12/9/2014 4:12 PM
I completely agree with Henry on this. No backlapping or relief, checking the cutting units on greens at a minimum of every two uses, try to get the tee/approach mowers up weekly to check, and fairway units every 2-4 mowings. A light file across the bedknife may get us by another week, but if they aren't cutting paper with the proper space between reel and knife, they go to the grinder for a spin. We use bernard equipment, though a little older as models go, still very easy to use. More often than not, it takes me longer to take the reels off and tear down than to get them cutting sharp and proper again. We try to maintenance grind more often, it takes less time, takes less metal each time, and we maintain a superior cut that way.
Having been in shops that backlap, I think it's faster and lasts much longer to quickly spin a reel and put an edge on a bedknife than running the compounds and cleaning up. All this is relative I suppose depending on staff size and what equipment is in your shop.