EXPLORING EQUIPMENT~

RenovationEquipment

MaintenanceSeveraldifferent kinds of equip-

ment are used during renovationof sports fields. Properly main-

tained equipment will give you betterresults agronomically and cause youfewer downtime headaches.

In general, renovation includesaerators, spreaders, slit seeders andsprayers. Here's a few ofthe maintenancebasics for each.

AeratorsThere are five basic areas to proper

aerator maintenance, beginning withthe cleaning. Aerators must be cleanedthoroughly after each use. Make sure thattines are completely clean. With closed-spoon tines, make sure all soil is removedfrom each tine. Remember, once thesoil has hardened, especially in clay-based areas, it becomes difficult to cleanfrom the tine.

The next step is to inspect the tinesthemselves. To ensure proper penetra-tion depth, make sure the tines are notexcessively worn. Tine points should bemaintained by properly filing or grind-ing them. Bent or broken tines should bereplaced.

Aerator lubrication is imperative.Check your operator's manual to be cer-tain you are lubricating each point of themachine as specified. Keep in mind thatlubrication is cheap insurance for machineperformance and longevity. When lubri-cating all grease points, check all bear-

In-line strainersand nozzles of boom

sprayers should becleaned before

each use.

ings and bushings forwear. Try to move theshafts up, down andsideways - excessivemotion in these areascould determine pre-mature bearing or bush-ing wear. Replacingworn bearings or bush-ings at this point will save downtime inthe field.

Maintenance adjustments, such as onchains and belts, are also critical. Checkyour operator's manual for proper ten-sion specifications. Ifyour machine hasa chain drive, it must be properly lubri-cated. If the chain must be replaced,remember to check your operator's man-ual- your machine may require timingof the chain drive system.

Drive mechanisms are fairly simple.There are three basic types: ground-driven, gasoline engine-driven and PTO-driven. Again, refer to your operator'smanual for gasoline engine mainte-nance schedules, but be sure to regularly

check the air filter and oil levels. Ifyouraerator is equipped with a PTO shaft,check that the universal joints on the shaftare tight and properly lubricated. Also,be sure that safety shields are in place.

SpreadersCleaning is essential on pendulum

spreaders. The environments in whichthey're used are often dusty and cancause problems if left to accumulate.Both the spreader hopper and trans-mission should be thoroughly cleaned. Inaddition, the transmission has severallubrication points. These points must be

continued on page 22

June 1993 21

Exploring Equiplllentcontinued from page 21

lubricated routinely. This will helpremove any fine dust particles that mayhave worked their way into bearingareas - the lubrication will flush outdebris.

Check that the shut-off plate mech-anism is working properly and the cal-ibration adjuster is moving freely.Lubrication in these areas will helpmaintain ease of movement.

Ifyour spreader is equipped with anagitator extension, make certain it is prop-erly adjusted so the top of the agitatordoesn't wear into the side of the hopper.You want approximately 1 inch of clear-ance between the agitator extensionand the hopper sides.

The PTa shaft should also be checked.Check the universal joints for play andmake sure they're properly lubricated.If your piece of equipment has a slipclutch, make sure the bolts are tightenedto their proper torque specifications.Check that your safety shields are intact.It is a wise idea on a pendulum spread-er to inspect the spout daily when thespreader is being used. Check the attach-ing hardware and tighten as needed.

If your spreader is a three-point-hitch type, PTa rpm speed should be 540rotations per minute. Excessive speed willcause damage to the transmission, whiletoo slow a speed will cause improperdistribution of the product.

Slit SeedersThe environment in which a slit seed-

er operates makes proper cleaning of themachine essential. Neglecting cleaningwill cause premature mechanical partsfailure. It can also lead to uneven seeddistribution, caused primarily by cloggedor plugged seed distribution ports. Afterthorough cleaning these units, inspect theseed gate to make it opens properly andis adjusted to move freely.

Check slicing blades to ensure goodworking condition. Replace worn orbroken blades and carefully straightenany bent blades. Double-check all bladesfor security. While you're inspecting theblades, check the safety shields to makesure they're intact and functioningproperly. Do not operate the machine ifthe safety shields are not intact.

Check for proper tension on chains andbelts. Make sure that chains are prop-erly lubricated. Lubricate all greasepoints as specified in your operator'smanual. While lubricating grease points,

22 sports TURF

Working conditions for slit seeders make regularcleaning and adjustment essential.

check bearings and bushings for wear andreplace as needed. If your piece of equip-ment has a gear box, make sure it is filledto the proper level.

