AeratorTopdresser

roundupEditor's note: From time to time, GCM will provide a roundup of specialized

products as a service to readers. This month's roundup focuses on the timelytopic of aerators and topdressers.

GCM contacted a large number of aerator and topdresser manufacturers,including the most important companies in the industry We requested informa-tion about their best, newest and most efficient products for golf course man-agers to use in aerating and topdressing their courses. Those who respondedin time to meet our deadline are represented below.

All logos and photos were supplied by the respective companies.

(1,2) Ty-Crop says its ProPass 180 Ultra LowImpact Aerator can topdress a green in about 60seconds. Spread accuracy makes brushing or irri-gating afterwards optional. Designed for super-intendents who need light, frequent topdressingfor fast, consistent greens, the ProPass can top-dress several greens with a single load, yet it pro-duces an ultra-light footprint of just over 5 psi.Ty-Crop says the following features make the ProPass 180 innovative: load-breaking fingers deliv-er material into the twin spinner, eliminating thepossibility of "waving"; the fixed spinner angleimproves canopy penetration; the belt-cleaningsystem reduces unwanted dribbles on the green;and the floor belt is self-tracking and endless sothere are no seams or staples. The ProPass comesas a tow-behind or truck mount and is compati-ble with a variety of heavy-duty work vehicles.Every Ty-Crop product is powder coated.Contact Ty-Crop, (800) 845-7249.

(3,4) Broyhill's new TerraRoller dual-purposeroller/spiker outperforms its competitors in ver-satility, size (64-inches wide) and speed, the com-pany says. According to the company, the threerollers can be used alone to speed up greens; theintegrated spiker can be lowered into position tohelp greens breathe and speed water absorptionwith virtually no surface disruption; and thehydraulic lift provides easy operation and ampleground clearance during transport.

Also from Broyhill, the Greenskeeper IIhelps superintendents control grain on greens,

tees and fairways. The company says theGreenskeeper's pliable, rotating brushes uni-formly fill aeration holes from all directions with-out damaging grass. During heavy topdressing,Broyhill says, the stationary brushes enhance per-formance and the separate height and pitchadjustments allow precise leveling to the brush-ing surface. The Greenskeeper II also features anoverall width of 64 inches and a chain andsprocket driven by a hydraulic motor for maneu-verability and speed. Contact Broyhill, (800)228-1003, ext. 34 (www.broyhill.com).

(5) Finn Corp. introduced the world's firstHydroSeeder in 1953, and today provides a com-prehensive system, which includes equipment,additive products and training in HydroSeedingtechniques. Finn HydroSeeders mix seed, fertil-izer, soil amendments, hydraulic mulch, tackifi-er and other additives to spray on preparedseedbeds for superior and accelerated turf estab-lishment. Finn HydroSeeders feature hydrauli-cally driven mechanical agitation with large steelpaddles that operate in both forward and reversedirections, for improved mixing. FinnHydroSeeders are available in seven differentmodels with capacities ranging from 300 to 3,300gallons. Contact Finn Corp., (800) 543-7166.

(6) The Koro Recycling Dresser fromGreenONE Industries aerates and topdresses ina single pass. The company says this new tech-nology saves time and money during annual aer-

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ating and core harvesting by helping to eliminatelayers, promoting lateral and linear root growthand accelerating thatch reduction. According tothe company, the Koro Recycling Dresser pro-duces up to 35 percent more air space with its lin-~ar aeration. Blade widths vary from 116inch to~6 inches and depth to 7 inches. ContactGreenONE Industries Inc., (866) 567-5872.

(7) Gandy says its Sweep Master turf brushoffers an efficient tool for improved topdressingincorporation and more effective surface main-tenance on golf courses and putting greens. Thesimple-to-assemble unit measures 40-inches by78-inches and features eight individual brushesset in a double diamond pattern. The upperframework is II-gauge steel with bolted on %-inch angle crossmembers, yet able to flex with theground's contour. The unit was superintendent-designed to give improved blending of soilamendments and reduce chatter or jumping dur-ing its sweeping action, leaving a clean appearanceon greens and tees. Depending on model, theunit weighs from 151 to 180 pounds.

