Setting High-Volume Mowing (Fairways, Roughs, Sports Turf)  – Ideal when some minor imperfections in cut quality are acceptable. Battery-Powered & Hybrid Mowers  – Maximizes efficiency and extends battery life. Courses Focused on Equipment Longevity  – Reducing reel and bedknife wear leads to long-term cost savings. Dry or Low-Growth Conditions  – Works well when grass is not overly dense or wet. Which Setting is Best? There is no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your turf, maintenance schedule, and operational goals . Choose the Contact Setting if: ✔ You demand the highest-quality cut, especially on greens and elite fairways . ✔ You have a consistent grinding and sharpening schedule  to manage increased wear. ✔ Your conditions require precise, reliable cutting regardless of turf density . Choose the No-Contact Setting if: ✔ You want to extend reel and bedknife life , reducing sharpening frequency. ✔ You are mowing large areas like fairways, roughs, or sports fields  where minor imperfections are acceptable. ✔ You use battery-powered or hybrid mowers and need to maximize energy efficiency. Final Thoughts: Striking the Right Balance For many golf courses and sports turf facilities, the best approach is a hybrid of both methods. Many superintendents use a contact setting for greens and high-end fairways while opting for a no-contact setting on fairways, roughs, or lower-maintenance areas. Regardless of your choice, regular inspections, sharp reels, and proper adjustments are key to maintaining peak mower performance. Whether you're looking for the perfect cut or the most efficient operation, understanding the nuances of bedknife-to-reel adjustment will help you make the best decision for your facility. At the end of the day, the goal is simple: a sharp, clean cut that promotes healthy, beautiful turf while maximizing efficiency and longevity.

  • Company Update: Foley Company Acquires SALSCO, Inc

    Expanding Its Leadership in the Golf and Turf Industry Prescott, WI – November 6, 2024 – Foley Company is thrilled to announce the acquisition of SALSCO, Inc., an industry leader in turf maintenance equipment, effective November 1, 2024. Based in Cheshire, CT, SALSCO has been at the forefront of innovation for over forty years in turf maintenance since its founding by Sal Rizzo in 1979. SALSCO, Inc. is recognized for its commitment to quality and service, offering an extensive line of products that includes Gas and Electric Greens Rollers, Core Recovery Vehicles, Leaf Vacuums, Strawblowers, Wood and Brush Chippers (PTO and Engine Driven up to 18” capacity), Chipper Shredder Vacuums, Shavings Mills & Re-Sizers, Slab Chippers, Curbing Machines, Pavement Routers, Side Dump Buckets, narrow-width Asphalt Pavers, Bale Wrappers, and Grabbers. This diverse portfolio complements Foley’s existing offerings, positioning both companies for enhanced growth and innovation. Paul Rauker, President & CEO of Foley Company, stated, “We are excited to welcome SALSCO into the Foley family. This acquisition strengthens our commitment to providing top-tier solutions for golf courses and turf professionals. SALSCO’s expertise and innovative products will enhance our capabilities and allow us to better serve our customers.” Sal Rizzo, Founder of SALSCO, expressed his enthusiasm for the merger, saying, “Joining forces with Foley Company marks a significant milestone for SALSCO. Together, we can leverage our strengths and create even more impactful solutions for our clients in the golf and turf industry. I am confident that this partnership will lead to exciting new innovations and opportunities for growth.” About Foley Company Established in 1926, Foley Company is a leading provider of high-quality shop tools for the golf and turf industry, specializing in precision reel and bedknife grinders. Renowned for producing precision reel grinders that restore cutting reels to OEM specifications, Foley Company is a trusted partner for the world’s top golf courses. Their innovative Air2G2 aerification machine enhances turf health by injecting pressurized air into the soil, promoting robust root growth and improved water infiltration with minimal disruption. To learn more about Foley Company and its products, please visit www.foleyco.com .   Proud members of GSCAA, BIGGA, CGSA & AGIF.

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