There are two types of slit seederdrives - PTa and gasoline engine-driv-en. As mentioned previously, it is imper-ative to check the V-joints and the slipclutch on the PTa shaft. Refer to theengine manual for proper service inter-vals. Because the operating is oftendusty and dirty, the air filter should bechecked and cleaned frequently.

Maintenance ofrotary and drop spread-ers is very simple - they should becleaned thoroughly after each use. On arotary spreader, it is imperative to cleanthe impeller. Any caked-on buildup shouldbe removed. If your spreader is equippedwith grease fittings, these points shouldbe lubricated frequently to expel dustparticles.Again, checkthese areas forwear.Replace bearings or bushings that appearoverly worn. Check and adjust shut-offplates to ensure proper operation. Asticking shut-off plate could alter productdistribution rates, which adversely affectseeding results.

SprayersBefore using your sprayer, make sure

it is clean. Check all filters and theinside of the tank to ensure it is free ofdebris. After sprayer use, proper clean-ing with a neutralizing product is desir-able. Be sure to flush out any lines,hoses or booms.

Sprayers equipped with a boom haveseveral areas that need to be checked,depending on the particular setup. Startwith the check valves to make sure that

they are clean and move freely. Next,check the in-line strainers in the nozzlebodies to make sure they are not clogged.Replace any clogged or non-cleanablestrainer assemblies.

Next, check the spray tips. First,remove and clean all tips. Vse only a nylonbrush, such as a toothbrush. Never useanything else, even a toothpick, to cleannozzle tips - this can result in damag-ing the tip and cause alterations to thedistribution pattern of the tip. After allthese areas have been cleaned, rein-stall the check valves, strainers andtips. Then check for proper flow anddistribution pattern of each nozzle assem-bly. Replace worn tips as needed.

In sprayer plumbing systems, checkall hose and fittings. Hoses should bechecked for cracks and signs of wearand any questionable hoses should bereplaced. Inspect and clean strainerassemblies. When checking strainerassemblies, don't forget to reinstall thestrainer gasket. This is one of the mostcommonly overlooked areas that causessprayers to malfunction.

Sprayer pump systems include apump, a regulator and an engine, if soequipped. Refer to your operator's man-ual for properly scheduled maintenanceintervals for the engine and pump. Oillevels on both should be checked daily.

The goal of athletic field renovationis to reinvigorate or refresh the turf.Proper maintenance of the tools involvedplays an integral role in the overall suc-cess of the project. 0

Technical credit: Lesco Inc.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Water Reels

Kifco has introduced two models to their popularline ofWater-Reels. The new B110 and B1BO extend theproduct line to ensure there is a Water-Reel to fit yourneeds. Machines are compact, easy to use, operate unat-tended, and shut offautomatically. They are suitable forall types of sports turf and are easily transported fromone area to another. Water-Reels combine outstandingfeatures that come from more than 25 years of travelingsprinkler engineering.

Kifco, Inc., P.O. Box 290600 S. Schrader Ave., Havana, IL 62644

(309) 543-4425 Fax (309) 543-4945

Circle 111 on Postage Free Card

FlowmeterData Industrial1400 seriesflowmeter is abattery-poweredinsert-styleflowmeter thatdisplaysrate andtotal. Display ishoused in arugged alu-minum enclosurebuilt to Nema 6Psubmersionspec-ifications,allow-ing the unit tooperatefullysub-merged in afloodedmeter pitforextendedperi-ods of time. The1400 can be cal-

ibrated in the field for any size or type ofpipe.Data Industrial Corporation

53 Portside Drive, Pocasset, MA 02559(508) 563-7196

Circle 113 on Postage Free Card

Quality Water Aeration

Otterbine® aerators are constructed with quality andsafety in mind. Helping to keep waterways naturallyclear of foul odors, aquatic weeds and algae,Otterbine CONCEPT2 aerators are constructed ofthermal plastics and stainless steel, transfer oxygen to

the water with great efficiency, and provide abeautiful focal point for any waterway.

