Tag Archive for: GKB

GKB infiller heads to South Wales Sports Grounds

GKB infiller heads to South Wales Sports Grounds: After seeing the machine at SALTEX 2021, South Wales Sports Grounds organised for a demonstration model of the Infiller to be shipped over from GKB HQ on the basis that if they were impressed with it, they’d keep it… and they did!

Adding to a vast and varied fleet of equipment for the construction and maintenance of both natural and artificial surfaces, the GKB Infiller has dramatically improved the speed of infill spreading, whilst retaining the quality of finish.

GKB infiller heads to South Wales Sports Grounds

GKB infiller heads to South Wales Sports Grounds

South Wales Sports Grounds (SWSG) undertake contracts for a range of clients from local authorities to schools and independent sports clubs, everywhere between West Wales and Gloucester. Maintenance Manager Matt Dennison explains how they decided to take a look at the GKB Infiller, after noticing their previous machine was slowing down the process of dispensing and topping-up infill.

“We’re very particular about how we install an artificial/3G pitch, using the best tools and techniques to produce the best results” explains Matt. “We wanted a machine that was simpler to use and that would ultimately make the job quicker and more efficient. As soon as we received the Infiller in December, from our local dealer Hopkins Machinery, it was evident straight away that it ticked all the boxes.”

Suited to all types of infill material, the Infiller provides a quick and accurate spreading solution. The metering valve can be adjusted manually or hydraulically to suit the depth and type of infill required. The specification is completed by a large 3m3 hopper. “One big key point for us is that you can rotate the seat to spread the sand in front of the wheels of travel, ensuring the infill gets down into the fibres before they’re flattened.”

Along with sand, Matt intends to use rubber in the Infiller and indicates that the machine and the team have a busy synthetic season ahead. “So far, it’s done two artificial constructions and is now about to do another.” He concludes, “Because it’s so easy to operate, we’ve now got a number of our operatives trained up with it, who all can’t wait to benefit from the speed and accuracy we can now achieve in getting the job done.”

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GKB proves the perfect partner

GKB proves the perfect partner: A fleet of orange and blue is forming for the team at Premiership Lawncare, as continued investment sees a bank of equipment from GKB Machines trusted to deliver projects for a growing range of sports turf customers.

In the last two years, Owners Josef Farrow and Mark Pettit have purchased a Deep Tine Aerator (DTA), SP100 topdresser, Dragmat and, most recently, a GKB Combinator – enabling the team to expand their range of services to both football and cricket clients.

GKB proves the perfect partner

GKB proves the perfect partner

Premiership Lawncare pride themselves on using the very best equipment to satisfy the vast and varied requirements of domestic, sports turf and commercial customers. “We’ve grown a lot in seven years and now have in the region of 30 cricket clubs on our books, and a very good relationship with a number of clubs under the remit of Northampton FA” explains Josef. “Investment in equipment has been critical and that’s where our relationship with GKB has gone from strength to strength.”

Recognising the requirement for a bigger, more robust aerator to cope with the demands of challenging ground, Premiership Lawncare became one of the first contractors in the UK to purchase a Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) almost two years ago. “Our DTA 160 is a fantastic machine! As the name suggests, it works to depths of up to 12” to break through compaction and is used on all of our football work, including some council pitches which could certainly pose a problem for machines that are not as well-built as the DTA.”

“Impressed with that and the service and support we received, we then purchased the GKB Dragmat and an SP100 Sandspreader which fits on the back of our Toro Workman and has been a really great investment. We can get 1.5 tonnes of sand in there, and thanks to the wide conveyor, heavy duty discs and easy adjustment we get a really accurate, fine spread.”

The latest addition to the fleet is a GKB Combinator, delivered in May 2022 and put straight to work on a football renovation project. “With our sports-turf client base ever-increasing we decided the time was right to purchase our own machine to strip surfaces and after comparing the options, the GKB CB120 came out on top. In its first week it removed around 80 tonnes of vegetation which is impressive for a machine that’s only 1.2m wide!”

