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Greens rollers

6 posts
  1. Timothy Asselin
    Timothy Asselin avatar
    0 posts
    6/24/2011 7:06 AM
    Looking for some input on greens rollers. Currently I'm using triplex rolling heads "to get by". I've demo'ed all but the Salsco gas powered roller. I would appreciate any opinions on reliability, productivity, increased green speed and overall quality on the various rollers out there. Thanks.



  2. Sam Welch
    Sam Welch avatar
    0 posts
    6/24/2011 9:06 AM
    I have a lot of experience with the old style Salscos and spent a couple of years with True Turf rollers. I like the true turf for normal rolling for play and the convenience of it being it's own trailer. I just don't think they're heavy enough for post-aerification smoothing, rolling sod, etc.

    I currently have a 1992 Salsco that's still kicking. I have two of the new HP4 Salscos coming, hopefully by the end of July. They're backed up a little getting them built. I have total confidence that they'll perform for years.



  3. Greg Cormier
    Greg Cormier avatar
    0 posts
    6/24/2011 11:06 AM
    I recomend the salsco. They can be used all season including spring and fall aeration. I currently have speed rollers that I dont like at all. You need to park right next to the green to unload and load on the trailer. The speed rollers have a tendency to spin on the green killing more turf than they help smooth out.



  4. Chuck Barber
    Chuck Barber avatar
    0 posts
    6/24/2011 6:06 PM
    I quote JR: "Salsco rollers are the only rollers that should be made available". I agree.



  5. Peter Rappoccio_2
    Peter Rappoccio_2 avatar
    0 posts
    6/25/2011 5:06 AM
    Purchased 2 Smithco Tournament Ultra Plus rollers in the spring. I had triplex roller before this. Love the Smithco's and so do my operators. Set the speed where you want it and let them go.
    Peter Rappoccio
    Silver Spring Country club
    Ridgefield, CT



  6. Robert Searle
    Robert Searle avatar
    0 posts
    6/25/2011 2:06 PM
    Tru-turf here. Love it. It's fast, compact, easy to use, has the spiker. As far as the weight goes, I aerate with pto type aerator and the roller does an excellent job smoothing the green back out. Maybe because we have push up greens.



  7. Daniel Jurgens
    Daniel Jurgens avatar
    2 posts
    12/1/2011 7:12 AM
    Hi all
    I'm looking into greens rollers and would like some feedback. I've tried the greens iron 3900, the tru turf r52 and thought both were good. The tru turf did a bit better on ondulations. Both are expensive over here so I'm also looking for feedback on the Smithco. Can anyone verify how those are? Can not demo one, at least not this time of year:)
    Thanks,
    Dan, Kragero Golf, Norway



  8. Andy Jorgensen
    Andy Jorgensen avatar
    1 posts
    12/1/2011 7:12 AM
    Bought two Tru Turf R48-11C rollers this year and love them. One guy can roll 18 holes in about 3.5 hours on 3.75 acres of greens. I bought two because our old Salscos used to require two guys to get the greens rolled in one day. Now we just use the one Tru Turf per course.



  9. Wahlin Scott B
    Wahlin Scott B avatar
    12/1/2011 8:12 AM
    We have had the Tru Turf RS48-11C for three years and are very satisfied with it.

    http://www.truturf.com/

    Stockholms Golf & Turf AB

    Orresta Golf
    Bjorksta, Orresta Gard
    Vasteras SE-725 96
    Sweden

    Contact: Kjell and Daniel Lilja
    Phone: 46 8 590 827 20
    Fax: 46 21 44 44 006
    Mobile: (K) 46 70 3731354 (D) 46 70 290 30 60
    Email: kjell.lilja@golfoturf.se
    Web: www.golfoturf.se



  10. Rodney Crow
    Rodney Crow avatar
    0 posts
    12/1/2011 8:12 AM
    I purchased the Smithco unit last year and it has been amazing. Very smooth, very quick, and very quiet. My operators love it as well, as does my mechanic. Have not had a single issue with it and plan on purchasing another unit just like it in the spring.



