Hi BB,
Appreciate the alternate diagnosis, so I'll attack the clutch chain first, then the cork, then the bottle of red, then the roller... The mower will roll back about a half turn and then jam up with a noticeable 'clunk' sound - but it's not the same spot each time.
I know I'm early for the Groomer, but I just want to see how it goes and I'm the most impatient person when I have a new toy!! It's couch, so I can't kill it right?
The reason for bringing it into work is to get the bed knife removed by guys who work with metal every day and it's a small break from the jobs we have on right now.. They'll be careful and I'll be looking over their shoulder to make sure they don't crack anything! Worst case is they'll have to create a new sole plate for me and I've told them it will have to be in 316! Will also take the opportunity to replace worn nuts/bolts/screws etc.
The Winter Green (WG) Couch will have its first mow for about 2 months this weekend and I'm not sure how low I'll go just yet. It's green bin on Tuesday so I'll see. A scalp and top dress could happen next weekend - which gives me a few weeks to clean the 2 machines up, and probably pull down and rebuild one of them. The turf has been down for 24 years and whilst it has been low(ish) mowed with a reel and cared for, buying the Groomer is my last effort in rejuvenating the area and pushing it further. If this season doesn't produce the result I want, then next year we'll be talking about whether to do Santa Ana plugs or rolls. Impatience may be the deciding factor! I saw your post and photos (Playground for all my Scotty's) and was very impressed and immediately went on the hunt for some, albeit without much success.
The Groomer came from Lincoln at Trident in WA, with bearings, washers and the key.
TC.
