Redexim’s Greens Aerator outperforms Tractor Mounted Aerators in Tight Spaces


June 28, 2024

Maintaining the quality of a golf course is an ongoing challenge that requires dedication, expertise and the right tools. At De Lage Vuursche Golf Club, one tool has proved indispensable in this task: Redexim’s greens aerator, the Carrier in combination with the Verti-Drain 1513. This combination plays a crucial role in preparing the top layer of the greens and ensuring that they remain in pristine condition.

The Essential Role of the Greens Aerator

For over a decade, De Lage Vuursche Golf Club has relied on Redexim’s Carrier with Verti-Drain attached. This versatile greens aerator is used to maintain the health and playability of their greens. The Carrier is praised for its ability to integrate a variety of implements including the efficient Verti-Drain 1513, Verti-Cut 1300, and Speedseed 1100. Head Greenkeeper Gert Hardeman praises the specific capabilities of the golf course aerator, particularly its role in aerating the top layer of the greens.

Previously, the greenkeepers at De Lage Vuursche used a tractor for deep tine aeration. However, the tractor had several disadvantages, such as limited manoeuvrability and cumbersome operation in the tight green complexes of this golf course. In contrast, this greens aerator offers a compact and highly manoeuvrable alternative that significantly improves efficiency and precision. This is particularly important around our bunkers and water features where space is limited.

The Carrier with the Verti-Drain 1513 at work

Operational Efficiency of Redexim’s Golf Greens Aerator

Hardeman points out that the golf greens aerator is typically used four to five times a year for intensive greens aeration sessions, usually lasting two days each. The machine is also used to aerate the top layer in high-traffic areas, such as green entrances, where soil compaction is common. The ability to quickly and effectively alleviate soil compaction in these sensitive areas is a testament to the aerator’s efficiency.

The design of the aerator allows for easy operation, with features such as a tilt mechanism lever for forward and reverse movement and automatic PTO engagement. This ease of operation minimises the manual operations required, making this golf green aeration equipment extremely user-friendly. In addition, operating this turf aerator provides a healthy amount of physical activity, which Hardeman appreciates.

The Carrier is lightweight, compact and very manoeuvrable, a plus for maintaining our greens, many of which are close to bunkers and water features.”

Gert Hardeman, Head Greenkeeper at Golf Club De Lage Vuursche
Redexim Speedseed at work at Golf Club De Lage Vuursche

Reliability of Redexim’s Greens Aerator

Durability and low maintenance are major benefits of this greens aerator. Hardeman notes that apart from the regular replacement of drive belts, the aerator has required minimal maintenance. This reliability is crucial in ensuring the golf course remains in top condition with minimal downtime. The club’s long-standing relationship with Redexim and its regional distributor, DDS Maaitechniek, ensures that any maintenance needs are addressed promptly and that the aerator remains operational. In addition to the Carrier and the Verti-Drain 1513, the golf club has other Redexim equipment in use, such as the Verti-Seed and Speedseed. The latest addition to their fleet is the Verti-Drain 2519 aeration machine.

Conclusion

The Redexim greens aerator has proven to be an invaluable asset to De Lage Vuursche Golf Club. Its compact size, manoeuvrability, and efficiency make it ideal for maintaining the quality of the greens, even in the tightest and most challenging areas of the course. With its robust design and user-friendly features, the greens aerator is expected to remain a cornerstone of the club’s maintenance equipment for many years to come.

Investing in a high-quality golf green aeration equipment such as the Carrier with Verti-Drain 1513 is essential for any golf course striving to provide world-class playing conditions. The combination of innovation, reliability and, ease of use ensures that greenkeepers can maintain the beauty and functionality of their greens, contributing to an exceptional golfing experience.

Source: Greenkeeper Magazine