TurfWorks on a roll
New cassette system is proving popular
THE TurfWorks fine turf greens maintenance system is the brainchild of Simon Gumbrill and John Coleman. Following extensive design, manufacture, testing and evaluation, the system is now finding favour with greenkeepers. But where did it all begin? Simon and John both have a considerable knowledge of the fine turfcare industry and recognised a number of areas where they could improve the greenkeepers lot. The idea was simple enough; a series of interchangeable cassettes, able to perform a variety of tasks, that could fit all popular greens triplex machines. The two recognised that quality of both manufacture and end results were to be of paramount importance. So they approached Jack Copeland of Sheffield based Advanced Engineering Techniques with their initial designs. AET specialise in manufacturing in stainless steel and work closely with the engineering and design facility at Hallam University in the city. With Jack’s assistance, a number of
prototypes were produced to test in the marketplace. A new manufacturing company was formed - Advanced Turf Technology - and, after successful trials, the TurfWorks name was born. Simon said “ We set out to produce the best turfcare maintenance system in the world. The quality had to be right. We could not afford to have any glitches once the product was launched onto the market. AET and the University team certainly helped us to achieve our first objective.” “We talked to a number of
greenkeepers to find out exactly what they needed. We also looked at ways of making the product unique.”
THE TurfWorks system comprises of a patented modular chassis which, as stated earlier, will fit all mainline greens triplex power units. Into this chassis fits
a range of interchangeable cassettes able to carry out a variety of tasks.
• The removal of thatch from golf greens and tees with the Thatchmaster verticutting cassettes
• Ironing of golf greens with the Vibro Roller cassettes.
• Deep scarification with the Scarifier cassettes, fine surface ‘grooming’
• Poa management with the Ultra
Grooma. Each cassettes has ninety blades at 5mm centres, and each individual blade has five tips.
• Sarel Roller cassettes to prevent surface sealing with minimal surface disruption.
• Star Spiker cassettes are ideal for those who prefer an elongated form as opposed to a circular pattern.
• Green surface sweeping with the Rotary Spiral Brush cassettes.
• Brushing in top dressings with the Static Brush cassettes,
• Vibrating and brushing in the same operations with the Vibro Brush attachment for use in the Vibro Roller cassettes.
Simon explained “One of the patent’s pending features of the system is the ability to accept the Vibro Roller cassettes into the same chassis. This means that no separate system is required for these cassettes. The Vibro Roller transfers the high frequency vibration rate through two 60mm rollers instead of one. This is the most innovative approach to the use of rollers to help maintain golf greens in recent years; the design of the system incorporates the vibration mechanism in a cassette which, in turn, transfers the vibration through the systems rollers.
The vibration is transmitted equally through the rear and front rollers.” “In tests the TurfWorks system consistently beats the competition at increasing green speeds because of the dual effect of the high frequency, coupled with the twin rollers, to give a precise ironing effect.”
Another patent pending feature is the
Wrenchless Height Adjuster - a simple ‘Turn & Click’ adjuster with height guides which can be altered in increments of 0.2mm (1/64”). It means that a setting bar is no longer required to alter the height to the preferred depth of operation which, in turn, means that it can be altered on the course. The TurfWorks system is already in use in various countries around the world. It is proving popular in America, where it was shown at the Golf Industry Show 2006. “The response from Superintendents and Dealers was phenomenal” said Simon. “The big selling point is the Vibro Roller cassettes. They all seem to like the fact that they can have one system that accomplishes all the operations that they require. They also like the simplicity of the ‘Turn and Click’ adjuster. And the fact the system is made from stainless steel means that it looks the part on the course.” The TurfWorks system is already in use at many prestigious golf clubs, including the Royal Liverpool Golf Club at Hoylake for this year’s Open, and The Belfry Golf Club for the British Masters.
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