Tag Archive for: Overseeding

Combiseeder brings convenience to overseeding operations

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Combiseeder brings convenience to overseeding operations: The purchase of a Combiseeder from GKB Machines has brought new convenience and efficiency to the overseeding operations at Hertfordshire’s Letchworth Golf Club.

Previously hiring a seeder, the combination of high traffic, poor weather and ongoing construction projects around the 18-hole course has seen an increase in the need for both routine and recovery seeding, which Course Manager Rob Groves explains can now be carried out as frequently and intensively as required.

Combiseeder brings convenience to overseeding operations

Combiseeder brings convenience to overseeding operations

Rob took over as Course Manager at the parkland course in May 2022 and is assisted on the regular maintenance and larger renovation projects by a team of four full-time staff and one part-time greenkeeper. “We’ve conducted a number of bunker renovations, as well as installing a new irrigation system, which have all involved using heavy machinery on and around the greens” he explains. “We’ve previously hired a seeder which is not only expensive but means you are restricted as to when you are able to get it – often not at the right time! With areas to recover, along with combating general wear and tear the time was right to invest in our own seeder.”

The club opted for the CS120 from the GKB Combiseeder range, featuring the tried and trusted combination of two spiked rollers and two adjustable brushes to deliver and encase the seed for optimal germination. Delivered by dealers Ernest Doe on a wet Thursday in March 2024, it was out the following Monday and the next three consecutive days, delivering seed into the surfaces as part of the club’s renovation week.

“I’d used the Combiseeder at my previous club and was always impressed by how simple it is to operate and adjust, meaning we can overseed the greens with finer, smaller seed as well as use it on other areas around the course.” Rob continues, “We have grass covered driving tees, for example, which would need divoting and seeding by hand at least once a week. We can now do the whole area in one pass with the Combiseeder saving valuable labour hours. We also plan to use it on the greens, without seed, as a sarel roller as it’s got the right weight to give us some good aeration in the top of the profile without being too aggressive.”

“It’s already proven to be a great investment and, despite the weather, we saw good strike from our March operations.” He adds, “When you factor in the opportunities and benefits of conducting overseeding more frequently, together with the savings on hire and labour, the Combiseeder will pay for itself in no time.”

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Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

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Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding: The versatile SISIS Variseeder 1300 has been key to overseeding without disruption according to Simon Marshall, Head Greenkeeper at Wishaw Golf Club.

Simon has been working at the golf club in the West Midlands for an impressive 26 years. It could, however, have been a vastly different story as rather interestingly, he used to be a candle maker and delivered them to churches all over the country. As a keen golfer, and already a member of Wishaw Golf Club, there was only one job he wanted.

Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

“I have been a member at Wishaw since the age of 27 and I was so keen to get into greenkeeping that I spent the first summer helping out around the course, raking bunkers, cutting tees, and slowly learning the business.”

His willingness and work ethic were rewarded when he was offered a full-time role at the 18-hole parkland course. Simon is now the Head Greenkeeper, and even though he admits that there is still a lot of work to do, the course is progressing nicely.

He explained that one such improvement was to start to incorporate more bent grass into the greens and to do this they needed to look at new equipment.

“Our aim is to try and get as much bent grass into the greens as possible and we thought that we could really do with a seeder,” he said. “The first one we tried was a slit seeder but it just caused too much disruption. It was at this point that our attentions turned to the SISIS Variseeder.

“I spoke to a few other greenkeepers from other courses, and they all recommended the Variseeder – it just seemed a no-brainer.”

The SISIS Variseeder is a versatile easy to use tractor mounted seeder with a variable seeding rate ideal for golf course maintenance and for use on lawns and amenity areas. It has a fast work rate, is low maintenance with few wearing parts and enables overseeding to be undertaken without taking ground out of play. Complete with a studded roller, the Variseeder prepares the seedbed by creating thousands of little “plant pots” to receive the seed without linear grooves that can disturb play.

Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

Versatile Variseeder key to overseeding

“I like the fact that the Variseeder is light and very easy to use,” said Simon. “We are quite a wet course in the winter and our tees experience a lot of wear. Therefore, the lighter the machine the better and the Variseeder is brilliant in that respect.

