The grind on a bedknife is very important, and every bedknife should be ground. (including new ones) This ensures a parallel surface for the reel. Another thing that often gets overlooked is that bedknives should be tightened with a torque wrench to ensure they do not twist when tightened down. I have seen it where people tighten them too much and then have to take off a lot on each of the ends of the knife to get it straight. People quickly blame the bedbar when it is often the knife bolts.
- Make sure the bedbar threads are clean.
- Use new Toro screws. Apply anti-seize lubricant to the screw threads before installing.
- Tighten the screws working from the center toward each end of the bedbar. DO NOT use and impact wrench.
Fairway/utility mowers:
250 - 300 in.lb.
Greensmowers:
200 - 250 in.lb
200 - 250 in.lb
Make sure you are grinding your knives to the proper angle. If the angle is off I have seen very sharp reels that won't cut paper even when tightened down. Use the guide below to make sure you have the correct angle. I have it taped to the wall next to our grinders.
Here is the bedknife angle chart that Toro has-
