SynergyProducts Ltd
Seend Row House
Seend
Melksham
Wilshire
SN12 6PR
United Kingdom
+44 (0)1380 828337
© Synergy Products Ltd 2005

HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR GROUNDSMAN

1. GROUNDSMAN Turf Aerators are capable of switching tine combinations to perform a wide range of aeration tasks with the minimum of effort to change over. This can be achieved because the elliptical plunge action mechanism is designed to work with-out turf retainer rails. Any tine combination and spacing can be used unrestricted, without fear of tine and turf rail collision, especially during close pattern needle tining, (even if a tine gets bent). For example, it is possible to switch effortlessly from major hollow coring with Twin or Triple holders to needle tining with Quad or Quint holders using the spigot clamp quick change holder system. It is important that some basic guide lines are followed in order to perform each aeration task without surface damage. Study the operators manual carefully.

2. Generally speaking, the machine should sit level front-to-back as well as right-to-left when in the lowered 'in work' position. (Applicable to tractor mounting only).

3. The aeration mechanism drive is efficient and therefore the gearing is high. A lower engine RPM is required. Generally 1700 is comfortable for the operator and will allow the machine to perform a clean job with little surface disruption. If rooting is shallow and prone to disturbance, the RPM can be dropped as low as 1500 and gradually increased as the aeration program takes effect and the root zone improves. (Applicable to tractor mounting only).

4. Forward speed is all important. In most cases, first time operators tend to travel forward too slowly. The mechanism is synchronized to a forward speed which produces a tine plunge every 75mm (3"). To establish the forward speed, which will achieve this, fit the machine with TWIN tine holders and working off the green, through trial and error, establish the correct gear. In the case of hydrostatic drives, the pedal depression. A feel for the correct forward speed will soon become apparent. Once the correct forward speed has been established, it should not be altered. Closer hole patterns can then be achieved by the use of multiple tine holders. Pedestrian models 345 and 460 machines have a fixed forward speed synchronized drive, the model 460SDR is synchronized when the selector lever is set to wide pattern.

5. For maximum penetration in heavily compacted conditions use twin tine holders and avoid thick heavy tines such as a 5/8" solids, I \12" chisels or jumbo hollows. See the GROUNDSMAN tine and holder catalogue for further information.

6. If rooting is shallow then lifting of the turf may occur with the closer patterns. Dense (close) aeration patterns are achieved by using tine holders with more tines fitted ie. quads, quints or clusters. To overcome any turf lift, drop back in density ie: if lifting occurs with quint holders change them to quad, triple or twin depending on the severity of the problem. Once the starting point has been established for given conditions, on-going programmes of aeration will rapidly result in deeper rooting, where-by the denser patterns can then be achieved. This process will be accelerated, if the aeration programme is continued throughout the growing season, especially when fertilizers are being applied. A turf retainer attachment is available but should only be necessary in extreme conditions due to the minimal lift characteristics of the Groundsman elliptical plunge action mechanism.

7. Tips to improve the root zone through aeration.

(a) Intensify the aeration programme on areas which are prone to lifting, dry patch etc., to encourage deeper rooting.

(b) Choose the correct tine and holder combination. Find your starting point by dropping back the hole pattern density , using fewer tine combination holders and by increasing the forward speed not the engine speed.

(c) Summer aeration is vital (during the growing season). Time your aeration for maximum effect. eg. always needle tine before the application of fertilizers etc.

(d) Generally speaking, tapered tines withdraw from the ground with less pull or suction than parallel tines. Consult the GROUNDSMAN Tine and Holder catalogue for guidance.

(e) For help or advice contact your dealer or GROUNDSMAN INDUSTRIES direct.