Gandy also offers core and knife aerators from34 inches to 8 feet wide in tow and three-pointhitch models. The Gandy 6- and 8-foot profes-sional models feature a three-point hitch attach-ment for larger utility tractors. Both may beordered with %-inch coring spoons or with slic-ing knives. The design incorporates dual disks onindependent arms that flex independently withthe terrain. The star-wheel aerator provides fineopenings for aerification and fertilizer access with-out disturbing fine playing surfaces such as greensand tees. It is available in 30-inch tow and three-point hitch versions and in a tow-behind folding90-inch model. Contact Gandy Co., (507) 451-5430 (www.gandy.net).

(8) The Turf Doctor by Allen PowerEquipment Ltd. is for precise, professional ver-ticutting, dethatching and overseeding needs. TheTurf Doctor is powered by a 5.5-hp HondaGX160Kl engine that is both EPA and CARBcompliant. The company says that for maximumcoverage and effectiveness, the unit should beused at an approximate depth of ;Is inch. Thecompany says that three features set the TurfDoctor apart from other units in the industry:integrated rear collection basket, on-the-moveheight adjustment (depth of cut can be adjustedon the fly for undulating surfaces or locked in forflat surfaces) and portability (working weight of105 pounds). Contact Seago International, (800)780-9889.

(9) The John Deere Aercore Aerator 2000

has an 80-inch coring swath - 20 inches largerthan the 1500 model. The company says thistractor-mounted attachment is designed to pro-duce good-quality coring holes up to 4 inchesdeep and can cover 100,066 square feet per hour.Its heavy-duty frame, tine rams and adjustablehole spacing make these aerators durable and ver-satile, according to the company. Operators havea choice of two coring patterns - 2.4-inch or3.2-inch, depending on the speed of movement.The Aercore 2000's Flexi-Link design ensures thattines stay perpendicular to the ground for con-sistent holes. The high-speed tine rams push intothe turf and then pullout quickly, leaving little orno scuffing at the top of the hole. Belts replacechains to power the Aercore 2000, making it qui-et, smooth and easy to maintain without lubri-cation, the company says. The fiberglassreinforced belts provide dependable operationwith minimal adjustments. Rear cowlings lift eas-ily, making daily checks and routine maintenancesimple. Contact John Deere, (www.deere.com).

(10,11) The new Aera-Vator Fine Tine fromFirst Products Inc. uses the same vibratingactions as the Aera-Vator for minimal surface dis-ruption. The Fine Tine model uses a smaller tineto minimize damage to the playing surface onfairways and tees. The vibrating tine providesgreater penetration in hard compacted ground,and soil fracture is maximized around andbetween the holes, the company says. The Aera-Vator FT can be used to overseed fairways, pri-mary seed, incorporate topdressing and treatlocalized dry spot areas. The company says thatthe vibrating tines open up hardpan or heavythatch areas to allow better water penetration andthat, in most situations, play can resume imme-diately with minimal surface disruption.

The VC-60 Verti-Cutter is designed for con-tinuous heavy-duty operation on fairways andtees in all types of turf. The unit has a patentedswing hitch that allows the operator to verticutaround objects while turning, without tearing theestablished turf, the company says. Pivot pointsdesigned on the hitch allow the unit to float overuneven terrain. According to the company, cut-ting depth on the VC-60 is easily adjusted in thefield, without tools, up to 1~ inches deep usingquick release pins on 1\6-inch increments. A freeproduct video is available. Contact First ProductsInc., (800) 363-8780 (www.lstproducts.com).

(12,13) The Hines Manufacturing Co. Drill& Fill Aerator incorporates 24 carbide-tipped bitsto bore up to 12 inches in almost any soil andthen immediately refill the shaft with the super-intendent's choice of any combinations of dry

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materials. Drill & Fill works to open the soil pro-file on wet, dry and even newly laid turf withoutshattering or ripping of delicate root systems, thecompany says. The vertical drilling action gentlyremoves an "anthill" from the soil, unlike otheraerators that use a punching action and can com-pact the sidewalls and bottom of the aerator holes.Then the shaft is refilled to replace hardpan andimprove soil composition while it optimizes oxy-gen and water levels. According to the company,the Drill & Fill is the lightest aerator guaranteedto penetrate 12 inches through any soil with larg-er diameter tines at 3,200 pounds (emptyweight).

