Message Board - Machinery: Dennis FT510....Problems
2 Apr 2009 by James Blake Last edited 2 Apr 2009
Hi,
I help look after a crown green in the Midlands. Our Dennis FT510 has been serviced and given the all clear. We only use it for verticutting although we are also having the cylinder unit refurbed.
We went to verticut last week and the blades could only drive through the surface for 5-6 seconds before stopping whilst still in the turf. Does anyone have any ideas?
The verticut is set at a height which has been used on our green for a number of years so we dont think the cut is set too deep. Another theory was maybe the belts are stretched and even though the power is fine, the loose belts mean the blades cant continually drive through the surface....... but the belts have now been checked and they seem ok. The throttle is fine and power seems fine but when the verticut hits the surface it struggles. It's not as if the surface is poor either, the green has been maintained at a high standard for a number of years.
When we verticut last week we had to revert to putting some pressure on the handles which in turn slightly lifted the reel. As you can imagine this is not ideal. In the past it has been a case of turn it on and away we go. In the season we look to verticut every 4 weeks as long as weather and green condition are ok.
Any help would be greatly appreciated as we are trying to remove the last of the moss which is now dead (lawn sand applied followed by soluble iron) and also stay on top of our battle against thatch.
2 Apr 2009 by jlawrence
Should you really be verticutting to try and get rid of moss. Verticutting by it's very nature doesn't go into the actual soil.
I think you've got your verticutter set to penetrate the soil. I don't know where in the country you are but this winter has been different (for me) to many previous. We've had a considerable frost heave this winter - which in turn means that your setting might be trying to push the blades further into the ground than you thought.
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
2 Apr 2009 by James Blake
We are in Birmingham. Our green is located in the lowest corner of a cricket ground. We have always had to deal with wet conditions, whatever rain we have eventually works its way down to us (hence the thatch battle).
The verticut is more to try and control the thatch problem. Ref the moss, the verticut does help to flick out some of the dead moss sitting near the top of the surface. Im not sure exactly what depth the verticut is set at.
Just to make matters worse one of the adjustment bolts on the side of the mower has seized (not our week believe me) so until we can solve that problem we cant even attempt to change the depth!
Many thanks for your reply, any other thoughts would be welcome
2 Apr 2009 by Mike
Just as a long shot - check for any play in your front roller, and even the rear one for that matter. If there is any play, although you have not adjusted the depth of cut, the actual working depth will be deeper than what it is set at.
Another point to check, although it is very unlikely, is to have a look at the three pins that fit into the cassette, are they locking into place correctly? Could it be that the reel isn't locked into the pins and the reel is slipping?
2 Apr 2009 by Neil Dixon
check the throw plate behind the reel, if this is clogged full of rubbish this will stop the reel turning.
2 Apr 2009 by James Blake
I won't get chance to look at the mower until tomorrow but i will certainly check everything that has been suggested.
I don't think it is the throw plate as we clean the mower down after each use. The blades grind to a halt after about 4ft of verticutting, as soon as you lift the reel slightly its as though it decongests itself and fires on all cylinders again.
We are confused to say the least, especially after it has been serviced.
2 Apr 2009 by Sumomosr
It implies a deficiency in the 'service' that you have told us your adjuster bolt is seized...
That you clean the machine is good.
That you use the verticutter as a pseudo-scarrifier is not so good.
I suspect there is slippage in the belt or either of the clutches.
Possibly also there is wear in the sheaves of the belt drive pulleys.
The belt may 'look' fine but wear on the 'V' sides and in the pulleys can allow slippage.
GOGGA
2 Apr 2009 by jlawrence
can you take an engineers rule with you tomorrow and see exactly how far into the ground the blades are going.
My guess is that you're simply going too far into the ground.
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
2 Apr 2009 by panch
Hi jonathan,
I use exactly the same set up as you on the three greens we look after and just like yourself i use it for light thatch removal (2mm into the surface) so i wouldnt have thought the depth setting is your problem.(The old height adjusters are a pain especialy after 6 months in a damp garage). Exactly what stopped on your machine? did the whole thing stop driving, did just the reel stop,does ithe reel spin free when taken out of the machine. did the reel clog up with arisings and then stop, are your tines excessively worn due to the extra work they are having to do and consequently unable to throw arisings into the box. You could always give dennis mowers a ring, I have always found them very helpful in the past.
2 Apr 2009 by Philmort
It seems you have a case for getting the 'servicer' to free the adjuster as you imply the job was done recently hence it has not been done properly.
I appreciate the use of the verticutter to clear surface debris, when a mow might tend to clog the cylinder, particularly if the material is damp, but are you sure the height setting is 'at a height which has been used...........'? You may just be mistaken.
