Luke Yoder, the San Diego Padres’ head groundskeeper tackles a field maintenance question from Don Byrd of OALL Oceanside, CA:

DB: Our league owns only one mower. We mow a total of four infields and four outfields.

LY: It is ”OK” to mow the entire field with one machine. We (San Diego Padres’) have a smaller walk behind reel mower for our infield. We use a
 for our outfield.

DB: If we were to mow both out and infields with the same mower, how long might the machine last? And, what kind of maintenance would be needed for the mower?

LY: Follow the owner’s manual for recommended maintenance. Take note of the time to change your oil, air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, grease, etc. Most importantly, remember to properly adjust the reel to bed knife. Check this part everyday to ensure it is cutting paper and if not, make an adjustment. At least twice a year, plan on sending the mower in for grinding to sharpen the blade for a good cut.

DB: Should we mow the outfield and infield at the same height? We mow the infield at 3/8″ of inch.

LY: We mow our overseeded Bermuda based field at 5/8″, but 3/8″ is fine if it is a strong Bermuda field with a nice smooth grade.