TURF MANAGEMENT
Redexim Rink proves a versatile solution for loam & sand dressing at Merchant Taylors ’ School
ith approximately 80 acres of sports turf
W making up the 250 acre estate of Merchant Taylors ’ School , the key word for Grounds Manager Richard Ayling when it comes to maintenance is ‘ efficiency ’. Delivering that efficiency when it comes to topdressing is a Rink 2020 dropdresser from Redexim – purchased originally for the purpose of applying loam to the schools 11 cricket squares , but now demonstrating versatility for year-round applications around the site .
Richard and his team of nine are responsible for the upkeep of the surfaces , which alternate between summer and winter sports for use by both the pupils and a number of teams from the community . “ It ’ s a high usage site and the equipment we use needs to be able to keep up with the tight turnarounds and renovation windows we have to work to ” explains Richard , who has been at the independent day school for 26 years .
“ Every cricket renovation season , we ’ re applying around 32 tonnes of loam dressing and our previous machine would only hold a quarter of a tonne at a time so we needed something bigger to make the job quicker and less labour intensive .”
After researching the options available , it was a Rink 2020 that fitted the bill – accurately and evenly distributing dressings and offering a 2.0m3 hopper capacity , equating to two tonnes of cricket loam per load .
“ What we didn ’ t want with a bigger machine is something that would result in increased compaction . The design of the Rink , with its large rear tyres , effectively spreads the weight so we pass over the squares and leave no marks . It ’ s incredibly easy to use and adjust meaning we can simply load it up and go – getting the operation done , quicker and with improved quality of distribution .”
Thanks to its ability to accurately adjust the spreading thickness , once cricket renovation season is complete in early autumn , the Rink will then switch to hold sand and / or topdressing soil for in-season dressing and repairs to the football pitches and lawned areas . “ What was initially purchased as a solution to one specific problem , has become a versatile machine which we use in different ways throughout the maintenance calendar . It ’ s been a fantastic addition to our fleet .” www . redexim . com
GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | July 2022 59