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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. Bedknife Grinding on the 673 ACCU-Pro 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.

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!

Prescott, WI – February 18, 2025 – Foley Company, a global leader in precision reel and bedknife grinders, is pleased to announce the promotion of Tyler Barrett  to North America Sales Manager . In this expanded role, Tyler will oversee sales operations across North America for both Foley Company  and Salsco Inc. , driving strategic growth, strengthening dealer networks, and enhancing customer engagement. Tyler’s leadership at Foley has been instrumental in reinforcing the company’s position as an industry leader. With this new dual responsibility, he will now extend his expertise to Salsco Inc. , a recognized manufacturer of quality turf equipment, paving, and construction solutions. His role will include overseeing sales leadership duties for both organizations, ensuring alignment in market strategies and customer support excellence. "I am excited to take on this new role and represent two outstanding companies known for their commitment to quality and innovation," said Tyler. "This is an incredible opportunity to work with our dealer network, grow our market presence, and continue providing best-in-class solutions to our customers." Paul Rauker, President & CEO of Foley Company , expressed confidence in Tyler’s ability to lead sales efforts across both brands. “Tyler’s promotion is a testament to his leadership, deep industry knowledge, and customer-first approach. His expanded role with both Foley and Salsco strengthens our ability to serve our customers at the highest level.” For more information about Foley Company’s industry-leading grinding solutions, visit www.foleyco.com . To learn more about Salsco Inc.’s innovative turf and paving equipment, visit www.salsco.com .

Reel Grinder Comparison: Achieve Precision Cuts, Improve Turf Health, and Extend Equipment Life with the Right Foley Reel Grinder Choosing the right Foley reel grinder is essential for maintaining precise cuts, improving turf health, and extending the lifespan of your equipment. Foley Company offers a range of grinders designed to meet specific maintenance needs. This guide compares the 653 ACCU-MASTER, 633 ACCU-PRO, and 642 QUICK SPIN to help you decide which grinder best fits your turf maintenance operation.  Investing in the right reel grinder enhances cut quality, extends equipment life, and keeps your turf looking its best season after season.   653 ACCU-Master is Foley’s top-of-the-line reel grinder, designed for high-volume operations that demand automation and accuracy. This model includes:    Spin and relief grinding to restore reels to OEM specifications  Automated infeed system to reduce manual adjustments  Auto-index relief grinding for consistent relief angles  ACCU-Touch 3 control system with intuitive presets  Fully enclosed design to reduce noise and contain dust    If your facility grinds a high number of reels and values automation to improve efficiency and reduce operator workload, the 653 ACCU-Master is the best choice.    633 ACCU-Pro is ideal for maintenance teams that require versatile grinding capabilities without full automation. This model offers:    Spin and relief grinding for complete reel maintenance  Manual controls for hands-on precision  Cost-effective solution delivering high-quality results without premium automation    For budget-conscious operations that still require precision and versatility, the 633 ACCU-Pro provides excellent value.    642 Quick Spin is designed for quick touch-up grinding, making it perfect for facilities that need fast sharpening between full grind cycles. Features include:    Spin grinding only, ideal for maintaining sharpness between full services  Simple, efficient design for quick turnarounds and reduced downtime  Compact and cost-effective, a great choice for small shops or secondary grinding stations    If your operation prioritizes speed and simplicity, the 642 Quick Spin is an excellent addition to your maintenance program.    Which grinder is right for you?    For high-volume facilities needing automation and precision, choose the 653 ACCU-Master.  For budget-conscious operations that still need quality spin and relief grinding, go with the 633 ACCU-Pro.  For quick touch-ups and secondary grinding needs, the 642 Quick Spin is the best fit.    Still unsure? Find the perfect Foley grinder for your needs with this interactive Reel Grinder Comparison tool:   [Explore Your Options Here]

