height for setting grooming reels Cancel The title field is required!

1. James Smith

   

   112 posts
   
   9/24/2012 7:09 AM

   I know I seen this posted befor but I could not find it by using the search feature.
   
   What height are you using when you set your groomers?
   
   I am currently using .20" above my reel height but it does not look like it is doing anything. I am considering going to .10" above the reel height.

   
   
   
   
2. Ashton Alan W

   
   9/24/2012 10:09 AM

   I couldn't find the one I had posted in either...
   
   I wouldn't be afraid to get aggressive... I have mine at .020 off the deck (or.090 below our .110 height of cut) on Miniverde here in AZ. There's definitely room to play with it and see what you get in your location...

   
   
   
   
3. Jackson Reiswig

   

   0 posts
   
   9/24/2012 3:09 PM

   Yeah definitely get them down below your HOC. My rule of thumb for my tech is to take the height, divide by 2, and that's where the groomers go. If that's a little more than you're comfortable with, then knock .020" off your HOC and work down. I've been down to zero and below with my groomers, but that's definitely noticeable by play. Get them up and out of the way for a few days after you topdress tho!

   
   
   
   
4. Schott Matthew

   
   10/3/2012 3:10 PM

   Half the height of cut is a good starting point. I believe that is manufacturer suggestion in the Toro operator manuals

   
   
   
   
5. Heath Puckett

   

   0 posts
   
   10/3/2012 3:10 PM

   I've experimented with groomers on bentgrass anywhere from a bench setting of 0.0 up to the actual HOC....depending on the time of year and turf conditions. I don't think groomer settings above HOC does anything but maybe cleanup loose debris on the surface? Anything below 0.0" is verticutting in my opinion! I remember Dr. Milt Engelke recommending 15-20% below HOC in the past... not sure if that advice is timely 10 years later with the improvements in mower technology today. We have fluctuated between 10-25% over the past few seasons. From a playability standpoint, I think frequent light grooming is better than a more aggressive setting.

   
   
   
   
6. John Faber

   

   0 posts
   
   10/8/2012 9:10 AM

   We set our groomers 1/16" below HOC which is .125 for most of the season on a poa/bent mix. This is on our triplex mower which we go out with 2x per week followed by a cut with our walkers. Essentially gives us a groom with a double cut twice a week. Fantastic results, great putting surface, and no noticeable delcine in turf health.