The Hines-60 Drill Aerator has beenredesigned to be lighter and smaller than thecompany's previous drill aerator. The Hines-60"gently" relieves subsoil compaction withoutcompacting the sidewalls or bottom of holes,improves drainage and air exchange and still pro-vides for faster healing times than other types ofaerators, the company says. After cleanup, the turfsurface is left immediately playable, with no sur-face rippling, according to Hines. The Hines-60uses ~-inch to %-inch tines, which can be adjust-ed to a depth of 1 inch to 15 inches. ContactHines Manufacturing Co., (252) 937-4555(www.hinesmfg.com).

(14) The Model 54 Soil Reliever fromSouthern Green Inc. is a deep-tine aerifier witha "soft touch" that gives a plusher, softer green andgives superintendents the ability to aerify the soil,cut the green and play golf without any loss ofspeed or roll, the company says. The Model 54will operate on a small tractor or a Cushman Turf-Truckster with a special P.T.O. and lift system.The Model 54 is a lighter machine that can per-form heavy-duty construction tasks and hasincreased speed to aerify at a faster pace. TheModel 54, using solid or coring tines, aerifiesultradwarfbermudagrass and aggressive bentgrasswithout pulling or puckering, according to thecompany. All 2003 Soil Relievers have designchanges for improved machine performance anddurability. Contact Southern Green Inc., (800)888-9883 (www.soilreliever.com).

(15,16) Turfco's new WideSpin 1530 TruckMounted Broadcast Top Dresser combines thebest light top dresser with new technology thatconsistently delivers heavy applications atunprecedented widths, the company says. Witha few adjustments, the WideSpin 1530 can switchfrom heavy to light topdressing in minutes withno attachments and no hydraulic connections.Using a few mounting brackets and connections,the WideSpin 1530 Truck Mount Top Dresser

can be attached to a standard utility vehicle,including the Textron Cushman Turf-Truckster,John Deere Pro Gator and Toro Workman utili-ty vehicles. The WideSpin 1530 Truck Mountshopper capacity is 19 cubic feet. Twin spinnersprovide uniform application at any speed, and thespinner angle is adjustable for maximum pene-tration. The large-capacity, lengthwise hopperloads fast with a front-end loader, so one opera-tor can do the entire job, the company says.

Turfco's CR-I0 WideSpin is designed to givesuperintendents the ability to apply a full rangeof topdressing depths, from light to ~-inch ormore. The CR-I0's 4-cubic-yard, self-cleaninghopper ensures material flow regardless of mois-ture or material type and does double duty, serv-ing as a material handler and loader, the companysays. Contact Turfco Manufacturing, (763) 785-1000 (www.turfco.com).

(17,18) Redexim Charterhouse's Verti-Corewith crank-drive system is available in three sizes- 52-inch, 68-inch and 84-inch - and pene-trates the turf up to 5 inches, the company says.A quick-change tine head allows the aerator to befitted with a variety of tine types and sizes, includ-ing the popular pencil and needle tines. Serviceand maintenance is simple, with sealed bearingsand lifetime lube used throughout.

Redexim also offers the Verti- Drain series ofequipment: the 7007, which can treat hard-to-reach areas and aerate to depths of 6 inches; the71 Series, which runs at speeds of up to 2.75mph; the 7212, a tractor-mounted model thatcan penetrate to 10 inches; and the Greens 7316for working on all areas of the golf course. Eachmodel has a three-speed gearbox, and all Verti-Drain aerators feature the parallelogram action toproduce a shattering effect and relieve com-paction while leaving the surface ready for play.Contact Redexim Charterhouse, (570) 602-3058(www.redexim.com).

(19) Dakota Peat & Equipment has addedthe 412 Turf Tender to its 2003 topdresser prod-uct line. Built at the request of customers, the 412is designed for sports fields and fairways andoffers all the features of the 410, with the size andflotation of the 420. Built with a 2-yard hopper,the 412 is designed for precision application ofany type of material that is needed for turf main-tenance or construction - wet or dry, heavy orlight. The Dakota 412 features an electrically con-trolled hydraulic system that allows the operatorto control spinner speed and belt speed for on-the-go spread pattern adjustments. Dakota'stopdressers are operated by a single driver withpush-button controls from the seat and with

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unobstructed visibility. Dakota Peat &Equipment says it manufactures its equipmentbased upon specific needs as identified by super-intendents around the world. Contact DakotaPeat & Equipment, (800) 477-8415.

