Our very own West Coast Regional Territory Manager Jody Farber sits down with Trent to talk about the trends and changes he’s noticing in the field. Check out the full podcast below: https://www.golfcourseindustry.com/media/jody-farber-foley-company-west-coast/

The Importance of Proper Maintenance: A Closer Look at Grinding Machines By Wijnand Meijboom While reel mowers have come a long way since their invention in 1830 by Edwin Budding, the essence of a mower has not changed. This is and remains a cylinder with blades that rotate along a base, so that each blade of grass is cut at a predetermined height. To ensure that machines can continue to do their job properly, maintenance is a necessity, especially the sharpening of the blades, including the bedknife. If you don't sharpen your knives, you run the risk of seriously damaging the grass plant, with all the consequences that entails. The leaf tissue is not neatly mown by a dull knife, but pinched off, as it were. The grass is torn and tears. This 'bad cut' makes it more susceptible to fungi, among other things. Blunt blades also lead to a kind of bad 'scissor movement', while the old-fashioned scythe movement cuts the grass and therefore damages fewer cells of the grass plant. With a reel mower, it is mainly the speed at which the cutting edge hits the bedknife that makes the difference between 'scissors' and 'scythe'. A properly sharpened and tuned mower makes a scythe-like mowing motion that is four times faster than a dull, poorly adjusted cutting cylinder.

Superintendent Radio Network Now in his second year of the podcast(?!), Trent talks with Chad Braun of Town & Country Club, a Minnesota institution established in 1888 that was among the first 25 USGA member clubs. Listen Here

The latest TurfNet All Star of Turf is Steve Ehrbar, CGCS   at Panther National Golf Club, a private, single-owner facility in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. A graduate of the two-year program at Ohio State, Ehrbar has been a legendary fixture in South Florida for years. His career includes stops at Jupiter Hills Golf Club in Tequesta, Old Marsh Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens and Lost Tree in North Palm Beach, the home course of Jack Nicklaus. Ehrbar has been involved in multiple construction projects and his career has been heavily influenced by names like Nicklaus and Pete Dye.  In this conversation with John Reitman, Steve talks about who and what helped form his career, the importance of leadership and mentoring assistants and team members, the challenges associated with managing a golf course on the edge of Florida’s wetlands as well as labor issues, including how they affect the operation and steps toward solving them.

Expanding Its Leadership in the Golf and Turf Industry Prescott, WI – November 6, 2024 – Foley Company is thrilled to announce the acquisition of SALSCO, Inc., an industry leader in turf maintenance equipment, effective November 1, 2024. Based in Cheshire, CT, SALSCO has been at the forefront of innovation for over forty years in turf maintenance since its founding by Sal Rizzo in 1979. SALSCO, Inc. is recognized for its commitment to quality and service, offering an extensive line of products that includes Gas and Electric Greens Rollers, Core Recovery Vehicles, Leaf Vacuums, Strawblowers, Wood and Brush Chippers (PTO and Engine Driven up to 18” capacity), Chipper Shredder Vacuums, Shavings Mills & Re-Sizers, Slab Chippers, Curbing Machines, Pavement Routers, Side Dump Buckets, narrow-width Asphalt Pavers, Bale Wrappers, and Grabbers. This diverse portfolio complements Foley’s existing offerings, positioning both companies for enhanced growth and innovation. Paul Rauker, President & CEO of Foley Company, stated, “We are excited to welcome SALSCO into the Foley family. This acquisition strengthens our commitment to providing top-tier solutions for golf courses and turf professionals. SALSCO’s expertise and innovative products will enhance our capabilities and allow us to better serve our customers.” Sal Rizzo, Founder of SALSCO, expressed his enthusiasm for the merger, saying, “Joining forces with Foley Company marks a significant milestone for SALSCO. Together, we can leverage our strengths and create even more impactful solutions for our clients in the golf and turf industry. I am confident that this partnership will lead to exciting new innovations and opportunities for growth.” About Foley Company Established in 1926, Foley Company is a leading provider of high-quality shop tools for the golf and turf industry, specializing in precision reel and bedknife grinders. Renowned for producing precision reel grinders that restore cutting reels to OEM specifications, Foley Company is a trusted partner for the world’s top golf courses. Their innovative Air2G2 aerification machine enhances turf health by injecting pressurized air into the soil, promoting robust root growth and improved water infiltration with minimal disruption. To learn more about Foley Company and its products, please visit www.foleyco.com .   Proud members of GSCAA, BIGGA, CGSA & AGIF.

