These important elements switch energy from the engine to the mower deck, enabling the blades to rotate and minimize grass. A typical rotary mower makes use of a number of of those rubber loops, usually strengthened with fibers for sturdiness. Their dimension and form differ relying on the mower’s design and chopping width.
Environment friendly energy transmission is essential for a clear, even minimize. With out correctly functioning transmission elements, the blades might rotate too slowly or inconsistently, leading to an uneven garden or harm to the turf. Traditionally, varied strategies had been employed for transferring energy to chopping mechanisms, from direct drive techniques to extra advanced preparations. The event of sturdy, versatile, and comparatively cheap rubber elements revolutionized garden care, contributing to the widespread adoption of rotary mowers.
The next sections will discover varied elements of those very important elements, together with choice, set up, upkeep, troubleshooting, and alternative. Understanding their operate and care can contribute considerably to sustaining a wholesome and engaging garden.
1. Choice
Selecting the proper transmission element is essential for optimum mower efficiency and longevity. An improper alternative can result in inefficient chopping, untimely put on, and even harm to the mower itself. This part outlines key components to think about when choosing a alternative.
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Mower Compatibility
Every mower mannequin requires a selected kind and dimension. Consulting the proprietor’s handbook or contacting the producer straight ensures the proper match. Making an attempt to make use of an incompatible element can lead to slippage, breakage, or harm to the drive system. Compatibility info is often based mostly on the mower’s mannequin quantity and generally the deck configuration.
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Belt Kind and Measurement
Transmission elements are available varied varieties, together with V-belts, cogged belts, and multi-ribbed belts. Every kind affords particular benefits when it comes to grip, flexibility, and energy transmission. Measurement is equally essential; utilizing an incorrect size can result in improper stress and decreased effectivity. Measurements are sometimes offered in inches or millimeters as an outdoor circumference or size.
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Materials Composition
The fabric composition influences the element’s sturdiness and resistance to put on and tear. Widespread supplies embody strengthened rubber, Kevlar, and different artificial compounds. Selecting a high-quality materials ensures an extended lifespan and reduces the frequency of replacements. Elements like temperature resistance and elasticity additionally play a task in materials choice.
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Provider and Price
Deciding on a good provider ensures entry to high quality elements and dependable buyer help. Whereas price is an element, prioritizing high quality over value sometimes results in higher long-term worth. Evaluating costs and studying evaluations may also help inform buying selections. Real unique gear producer (OEM) components usually supply one of the best compatibility and guarantee protection.
Cautious consideration of those components ensures the chosen element contributes to environment friendly and dependable mower operation. Investing time in correct choice finally saves money and time by stopping future issues and maximizing the lifespan of the mower’s drive system.
2. Set up
Appropriate set up of transmission elements is paramount for correct mower operate and longevity. Improper set up can result in a spread of points, from inefficient energy switch and uneven chopping to untimely put on, belt breakage, and potential harm to different mower elements. An intensive understanding of the set up course of is important for attaining optimum efficiency and avoiding expensive repairs. The method sometimes entails routing the element round varied pulleys and idlers, making certain correct alignment and stress. Particular routing diagrams are essential and are sometimes discovered within the mower’s proprietor’s handbook.
For instance, incorrectly routing a transmission element round a tensioning spring can lead to inadequate stress, inflicting slippage and decreased chopping effectivity. Equally, forcing a element onto a pulley can harm each the element and the pulley itself. Over-tightening, conversely, can put extreme pressure on the engine and bearings, resulting in untimely put on. Actual-world eventualities reveal the significance of meticulous consideration to element throughout set up. A barely misaligned element may cause uneven put on, finally shortening its lifespan. Due to this fact, following producer directions exactly is essential for profitable set up.
In abstract, correct set up is straight linked to the efficient and long-lasting operation of a mower’s drive system. Challenges might come up from advanced routing diagrams or issue accessing sure elements, necessitating persistence and cautious adherence to directions. Mastering this course of contributes considerably to sustaining a well-functioning mower and attaining a persistently clear minimize. Neglecting correct set up procedures can lead to a cascade of points, finally undermining the mower’s efficiency and necessitating extra frequent repairs. This highlights the sensible significance of understanding and executing the set up course of accurately.