Ballybunion Golf Club Ireland Ballybunion Golf Club , located on the north-west coast of County Kerry, Ireland and steeped in history since its founding in 1893, is widely celebrated for its breathtaking coastal views and challenging yet rewarding links. Over the years, the club has become a symbol of golfing perfection, attracting players from around the globe to experience its world-class courses. Continuing its tradition of excellence, Ballybunion recently acquired state-of-the-art Foley grinders, comprising a Accu-Pro 633 Accu-touch 3 control cylinder grinder with rear tail lift and an Accu Pro 673 bedknife grinder, to further elevate its turf maintenance standards. The decision to invest in Foley grinders was driven by Ballybunion’s unwavering dedication to delivering immaculate playing conditions. With such a large fleet size in regular use, the advanced automated relief and spin options offered by Foley grinders ensure that the reel’s edges remain sharp for longer, improving efficiency and playability. Speaking on the importance of this investment, Course Manager John Bambury remarked, “At Ballybunion, we pride ourselves on maintaining some of the finest greens in the world. Our new Foley grinders allow us to achieve a level of precision and consistency that aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence.” Ian Robson, Managing Director of ProSportUK Ltd, distributor for Foley Company in the UK and Ireland stated. “We are delighted to have placed two of the latest Foley grinders into a prestigious club such as Ballybunion. We have had a relationship with the greens team at Ballybunion for many years after supplying and supporting the previous Neary grinders, and will continue to offer them assistance, whenever required going forward. Ease of use and robust training were vital considerations in choosing Foley grinders. The intuitive design of theequipment provides Ballybunion’s maintenance team with the tools to keep the workflow going, while the thorough training ensures that team members can maximize the potential of this innovative technology. The exceptional back-up service provided by Prosport UK and the Foley Company has been a key factor in this successful upgrade. According to John, “The support and service we’ve received have been outstanding. Being able to rely on Prosport UK and Foley Company helps us maintain the highest standards in turf management.”

In the world of turf maintenance, precision and quality are non-negotiable. Golf courses and sports turf facilities depend on the perfect cut to deliver the aesthetics and playability demanded by their users. Achieving this level of perfection requires maintaining equipment in peak condition, and few aspects are more critical than the relief grind on reel mowers. Let’s explore why maintaining a relief grind is essential to keeping your turf healthy and your operations efficient. Relief Grinding with the 653 ACCU-Master Reel Grinder What is a Relief Grind? A relief grind involves creating an angled bevel on the trailing edge of each blade in a reel mower. This angled surface reduces the thickness of the blade's cutting edge, decreasing the amount of metal that contacts the bed knife during operation. The result is a sharper, lighter reel that slices through grass blades with precision. Why is a Relief Grind So Important? 1. Sharper, More Consistent Cuts The most obvious benefit of a relief grind is the improved sharpness of the reel. A properly maintained relief grind minimizes friction between the reel blades and the bed knife, allowing the mower to cut grass blades cleanly rather than tearing or bruising them. Clean cuts reduce stress on the turf, promoting faster healing and a healthier playing surface. For golf courses and sports turf, this ensures consistent ball roll, player safety, and a visually appealing surface. 2. Reduced Wear and Tear on Equipment Without a relief grind, the entire blade surface makes contact with the bed knife, increasing friction and accelerating wear on both components. This leads to frequent sharpening or replacement, driving up maintenance costs and causing unnecessary downtime. The relief grind significantly reduces the contact area, which lowers friction, prolongs the life of the reel and bed knife, and ensures smooth operation. 3. Energy Efficiency A reel mower with a relief grind operates more efficiently. Reduced friction means less resistance for the machine’s engine or motor, leading to lower fuel or energy consumption. Over time, this efficiency translates to significant cost savings for facilities with large fleets of mowers. 4. Consistent Reel-to-Bed Knife Clearance The relief grind helps maintain consistent clearance between the reel blades and the bed knife, ensuring uniform performance across the cutting width. This uniformity is essential for delivering a high-quality cut across the turf, whether on a pristine golf green or a high-traffic sports field. 5. Improved Turf Health A dull mower not only affects the appearance of the turf but can also compromise its health. Torn or ragged grass blades are more susceptible to disease, pests, and environmental stress. By maintaining a relief grind, turf managers can ensure a precise cut that minimizes stress on the grass and promotes vigorous growth. The Cost of Neglecting a Relief Grind Failing to maintain a relief grind can have serious consequences. Increased friction leads to faster wear on the reel and bed knife, frequent breakdowns, and higher repair costs. The mower may require more power to operate, raising energy consumption and straining the engine. Most importantly, the quality of the cut suffers, which can damage turf health and diminish the playing experience. For facilities striving to meet the exacting standards of professional turf care, these consequences are unacceptable. Neglecting a relief grind isn’t just a maintenance oversight—it’s a missed opportunity to protect your investment and deliver the best possible surface for players. Making Relief Grinding Part of Your Maintenance Program Incorporating regular relief grinding into your maintenance routine doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with training staff on the importance of the practice and ensuring they understand the role it plays in maintaining high-quality turf. Partnering with equipment manufacturers or service providers to schedule regular sharpening and grinding ensures your reels are always in peak condition. Investing in quality grinders or contracting with specialized technicians may involve upfront costs, but these investments pay off significantly in the long run. The Bottom Line The relief grind is more than just a maintenance task—it’s a cornerstone of effective turf management. By ensuring your reel mowers are properly maintained, you can extend equipment life, reduce operating costs, and deliver the impeccable turf quality that golfers and athletes expect. For any golf course superintendent or sports turf manager, maintaining a relief grind is a decision that reflects a commitment to excellence, efficiency, and the health of the turf. As the saying goes in turf care: sharp tools equal sharp results. A consistent relief grind isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for facilities aiming to set the standard for quality and performance. Explore Foley Grinders today at foleyco.com  or contact your local distributor for a demo.

