Top-dressed for success
New to the UK greenkeeping and sports turf world this spring is the TurfEx range of professional topdressers and spreaders. Developed to meet the challenging requirements of the US market, TurfEx products are in daily use at prestigious locations throughout the States, such as golf courses, football stadiums and baseball arenas.
At the top of the highly acclaimed TurfEx range is the MS4500 topdresser. Featuring polyethylene construction, fully electric operation and precision spreading ability, this trailer-mounted unit is unlike any other topdresser on the market. It has the ability to spread standard topdressing sand for golf courses, rubber crumb for synthetic turfs and a variety of other bulk materials including compost and soil conditioners.
The MS4500 boasts a large 1070 litre heavy-duty polyethylene hopper, which eliminates the corrosion and maintenance concerns associated with similar steel built models, while also making the unit up to 40-percent lighter. What's more, it features large flotation tyres and exerts only 18 psi when fully loaded, allowing safe operation on delicate surfaces such as golf greens. The lightweight construction also lessens fuel consumption for the towing vehicle.
Another feature unique to the MS4500 is that it's a completely electric-powered unit - meaning no hydraulic systems or petrol engines. This eliminates the possibility of hydraulic fluid leaks that can burn valuable grasses and greens. It also means a quieter operation than petrol engine or hydraulic powered models, and further reduces weight, maintenance requirements and fuel consumption.
The MS4500 offers precision spreading ability, making it ideal for lighter, more frequent applications. This saves material and also works well with new techniques such as verticutting, an alternative to traditional, time-consuming turf aeration practices. The unit includes an 18-inch / 450mm steel spinner that can be angled down to accurately direct material spreading. Additionally, an electronically controlled flow gate and advanced dual-variable speed controller with digital readout further ensure precise material feed and spread pattern.
Another innovation to limit material waste is the way the MS4500 engages its components in a controlled pattern. When the machine is activated, the spinner engages first, followed by the flow gate and lastly the auger. This ensures the spinner is clear and spinning before receiving material, eliminating piles from forming onto the turf. When powering down, the components disengage in the opposite order - with the spinner stopping last - to eliminate the same problem.
The hopper includes the patented TurfEx baffle material flow system and is equipped with an auger for feed and control of heavier bulk materials. A standard vibrator breaks up clumping and further enhances consistent material flow.
One of the big plus points of using the TurfEx system is its mechanical simplicity, and subsequent low running costs. Where other topdressers use hydraulic drives or onboard engines, TurfEx's unique 12v direct-drive power system needs no fuel or hydraulic oil, has no drive belts to break or gears to wear out, no exposed bearings and none of the traditional maintenance issues associated with traditional machines. TurfEx running costs are far lower thanks to a much simpler drive system which loses nothing in performance and gains everything in cost-efficiencies and time-savings.
Other standard features include an integrated trailer, clear/fitted hopper cover and top screen. The unit is also covered by a two-year limited warranty.
In addition to the MS4500, TurfEx offers two other topdressers, the MS1875 and MS2000. Designed to mount on tractors or utility vehicles, the units are equipped with an auger for feed and control of bulk material, including compost, pelletized lime, topdressing, and other granular products. The MS1875 offers a 250 litre capacity hopper with a 3-point hitch mount, while the MS2000 has a 310 litre capacity hopper and mounts to the bed of utility vehicles.
For more information on the TurfEx range, contact UK distributors, Broadwood International, on 01420 478111 or email info@broadwoodintl.co.uk
Broadwood International
Trading Estate
Oakhanger Road
Bordon
Hampshire GU35 9HH
T 01420 478111
F 01420 483000
W www.broadwoodintl.co.uk
E info@broadwodintl.co.uk