Otterbine®/Barebo Inc.3840 Main Road East, Emmaus, PA 18049

(215) 965-6018, FAX (215) 965-6050

Circle 112 on Postage Free Card

Speed WrenchesStamos Tool has introduceda new full line of castaluminum speed wrenchesdesigned to fit all nub-stylePVC fittings and mostadapters. These wrenchesoutperform chain, strap andpipe wrenches by far andare designed to fit differentsizes of coupling caps,bodies, unions, female andmale adapters. Only minimalground clearance is requiredand they work on allmanufacturers fittings. Manyof our customers have beenextremely satisfied wi ththe STAMOS PVC NUBWRENCH. Here are some oftheir comments: "Performed

admirably, exceeded my expectations by far." - John Gallager,Orange, CT; "Best irrigation tool improvement and innovationdeveloped in quite some time." - Jim Hengel, NY.For further information call out toll-free number. DistributionWelcome.

Stamos Tool Inc.P.O. Box 4548, Boise, ID 83711-4548

(800) 554-1074Circle 114 on Postage Free Card

June 1993 23

Chapter NewsMidwest Chapter, STMA: On June

30, the Midwest Chapter, STMA, incooperation with Wheaton College, issponsoring the National Midwest RegionalSports Turf Institute. Attendees areinvited to the pre-meeting "Meet theBoard" evening social from 7 to 9 p.m.,June 29, at the, Holiday Inn, CarolStream. Take this opportunity to meetthe National STMA board members andthe Midwest Regional Sports TurfManagers.

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. on June30 at Wheaton College campus, Wheaton,IL. The institute begins with an 8:30 a.m.welcome of activities presented by JohnAnderson. Morning sessions include:"Getting to Know Soils," presented byJames A. Fizell, president, James A.Fizell & Associates; "Drainage Dynamics,"

24 sporfsTURF

presented by Matt Heiss, sports field spe-cialist, Turf Services Inc.; "Irrigation:Possibilities for the '90s," presented byJeff Wiegel, sales and design, Chicago Turf& Irrigation; "Getting to Know Turfgrass,"presented by Tom Voight, extensionspecialist, University of Illinois; ''PlanningOut Your Calendar," presented by EugeneMayer, training manager, The ScottsCompany; and "Grounds ManagementTeamwork," presented by the NapervilleNorth High Schoolgrounds team: AthleticDirector Neil McCauley, FacilitiesManager Mark Cloutier and GroundsmanJohn Filipiak.

After a lunch break, the Infield Rodeobegins. New for 1993, the Infield Rodeois a two-person team competition oninfield dragging and line marking todetermine who's the best in the Midwest.Competition will include dragging of

the skinned infield area and line mark-ing of one baseline. Dragging equipmentand line marking equipment will beprovided. Competition per team willbe limited to 10 minutes. Judging willbe based on team speed in draggingthe skinned obstacle infield and straight-ness of chalking a baseline withno string.

Keynote Speaker, Dr. William Daniels,professor emeritus, Purdue University,wraps up the institute with a presentationfrom 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For further information on the insti-tute or to enter the Infield Rodeo com-petition, contact: John Anderson (708)717-0855, Jesse Felix (708) 293-0770 orSTMA Headquarters at (312) 644-6610.For information on the chapter or otherchapter activities call: the ChapterHotline (708) 439-4727.

Colorado Chapter, STMA: TheColorado Sports Turf ManagersAssociation invites everyone to attend theJune 18th Institute at the Sky SoxStadium in Colorado Springs, CO. TheSky Sox are the AAA farm club for theColorado Rockies. Events for the dayinclude: an equipment show (you trythe equipment); a tour of the stadium withSky Sox Manager, Brad Mills; anopportunity to listen to speakers fromthe Sky Sox and the Rockies; and anevening Sky Sox ballgame. Your regis-tration fee will cover the entire institutepackage, including the game, lunchand dinner.

For additional information onthe institute or to register, contactMark Leasure, executive secretary at(719) 338-0381 or (719) 597-1449. Forinformation on the chapter or otheractivities contact Ron Marten, FalconColorado School District 49, at (719)495-3601.

The New England Chapter, STMA:The New England Chapter, STMA,plans a day-long meeting for August11 at Forest Park in Springfield, MA. Thisevent will include: educational sessions;equipment demonstrations; and a tradeshow; and the annual business meetingand election of officers. Further detailswill be announced soon.

For information on the meeting, tradeshow exhibit space or other chapteractivities contact Mary Owen, Universityof Massachusetts Cooperative ExtensionSystem, at (508) 831-1225.