Once the mechanic has had a look, Try setting it a little higher rather than leaning on the handles to see if it still does the job you require.
Proud to serve grassroots cricket
2 Apr 2009 by Mike Last edited 2 Apr 2009
If I am not mistaken, the picture shows the 'scarifier' cassette, and not the 'verticut' cassette.
I would suggest that this takes the 'depth of cut' suggestions out of the equation, unless we are looking at a fairly deep depth, imo opinion, this cassette should work comfortably at 6mm or more. By nature, the scarifier cassette should be able to work a lot deeper than the 'verticut' reel (less knives - less load), which should not penetrate the soil anyway. With this in mind, it points more towards the 'drivetrain', be it in the belts or pulleys - is there a belt tensioner on these machines, I can't remember off the top of my head.
2 Apr 2009 by panch
Mike,
You are mistaken and it is a verticut cassette.
2 Apr 2009 by dave r-b
Mike A.
the picture shown is that of the verticutter, the scarifier has more of a triangular blade.
as for your problem jonathon, i would go along with sumo, either the 'V' belts or the clutches.
as for the height adjusters WD40 works wonders and then once freed keep the pins lightly greased.
im now an ex groundsman but hey old habits die hard
2 Apr 2009 by Mike Last edited 2 Apr 2009
Hmm, I have an ft510, and the verticut reel looks nothing like that. We also demo'd one of the scarifier reels and I swear it looked like the one in the pic... my memory must be getting hazy in my old age!
Edit: According to the Dennis website, we are looking at one of the scarifier reels:
And another edit: My mistake - Upon further inspection, we ARE looking at the verticut reel - I was confusing it with the tungsten tipped version that we have. Evidently, my eyesight is in the same predicament as my memory!!
http://www.dennisuk.com/lawn-mower/ft-range/cassette/
5 Apr 2009 by James Blake
Right then, abit of an update
The adjuster bolt is still seized! The depth is deeper than what we used to use it at, set at about 5mm.... way too deep for verticutting but we cant change that until we can adjust the bolt (any ideas!!!)
I took the casing off to look at the belts, not a clue what im looking for but have attached a photo.
Then i took the smaller casing off the right side and think i've found the problem. Not sure what is what but i have attached 2 pictures and as you can see the belt (?) has a piece missing! I found the missing section in the bottom of the casing, could this be why the machine struggles when it is driving through the surface??? Your thoughts please!
5 Apr 2009 by James Blake
The belts
5 Apr 2009 by James Blake
First view when i took the smaller casing off, the missing piece was underneath until i turned the belt (?) around
5 Apr 2009 by Aladdin
This is really one for Sumo but my thought would be that, where the friction material is missing, the edge of that is hitting the end of the brake shoe and jamming.
From the posh end of the room!!
6 Apr 2009 by Grassman2011
Are you now going to change your service provider ?
6 Apr 2009 by Aladdin
Question is, why did the friction material break off in the first place?
As has been suggested it looks as though your "service" has been less than thorough.
From the posh end of the room!!
6 Apr 2009 by James Blake
Ok so the service doesn't seem to have been great, but thats been and gone now. How would we go about ordering the damaged part? Is it a case of going direct to Dennis?
The two of us who look after the green are not the best mechanically, are there any tell tale signs that we can look for to suggest whether or not the belts are ok?
I know the easy answer is simply to send the mower in, but with money tight and having already spent money on our Paladin, we need to try and fix things ourselves (if at all possible).
How do we "un-seize" the adjuster bolt? We have the opposite problem with the left bolt as it is way to loose.
I'll be checking back on the message board all day while im meant to be working. Look forward to your thoughts and advice.
6 Apr 2009 by Vic Demain
Jonathan,
Ring Dennis direct, details on this page, ask to speak to Toby Clarke, who will sort you out better than waiting for messages to come in.
6 Apr 2009 by Aladdin
"How do we "un-seize" the adjuster bolt? We have the opposite problem with the left bolt as it is way to loose."
At the risk of sounding patronising, are you sure it's seized? I don't know the machine but is there a lock nut or some sort of locking device?
If it is seized then all I can suggest is the use of a penetrating oil and/or WD40 and lots of patience I'm afraid. Possibly the use of heat as well. Keep applying oil at regular intervals (without going mad) and keep trying to work it as well (also without going mad. You don't want to break it). Sometimes it pays to tighten slightly just to 'break the seal'. If and when you feel some movement be careful!! Tighten and slacken along the movement to try and work it free. It may also pay, in the beginning, to give any threads you can get to a wire brushing.
Hope this helps.
From the posh end of the room!!
6 Apr 2009 by Sumomosr Last edited 6 Apr 2009
The pics and captions seem a bit muddled, however...
