The first Verti-Drain deep aerator was introduced in the UK 25 years ago and to help commemorate the occasion, distributors Charterhouse Turf Machinery are launching a special celebration. As part of this, the search is on to find the oldest working Verti-Drain.
“The Verti-Drain machines can penetrate soil to unrivalled depths, a feature that we hope our customers never take for granted,” says Charterhouse’s managing director, Philip Threadgold. “This 25th anniversary initiative will make users look at and appreciate their machines more closely, and when they see how long they have lasted, they will realise the build quality. We always suggest customers examine entire life-time costs not just the new price.”
Turf professionals who believe they may have the UK’s oldest Verti-Drain should contact the company with a photograph, brief history and serial number. Once the oldest working model is established, the owner will be offered the chance to swap their old machine for a brand new replacement – Charterhouse are swapping old for new !
The Verti-Drain revolutionised turf care, not only by digging deeper, but also by its manner of operation. The tines ‘heave’ the soil as they leave the ground, shattering deep-rooted compaction. This creates extra pore and air space, encouraging drainage, healthy grass growth and beneficial microbial activity.
Over the past quarter century, a complete range of Verti-Drains have been developed for turf professionals managing all kinds of facilities, including pedestrian and tractor-towed versions. Recent introductions include the monster 2.6m-wide 7626 machine and the 7007 Hydro ride-on unit.
Some turf industry commentators believe that the introduction of the Verti-Drain has been the single most significant advance in turf maintenance machinery history, helping to keep playing surfaces in better condition throughout the world.
But Charterhouse Turf Machinery is also looking to the future – the next twenty-five years, perhaps – by launching an initiative that enables Verti-Drain users to achieve even longer-lasting benefits from their deep aeration machines.
The company is teaming up with the Doncaster-based Integrated Growing Solutions & Technology (IGST) consultancy to offer grounds professionals a genuinely holistic approach to turf management, using ‘green’, eco-friendly methods. Special equipment attached to Verti-Drains will dispense carefully selected treatments deep into the holes created by the aeration tines.
The applications will be tailored to the specific requirements of the soil, following a soil sample analysis, in order to restore a healthy balance. By being injected directly into the rootzone, the solution will have maximum effect on the soil around the grass roots.
“Our Verti-Drain machines are renowned for their ability to aerate more deeply than others on the market, down to as far as 16in (40cm),” says Philip Threadgold. “Their unique ‘heave’ action breaks up compacted ground and lets air into the rootzone. This helps the aerobic bacteria to flourish, rejuvenating the soil.
“In tandem with IGST, we can now go even further, prolonging the benefits. By combining the aeration treatment with the simultaneous application of nutrients, trace elements and other substances vital for healthy growth, turf professionals can maximise the life expectancy of renovation.”
To achieve soil and plant harmony Charterhouse, in conjunction with IGST, has developed a clever injection system, the Bios Injector. This is mounted directly on the Verti-Drain and carefully applies the exact quantity of solution, the bio-stimulant, regardless of the forward speed of the Verti-Drain.
The Bios injector is available from Charterhouse Turf Machinery and its network of nationwide, professional dealers; the Bios Injector will prolong the effectiveness of the Verti-Drain technique, an already unrivalled method of deep tine aeration.
Charterhouse Turf Machinery www.charterhouseturfmachinery.co.uk
Twenty-five years of the Verti-Drain
