We were able to demo the Wiedenmann Super 600 yesterday on #6 fairway. The Super 600 is a heavy duty verticutter and sweeper. The primary use for this piece of equipment is to verticut fairways and sweep up the debris all at the same time.
The Wiedenmann certainly proves to be a more efficient way to verticut fairways because it picks up the thatch as it verticuts.
Verticutting is an extremely important cultural practice because it removes thatch. Thatch is a layer of living and dead organic matter that occurs between the turf and soil surface. The primary component of thatch is turfgrass stems and roots. It accumulates as these plant parts buildup faster than they can decompose. Excessive thatch creates a favorable environment for pests and disease and an unfavorable growing environment for grass roots. But most importantly, thatch interferes with water infiltration into the soil.
Verticutting is an extremely important cultural practice that is utilized to manage thatch and achieve firm, fast playing conditions.
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| verticutting #6 fairway |
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| closeup picture of the .75" deep grooves removing the thatch |
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| we pulled out a significant amount of thatch on #6 fairway |
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closeup picture of the pile
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The Wiedenmann can also be utilized in the rough picking up leaves and sticks. Since testing it, I can now see why all the superintendents I have spoken to about this say it is a game changer.
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| we also picked up leaves and sticks in the rough on #7 |