  11. Ryan Moore_2
    Ryan Moore_2 avatar
    0 posts
    12/1/2011 1:12 PM
    We purchased a TruTurf R-52-11TC at the beginning of this season after trying out all of the various demos out there on the market. Depending on the operator 3-4 hrs to roll 19 greens. For all of the equipment we tried it was the best for our operation for producing consistent smooth and quick greens and has taken place of 2 older model salsco rollers that had been doing the job for us. Down falls of this unit are the aggressive drive roller if an operator starts and stops to quick (small turf burn). Inclines around greens can be difficult to traverse if turf is wet. Also make sure the vehicle towing this unit has an accessible hitch, so an operator can lift the weight of the tongue of the roller without much difficulty. Having said this the all in one trailer/roller is handy.



  12. Patrick Reinhardt
    Patrick Reinhardt avatar
    0 posts
    12/1/2011 1:12 PM
    Is the roller heavy enough to smooth greens after aerification? I have always used Salscos in the past, but am researching all options for our new equipment purchase.



  13. Keith Lamb
    Keith Lamb avatar
    3 posts
    12/1/2011 1:12 PM
    Tru-Turf RS48-11C going on 2 years now and works great. The premier roller for smoothing and greens speed. 1 operator, 3 acres of greens, 2.5 hours. Built in trailer is a bonus.

    You could look at a good used one at half the price.

    http://www.globalturfequipment.com/?page=details&tag=3959

    http://www.globalturfequipment.com/?page=details&tag=3979



  14. Steven Huffstutler
    Steven Huffstutler avatar
    11 posts
    12/1/2011 2:12 PM
    I have used all of them and I prefer the triplex mounted vibratory rollers. Fast, no wear on the collars and effective.

    Regards,

    Steve



  15. Andy Jorgensen
    Andy Jorgensen avatar
    1 posts
    12/1/2011 2:12 PM
    reinha42 said: Is the roller heavy enough to smooth greens after aerification? I have always used Salscos in the past, but am researching all options for our new equipment purchase.


    We've used our TruTurfs after aerification. The results are just as good as our Salscos. I think the weight isn't the reason, but the fact you are actually rolling 4x with the TruTurf instead of 2x with the Salscos.



  16. Fleegel Timothy
    Fleegel Timothy avatar
    12/1/2011 5:12 PM
    huff said: I have used all of them and I prefer the triplex mounted vibratory rollers. Fast, no wear on the collars and effective.

    Regards,

    Steve


    Which ones do you have?



  17. Satterwhite Kerry
    Satterwhite Kerry avatar
    12/1/2011 5:12 PM
    Anyone else using the True-Surface Vibratory Rollers or the attachments that they offer?



  18. Ryan Moore_2
    Ryan Moore_2 avatar
    0 posts
    12/2/2011 5:12 AM
    I kept 1 salsco roller to roll turf that is disturbed during processes like aerification. The TruTurf roller is just a greens roller for us. With the smaller rollers to actually roll the green it would seem that it's durability would not last as well as a 2 roller side-by- side for other work. This roller will get you the greens speeds desired after a couple of rolls, but the best part about it is the smoothness of the roll.



  19. Joe Wachter
    Joe Wachter avatar
    5 posts
    12/2/2011 8:12 AM
    I've always liked the True Surface Vibratory rollers as well.(Triplex) Versatile, newest of operators can learn rolling without much issue. Like Steve, no circle or collar problems for the most part. We do walk mow for about 6-7 months of the season. Original rollers updated for improved roll out with the new style that has 5 vibratory settings which has increased ball roll from earlier models. I keep it on 5 and let it fly. I have old greens 80 years and up that roll true and quick with my rolling program. 3-4 days a week and they are as quick and consistent as any greens around. No double cutting during member/guest, just double rolling. I can increase them easily 2 feet in tournament prep time. Long time members have stated that the smoothness is what they appreciate more than anything.