Prescott, WI - It is not often that a completely new product is introduced into the market which will be a complete game-changer, but that is exactly what has happened at the 2024 BTME exhibition in Harrogate and the 2024 GCSAA Conference & Trade Show in Phoenix, AZ The Foley 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder brings a whole new meaning to quick spin. The 642 is designed to accommodate the widest of mower cylinders and is a simple roll-on roll-off solution to grinding, with the machine sitting at floor level. The roll-on roll-off solution removes all need for heavy lifting facilities, revolutionising the way the Equipment Managers view touch-up spin grinding. Foley’s professional grinders already offer the best spin and relief methods for sharpening blades and the new Foley 642 Quick Spin Grinder will be complimentary to these methods. It offers a fast, easy operated option for providing a quick touch-up spin, between the regular relief grinding schedules. It is also the perfect solution to sharpening the extra wide, heavy mowers used on sports fields/pitches, which are often cumbersome to load into the standard grinder. Last week Paul Rauker, CEO and President of Foley Company had made the trip to Harrogate to support Foley Company’s launch of the world’s first ever professional floor level roll-on, roll-off grinder. ‘This is truly a remarkable occasion,’ said Paul. ‘The 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder is the first of its kind and I’m delighted to be here to acknowledge the significance of our latest development. It is a machine that will appeal to all grounds professionals who are looking to improve the performance and efficiency of their grinding programs. As the leading manufacturer of grinding equipment Foley is once again leading the way in grinding technology. We have developed and patented simple to use controls to save time without compromising on performance. The patented clamping system effortlessly secures any cutting unit in all configurations and the roller clamp is adjustable for any variety of rollers and groomers. This machine really will change the way we look at grinding in the future!’ The Foley 642 Quick-Spin features simple to use controls, counter balanced spin drive, patented front and rear clamping system for pedestrian mowers and power rear positioning levers for cylinders. It is spin only, with adjustable traverse speed and adjustable spin speed. It will accept up to 42” reel width and operates on 240v/15a power. For more information on the new 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder visit: www.foleyco.com/642-quick-spin

When it comes to reel mower maintenance, few adjustments have as much impact as setting the bedknife to the reel . This fine-tuned adjustment determines how well your mower cuts, how much wear occurs, and ultimately, how healthy and playable your turf remains. In the world of turf maintenance, there are two primary schools of thought: Contact Setting  – Where the reel blades lightly touch the bedknife at all times. No-Contact Setting  – Where the reel spins with minimal clearance from the bedknife but does not make direct contact. Both methods have their place, and each comes with benefits and trade-offs. In this article, we’ll explore both approaches, explaining when and why each might be the right choice for your golf course or sports turf facility. Understanding the Reel and Bedknife Relationship A reel mower functions much like a pair of scissors. The rotating reel blades pass over the stationary bedknife, slicing grass cleanly rather than tearing it. The precision of this interaction is what makes reel mowers the preferred choice for high-quality turf surfaces. The way you adjust the bedknife relative to the reel determines several factors: Quality of Cut  – Whether the grass is cleanly sliced or torn. Wear on Components  – How quickly the reel and bedknife dull. Energy Efficiency  – How much power is required to turn the reel. Maintenance Intervals  – How often grinding and adjustments are needed. Let’s dive into the two different adjustment methods. The Contact Setting: Always in Touch What It Means A contact setting  means the reel blades are adjusted so they continuously make slight contact with the bedknife as they rotate. Think of it as a pair of scissors with the blades pressed together—every cut is crisp, precise, and consistent. Advantages Consistent Cutting Performance  – With constant contact, every blade rotation results in a reliable, uniform cut. This is particularly important on greens and high-end fairways where even the slightest inconsistency is noticeable. Cleaner Cut = Healthier Turf – A sharp, precise cut minimizes stress on the grass, reducing the chances of disease and improving recovery. Reliable in Variable Conditions  – Whether the grass is wet, thick, or fast-growing, a contact setting ensures the mower continues cutting effectively without adjustment. Disadvantages Increased Wear & Tear – With continuous friction between the reel and bedknife, both components wear faster, requiring more frequent grinding and sharpening. Higher Power Demand  – The constant contact creates resistance, making the reel harder to turn, increasing fuel or battery consumption. Heat Buildup  – Excessive contact can generate heat, leading to faster dulling of the cutting edges. Best Uses for the Contact Setting Golf Greens & High-End Fairways  – Where premium turf quality is a top priority. Courses with Frequent Maintenance Schedules  – If you have a rigorous grinding program, the extra wear from contact settings can be managed. Thick or Fast-Growing Grass  – Ensures consistent cutting in challenging conditions. The No-Contact Setting: Precision Without Friction What It Means A no-contact setting  (also called minimal clearance) means the bedknife is adjusted as close as possible to the reel without actual metal-on-metal contact. Ideally, the grass is still cleanly cut, but without unnecessary friction between the blades. Advantages Reduced Wear on Components – Because the reel isn’t grinding against the bedknife, both parts last longer, reducing sharpening frequency and replacement costs. Lower Energy Consumption – Less friction means the reel spins more freely, improving efficiency and reducing fuel or battery drain. Less Heat & Stress on Metal  – Without constant friction, heat buildup is minimized, keeping the blades sharper for longer. Extended Grinding Intervals – Less wear means you can go longer between reel sharpening and relief grinding, saving time and money. Disadvantages Potential for Inconsistent Cutting  – If not adjusted perfectly, a no-contact setting can lead to tearing instead of cutting, especially in thick or fast-growing grass. Requires More Frequent Monitoring  – Small changes due to vibration, wear, or environmental factors can affect performance, requiring frequent fine-tuning. Grass Type & Conditions Matter  – A no-contact setting may not work as well in wet, dense, or fast-growing turf where slight contact helps ensure a clean cut. Best Uses for the No-Contact Setting High-Volume Mowing (Fairways, Roughs, Sports Turf)  – Ideal when some minor imperfections in cut quality are acceptable. Battery-Powered & Hybrid Mowers  – Maximizes efficiency and extends battery life. Courses Focused on Equipment Longevity  – Reducing reel and bedknife wear leads to long-term cost savings. Dry or Low-Growth Conditions  – Works well when grass is not overly dense or wet. Which Setting is Best? There is no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your turf, maintenance schedule, and operational goals . Choose the Contact Setting if: You demand the highest-quality cut, especially on greens and elite fairways . You have a consistent grinding and sharpening schedule  to manage increased wear. Your conditions require precise, reliable cutting regardless of turf density . Choose the No-Contact Setting if: You want to extend reel and bedknife life , reducing sharpening frequency. You are mowing large areas like fairways, roughs, or sports fields  where minor imperfections are acceptable. You use battery-powered or hybrid mowers and need to maximize energy efficiency. Final Thoughts: Striking the Right Balance For many golf courses and sports turf facilities, the best approach is a hybrid of both methods. Many superintendents use a contact setting for greens and high-end fairways while opting for a no-contact setting on fairways, roughs, or lower-maintenance areas. Regardless of your choice, regular inspections, sharp reels, and proper adjustments are key to maintaining peak mower performance. Whether you're looking for the perfect cut or the most efficient operation, understanding the nuances of bedknife-to-reel adjustment will help you make the best decision for your facility. At the end of the day, the goal is simple: a sharp, clean cut that promotes healthy, beautiful turf while maximizing efficiency and longevity.

