Filed under: Turf Management
Richard H. Eichner, Certified Golf Course Superintendent states that there is a corolation between quality playing conditions and proper equipment. In his article written and posted on, he believes that as a superintendent one should keep in mind these basic elements; correct equipment selction: making sure you have the right tool for the job. Greens cut witha triplex mower may not be as memorable as greens cut with a pedestrian mower. Adequate operator training; operators must be trained properly and take on some responsibilities such as greasing rollers, oil checks, leak inspections and just general maintenance of the equipment that each individual operator is using. Regular equipment service; golf course mechanics are one of the highest paid employees in golf course maintenance operations, and rightfully so, they must repair damage, perform regular equipment service and keep up with the ever growing technology. Rgular service such as oil changes, filter changes etc. can vastly improve the life span of any piece of equipment. Extra attention to detail; as an operator one should report any irregularities with a peice of equipment before it turns into an extensive and possible an expensive job.
Superintendents, assistant superintendents, general managers, owners and all golf course affiliates should take this information to heart. Proper running equipment can save operation costs and also affect capital revenue. By having the proper equipment for the task allows for better results in the overall healht and aesthetivs of turf. Properly sharpened reels for instance creates a better cut grass blade which not only plays a more consistant ball roll but can also make turf less susceptible to disease. So maybe next time you see dollar spot or anthracnose, you can say to your superintendent, “maybe its time to sharpen those reels”.