Achieve Precision in One Easy Setup – Less Downtime, More Productivity 653 ACCU-Master Spin Grinding Get Precise Cutting Performance With Just One Simple Setup Golf course maintenance is demanding enough without wasting hours on reel grinding. Sand top-dressing dulls reels faster than ever, leaving you stuck in an endless cycle of sharpening—robbing you of valuable time. You need a grinder that works with you, not against you. What If You Could Spin Grind and Relief Grind in One Quick, Painless Setup? Imagine a grinder that eliminates guesswork, speeds up the process, and delivers perfectly sharp reels every time—without frustration, excessive downtime, or multiple setups. With a Foley grinder, that’s exactly what you get.   The Problem: Wasting Time, Effort, and Precision Sand top-dressing is relentless. No matter how well you maintain your reels, sand wears away the cutting edge, forcing you to grind more often. Outdated grinders make the job harder. Adjustments take forever, setups are complicated, and you end up spending more time grinding than maintaining your course. Your time is too valuable. You need an efficient, easy-to-use solution that sharpens reels fast—without sacrificing precision.   The Solution: FOLEY GRINDERS – BUILT FOR SPEED, SIMPLICITY, AND PRECISION Foley grinders are engineered to make reel grinding effortless and precise. With just one setup, you can spin grind and relief grind—or simply spin grind—to restore your cutting edge. Here’s why top golf course superintendents and equipment managers trust Foley: One Quick Setup – No more wasting time adjusting multiple settings. Set it once and grind with confidence. Spin and Relief Grinding in One Step – Achieve precision sharpness with spin and relief grinding in a single, efficient process. Gauging Reel to Remove Taper – Ensure perfect alignment for a clean, consistent cut. Quick and Easy Operation – Spend less time grinding and more time keeping your course in peak condition.   What Superintendents Are Saying "Foley grinders completely changed the way we maintain our reels. The setup is incredibly easy, and the results speak for themselves. Our cut quality has never been better, and we’re saving hours of labor every week."— Mark R., Golf Course Superintendent "I was skeptical at first, but after seeing how fast and accurate the Foley system is, I’ll never go back. We can now grind reels in half the time with zero headaches."— James T., Equipment Manager   Don't Settle For Wasted Time And Inconsistent Cuts Every day spent using an outdated grinding process is another day lost to inefficiency. Foley grinders give you back control, precision, and time—so you can focus on keeping your course in top shape.   Schedule A Demo And See The Difference For Yourself Don’t just take our word for it. Experience the speed, simplicity, and precision of Foley grinders firsthand. Click below to schedule a demo with your distributor today and start grinding smarter.