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Thatch machine

10 posts
  1. David Schingel
    David Schingel avatar
    0 posts
    6/25/2012 11:06 AM
    I need to know if there is a large machine for fairways.



  2. Justin VanLanduit
    Justin VanLanduit avatar
    0 posts
    6/25/2012 2:06 PM
    Dave,

    Check Sisis Veemo Mk2. USGA Agronomist recommended that to me during our TAS visit and discussion on removing thatch and topdressing fairways.

    Justin



  3. Wallace Jeffrey V
    Wallace Jeffrey V avatar
    6/25/2012 2:06 PM
    David Schingel said: I need to know if there is a large machine for fairways.

    David,

    Too many to list here. Google "fairway verticut flail mowers"

    We removed 3" of thatch from all of our fairways and roughs in Guam, circa 1993, with a Brower 5-gang pull behind wheel driven unit with verticut blades.

    Depends on how much thatch you have. If you're just trying to "manage" thatch, than any fairway unit on the market has reel unit options designed specifically for "vertical mowing or dethatching". We needed to take down everything.....as it had never been done before. So we removed all the shields, to avoid clogging, and just let the grass FLY. Then we vacuumed it up. If I remember correctly, the first year we ended up with a stockpile of thatch about 8 feet high and 400 yards long, that we deposited on our service road. We then gave all that away to anyone on the island that wanted free "sprigs" to plant. That was 419, by the way. And we took the turf down to the point where I could actually see some soil. The golf course then exploded with brilliant green, new leaves within a couple of weeks. Second year, obviously, the pile was MUCH smaller. Try calling Ken Gokey in Guam, who's now managing that property and see what he's currently using.

    Anyway, Google what you're looking for. There are many, many machines on the market that will accomplish what you want.

    Good luck.



  4. Andy Jorgensen
    Andy Jorgensen avatar
    1 posts
    6/25/2012 3:06 PM
    I love my First Products VC-60. Have had it set so deep it was roto-tilling. Can't find anything it won't go through. Works perfect. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another.



  5. Baker Daniel
    Baker Daniel avatar
    6/25/2012 4:06 PM
    I'd second Andy on the VC 60. We'll see how it works on my greens this year ;)

    Also, my previous course used a Koro ? on their fairways the summer I left. Eric now swears by that technique. He will tell you that he thought he was going to lose his job the day they did it beause the place looked terrible. Two weeks later the grass had filled back in and he was singing it praises



  6. Andy Jorgensen
    Andy Jorgensen avatar
    1 posts
    6/25/2012 4:06 PM
    Daniel Baker said: I'd second Andy on the VC 60. We'll see how it works on my greens this year ;)

    Also, my previous course used a Koro ? on their fairways the summer I left. Eric now swears by that technique. He will tell you that he thought he was going to lose his job the day they did it beause the place looked terrible. Two weeks later the grass had filled back in and he was singing it praises



    Put it on the greens. Just go slow. Have done it before and it works great.

    Loved the Koro. Only did a demo, and even ran it across a green. Cool machine and will remove piles and piles of thatch.



  7. Ashton Alan W
    Ashton Alan W avatar
    6/26/2012 9:06 AM
    Sisis Veemo...

    ... and glad that I don't need it anywhere near my Miniverde! :lol:



  8. David Schingel
    David Schingel avatar
    0 posts
    6/26/2012 2:06 PM
    Thanks for the input. Actually, I'm helping to remove thatch from bentgrass fairways in central Illinois. Maybe what you guys use down south will work, I'll check into it. Thanks Justin for your suggestion, this might fit our area better. I'm always willing try new ways.



  9. Keith Fellenstein
    Keith Fellenstein avatar
    0 posts
    6/27/2012 10:06 AM
    David Schingel said: Thanks for the input. Actually, I'm helping to remove thatch from bentgrass fairways in central Illinois. Maybe what you guys use down south will work, I'll check into it. Thanks Justin for your suggestion, this might fit our area better. I'm always willing try new ways.


    In that case, my best results have been through appropriate N levels (much less until thatch under control), pulling cores, and topdressing if you can. Works on Bermuda too, but 'muda more tolerant of the vertical mowing/dethatching than Bent. Key in either situation is N levels...can take a few years to get straightened out and then find the right amount.



  10. Curt Brisco
    Curt Brisco avatar
    3 posts
    6/27/2012 12:06 PM
    David,
    I am in Central Indiana and Love my VC 60. Verticuts bent excellent and it is so quick and easy. It swivels and pivots so you can keep the unit down and turn at the ends of the fairway. you don't have to lift it up until you get very tight in your turns. There is a video on their website and it is impressive. First products VC60.

    Curt Brisco Supt.
    Fox Prairie G.C.
    Noblesville,IN



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