EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

EARTH & TURF 415-SP TOPDRESSER Topdressing athletic fields is key to managing soil health for green , consistent grass . Rough games tear up turfgrass and require soil repair to keep the surface consistent . When fields are topdressed properly , it helps athletes to avoid foot and ankle injuries , rainfall will absorb quicker to avoid puddles , and grass will come in with fuller consistency . Earth & Turf ’ s 415-SP topdresser provides a quick , ride-on option for maintenance crews to touch up fields without bringing out large equipment , yet it is fast enough to keep up with large machines for full renovation . The Quadrasteer system means operators can quickly maneuver at the end of the field instead of taking wide , sweeping turns , backing up , etc . Compact design makes the machine quick for small areas and ideal when on sidewalks , beside tracks , on trailers and into storage .

GKB TOPDROP The GKB TopDrop , a pull behind material spreader available from STEC , can spread material as thick as needed by simply adjusting the rear gate and brush speed . It can cover anywhere from 54 to 78 inches wide , depending on the model . TopDrops have capacities from 1.3 cubic yards to 4.3 cubic yards . The GKB TopDrop is a tow-behind , hydraulically driven , material delivering workhorse that puts the material exactly where you want it .

JOHN DEERE TD100 TOPDRESSER Designed for the John Deere ProGator heavy-duty utility vehicles , the TD100 topdresser offers enhanced capabilities for applications on athletic fields and other areas where topdressing is needed . The TD100 boasts a capacity of 12 cubic feet level-full or 19 cubic feet heaped , a rated capacity of 1,500 lbs ., and is made of steel to reduce corrosion and supported by steel members to increase strength . The hopper is engineered to resist corrosion . It is reinforced by robust steel members for strength and stability . The TD100 ’ s fixed-speed , nylon / polyester cord , endless conveyor belt transports material under the metering gate , guided by a rotating brush for even distribution . With a full-width metering gate opening , easily adjustable from zero to three inches , the operator has precise control over the desired application depth . The two-lever system makes adjusting the gate height and securing it in position easier for the operator .

REDEXIM RINK DS 1600 The Rink DS 1600 is a new topdresser in the Redexim line . The capacity of the Rink DS 1600 is 2.4 cubic yards heaped ( see Rink DS 3100 for 4-cubic-yard capacity ). The added capacity allows the operator to be more productive . Four balloon tires allow for a very light footprint . The Rink DS 1600 is equipped with dual spinners with a spread pattern variable up to 40 feet . The operation of the belt speed and spinner speed can be changed from the seat of the tractor by way of a new electric control system . The release gate automatically closes when the belt is stopped to prevent any unnecessary spillage . The spinner discs have been designed to handle wet or dry material . The fins on the discs can also be modified to a specific spread . This unit comes with pivoting axles to follow surface undulations . SFM

32 SportsField Management | December 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com