3. Pressure
Correct stress is paramount for environment friendly energy transmission and optimum chopping efficiency. Inadequate stress ends in slippage, decreasing blade pace and inflicting an uneven minimize. Extreme stress, conversely, locations undue stress on the engine, bearings, and the belts themselves, resulting in untimely put on and potential element failure. Discovering the proper steadiness is essential for maximizing each efficiency and longevity. A belt tensioning system, sometimes consisting of a spring-loaded loafer pulley or an adjustable engine mounting plate, permits for exact adjustment. This technique maintains constant stress all through the belt’s operational vary. The results of improper stress manifest in varied methods. A free belt might squeal loudly throughout operation, indicating slippage and inefficient energy switch. A very tight belt may cause extreme vibration and untimely put on on the pulley bearings. These sensible observations underscore the significance of right stress.
Actual-world eventualities illustrate the importance of correct tensioning. Contemplate a mower struggling to chop thick, moist grass. Whereas uninteresting blades could possibly be a contributing issue, a slipping belt as a consequence of inadequate stress may additionally be the offender. The decreased blade pace prevents the mower from successfully chopping by means of the dense materials, leading to an uneven and ragged look. Alternatively, an excessively tight belt would possibly initially present a clear minimize however will finally result in untimely bearing failure, necessitating expensive repairs. These examples spotlight the sensible implications of correct stress administration. Measurement instruments, like belt stress gauges, present a quantitative method to making sure accuracy, eradicating the guesswork from the method and selling constant efficiency.
In abstract, right belt stress represents a essential consider sustaining a well-functioning mower. Attaining the correct stress requires an understanding of the tensioning system, cautious adjustment, and common inspection. Whereas seemingly a minor element, correct stress considerably impacts the mower’s chopping efficiency, longevity, and general working effectivity. Challenges can come up from put on and tear on the tensioning system itself, making periodic inspection and upkeep important. Addressing stress points proactively contributes considerably to stopping extra substantial issues and making certain constant, dependable operation.
4. Upkeep
Common upkeep performs an important function in extending the lifespan and making certain the optimum efficiency of transmission elements. Neglecting these upkeep duties can result in untimely put on, surprising failures, and decreased mowing effectivity. This part outlines key upkeep practices that contribute to the longevity and dependable operation of those essential elements.
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Cleansing
Accrued particles, corresponding to grass clippings, grime, and dirt, can contribute to untimely put on. These particles can act as abrasives, accelerating put on on the belt’s floor and the pulleys. Common cleansing with a brush, compressed air, or a moist material helps forestall this abrasive put on and keep optimum efficiency. For instance, a belt caked in dried grass clippings is extra more likely to slip, decreasing energy switch to the blades. Common cleansing mitigates this threat.
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Inspection
Common visible inspections are essential for figuring out indicators of damage, harm, or misalignment. Checking for cracks, fraying, glazing, or indicators of extreme put on permits for well timed alternative and prevents surprising failures. For instance, a small crack in a belt, if left unaddressed, can propagate and result in full belt failure throughout operation. Common inspection facilitates early detection and preventative alternative.
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Lubrication (Pulleys and Bearings)
Correct lubrication of the pulleys and bearings related to the drive system is important for minimizing friction and making certain clean operation. Making use of acceptable lubricants, as specified within the mower’s handbook, reduces put on and extends the lifespan of those elements. Dry or worn bearings create extra resistance, inserting elevated pressure on the belt and decreasing general effectivity. Common lubrication mitigates this.
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Pressure Adjustment
Sustaining correct belt stress is essential for environment friendly energy transmission. Usually checking and adjusting the stress, following the producer’s suggestions, prevents slippage and untimely put on. Seasonal modifications and regular put on can have an effect on belt stress. Periodic adjustment, utilizing the suitable tensioning mechanism, ensures constant efficiency and prevents associated issues.