Chesapeake Chapter, STMA:Special reminder: A field day for train-ing in softball field renovations will beheld from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 16at Meadows Park in Chevy Chase, MD.Meet at the Meadowbrook maintenancefacility at 8000 Meadowbrook Lane.Chapter members and non-membersare urged to bring the entire groundskeep-ing crew for sessions on "SkinningInfields and Laying Sod"; "Trenchingand Installing Vertidrain; Grading andLeveling Techniques"; and "Measuringand Setting Bases and Home Plate."For further information, contact TimMoore (301) 650-2631 or Art Downing(410) 313-7254.

Chapter members are always invitedto attend chapter board meetings, heldon the first Wednesday of each month.The July 7 board meeting will be held atOriole Park at Camden Yards in

Baltimore, MD. The August 4 boardmeeting will be held at Cedar LanePark in Columbia, MD.

The Chesapeake Chapter will host thenational STMA meeting in November 6-9 at Camden Yards. A great schedule ofevents is in the works. As an addedbenefit, the chapter is putting togetheran information packet for those whowould like to spend a few extra days inthe Baltimore area or nearby WashingtonD.C. Contact the hotline for details.

For information on the field day, thechapter and other activities, contactthe Chapter Hotline (301) 865-0667.

Carolina Chapter, STMA:For infor-mation on the Carolina Chapter andits activities, contact Marc Farha, facil-ities manager for the Charlotte Knights,(704) 332-3746.

Iowa Sports Turf Association:ISTMA will hold a hands-on workshopon August 4 in Des Moines, lA, at SecTaylor Stadium, home of the ChicagoCubs AAA affiliate. Registration forthis full-day workshop begins at 8 a.m.

The program will be directed by twosports turf leaders: Mike Andresen, headgroundskeeper of the Iowa Cubs; andJesse Cuevas, stadium superintendent ofRosenblatt Stadium, home of the KansasCity Royals AAA affiliate - and site ofthe annual College World Series.

This workshop will start off with a 9a.m. tour of the stadium and "cover thefield" on baseball field maintenance.Scheduled sessions include: "MaintainingInfield Lips, Post-game Repairs of theMound/Homeplate/Bullpens andMeasuring the Mound Specifications";"Proper Infield Dragging and Pre-GameInfield Set-Up"; and "Drying Puddlesand Wet Areas." An exhibit area will beincluded and time allowed to visit thebooths and talk with exhibitors.

For information on this workshop orother Iowa chapter activities contactGary Peterson (515) 791-0765.

Florida Chapter #1, STMA : TheInternational Turfgrass Show will takeplace July 18 through 24 in Palm Beach,FL, with headquarters at the BreakersHotel. Further details on this event willbe announced shortly.

For information on the South FloridaChapter or for details on this meeting orother chapter activities, contact JohnMascaro (305) 938-7477 or Ed Birch(305) 938-0217.

I ,-,'....~

96,000 acres of irreplaceablerain forest are burned every day.The rain forest is the world'slargest pharmaceutical store-house. It pro-vides sourcesfor a quarterof to day'sdrugs andmedicines andseventy per-cent of theplants found tohave anticancer prop-erties.This senseless destructionmust stop. NOW!The National Arbor Day Foun-dation, the world's largest tree-planting environmentalorganization, has launched RainForest Rescue. By joining withthe' Foundation you will helpestablish natural rain forestbarriers to stop further burn-ing and support on-site conser-vation plans to protectthreatened forests.You'd better call now.

~ The National~"Arbor Day Foundation

Call Rain Forest Rescue NOW.1-800-255-5500

June 1993 25

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Font'N-Aire

From the City of Fountains. Models from1/2-hp to 5-hp. Font'N-Aire combines the beauty of aromantic fountain with the benefits of an efficient aerator.NoLfhing moves water like a propeller. AIR-O-LATOR®has been involved in propeller design and the technologyof aerating since 1967. Font'N -Aire utilizes theFranklin® Electric submersible motor, which is water-cooled and water-lubricated. We believe we can honestlyclaim the most energy efficient fountain on the market.