Josef adds, “One particular feature which is great for us is the ability to swap out the fraise blades in our CB120 for scarifier blades, which means we can use it to remove OM accumulations in some of our cricket squares. It’s clear already this machine is going to deliver real value to our business and it’s this sort of investment, in quality machinery, that’s going to help us to take our services and business to the next level.”

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GKB has machines for all seasons

GKB has machines for all seasons: Stand 406 in the purple zone promises to be a showcase of equipment for all seasons as GKB Machines get set to return to BTME in 2022.

Whether its aeration, scarification or overseeding on the agenda, solutions will be on show in the form of the Deep Tine Aerator (DTA), Sandfiller and Combiseeder – with the GKB Technical Team on hand to discuss these products and many more from their innovative golf and sports turf portfolio.

GKB has machines for all seasons

GKB has machines for all seasons

The name speaks for itself with the GKB Deep Tine Aerator – efficiently and effectively aerating the ground down to depths of up to 400mm (16”) for optimal air and moisture movement. Four working widths are available between 1.2m and 2.6m, meaning there’s a model to suit most applications in and around the golf course and beyond. Quickly building a reputation for its build quality, the unique tine mounting system on the DTA allows for more tines per head and improves both the speed and efficiency when changing between sets.

As the seasons change and thoughts move from moisture management to spring renovations, the Sandfiller will prove its worth as the true multi-tasker! The Sandfiller scarifies the surface down to depths of up to 40mm, removing organic matter and creating channels which are simultaneously filled with sand or a combination of sand and seed – maximising efficiency and improving drainage and ground firmness in one single pass.

If a dedicated unit is required that is capable of both seeding and overseeding, then the Combiseeder provides an accurate solution. The tried and trusted combination of two spiked rollers and two brushes create the optimal number of holes in the ground, allowing for precise seed distribution and maximised conditions for germination. With smaller models in the range ideal for work on golf greens, the Combiseeder is available in four working widths up to 2.4m making it a machine suited for greenkeepers, grounds managers and contractors alike.

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GKB Sandfiller delivers fast, firm greens

GKB Sandfiller delivers fast, firm greens: Contractors Marc Kerr Limited have praised the GKB Sandfiller for the benefits it brings to surfaces and operator alike.

Combining thatch removal and sand injection in one single pass, Owner Marc Kerr delivered fast, firm and free-draining greens to almost 30 golf courses during 2021, with the Sandfiller getting the job done in a time and cost-effective manner for both contractor and the club.

GKB Sandfiller delivers fast, firm greens

GKB Sandfiller delivers fast, firm greens

Marc has been using the Sandfiller for the last five years, conducting work at golf courses and bowling clubs nationwide. “Some methods of organic matter management can be really labour intensive and run the risk of taking the surfaces out of play, which is not ideal given the year-round demand from the members” he explains. Prior to the Sandfiller, Marc was using another machine which required multiple people to operate and left excess spoil and sand on the green which then had to be manually collected when the job was complete. “The speed and efficiency of being able to conduct both operations, single-handedly and leaving a clean and tidy finish was the main reason for the switch.”

The GKB Sandfiller scarifies the surface down to depths of up to 40mm, removing organic matter and creating channels which are simultaneously filled with sand or a combination of sand and seed. The unit also features a 400L hopper to collect the removed material, bringing the surface back into play almost instantly.

“We’re lucky to work with clubs of all levels, with some elite venues calling us in annually or bi-annually to pass over the greens with the Sandfiller. The interesting thing is the different schools of thought around the timing of the operation. Some like it done in the spring, to give them recovery from winter wear and damage and set up strong surfaces for the start of the season. Others like it throughout July and August, where we can mix seed in with the sand to optimise germination. The final group will request a visit in the late autumn, where the lateral aeration and slit slits will allow for better drainage and help the course to sustain winter play.”

He continues, “No matter the timing, the Sandfiller brings multiple benefits to a green, including improved percolation rates and better root growth. This machine has made the job much more time and cost effective and gives the greens teams quick recovery which is absolutely critical.”

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Parkway turns to GKB

Parkway turns to GKB: Within 48 hours of it being added to their fleet, a VStrong from GKB was put straight to work by Parkway Ground Maintenance, as the team looked to complete a busy cricket renovation season.