    I've not used the non-vibratory from the green care collection but have used the star and verticutters in years past. Great set of tools to use on greens.



  20. Steven Huffstutler
    Steven Huffstutler avatar
    11 posts
    12/2/2011 9:12 AM
    timfleegel said:
    huff said: I have used all of them and I prefer the triplex mounted vibratory rollers. Fast, no wear on the collars and effective.

    Regards,

    Steve


    Which ones do you have?



    I have the True Surface Vibe V rollers. I roll every day and mow every other day.

    Regards,

    Steve



  21. Patrick Reinhardt
    Patrick Reinhardt avatar
    0 posts
    12/2/2011 1:12 PM
    bengal1 said: Anyone else using the True-Surface Vibratory Rollers or the attachments that they offer?


    We used them during the winter months in Atlanta when the turf had slowed it's growth. It was mainly just to remove the dew from the surface. If we were trying to pick up speed (rarely), we would send out the Salscos as they did a much better job of picking up speed.



  22. Ryan Moore_2
    Ryan Moore_2 avatar
    0 posts
    12/3/2011 5:12 AM
    Although the True Vibe Triplex rollers have their benefits and are simple to use. We roll occasionally with them. The biggest downfall we have on our greens is that the greens speed that is accumulated from rolling with the vibratory rollers is gone the next day, when all of the sided by sides we demoed left some residual greens speed the following day. If you are looking for consistency day to day it will be easier using the side-by-sides



  23. Steven Huffstutler
    Steven Huffstutler avatar
    11 posts
    12/3/2011 9:12 AM
    ryanmoore said: Although the True Vibe Triplex rollers have their benefits and are simple to use. We roll occasionally with them. The biggest downfall we have on our greens is that the greens speed that is accumulated from rolling with the vibratory rollers is gone the next day, when all of the sided by sides we demoed left some residual greens speed the following day. If you are looking for consistency day to day it will be easier using the side-by-sides



    So you think that if you reach a given speed, say 11' with either roller on any given day that on the next day, the greens rolled with a sidewinder will retain some or more of that speed? That doesn't make sense.



  24. Patrick Reinhardt
    Patrick Reinhardt avatar
    0 posts
    12/3/2011 12:12 PM
    huff said:
    ryanmoore said: Although the True Vibe Triplex rollers have their benefits and are simple to use. We roll occasionally with them. The biggest downfall we have on our greens is that the greens speed that is accumulated from rolling with the vibratory rollers is gone the next day, when all of the sided by sides we demoed left some residual greens speed the following day. If you are looking for consistency day to day it will be easier using the side-by-sides



    So you think that if you reach a given speed, say 11' with either roller on any given day that on the next day, the greens rolled with a sidewinder will retain some or more of that speed? That doesn't make sense.


    May not make sense, but Thom Nikolai proved it in research a couple of years ago. Different rollers pick up different amounts of speed, but they also lose their speed at different rates.



  25. Steven Huffstutler
    Steven Huffstutler avatar
    11 posts
    12/3/2011 12:12 PM
    Well from what I can see, it looks like we're talking about .5" difference, right? Do you find that significant?
    I roll every day, so I guess it doesn't make much difference to me either way, just curious mostly? It seems to me that the key is to roll more and mow less regardless of what machine you are wedded to.


    Regards,

    Steve



  26. Patrick Reinhardt
    Patrick Reinhardt avatar
    0 posts
    12/3/2011 3:12 PM
    huff said: Well from what I can see, it looks like we're talking about .5" difference, right? Do you find that significant?
    I roll every day, so I guess it doesn't make much difference to me either way, just curious mostly? It seems to me that the key is to roll more and mow less regardless of what machine you are wedded to.


