Beverley Racecourse rates Toro Procore SR75-s Aerator

The Toro ProCore SR75-S has gained an army of fans since it was launched in 2010. And it's now found a new follower in the form of John Morley, head groundsman at Beverley Racecourse.

The SR75-S is part of the Toro ProCore SR range of tractor-mounted, deep-tine aerators, which boast effective aeration up to depths of 40cm. Ideal for alleviating the compaction common to racecourses, John was particularly pleased with the SR75-S model's efficiency.

"We chose the Toro aerator over the competitor brands for its high work-rate," he reveals. "We operate a busy calendar, and have only up to 10 days or two weeks at the most between fixtures, so it's important we aerate quickly and effectively during these short renovation windows. We expect to use it six to seven times a year."

John has previously used contractors to look after the East Yorkshire-based racecourse's aeration demands. But, with a one-mile-three-furlong flat-racing track to maintain, John felt that investing in the SR75-S was a more cost-effective solution. "I couldn't always get the contractor in when I wanted," he adds, "so, in the long run, it was better for us to invest in our own machine."

After using the Toro ProCore 648 pedestrian aerator in his previous job, John was keen for Beverley Racecourse to benefit from the Toro range. "Having used the 648 while at York Racecourse, I knew Toro machines to be strong, robust and reliable. I also have a great relationship with my local dealer K&M Mowers, which allowed for a smooth sale and after-sales service."

And the purchase is definitely paying off. "Since it was delivered, we've aerated the course once already and I'm pleased to say it takes just 15 hours to do the whole track. It's certainly opened up the soil profile and improved the agronomy. Overall, the course is in great nick and I'm very pleased with the machine."

Toro Commercial products are distributed throughout mainland UK by Lely (UK) Limited, 1 Station Road, St Neots PE19 1QH. Call 01480 226800, email toro.info.uk@lely.com or visit www.toro.com/www.lely.com for further details.

Picture :- Beverley Racecourse's John Morley, centre, with, from left, Lely's Nigel Lovatt and Mark Willerton from dealer K&M Mowers.