Delivered in conjunction with two other GKB machines – a Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) 160 and a Combiseeder 120 – Managing Director Dean McDermott estimates that their VStrong 120 scarified in the region of 300 wickets this year!

Parkway turns to GKB

Parkway turns to GKB

Parkway Ground Maintenance in the Midlands were formed in 2000 and look after a wide variety of sports surfaces, spanning both natural and synthetic turf. Their trio of new machines, delivered in June 2021 complements a large fleet of equipment, which already includes a number of solutions from GKB. “We’ve got an EcoDresser and Sandspreader from GKB, along with their QuickClean and Brush for artificial surfaces and, for us, it’s the build quality that keeps us coming back” explains Dean. “In our opinion, it is built better and stronger than equipment from any other manufacturer and, over the years, that quality of construction has remained consistent.”

“Another big positive about the GKB range is how simple the equipment is to use” adds Operator Tony Besent. “When it comes to scarifiers, over the years there aren’t many makes and models I haven’t tried, but the blade configuration of the VStrong makes it the most effective one I’ve used.” The GKB VStrong features a unique CombiRotor equipped with heavy duty steel blades which rotates against the direction of travel, accurately scarifying down to depths of 40mm.

With renovation season at a close, the demand now turns to the DTA. “As we head towards the winter months, it’s going to be aeration on the agenda. Our DTA 160 is already on double figures since we’ve had it and is pretty much fully booked to conduct pre-winter work on a number of winter sports pitches in the area.” When temperatures begin to rise, Dean and his team are looking forward to utilising their brand-new CombiSeeder – the versatility set-up making it ideal for work on all types of surface.

Dean concludes, “Because of the variety of work and tight schedules we have to work to, we need equipment that is reliable and that is backed up with fast support when required – and that’s exactly what we get with GKB.”

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GKB Combinator a star attraction

GKB Combinator a star attraction: GKB Machines, leading providers of innovative machinery for the maintenance of natural and artificial sports surfaces, are returning to SALTEX this November with an even bigger stand to showcase even more equipment!

Visitors to stand H051 can expect to see a number of new developments, including the newly re-designed GKB Combinator, which will be on show in the UK for the very first time.

GKB Combinator a star attraction

GKB Combinator a star attraction

The Combinator has established itself as one of the most reliable fraise mowers available – removing up to 50mm from the surface in a single pass. To further improve the cleanliness of finish, the cross conveyor on the re-designed Combinator has been moved closer to both the rotor and blade tips, to cleanly transfer more of the removed material up and away into an awaiting collector. The elevator will also now be partly covered to protect the material from wind as it makes its way to the trailer.

The drive system on the re-designed model has been enhanced and features a solid direct drive from the gearbox over a PTO-style yolk. Inside, a stainless-steel hood protects against abrasive sands and delivers an improved flow of material. Available in four working widths ranging from 1.2m to 2.4m, there’s a Combinator to suit all sports surfaces including hybrid pitches, where an optional ‘hold down plate’ can be specified to protect hybrid fibres while scarification takes place.

Also on show at SALTEX for the first time will be the Deep Tine Aerator (DTA). As the name suggests, the DTA delivers intensive aeration, with larger models in the range working to depths of up to 400mm (16”). Unique to the GKB DTA is the tine mounting system – the tines fit into a ‘block’ rather than individual mountings. This allows for more tines per head and improves the speed and efficiency of switching between tines, whilst also reducing the wear imposed on parts when changing tines in more traditional ‘tine holder’ set-ups.

Alongside equipment for natural surfaces, the team will be on hand to discuss the range of machinery available for synthetic surface maintenance. Stand H051 will also showcase the GKB Quick-Brush, the Top Clean and the deeper-working, more invasive GKB Quick Clean.

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GKB bring the Sandspreader 400 to Coventry

GKB bring the Sandspreader 400 to Coventry: GKB Machines are known for their robust and reliable groundskeeping machines, and at the heart of their wide range of products fits the GKB Sandspreaders.

Thought of as the premier choice in the top dresser market, the SP series distributes different materials evenly over a field with precision and efficiency, and are available in a variety of sizes to suit the needs of sports grounds and courses.