The high level of rubber dust refers you back to my original post. The machine is struggling to work as a scarrifier when it has a verticutting cassette fitted.
The belts are knackered.
The servicing has been poor and you have a case for reimbursement of some sort.
The assembley on the other side in the 'smaller' case is the traction clutch. The friction material should be bonded to the metal band around the outside.
Dennis supply parts through their dealers.
This is a classic example of where the Dennis fails as a multi-purpose machine.
Oh, Unseize the adjuster with oxy-acetylene heat and apply liberal dressings of copper-grease afterwards.
Then get a scarrifier cassette and use the machine properly.
GOGGA
6 Apr 2009 by Steve63 Last edited 6 Apr 2009
This friction band gives drive to the rear roller and doesnt (I dont think) have much bearing on the reel speed, the reel is driven by the centrafugal clutch to the left of engine. (as you increase the revs the left hand side of the cluth spins as does the reel)
I think it simply set too deep, is the seized adjuster the two knurled knobs that have three holes for the adjuster tool?
A set of mole grips tightened on the nut and maybe on the lower adjuster should free it.
The loose one would need two nuts placed onto the thread, one as a lock nut and turn the top nut until the thread is tight.
Clear as mud that bit of advice, but Sumo should save the day. 
Regards
Steve
Two minutes earlier and I would have looked like a clairvoyant!
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
6 Apr 2009 by James Blake
I do apologise if i come across slightly dumb regarding the issues we are having. Between 2007 and 2008 the green was looked after by somebody who didnt really maintain the machinery very well. We suspected the verticut had been set deeper because he tried to use it to renovate at the end of the 07 season.
Anyway, 2 of us have now taken on the role and we are simply trying to educate ourselves. We are pretty much sound on the greenkeeping side of things as we are advised by the previous greenkeeper who looked after the green between 1988 and 2006 and also works for Rigby Taylor.
Back to the Dennis FT510, while i am work i will continue to use this message board to try and gain advice. Not much i can do with the mower sat behind a desk mon-fri but as soon as i get the chance i will call Dennis.
Hopefully the cylinder unit for the Dennis will be back on Wednesday, im not sure whether we will have the same problems. Of course the adjuster needs to be fixed asap.
I thank you all for your advice, comments etc and would still appreciate any other advice ref. working with / maintaining this mower.
Thank You
(young novice trying to educate myself)
6 Apr 2009 by higgins
Jonathan.
. Back off the bottom nut and the height can then be raised. Next time its in for a service get them to swop the round knurled nut for a hexagon nut of the right thread. Replace both sides then you can easily move them with a spanner. At this time of the season i think your going too deep.
6 Apr 2009 by Sumomosr Last edited 6 Apr 2009
By all means phone Dennis ( Call sales free on 0808 2027779 for demonstrations, prices, & dealers) and find your nearest dealer.
Take the mower there and explain that you will become a regular customer (as long as you continue to use a verticutter as a scarrifier) and he will no doubt rub his hands with glee. Then ask him to give you instruction in the basic operation and maintenance.
I hope you didn't take the mower cassette to the same shop as you just had the mower serviced?
I fear for the health of your Paladin on the same basis... 
You need a new clutch band, new belts, possibly new pulleys, and attention to your adjusters. Ask them to check the whole machine over and give you a written report.
While you're at work type 'Verticutting' in the Search box (top right of this page) and have a read. Then type 'Scarrifying', 'Dennis' and any other topic you can think of...
Welcome to PC btw.
GOGGA
6 Apr 2009 by has 2 mow
I think that the first thing you need to do is work out the depth of verticutting or scarifying , what is it actually set at ? take a piece of timber with you approx 2 ft long ,place this so that it touches the rear roller and front roller and use coins to see how far the unit is away from the timber , if the unit touches the timber then use equal coins front and rear at the point of contact of the rollers use tape it helps with this we can work out how deep you are ?
If you are putting the machine under 2 much load you will have the same problems after another service ?
As for the height adjusters , do they have a grub screw and nut on the main unit , if so remove and fill with oil this will get to the heart of thread , make sure you dont loose the bearing and spring inside
If you think i am trying to teach you to suck eggs ,sorry but i am unsure at what depth you are set ?
6 Apr 2009 by Four Oaks
One of my adjusters started to stiffen up so after spraying with WD40 with not much effect I removed the red disc on the top of the adjuster, the one with the arrows on it, and filled the hole with oil and penetrating oil. I left it overnight and by the morning it was fully functional.
The picture of your verticutter is not the same as mine. If you are near West Heath during the day you are welcome to come and have a look and a chat. 07768681515
Presentation is the name of the game.
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