Hollow coring is one of the most important procedures for rejuvenating turf surfaces. By removing this plugs of soil from the ground thatch is removed, compaction is relieved and drainage improved.
Clearing away the cores left on the surface has, however, always had to be done by hand. Not any more, thanks to the new Core Collectors launched earlier today by Charterhouse Turf Machinery.
Speaking at Old Thorns Golf Club in Hampshire, UK, David Jenkins, managing director of Charterhouse Turf Machinery, described core collection as “one of the last jobs on the golf course to be automated.” Members of the press witnessed demonstrations of the new CC2000 tractor-mounted and CC3000 walk-behind core collectors which are capable of achieving a 100% clearance rate as well as speeding up what has previously been a lengthy, labour-intensive task.
The CC2000 can be fitted to tractors of 20 hp or more and is hydraulically driven. It attaches to the tractor’s three-point linkage allowing the collected material to be tipped into a trailer for removal. The CC3000 is powered by a 5.5 hp Kubota engine and has hydrostatic drive for infinitely variable forward and reverse speeds.
The CC2000 and CC3000 share key features that set them apart from other machines. Both incorporate a specially designed ‘floating’ rotary impeller collection head that adjusts itself automatically to suit the prevailing ground conditions and does away with lengthy set-up procedures. The impeller throws the cores into the collection hopper at such speed that they shatter, meaning that no space is wasted and that the maximum volume of material is gathered before emptying is required. The hopper lifts hydraulically to a tipper height of 800 mm. (31 inches).
The two machines feature low ground pressure turf tyres to avoid damaging vulnerable surfaces. Wide, front-mounted swage boards are also fitted to direct cores into the unit’s path, again maximising efficiency. Both models are designed for simple, one-man operation.
Charterhouse Turf Machinery www.redexim.com