“Its versatility is its best feature. We overseed with it three times a year on the greens, overseed on the tees as much as we can, and the surrounds too. I also like how you can use it with different types of seed. If you can buy one machine that can do multiple jobs, then it is a bonus in my opinion.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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Redexim range delivers versatility for overseeding

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Redexim range delivers versatility for overseeding: The provision of favourable germination and establishment conditions are essential to the success of any overseeding operation.

Seeds will differ in terms of the amount of light, moisture and temperature required which will therefore determine the time and the method in which it should be delivered. The Redexim range of overseeders encapsulate a variety of working widths, hopper capacities and delivery methods – all of which are fully adjustable to suit a variety of different seeds.

Redexim range delivers versatility for overseeding

Redexim range delivers versatility for overseeding

The Redexim Speed-Seed range delivers seed into pockets generated by a spiked sarel roller. This  creates 990 holes per m2, with the seeds swept in via a rear-mounted brush. The recently re-modelled range features a new variable seed rate calibration system – which makes ratio adjustments simple and accurate, while a new mixing bar and individual seeding elements ensure good, even distribution and less wastage. Available in four width options – ranging from 1.1m up to 2.3m – the Speed-Seed is ideal for fine turf and quick delivery across larger areas where drill lines need to be avoided.

For improved seed to soil contact, or in situations where high germination rates are the priority, disc seeders could be considered. The Overseeder 3D collection features discs spaced at 75mm which create a groove in which to accurately deposit the seed at depths of up to 30mm, before the roller seals the ground to protect the seed from the elements and/or the beaks of hungry birds. Thanks to its individually mounted coulters, the Overseeder 3D takes undulating ground easily in its stride, making it a great choice for golf – with a dedicated 3D 1575 lightweight version further suiting fine turf applications. In addition to the 1.5m working width of the 1575 model, a 1.2m and larger 2.0m width are also available.

Also in the disc seeder category, the Redexim Double Disc series contains three machines, the 1430A, 1830A and 2230A, offering working widths of 1.4m, 1.8m and 2.2m respectively. The concept of the Double Disc range is to deliver seed into the soil via two rows of discs, in slits 3cm apart and to a maximum depth of up to 20mm, to ensure maximum germination. A massive 230 litre hopper capacity completes the specification. The whole Double Disc range comes complete with 3-point linkage as standard, but a trailed wheel kit is available as an option.

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Overseeding transformed for Kelso GC

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Overseeding transformed for Kelso GC: A BLEC Multi-Seeder has improved both the speed and accuracy of overseeding at Scotland’s Kelso Golf Club.

With just Head Greenkeeper James Balmbro and an apprentice to maintain the 18-hole parkland course, the Multi-Seeder has improved the efficiency of their greens seeding programme, with a noticeable improvement in results.

Overseeding transformed for Kelso GC

Overseeding transformed for Kelso GC

Situated within the confines of Kelso racecourse in the Scottish Borders, overseeding is traditionally carried out twice a year across all of the club’s 18 greens. “Our manpower and available budget mean we focus on overseeding following both the spring and autumn renovation season” explains James, who has been at Kelso GC for five years. “Previously, we would simply broadcast seed by hand, or with a spreader, so it was important for us to find a way of making the process and end result more effective, to deliver the results we wanted to achieve.”

The BLEC Multi-Seeder features two, spiked ring rollers to saturate fine turf and amenity type areas with up to 1500 holes per square metre, ready to accept the seed. Re-engineered under the guidance of Redexim, it features a new seed ratio and seed feed system that offers the user incredibly accurate distribution for all seed types. “We’ve used some ultra-fine dwarf ryegrass in the latest operation, but have also had bent and fescue seed running through the Multi-Seeder without a problem. Within just 7-10 days, you can see the seed germinating from the dimple holes – the difference in the uptake we’ve achieved has been massive.”

“It’s a fantastic piece of kit that’s super easy to set up and adjust; so user-friendly in fact I’ve had our apprentice out there using it and he loves it! For us as a small greens team, operations all come down to time so the fact we can attach the unit straight to the tractor’s 3-point linkage and go, is great. We can get all of the greens done in one day with the Multi-Seeder and all without causing any disruption to the surface.”

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