Tag Archive for: past

Verti-Drain® proves past, present and future

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Verti-Drain® proves past, present and future: While much has changed in the fine turf industry over the last 40 years, one thing that has remained a constant for greenkeeper Trevor Dennis is the presence of a Verti-Drain®.

As an early adopter of the technology in his position at Kings Lynn Golf Club in 1986, the original aerator has played a major role at all of Trevor’s clubs – including Heacham Manor Golf Club in Norfolk where, on his retirement, he hands over not only the Head Greenkeeper baton, but a pair of Redexim Verti-Drain’s.

Verti-Drain® proves past, present and future

Verti-Drain® proves past, present and future

Trevor was one of the first to see the Verti-Drain® used in a golf course environment during his apprenticeship training in 1986 and, impressed by the benefits, convinced his club at the time to invest. “I had to explain the technique and what this would do for course condition… Comparing it to an agricultural plough was the only way to get the committee of farmers to understand! I have only used a Redexim Verti-Drain® since and have complete faith in it” he explains.

Inheriting two Verti-Drain’s, including a 1513 and Redexim Carrier delivered just a few weeks ago by local dealer Ben Burgess, is Tom Brooks who became Heacham’s new Head Greenkeeper in October 2023. An American Links-style course, Heacham Manor features 18 USGA specification greens which was the reason for the club’s most recent purchase. “We have a Verti-Drain 7416 and wanted to complement this with something light enough for work on the greens throughout the winter months” explains Tom. “Our new Carrier and Verti-Drain® will give us enough depth and versatility to alleviate any compaction on the greens without applying any unnecessary weight, all while freeing the tractor up for other maintenance tasks.”

Tom continues, “Verti-draining is central to what we do and now we have two machines, the 7416 can focus on the fairways and walk-off areas while the Carrier and 1513 combination promises to deliver effective relief on the greens – particularly in this very wet start to the winter.” Lightweight and robust, the Redexim Carrier utilises a 31hp engine and hydrostatic transmission to power a range of high output implements while exerting minimal ground pressure.

Along with offering year-round versatility thanks to a range of tine options, the pair also work well alongside other maintenance machines – in particular, Tom notes their Rink DS800 topdresser. “We’ll be looking to use the Carrier and 1513 as part of spring and autumn green renovations, following with the Rink to effectively incorporate accurate amounts of sand dressing into the profile.” He concludes, “The results and reliability we get from Redexim has served us well in the past and will continue to do so long into the future.”

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INFINICUT® preserves past and secures future

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INFINICUT® preserves past and secures future: With one eye on preserving the past and the other on ensuring the site remains fit for the future, Crathes Castle – part of the National Trust for Scotland collection – have invested in a battery-powered cylinder mower from INFINICUT®.

Utilising funding from the National Trust, the venue took delivery of a 22” INFINICUT® FX last September for the sustainable management of gardens and lawned areas – in a way that brings benefit to the venue and visitors alike.

INFINICUT® preserves past and secures future

INFINICUT® preserves past and secures future

For the last five years, James Hannaford has been the Head Gardener at Crathes Castle – a 16th century castle nestled amongst over 520 acres of ornamental gardens, lawns and woodland near Banchory in Aberdeenshire. “Like a lot of places, we’re reviewing our practices to reflect the changing times and switching to more electric machinery to be cleaner and kinder to the environment” explains James. “We looked at the options available and first of all were amazed at how far the technology has come in the few years since we first looked at electric mowers. What stood out for us with the INFINICUT® was the ease of use, the versatility and the quality of cut.”

James and the team purchased the FX22 with two SMARTCut™ cassettes – the 7-blade cylinder for lawned areas and 11-blade option for a finer cut on the sites croquet lawn. “The finish is excellent and noise has been almost completely eliminated, which is better for our environment and the thousands of visitors we get through the gardens every year. Visitor enjoyment is critical to the success of our venues.”

“We can also control the mower via Bluetooth and an app on your phone, so settings can be changed and saved for things like the traction and brake speed.” He adds, “You can also store different set-ups for different weather conditions, for example wet and dry configurations.”

James says that the utilisation of the INFINICUT® has peaked public interest in the more sustainable solutions to turf management. “People are genuinely interested in it when we’re out using it, and discussing it only makes them more environmentally aware. With this investment we are improving quality of presentation and visitor experience, while reducing our petrol costs and environmental impact. It’s a win win situation!”

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