[BenC]

Hey all, just getting into this high end lawn game and I guess I need to do a proper introduction soon. For the moment though I have a mower question:
I got a toro 216 triplex from a golf course equipment dude out of Macon, GA and I like it so far. Just borrowed an accu- gauge from a buddy and got my hoc's All locked in at 3/4" last night and got my third mowing in for the week. The mower is an older unit but in good shape with just over 2000 hrs on, no hydraulic leaks, good tires, fires up pretty good. I don't see much info on the web and just got off the phone with Jerry Pate in FL and found that neither the backlapping kit, nor the major parts of the kit are available anymore from toro. I guess i'm Just frustrated about that and looking for a creative solution to the problem. Is anybody familiar with this mower? I'm thinking I'll just give the drive belt a half twist to run the reel in reverse that way, might need to get a longer drive belt for that procedure. Are there rpm requirements for backlapping, perhaps slower is better? I got a big bucket of compound, should last me the life of the mower.
Thanks for any input- Ben

 

[Redtenchu]

@BenC I know nothing of the mower, but would love to know more. In my experience, slower is better for backlapping. It just takes longer when the RPMs are low.

 

[BenC]

Thx for the reply red- i'll Let you know how it goes when I get back to the mower

 

[Eoin]

Hi @BenC, I've recently acquired a Toro 216 which sounds to be in similar condition to yours above.

Did you ever manage to backlap your reels?

From my read of the internet it seems Toro no longer manufacture their backlap kit for these cutting units, so I'm wondering if there is another way to make the reels rotate backwards?

Thanks a mill...

 

[Ware]

@BenC

 

[LoCutt]

Neary makes a backlapping machine; I own one. There are others and I think Foley is a manufacturer.

Basically this machine connects to the cutting unit and spins the reel backwards. You apply cutting compound which contains grit and it mates the surface of the reel to the bedknife. Expect to tighten the reel-to-bedknife clearance during this operation.

 

[MasterMech]

Didn't @MrMeaner own one of these?

 

[MrMeaner]

Didn't @MrMeaner own one of these?

No sir....I had the Toro 2000d - They look very similar with the reels out front and one under the driver sitting over the third reel and bask tire. I think the 216 is an older version of what eventually became the 2000d. The reels on the 216 look like they are belt driven. Not sure if they have the same hydraulic manifold to reverse the reels or not.