AIR-O-LATOR8100-04 Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131

(800) 821-3177Circle 115 on Postage Free Card

Sports Surface Supplies

Used by over 75 pro baseball teams! Your "one-stopsource" for America's leading sports surfaces andsupplies including Beam Clay®, Terra-Green ®,Stabilizer®, Diamond Dry®, and much more. Over20 distribution centers across the country! For ourcurrent 60 + -page package of instructions andinformation contact:

Partac Peat Corporation (Beam Clay®)Kelsey Park, Great Meadows, NJ 07838

(800) 247-BEAM, (908) 637-4191

Circle 117 on Postage Free Card

26 sports TURF

Filtration Systems

Removes algae, sand, silt, clams, and other con-taminates. Amiad automatic, self-cleaning, filtration sys-tems dramatically reduce irrigation system maintenancecaused by poor water quality. Amiad's only business is fil-tration, therefore, provides the most extensive line of fil-tration products in the industry. Offering 3/4" to 3" Plasticfilters, 2" through 14" Steel filters, and 2" through 16" auto-matic self-cleaning filters. Systems for all flow rates andfiltration down to 25 micron (450 mesh).

Amiad Filtration Systems14141 Covello St., 7C, Van Nuys, CA 91405

(800) 969-4055, (818) 781-4055, Fax (818) 781-4059.

Circle 116 on Postage Free Card

FCI CustomManufacturersSpecialty SprinklerNozzles designed

. for moving water todry spots. Thenozzles use slots inthe orifice plate tostrip water from thestream and place itat predetermined lo-cations in thesprinkler pattern.High wateruniformity meanswater savings, andimproved turfappearance.

High Uniformity Retrofit Sprinkler Nozzles

Full Coverage IrrigationDavid Malcolm, P.O. Box 1540,

Coarsegold, CA 93614(209) 683-3072

Circle 118 on Postage Free Card

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Ball Diamond Groomer

The Bannerman TRUPLAYinfield groomer is a com-bination of five tools in one. Just hook it up to anysmall- to medium-size tractor and see what one oper-ator can do in a hurry. Even if you're putting downa soil conditioner, the TRUPLAY can work it in firstand then groom your infield - FAST and PERFECT.The TRUPLAY really is a diamond's best friend.

Gordon Bannerman Limited41 Kelfield St., Rexdale,

Ontario, Canada M9W 5A3Phone: (416) 247-7875; Fax: (416) 247-6540

Circle 119 on Postage Free Card

Athletic Field Marking Paint4 Great FieldMarking Paints!TURFCOATTMATHLETICFIELDMARKING PAINTTC-1 WHITE, MIX 1 to 1up to 1 to 5 ratio$10.95 per gallonTC-2 WHITE, MIX 1 to 2up to 1 to 3 ratio$7.69 per gallonTC-3 WHITE, MIX 1 to 1up to 1 to 2 ration$0.35 per gallonBright ... Durable ...Environmentally Safe ...Cost EffectiveASTROTURFCOATWHITE MARKING PAINTATC-I $23.95 per gallon

Brightest ... Pliable ...Will Not Flake

Call (800) 344-TURF (8873)Fax 816-792-1965

Colors Available/Discounts On Volume

J.S. Sports Turf Products, Inc.P.O. Box 461 Liberty, MO 64068

Circle 121 on Postage Free Card

Eagle 44 Aerial liftThe EAGLE44,manufacturedby AmeriQuip,is a trailermounted, artic-ulated aerial liftwith a 25 ft. sidereach and 44 ft.working height.It featurespositive bucketleveling and360° continuousrotation.An electricallyoperatedproportionalcontrol valvefeaturingjoystickoperation withneutral position

interlock allows simultaneous two function operation.AmeriQuip

1480 Arrow Hwy., LaVerne, CA 91750(800) 824-9776, (909) 392-2033,

Fax (909) 392-4651Circle 120 on Postage Free Card

Fountain Aerator

Beauty by Aqua Master is ...• 3 Year Motor Warranty• 3 Year No Maintenance Seals• 120 Volt Lighting Systems• Interchangeable Nozzles

Aqua Master16024 CTH X, Kiel, WI 53042

Phone: (414) 693-3121; Fax: (414) 693-3245

Circle 122 on Postage Free Card

June 1993 29

By Peter Whurr

Decidingon the type of mowerbest-suited to your specificneeds can be difficult and

even confusing. You want a unit that willmake your crew productive. It should beversatile, reliable and easy to main-tain. It should fit into your budget. Thechoices are almost limitless.