These upkeep practices, whereas seemingly easy, contribute considerably to the general efficiency and longevity of the mower’s drive system. By proactively addressing potential points by means of common cleansing, inspection, lubrication, and stress changes, customers can decrease downtime, cut back restore prices, and guarantee constant, dependable mowing efficiency. Neglecting these duties, nevertheless, can lead to a cascade of issues, finally compromising the mower’s performance and necessitating extra in depth and expensive repairs.
5. Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting transmission element points is important for sustaining a purposeful garden mower. Addressing issues promptly prevents additional harm and ensures environment friendly operation. This part explores frequent points, their potential causes, and efficient options.
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Belt Slippage
Slippage manifests as decreased blade pace and an uneven minimize. Widespread causes embody worn or broken elements, improper stress, or obstructions across the pulleys. Options contain changing worn elements, adjusting stress, or eradicating particles. For example, a worn belt loses its grip, decreasing energy switch and inflicting slippage, particularly when chopping thick grass. Changing the worn element restores correct operate.
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Belt Breakage
Sudden breakage ends in an entire cessation of blade rotation. Widespread causes embody extreme stress, worn pulleys, or influence harm from overseas objects. Options contain changing the damaged element, inspecting and changing worn pulleys, and eradicating any particles that will have precipitated the harm. A rock lodged between the belt and a pulley, for instance, may cause sudden breakage. Clearing the obstruction and changing the belt rectifies the difficulty.
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Uncommon Noises
Squealing, grinding, or clicking sounds emanating from the drive system usually point out an issue. Squealing suggests slippage, whereas grinding or clicking might point out worn bearings or broken pulleys. Options contain adjusting stress, lubricating or changing bearings, or changing broken pulleys. A grinding noise from a worn loafer pulley bearing, for instance, indicators impending failure. Changing the bearing prevents additional harm and restores quiet operation.
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Uneven Chopping
Whereas uninteresting blades may cause uneven chopping, drive system points additionally contribute. A slipping belt, for instance, ends in inconsistent blade pace and an uneven minimize. Addressing the foundation trigger inside the drive system, corresponding to adjusting stress or changing a worn belt, rectifies the chopping problem. This highlights the interconnectedness between the drive system and the standard of the minimize.
Understanding these frequent troubleshooting eventualities empowers customers to diagnose and deal with drive system issues successfully. Correct analysis and well timed intervention forestall minor points from escalating into main repairs, making certain the continued dependable operation of the garden mower and sustaining a wholesome, well-manicured garden.
6. Substitute
Substitute of transmission elements is an inevitable side of garden mower upkeep. Understanding the alternative course of and the components influencing alternative frequency contributes to minimizing downtime and making certain optimum mower efficiency. Whereas common upkeep extends the lifespan of those elements, eventual alternative is critical as a consequence of put on and tear, harm, or age. This part explores the important thing aspects of alternative.
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Figuring out the Want for Substitute
Recognizing the indicators of a worn or broken element is essential for well timed alternative. Indicators embody seen cracks, fraying, glazing, extreme stretching, or uncommon noises throughout operation. Ignoring these indicators can result in additional harm, decreased mowing effectivity, and finally, surprising breakdowns. For example, a frayed belt might initially trigger solely minor slippage, however continued use can lead to full failure throughout operation, necessitating fast alternative.
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Deciding on the Appropriate Substitute Part
Choosing the proper alternative ensures compatibility and optimum efficiency. Referencing the mower’s proprietor’s handbook or consulting with a certified technician ensures the proper specs, corresponding to belt kind, dimension, and materials composition. Utilizing an incorrect alternative can result in additional issues and decreased mower effectivity. Deciding on a belt with the wrong size, for instance, can lead to improper stress and untimely put on.
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The Substitute Course of
The alternative course of sometimes entails eradicating the previous element and putting in the brand new one, making certain correct routing and stress. Whereas the method itself is mostly simple, consulting the proprietor’s handbook for particular directions is essential. Incorrect set up can negate the advantages of a brand new element and doubtlessly trigger additional harm. For instance, routing a belt incorrectly can result in slippage, decreased effectivity, and untimely put on.