GKB bring the Sandspreader 400 to Coventry

GKB bring the Sandspreader 400 to Coventry

The latest delivery saw the arrival of the SP400 – the largest Top Dresser in the GKB arsenal – to Lakeside Ground Maintenance in Coventry. Director of the Coventry firm, Gareth Fowler-Simons commented: “I was after a bigger spreader that was also suitable to travel on the road between sites. I’ve only heard good things about GKB, and with up to 95 per cent of the work we do being top dressing and renovations related, this really was the obvious choice for us.”

Being only the second SP400 to reach the UK – the first arrived in Scotland some months ago – it has naturally drawn a lot of attention among ground staff already. As effective sanding is crucial for the long-term preservation of sports fields, GKB expect these to be the first of many SP400s delivered to UK grounds and courses.

Tom Shinkins, GKB Machines UK Operations Director admitted: “The Sandspreader offers more than a traditional top dresser, giving workers the ability to control how much material gets spread and where, evenly with no fuss. We are delighted have an SP400 now in operation in England, and are sure that Lakeside Ground Maintenance will have many fantastic years using it.”

GKB bring the Sandspreader 400 to Coventry

GKB bring the Sandspreader 400 to Coventry

GKB Sandspreader main features:

  • Sturdy wheelbase for perfect stability and weight dispersion
  • Adjustable conveyor belt speed
  • Double hydraulically driven, precisely adjustable spreading discs
  • Road legal
  • Uniquely shaped bunker for good visibility and efficient sand discharge

The SP400 is available to order from your local GKB Machines dealer, find them online local via the GKB website now.

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GKB Machines teams up with BIGGA

GKB Machines teams up with BIGGA: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association has welcomed GKB Machines as its latest Educational Supporter.

GKB Machines was founded in 2015 and offers sustainable, reliable and robust maintenance machinery for natural, synthetic and hybrid turf. A part of the GKB Group, the family-owned company has a commitment to sustainability, which it backs up with the production of energy neutral machinery since the company began in 1946.

GKB Machines teams up with BIGGA

GKB Machines teams up with BIGGA

During a difficult 2020 for everyone, continuing professional development became more important than ever and BIGGA hosted significant opportunities for education for the greenkeeping industry through various online formats, including the Continue to Learn Extra webinars, National Regional Conference and, most recently, the Continue to Learn education programme that took place as an entirely-online event across two weeks during January.

These opportunities for BIGGA members to develop their professional skills and knowledge despite the ongoing coronavirus health crisis are made possible thanks to BIGGA’s Education Supporters and Partners.

BIGGA Head of Business Development Lauren Frazer said: “The efforts of the GKB Machines team mirror many of the priorities that BIGGA and its members are striving towards, with an emphasis upon sustainability and more efficient working practices and an awareness that the only way to achieve these aims is through education and a proactive broadening of knowledge. Our two organisations share significant synergy in these and many other ambitions and I am delighted that we are able to welcome GKB Machines on board as our latest Education Supporters.”

GKB Machines UK Sales Director and Operations Manager Tom Shinkins said: “It’s great to be able to support greenkeepers in this way and to give something back to the industry I came into as a 16-year-old apprentice.”

Head to the BIGGA website to find out more about GKB Machines and its commitment to sustainability and reliability.

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The Worker Is King: GKB Sandfiller

The Worker Is King: GKB Sandfiller: GKB Machines, the company behind sustainable, reliable and robust maintenance machinery for natural, synthetic and hybrid turf are offering the possibility to remove organic matter and sand-fill in just one simple and efficient operation, thanks to the GKB Sandfiller.

Understanding the primary target and aspiration of greenkeepers is to achieve perfection from tee to green, the GKB Sandfiller helps fulfil this aspiration. Combining scarifying and sand-filling in one hassle free operation, this impressive machine takes a 6-person job and allows this working method to be executed by one person. Scarifying and sand-filling in this way means the surface always remains stable and improves the drainage system.

