Magazine - New Deep Aerator Aids Preparation for Centenary Celebrations at Basingstoke GC

By Peter Driver in Industry on 19th Feb 2007 11:35

New Deep Aerator Aids Preparation for Centenary Celebrations at Basingstoke GC
Colin Hutt, Head Greenkeeper at Basingstoke Golf Club, has purchased a Wiedenmann Terra Spike XF160 to help improve drainage and relieve compaction at the 100-year old club.

The new machine, which will be used extensively on greens, tees, fairways and approaches, will assist the greenkeeping team in their preparation for the Club's centenary celebrations later this year.

Colin joined Basingstoke in March 2005 and heads a team of seven, and says, "The course is a challenging 6,343 yards and was designed by James Braid. We want the course in immaculate condition for our planned celebrations and deep aeration will help improve the rootzone. By encouraging deeper rooting plants, the grass will be more capable of surviving drought conditions which we are experiencing more often."

"We looked at what was out there on the market and I also took soundings from colleagues around the area. We chose the Wiedenmann after a demonstration by our local dealer, TH White, and it really impressed.

The XF is a universal machine, very solidly built and we can use it all around the course. The speed is excellent and during a wet demo it left a particularly clean finish. Our machine has the optional hydraulic depth control fitted which enables us to adjust the depth from the tractor cab as the soil conditions dictate. That's a real advantage and it was a feature that no competitor machine has. Operator comfort is superb and the ease of operation is very good, especially beneficial for the younger staff."

Read more articles in Industry, by Peter Driver or from February 2007.