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Preventative Measures
Whereas alternative is inevitable, preventative measures can prolong the lifespan of transmission elements. Common upkeep, together with cleansing, inspection, and correct stress adjustment, minimizes put on and tear. Working the mower based on the producer’s suggestions additionally contributes to element longevity. Avoiding mowing over excessively tough terrain or particles, for instance, reduces the chance of influence harm and untimely put on.
Understanding these aspects of alternative ensures environment friendly mower operation and minimizes downtime. Proactive alternative based mostly on noticed put on or harm, coupled with adherence to correct upkeep practices, contributes considerably to the general longevity and efficiency of the garden mower. Ignoring the necessity for well timed alternative, conversely, can result in extra in depth and expensive repairs, finally compromising the mower’s performance and hindering its capability to keep up a well-manicured garden.
7. Sorts
Understanding the varied sorts of transmission elements is essential for correct mower upkeep and restore. Part choice hinges on components like mower design, engine energy, and supposed software. Differing types supply various efficiency traits, impacting energy switch effectivity, sturdiness, and general lifespan. Deciding on the wrong kind can result in decreased mowing effectivity, untimely put on, and potential harm to the mower’s drive system. This exploration delves into the frequent varieties, highlighting their respective traits and purposes.
V-Belts: The commonest kind, V-belts, characteristic a trapezoidal cross-section designed to wedge into the grooves of corresponding pulleys. This wedging motion enhances grip and energy transmission. V-belts are typically appropriate for normal rotary mowers and supply a steadiness of cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Nonetheless, they are often vulnerable to slippage underneath excessive hundreds or when working in moist situations. A thicker V-belt, with a wider cross-section, could also be required for mowers with bigger chopping decks or extra highly effective engines. Conversely, some smaller mowers might make the most of thinner V-belts designed for lighter hundreds and compact drive techniques.
Cogged V-Belts: Cogged V-belts characteristic notches on their internal floor, rising flexibility and permitting for operation over smaller pulleys. This enhanced flexibility reduces bending stress, contributing to an extended lifespan. Cogged V-belts are notably useful for mowers with advanced drive techniques involving tight turns or a number of loafer pulleys. This design additionally dissipates warmth extra successfully, additional contributing to sturdiness. For instance, a zero-turn mower, with its intricate steering and drive mechanisms, usually makes use of cogged V-belts to accommodate the tight turns and sophisticated routing required for maneuverability.
Multi-Ribbed Belts: Multi-ribbed belts, often known as poly-V belts, characteristic a number of small V-shaped ribs on their internal floor, offering a bigger contact space with the pulleys. This design enhances grip and energy transmission capabilities, making them appropriate for demanding purposes, corresponding to mowers with high-powered engines or these used for business functions. The elevated contact space additionally distributes load extra evenly, decreasing put on and increasing belt life. A heavy-duty business mower, tasked with mowing giant areas of thick grass, advantages from the improved grip and energy switch capabilities of a multi-ribbed belt.
In abstract, choosing the suitable transmission element kind is paramount for optimum mower efficiency, longevity, and environment friendly energy transmission. Understanding the traits of every typeV-belts, cogged V-belts, and multi-ribbed beltsenables knowledgeable selections based mostly on particular person mower necessities and working situations. Selecting properly prevents untimely put on, reduces the chance of breakdowns, and ensures the mower persistently delivers a clear, even minimize. Challenges might come up from the number of accessible choices, highlighting the significance of consulting the mower’s documentation or searching for skilled recommendation to make sure compatibility and optimum efficiency.
8. Supplies
Materials composition straight influences the efficiency, sturdiness, and lifespan of transmission elements. Materials choice considers components like tensile energy, flexibility, resistance to put on, temperature tolerance, and oil resistance. Completely different supplies supply various efficiency traits, impacting energy transmission effectivity, sturdiness, and general price. Selecting the proper materials ensures optimum efficiency underneath particular working situations and extends the element’s lifespan, minimizing downtime and alternative frequency. An understanding of the properties of frequent supplies utilized in these elements offers a foundation for knowledgeable choice and upkeep.