The Worker Is King: GKB Sandfiller

The Worker Is King: GKB Sandfiller

From the foundations of the reliable and much-praised GKB Combinator, the GKB Sandfiller encompasses its robust and effectiveness to provide the ultimate renovation tool. The GKB Sandfiller features a slitting rotor which is provided with carbide scarifying blades, these blades and a unique paddle attachment create wind to lift the removed material off the surface. Offering different thicknesses of 2, 3 and 4mm blades depending on the amount of organic matter that is needing to be removed and sand to be injected. The 1.2 metre working width of the machine allows jobs to be carried out quickly and efficiently with sand being injected every 4cms’ by the sand coulters.

The scarifying blades allow the removal of organic matter up to a depth of 4cm and the sideways-tipping hopper enables the immediate removal of the scarified material. Consequently, there’s no need to remove excess material from the surface. Once the hopper has been emptied, simply refill the separate sand hopper with drainage sand.

For more on GKB Machines and their reliable and robust range of machinery for natural, hybrid and synthetic turf, please visit www.gkbmachines.com or contact Tom Shinkins on 07495 883617 to enquire about the GKB Sandfiller to help give you the best playing surfaces possible.

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GKB Infiller creates a presence

GKB Infiller creates a presence: Defined as fast, efficient and professional, Sports Surface Solutions UK are the first in the UK to have a GKB Infiller and are still impressed with the robust machine 6 months on. 

Tom Shinkins, Operations Manager at GKB, said “This is a product we have been developing over a number of years with our own contracting side and other experienced contractors in the Netherlands.” He continues, “It is great to be able to bring a product to the UK market in this way.”

GKB Infiller creates a presence

GKB Infiller creates a presence

Installing pitches for over 25 years and always pushing for the latest innovations in both turf maintenance and technologies, the GKB Infiller was the only choice to match market leaders to the most reliable synthetic turf maintenance machine.

Sports Surface Solutions UK praised the well-built machine for its versatility. Nick Wells, Managing Director, said “The GKB Infiller can be used to apply multiple different types of infill material.” Thanks to GKB’s impressive innovation, this machine has the ability to efficiently apply several types of infill material like sand, SBR rubber, TPE rubber and cork in two directions. Nick went on to add, “These features really stood out to me, It’s a natural infill machine.”

A unique feature of this machine is that the driver’s seat is rotatable. This allows you to fill the carpet full of sand before driving over it.

Every project that is completed is always on time and to specification. Sports Surface Solutions UK pride themselves on installing a performance critical surface, with the highest level of workmanship, Nick stated that the GKB Infiller will be used to infill synthetic pitches that they install.

To determine how much infill material is distributed, the precision control valve can be set from 0 to 100mm. Not only this but it is manually adjustable as well as hydraulically operated.

Thanks to the flap in the front of the bunker, which can be opened from 0 to 100mm, you have the possibility to regulate the amount of sand that is distributed. All whilst there are specially designed agitators in the bunker to break up rubber crumb infill and guarantee an even spreading pattern.

“The ease of operation and speed in which this allows pitches to be infilled with sand and other infill products is very specialised,” Tom added.

Also provided with aluminium extensions to enlarge the bunker capacity of the bunker mounted on top of the chassis. The bunker is increased by these extensions from 1.06m3 to 3m3.

Nick Wells praised GKB Machines on the customer service received. He said, “One thing I really value in the GKB brand is that they are true specialists in machinery.” Engaged with the development of innovative maintenance machines for sports pitches since 1985, GKB Machines continues to strive to develop the very best machines.

Having worked with GKB Machines predecessor the only choice for Nick was a GKB engineered machine when production started.

Every GKB Machine must satisfy the high-quality requirements that they impose. A sustainable, reliable and robust machine is the foundation for your operation.

GKB Machines place a high value on the final user of the machine and Sports Surface Solutions UK have the most comprehensive machinery in the UK. The GKB Infiller was the perfect match, encompassing sturdiness with effortless ground management.

Sports Surface Solutions UK do not sub-contract any aspect of their work to ensure a one stop contractor for all your specialist surface needs.

For more on GKB Machines and their reliable and robust range of machinery for natural, hybrid and synthetic turf, please visit www.gkbmachines.com or contact Tom Shinkins on 07495 883617 to enquire about booking a demo of the GKB Infiller.

To find out more about Sports Surface Solutions UK please visit www.sportssurfacesolutions.com

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