No more shovels for Wickham

No more shovels for Wickham

By Sue Meeken

Any groundsman who thinks top-dressing is tiresome should talk to Tony McLure, Head Greenkeeper at Whickham Golf Club in Northumberland. Since the Club bought a Dakota 410 Top Dresser nine months ago, the task has become a delight.

Previously, it took five staff 40 hours using shovels and brushes. Now it is a one-man operation taking just 2-4 hours.

"It used to be such an arduous job that we only top-dressed twice a year," recalls Tony. "It was difficult to maintain an even depth with shovels. But with the Dakota 410, we now top-dress every fortnight with perfect results every time."

The Dakota top dresser, distributed by Campey Turf Care Systems was supplied to Whickham GC via their dealer in the North East, Greenlay Grass Machinery Ltd. The Dakotas feature a dual spinner discharge system that ensures an even distribution, particularly appreciated at the club. "It gives us a precise result with a uniform finish guaranteed, even in rain when the dressing is damp," enthuses Tony.

The Dakota 410 has a 0.65m³ capacity hopper and can spread over areas up to 9m wide. For ease of use, the controls that precisely set the speed, pattern and volume of material applied are located next to the operator, and turf tyres are fitted as standard.

"Everyone at Whickham Golf Club is delighted," says Tony McLure. "The greens are looking better now than they ever have, and the Dakota's efficiency means that staff are freed up for other essential maintenance tasks."

The Dakota 410 is from a range of purpose-designed units from Campeys that are available in trailed or vehicle-mounted versions. The versatile machines enable turf professionals to move materials to site, top-dress, spread fertiliser, sow grass seed and even fill bunkers.