Rubber: Customary elements sometimes make the most of rubber compounds strengthened with material or different supplies for added energy and sturdiness. Rubber affords glorious flexibility and grip, important for environment friendly energy transmission. Nonetheless, it’s prone to degradation from publicity to warmth, oil, and ozone. Bolstered rubber compounds deal with a few of these weaknesses, offering enhanced resistance to put on and tear. For example, a mower working underneath excessive temperatures might profit from a belt composed of a heat-resistant rubber compound, stopping untimely cracking and failure. Equally, publicity to grease or grease necessitates using oil-resistant supplies to forestall degradation and keep belt integrity.
Kevlar: Excessive-performance elements generally make the most of Kevlar reinforcement, offering distinctive tensile energy and resistance to stretching and put on. Kevlar belts are considerably extra sturdy than normal rubber belts, providing prolonged lifespan and enhanced efficiency underneath demanding situations, corresponding to heavy-duty mowing or business purposes. The elevated energy and sturdiness of Kevlar belts justify their larger price in purposes requiring prolonged operation or demanding situations. For instance, a business landscaping operation using mowers for prolonged durations would profit from the elevated sturdiness and decreased downtime provided by Kevlar-reinforced belts.
Different Artificial Supplies: Varied different artificial supplies, corresponding to polyurethane and aramid fibers, discover software in specialised transmission elements. These supplies supply particular benefits, corresponding to elevated resistance to chemical compounds, abrasion, or excessive temperatures. Choice is dependent upon the particular software and working situations. For instance, a mower utilized in an surroundings uncovered to particular chemical compounds might require a belt fabricated from a cloth immune to these chemical compounds, making certain longevity and constant efficiency. This focused choice demonstrates the influence of fabric alternative on efficiency and longevity.
In abstract, materials choice represents a essential issue influencing the efficiency and longevity of transmission elements. Understanding the properties of various materialsrubber, Kevlar, and different specialised artificial compoundsallows for knowledgeable selections based mostly on particular person wants and working situations. Challenges come up from balancing price, efficiency, and sturdiness, necessitating cautious consideration of application-specific necessities. Selecting the proper materials finally contributes to environment friendly operation, decreased upkeep, and minimized downtime, making certain the mower persistently delivers a clear, exact minimize.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning transmission elements, providing sensible steerage for upkeep, troubleshooting, and alternative. Understanding these ceaselessly requested questions empowers customers to keep up optimum mower efficiency and deal with potential points proactively.
Query 1: How ceaselessly ought to these elements get replaced?
Substitute frequency is dependent upon utilization, upkeep practices, and working situations. Common inspection is essential. Seen cracks, fraying, or important put on warrant alternative. Basic pointers counsel alternative each two to a few years underneath regular utilization. Nonetheless, extra frequent alternative could also be vital underneath heavy utilization or harsh situations.
Query 2: What are the indicators of a worn or broken element?
Indicators embody slippage throughout operation, particularly when chopping thick or moist grass, squealing noises, seen cracks, fraying, or chunks lacking from the belt materials. Lowered blade pace and an uneven minimize additionally counsel potential points. Common inspection is essential for figuring out these indicators early and stopping additional harm.
Query 3: How can element lifespan be prolonged?
Common upkeep practices, corresponding to cleansing collected particles and sustaining correct stress, considerably prolong lifespan. Avoiding mowing over excessively tough terrain or particles minimizes the chance of harm. Working the mower inside the producer’s really useful parameters additionally contributes to element longevity.
Query 4: What causes a transmission element to interrupt?
Widespread causes embody extreme stress, worn or broken pulleys, influence harm from overseas objects, or age-related deterioration of the belt materials. Working the mower with a uninteresting blade additionally locations extra pressure on the drive system, rising the chance of breakage.
Query 5: How is correct stress maintained?