Maintaining a pristine, well-manicured golf course or sports turf requires precision cutting equipment. Reel mowers, known for their ability to deliver a superior quality of cut, must be regularly maintained to keep their cutting edges sharp. One of the most common maintenance practices is backlapping, a process that helps extend the life of reels and bed knives between full grinding sessions. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into backlapping compound, the backlapping process, the pros and cons, grit selection, and best practices to ensure your reel mowers perform at their peak. Trent Manning of Reel Turf Techs - Backlapping John Deere 2500E What is Backlapping and Why is it Important? Backlapping is the process of sharpening reel mower blades by spinning the reel in reverse while applying an abrasive compound. This method hones the cutting edges of both the reel and the bed knife, restoring sharpness without removing significant amounts of metal. Unlike grinding—which re-establishes the proper angle and removes material—backlapping is a preventative maintenance technique that helps sustain a clean cut, reduces wear on turf, and extends the time between major sharpening sessions. Understanding Backlapping Compound and Grit Selection Backlapping compound consists of an abrasive grit suspended in a grease- or oil-based medium. The grit size is a crucial factor in determining how aggressively the compound sharpens the reel and bed knife. Common Grit Sizes and Their Uses 80 Grit (Coarse) Used when reels and bed knives have significant dullness or minor imperfections. Removes material quickly but leaves a rougher finish. 120 Grit (Medium) The most widely used grit for routine backlapping. Provides a balance between material removal and edge refinement. Ideal for maintaining sharpness between grinds. 180-220 Grit (Fine) Used for finishing after coarser grits to refine the cutting edge. Produces a cleaner cut for high-end turf applications. 280+ Grit (Ultra-Fine) Rarely necessary but may be used for a mirror-polished edge. Beneficial for ultra-fine turf conditions such as tournament greens. Choosing the right grit ensures an optimal cutting edge while preventing unnecessary wear. Step-by-Step Guide to Backlapping Reels and Bed Knives 1. Preparation Secure the mower on a stable surface. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses. If the mower has a backlapping function, engage it. If not, manually adjust the settings to spin the reel in reverse. 2. Apply Backlapping Compound Use a brush, spatula, or paint stick to apply the compound evenly across the reel blades. Avoid excessive application, as it can create an uneven sharpening effect. 3. Start the Backlapping Process Set the reel to spin at a moderate speed in reverse. Let it run for 2-5 minutes, checking periodically. If backlapping takes longer than 5-7 minutes combined without noticeable improvement, it’s a strong indicator that grinding is needed. Continuing beyond this point is ineffective and may result in excessive wear. 4. Reapply if Necessary Stop the process, inspect the edge, and reapply compound if the blades still appear dull. Resume backlapping for another 2-3 minutes as needed. 5. Check Cutting Performance Stop the reel and test sharpness using a thin strip of paper or a blade of grass. The reel should cut cleanly across its full width. 6. Rinse and Clean Thoroughly Remove all backlapping compound with water. If the compound is oil-based, use a degreaser to prevent residue buildup. 7. Adjust the Reel-to-Bed Knife Contact Ensure a light, even contact between the reel and bed knife. Avoid overtightening, which can accelerate wear and create excessive friction. 8. Conduct a Final Test Cut Run the mower on a test patch of grass. If the turf appears ragged or torn, further adjustments or grinding may be necessary. Pros and Cons of Backlapping Benefits Extends the Life of Cutting Units – Reduces the frequency of full grinding sessions. Cost-Effective – Saves on reel and bed knife replacements. Minimal Material Removal – Maintains the factory grind angles longer. Easy to Perform – Can be done in-house without specialized equipment. Improves Turf Health – Reduces tearing, promoting cleaner cuts. Limitations Not a Replacement for Grinding – Won’t correct blade angles or severe wear. Requires Frequent Application – Must be done regularly for best results. Time-Consuming for Large Fleets – Multiple reels mean significant downtime. Over-Application Risk – Too much compound or excessive backlapping can cause uneven sharpening. May Mask Underlying Issues – Severely worn reels or bed knives need grinding, not just backlapping. Best Practices for Effective Backlapping Don’t wait until reels are extremely dull. Frequent, light backlapping is more effective. Use the right grit for the job. Coarse grits for dull blades, fine grits for finishing. Always clean thoroughly after backlapping. Residual compounds can cause wear. Check reel-to-bed knife contact before and after. Proper adjustment ensures consistent cutting quality. Monitor turf quality. If turf appears damaged despite backlapping, a full grinding session may be needed. When to Backlap vs. When to Grind Situation Backlapping Grinding Slightly dull cutting edges  Yes No Small nicks or burrs  Yes No Uneven blade angles No  Yes Heavy wear or pitting No  Yes Poor cutting quality after backlapping No  Yes Routine maintenance  Yes No Conclusion: The Key to Maintaining Reel Mowers Backlapping is an essential part of reel mower maintenance that helps preserve sharpness and cutting performance between full grinds. When done correctly and consistently, it extends the life of cutting units, reduces maintenance costs, and promotes healthier, cleaner turf. However, backlapping is not a substitute for grinding. If blades remain dull after 5-7 minutes of backlapping, it’s time for a professional grind. By using the right grit, following proper procedures, and monitoring results, turf professionals can ensure their reel mowers deliver top-tier performance season after season. Would you like to dive deeper into specific backlapping compounds or troubleshooting common backlapping issues? Let us know in the comments!