    Regards,

    Steve


    Speed pick ups can range from 1/2 foot to 2 feet, depending on the roller. The Salsco was in the middle, and I believe it was the "Speed Roller" that picked up the 2 feet. However, the Salsco would retain a larger percentage of it's speed the next day, while the "Speed Roller" lost most of it's speed the next day. Thom had an entire chart that showed single roll, double roll, 1 day after, 2 days, etc.

    The roll more/mow less is thumped upon by a lot of people. However, when in Atlanta on bentgrass we saw a much higher disease presence when we would roll with the Salsco rollers in the summer. Almost like clock work we would have an outbreak of pythium 36-48 hours after using the Salscos when the greens were stressed. It did not matter if it was just a roll, or a cut/roll situation. The past two summers we left the rollers off the greens from June through August, and maintained speeds around 10.5-11.5, and didn't lose turf. Roll more/mow less is not always the best solution.



  27. Andy Jorgensen
    Andy Jorgensen avatar
    1 posts
    12/3/2011 4:12 PM
    reinha42 said:
    The roll more/mow less is thumped upon by a lot of people. However, when in Atlanta on bentgrass we saw a much higher disease presence when we would roll with the Salsco rollers in the summer. Almost like clock work we would have an outbreak of pythium 36-48 hours after using the Salscos when the greens were stressed. It did not matter if it was just a roll, or a cut/roll situation. The past two summers we left the rollers off the greens from June through August, and maintained speeds around 10.5-11.5, and didn't lose turf. Roll more/mow less is not always the best solution.


    The exact reason why we bought new rollers. Repetitive daily rolling with the heavier Salscos severely would bruise our greens while they were overseeded with Poa triv. Too much stress. We can roll daily now with the TruTurfs and not see anything.



  28. Joe Wachter
    Joe Wachter avatar
    5 posts
    12/5/2011 8:12 AM
    reinha42 said:
    huff said:
    ryanmoore said: Although the True Vibe Triplex rollers have their benefits and are simple to use. We roll occasionally with them. The biggest downfall we have on our greens is that the greens speed that is accumulated from rolling with the vibratory rollers is gone the next day, when all of the sided by sides we demoed left some residual greens speed the following day. If you are looking for consistency day to day it will be easier using the side-by-sides



    So you think that if you reach a given speed, say 11' with either roller on any given day that on the next day, the greens rolled with a sidewinder will retain some or more of that speed? That doesn't make sense.


    May not make sense, but Thom Nikolai proved it in research a couple of years ago. Different rollers pick up different amounts of speed, but they also lose their speed at different rates.


    I don't think his research included the new system that the Vibratory's have. With the 5 settings they have on their units now, they increased speed by I believe nearly 6" or more compared to their older models.

    There is still some residual in our greens from one day to the next. I roll two days in a row and can gain 12-18" in ball roll. 2-3 times before an event and couple times during the two day event I can keep speeds at 18-24" more than before the rolling.



  29. Ryan Moore_2
    Ryan Moore_2 avatar
    0 posts
    12/5/2011 11:12 AM
    We have the 5 setting Tru vibe system. It is a decent roller, again we can get about 12" of roll by using them. Of the side-by-sides we demoed all would raise the green speeds more then 12" upwards to 18" at the same period of time. On our Poa greens as sited earlier, the Triplex rollers speed was gone the next day and the Side-by-side rollers would keep close to half the speed gained by rolling the day before with any brand. If you are looking to maintain consistent fast greens I have felt it was easier to get to your desired level if you had residual from the day prior.



  30. Douglas Eggert
    Douglas Eggert avatar
    1 posts
    11/16/2013 9:11 PM
    Looking to buy a greens roller next season for various reasons, I currently have a Toro 3100 with rollers... It does an ok job, but looking for something dedicated.

    Demo'd the Toro Greenspro 1200. I liked it. Haven't tried any others. Looking for feedback.

    Thanks.



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