A SISIS Veemo tractor mounted heavy duty de-thatcher and SISIS Multislit tractor mounted deep slitting aerator are helping Clemson University in South Carolina, USA keep on top of its grounds and turf maintenance schedules following head groundsman Ernest Echols’ decision to purchase the machines in late 2013.
One of the country’s most selective public research universities, Clemson University was founded in 1889. The college campus sits on 1,400 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the shores of Hartwell Lake. With over 50 sports clubs operating, it is vitally important that sports surfaces are always kept in peak condition.
“The pitches work hard all-year-round so compaction along with thatch can be serious issues if it is not dealt with in the proper manner," commented Ernest. “After an extensive search for the correct machinery to carry out these key tasks, we spoke to Ian Camp from C.S. Trading who recommended the SISIS Veemo and Multislit. We received a demonstration, and were so impressed that we decided to purchase both pieces of kit.”
Thatch accumulation is one of the most common turf related problems experienced by today's turf managers. Because of the ever-increasing demands placed on sports facilities throughout the year, effective management is essential. De-thatching is important to encourage germination and the Veemo allows Ernest to verticut the university’s sportsfields, whilst removing the thatch build-up in an efficient, timely manner.
The Veemo has three floating heads independent from the main frame which move in all degrees of motion and follow any undulations of the ground on a fairway without any danger of damaging the turf, whilst the tungsten tipped hook blades with variable spacing cut effectively through the thatch layer. Depth of cut is infinitely variable by means of a micro-adjuster on each unit.
Fitted with a direct drive to tine shaft via hydraulic motors mounted on the de-thatching units is something that has been a major plus to Ernest. “The performance and power from this machine has been superb.”
The SISIS Multislit is a tractor mounted deep slitting aerator which is suitable for the maintenance of soccer, rugby, cricket pitches and golf courses. The slitter, featuring 40 sharpened fine turf tines, can be used on a compact tractor, minimising the overall weight on the surface.
The Multislit produces excellent underground cultivation due to the angle of the tines. The spiral design of tine shaft assist penetration and its simple design requires little maintenance.
“The ease of operation and the end result achieved are the best features of the Multislit. The grounds maintenance crew like using both machines because of the results you get from them. Using them has become part of our maintenance schedule.
“SISIS manufacture turf maintenance machines that are not luxury items, but necessities,” said Ernest.
For further SISIS product information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact CS Trading on (864) 843 5972 or visit www.sisis.com.
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