Prescott, WI – February 18, 2025 – Foley Company, a global leader in precision reel and bedknife grinders, is pleased to announce the promotion of Tyler Barrett  to North America Sales Manager . In this expanded role, Tyler will oversee sales operations across North America for both Foley Company  and Salsco Inc. , driving strategic growth, strengthening dealer networks, and enhancing customer engagement. Tyler’s leadership at Foley has been instrumental in reinforcing the company’s position as an industry leader. With this new dual responsibility, he will now extend his expertise to Salsco Inc. , a recognized manufacturer of quality turf equipment, paving, and construction solutions. His role will include overseeing sales leadership duties for both organizations, ensuring alignment in market strategies and customer support excellence. "I am excited to take on this new role and represent two outstanding companies known for their commitment to quality and innovation," said Tyler. "This is an incredible opportunity to work with our dealer network, grow our market presence, and continue providing best-in-class solutions to our customers." Paul Rauker, President & CEO of Foley Company , expressed confidence in Tyler’s ability to lead sales efforts across both brands. “Tyler’s promotion is a testament to his leadership, deep industry knowledge, and customer-first approach. His expanded role with both Foley and Salsco strengthens our ability to serve our customers at the highest level.” For more information about Foley Company’s industry-leading grinding solutions, visit www.foleyco.com . To learn more about Salsco Inc.’s innovative turf and paving equipment, visit www.salsco.com .