Topline XCEL - manufacturer Vitax - Guide price £950
Testing Criteria and Results
Each of the staff was asked to evaluate the markers using the following criteria:
1. Pre use checks: Tank capacity; Battery, connections and charging times; Noise and vibration.
2. Controls of the machine: Control cables/levers; Electronics (switches); Weight.
3. Time to set the machine up ready for use: Mixing paint and filling; Setting line width.
LINE!
Ken Bates and Chris Lane) put the machines through their paces. One of the days was organised as a demo day for a number of local groundsmen and
contractors, allowing the manufacturers to demonstrate their respective machines to potential customers.
Machines on Test
Kombi - manufacturer Fleet - Guide price £595
Titan - manufacturer Grassline - Guide price £515
GMX - manufacturer Bowcom - Guide price £625
GM10 - manufacturer Bowcom - Guide price £775
Topline TXE 252 - manufacturer Vitax - Guide price £600
Topline TXE 505 - manufacturer Vitax - Guide price £650
Vitax Topline TXE 252 Vitax Topline TXE 505
4. Machine Performance: Handling (controls); Manouevrability: Changing line width; Spray jet nozzle performance; Pump performance; Battery performance; Build quality.
5. Marking quality: Brightness of line; Sharpness of line; Duration of line.
6. Cleaning: Ease of cleaning; Servicing requirements.
The maximum points total possible was 200 (170 in the case of the Bowcom GM10 due to it not having electronics and a battery). There was also the opportunity for comments from the user(s).
The complete assessment details and marks can be viewed on the Pitchcare website, but a summary of the results, with Wayne’s comments, are as follows:
The Kombi - total marks
185 - The Kombi overall was a very good machine to use, simple to fill and clean, gave us the required finish we were looking for. It had all the features you would expect from spray line marker. You can also have the knib on the side if required, which makes life easier when marking in your quadrants. Very user friendly and works under all conditions, can also be used as a chemical sprayer.
The Titan - total marks 185 - The Titan is an easy to use, well thought out marking machine, simplicity in itself. Some individual features of this marker worth pointing out are the separate 2 nozzle operation, by which you can spray both the top and the underside of the leaf at the same time, allowing you to double mark in one pass. Also, there are set holes for 2inch, 3inch and 4inch widths without having to use a ruler. The battery can be easily be lifted off the marker for convenience. Rugged, with a steel chasis, the front can also be lifted up to protect the nozzles.
Bowcom GMX - total marks 182 - The Bowcom GMX is an easy to use, well put together machine. Lightweight to pivot and tip back, with a tank you can take out separately to wash out, and separate tank may be used for herbicides etc. with a separate attachment. The on/off button is placed in a good position so as not to get knocked etc. Also has a useful, separate isolation switch.
Bowcom GM10 - total marks 158 (out of 170) - This machine is strong, well
The testing involved setting up the machine for use and marking a standard football pitch
Vitax Topline XCEL 83
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