(20) Planet Air's HD 50 is designed for fast,frequent and non-intrusive maintenance ofgreens, collars, tees and fairways. PlanetAirspecifically designed its HD 50 Tow for use withany utility vehicle with hydraulics. The HD 50features a patented earth-shattering motion,rollers front and back, and micro adjustments forvarying depth of tines and shatter knives.PlanetAir's planetary motion uses a smooth rotat-ing mass to penetrate tough conditions withoutstrain on the machine or operator, the companysays. PlanetAir says that the coring technology isless intrusive and leaves behind only tufts of grassand soil fragments that are ready to be swept,dragged or mowed, reducing cleanup time. TheHD 50 produces a 2-inch by 2-inch hole patternat a rate of 1.2 acres per hour. Contact NormanDavis, PlanetAir, (909) 341-3900 (www.ndplanetair.com) .

(21) Graden Industries will be launching thenew GBS1200 straight reel verticutter at theGCSAA conference and show in San Diego. TheGBS1200 will be available with either an offset ora central setup. In trials of this machine, theresults and response from the industry have beenenthusiastic, the company says. Graden says theGS04 pedestrian and the Swing-wing verticuttersprovide an effective way of controlling thatch,and tillering the grass creates firmer and smootherplaying surfaces. The Graden has three differentblade widths and can remove large volumes ofthatch from up to 1~ inches while creatingminimal disturbance to the surface, accordingto the company. Contact Graden Industries,(www.graden.com.au).

(22,23) Adams Fertilizer Equipment hastwo new products. The Adams 750-poundcapacity Utility Spreader has an oil-filled, right-angle, totally enclosed gear box to virtually elim-inate mechanical failure due to chemicals orweather, the company says.. Vibrators can beadded as an option to help spread wet sand, limeor other materials.

The Adams Skid Tender is a portable materi-al dispenser that can be placed between fairways.The auger-equipped 240 cubic feet capacity skidtender can save time by reducing reloading tripsto the maintenance building, the company says.Contact Adams Fertilizer Equipment, (800)643-4266.

(24) Smithco says its new Coregrinder haswide gathering arms and a powerful grinder toturn even hard clay plugs into fine topdressing injust one pass. One person can operate theCoregrinder, and the company says it can cut nor-mal core-gathering time in half. Attachments areavailable for side and rear mounting. ContactSmithco, (877) 833-7648 (www.smithco.com).

JRM Inc. offers Magnum Quad tines todethatch new hybrid bentgrasses and increase thegas and nutrient exchange. The company says theMagnum tine is geared toward superintendentswho want a more robust tine with closer spacing.JRM's ~-inch coring tine will work in many quadblocks, and superintendents can utilize theMagnum Quad tine in every hole in the block orin every other hole if the soil integrity will notsupport a more aggressive approach, the compa-ny says. Contact JRM Inc., (888) 576-7007(www.jrmonline.com) .

T.LP. Inc.'s SW-48, Sweep-N-Clean pick upsweeper can be used for harvesting cores ongreens, picking up divots and tees from drivingranges, sweeping up clippings on surrounds andfairways, picking up leaves and debris as well asgoose and other animal droppings. The SW-48leaves the turf striped and "fluffed" for a profes-sionallook, the company says. The SW-48 canalso be used to sweep parking lots. The sweeperhas a Honda 5.5-hp drive with electric clutch, 12-volt electric dump hopper with a remote controlto operate both functions from the pulling vehi-cle. It has a walking beam front axle with twoswivel wheels so it does not scuff the turf whenturning or following the terrain. It has a quick pintransport, which is integral with the hand crankheight adjustment. There are four wheels acrossthe rear for high floatation. Contact T.I.P. Inc.,(715) 592-4650.

vInformation for this story was compiled by Seth Jones, GeMassociate editor (sjones2@gcsaa.org).

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