GOLF COURSES
Toro ’ s sidewinder tech for Ratho Park
atho Park Golf Club in
R Edinburgh , Scotland , has a long history with Toro and has recently acquired one of the brand ’ s bestsellers : the Reelmaster 3100-D cylinder mower featuring its innovative Sidewinder technology .
Craig McCrorie , head greenkeeper for over three years , and his team of five have been busy this year rebuilding 12 greens on the 18-hole tree-lined parkland course with plans to remodel the bunkers in the next few years , so the need for a machine to make the work easier , faster and with better results became a priority . The Reelmaster 3100- D was , thus , selected for the job .
“ The Sidewinder technology is brilliant ,” Craig comments . “ The fact that all three cutting units can move 12 inches right or left from the centre position for a full 24 inches of travel allows you to cut the grass exactly how you want it even when in tricky positions . Not having to put so much weight on the bunkers as we drive around them is perfect as we still get that close cut , but the tyres are kept back from the edges .”
The ride-on mower is also being used on the semi roughs , as Craig comments : “ We ’ re cutting those to around 20mm in height and it hasn ’ t posed a problem for the Reelmaster . It goes through it like butter . It ’ s a huge step up – a night and day difference – between this and the mower we were using before . Toro really is unique in the technology it delivers .”
Toro ’ s renowned Dual Precision Adjustment ( DPA ) cutting units feature a one-click dial for quick adjustment of the bedknife in exact increments for a clean and consistent cut of each blade of grass , which helps keep the sward green and healthy . That , paired with a patented three-wheel drive system that provides an impressive traction in both hilly and wet conditions , with minimal wheel slip that ’ s gentle on the turf , makes the Reelmaster 3100-D a great addition to any golf club .
30 GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | September / October 2022