Tag Archive for: GKB

GKB has machines for all seasons

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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