In the proper environment, ridingrotary mowers can improve cutting time-efficiency and productivity over theirwalk-behind counterparts. Reel mowersdeliver the highest cutting quality - thekind demanded in many sports turf sit-uations - and will never be obsolete, butrotary mower cutting has improved overthe years to the point where it's worthconsidering for athletic fields. Plus,rotary mowers are extremely versatile.

These and other factors account for theincrease in rotary mower popularityamong professional turf managers, as wellas the industry trend toward units withlarger mowing decks. While the norm isstill in the 36-inch-plus range, decks ofmore than 100 inches are becomingmore popular and available for the rid-ing mower market.

Fundamental Decision FactorsUltimately, the primary advantage of

having large, multiblade decks on a rid-ing rotary mower is improved productivity.A wider cutting swath reduces the num-ber of "passes" required to cut a given turfarea. However, keep in mind that alarger unit can be less maneuverable intight spaces. In confined areas, walk-behind may be more efficient.

Versatility is another factor to considerin your decision. Determining how andwhere the unit will be used is crucial.

Will it be used solely on sports fields?Will it be used for cutting in parks andother green spaces? Will it have to workaround landscaped areas? Tractor units,which accept a variety of attachments,are something to consider if the mowerwill used in multiple applications.

30 sporfsTURF

Whereas "dedicated" mowers, those withthe cutting deck permanently attached,are designed exclusively for mowing,tractor units are not.

Features to Keep in MindAfter defining your work demands, con-

sider the size of the engine the unit willrequire to do the job. An underpoweredrotary riding mower can be inefficient,which could defeat the purpose of a sub-stantial financial investment. Whileyour dealer or manufacturer can offer sug-gestions and information regardingneeded horsepower for your situation, beready to ask questions regarding engineoptions, cooling systems, drive systems,and so on.

The engine is the heart and soul of anymower, so choose it wisely. Many man-ufacturers offer an array of engine choic-es: air-cooled or liquid-cooled, gasolineor diesel. In general, diesel engines arethe most economical to operate. They tendto last longer and are better-suited toheavy-use applications.

When considering engine options,check out:

• Transport speed. How quickly canthe mower move from site to site?

• Cutting speed. This is generallymeasured in acres per hour.

These two factors help determineoverall productivity of the unit.

Operating terrain should also betaken into account in the rotary ridermower selection process. Hilly or undu-lating sites might warrant a four-wheel-drive machine, roll-over protection, andheavy-duty parking brakes. The mower'sturning radius and number of cuttingdecks should be considered, particular-ly if the unit will work around trees,shrubs and planting beds.

High-flotation tires are yet another con-sideration. They decrease soil com-paction and, combined with sturdysprings and shock absorbers, enhanceoperator comfort. Fatigued operatorsare less productive. An adequatelypadded seat and easy-to-reach controlscan also help reduce operator fatigue.

Simple routine maintenance, suchas oil, oil filter and air filter changes andcleaning, is one of the main ingredientsfor long-term product reliability. Theeasier these tasks are to be performed,the more likely it is they will be.That means accessiblity to key routineservice points is crucial. Design sim-plicity makes maintenance and in-houserepairs easy.

Occasionally, a repair may require thedealer or manufacturer. Convenientlylocated dealer service departments andthe availability ofwarranties and servicecontracts can be worth their weight ingold if your riding rotary mower needsmajor repairs.

Clipping collection is another point toconsider. A number of riding rotarymowers feature optional grass catch-ers. This feature is valuable as long asyou have a place to dispose of the gather-ed clippings. However, since the trendwith landfills nationwide is to refusegreen waste, you may want to lookat other options, such as mulchingand composting.

At sports turf facilities, grass clippingshave traditionally been left on the groundafter cutting, provided the facility ismowed often enough so that no more than20 percent of the grass blade is cut off atone time. This process will naturallyfertilize the soil, without significantlycontributing to thatch.

The purchase ofany piece ofequipmentshould be seen as a long-term investment.In the case of a riding rotary mowerthat investment can be substantial. Askother sports turf managers about theirriding rotary mowers. Ask the dealerin your area for referrals, and use themto gather knowledge. The few hoursyou spend researching before you buy canamount to months and even yearsof riding rotary mower performance andproductivity. 0

Editor's note: Peter Whurr is the prod-uct manager for Ransomes AmericaCorporation.