Correct stress is often maintained by means of a tensioning system consisting of a spring-loaded loafer pulley or an adjustable engine mounting plate. Consulting the mower’s proprietor’s handbook offers particular directions for adjusting and sustaining the proper stress. Common checks guarantee optimum efficiency and forestall untimely put on.
Query 6: Can any kind of element be used on any mower?
No. Every mower mannequin requires a selected kind and dimension. Utilizing an incorrect element can result in slippage, untimely put on, and even harm to the mower’s drive system. Consulting the proprietor’s handbook or contacting the producer ensures correct element choice.
Understanding these frequent points and their options contributes considerably to environment friendly mower operation and upkeep. Common inspection and proactive upkeep practices decrease downtime and maximize the lifespan of transmission elements.
For additional info and particular steerage, seek the advice of the mower’s proprietor’s handbook or contact a certified service technician.
Ideas for Sustaining Optimum Efficiency
Correct care and upkeep of energy transmission elements are important for environment friendly and dependable mower operation. The following tips present sensible steerage for maximizing element lifespan and stopping frequent points.
Tip 1: Common Inspection
Frequent visible inspections are essential. Test for cracks, fraying, glazing, or indicators of extreme put on. Early detection of those points permits for well timed alternative and prevents surprising failures throughout operation. A small crack, if left unaddressed, can propagate and result in full breakage.
Tip 2: Keep Correct Pressure
Appropriate stress is paramount. Inadequate stress results in slippage, decreasing blade pace and inflicting an uneven minimize. Extreme stress strains the engine and bearings, inflicting untimely put on. Seek the advice of the proprietor’s handbook for correct stress adjustment procedures.
Tip 3: Clear Usually
Accrued particles, corresponding to grass clippings and grime, act as abrasives, accelerating put on. Common cleansing with a brush, compressed air, or a moist material prevents this abrasive put on and maintains optimum efficiency.
Tip 4: Correct Storage
In periods of inactivity, retailer the mower in a dry, protected surroundings. Publicity to excessive temperatures, moisture, or chemical compounds can degrade belt materials, decreasing its lifespan. Correct storage safeguards in opposition to untimely deterioration.
Tip 5: Select High quality Replacements
When alternative turns into vital, go for high-quality elements from respected suppliers. Whereas price is an element, prioritizing high quality ensures optimum efficiency and longevity, finally decreasing the frequency of replacements and minimizing downtime.
Tip 6: Match Parts to Mower Specs
Every mower mannequin requires particular element varieties and sizes. Utilizing incorrect elements results in compatibility points, decreased effectivity, and potential harm. Seek the advice of the proprietor’s handbook or contact the producer to make sure correct choice.
Tip 7: Have interaction Blades Easily
Keep away from abruptly partaking the blades, particularly when the engine is working at excessive pace. Sudden engagement locations important stress on the transmission elements, rising the chance of slippage or breakage. Clean engagement minimizes stress and promotes longevity.
Adhering to those ideas ensures constant, dependable mower operation, extends the lifespan of energy transmission elements, and contributes to a well-maintained garden. Proactive upkeep minimizes downtime and prevents expensive repairs.
This complete information offers a basis for understanding, sustaining, and troubleshooting these essential elements. Implementing these methods contributes to environment friendly garden care practices and ensures a wholesome, well-manicured garden.
Conclusion
This exploration has offered a complete overview of garden mower drive belts, encompassing their operate, choice, set up, upkeep, troubleshooting, and alternative. Correct stress, common cleansing, and well timed alternative are important for optimum efficiency and longevity. Understanding the varied varieties and supplies accessible permits for knowledgeable selections based mostly on particular mower necessities and working situations.
Environment friendly energy transmission is prime to attaining a well-maintained garden. Proactive upkeep and a radical understanding of those essential elements contribute considerably to minimizing downtime, decreasing restore prices, and making certain constant, dependable mowing efficiency. Neglecting these components can compromise performance and necessitate extra in depth repairs, finally hindering the pursuit of a wholesome and aesthetically pleasing garden.
