Full TGIF Record # 114419
Item 1 of 1
Web URL(s):https://stri.lib.msu.edu/vol67-1991/pdf/sptri91067168.pdf#page=5
    Last checked: 08/30/2006
    Requires: PDF Reader
    Notes: Available to TGIF and STRI users
https://stri.lib.msu.edu/vol67-1991/sptri91067168.html
    Last checked: 09/18/2006
    Notes: Available to TGIF and STRI users
Access Restriction:Certain MSU-hosted archive URLs may be restricted to legacy database members.
Publication Type:
i
Report
Content Type:Q & A
Corporate Author(s):Sports Turf Research Institute
Title:Rippling with turf groomers
Section:Enquiries and replies
Other records with the "Enquiries and replies" Section
Source:Journal of the Sports Turf Research Institute. Vol. 67, 1991, p. 172-173.
Publishing Information:Bingley, West Yorkshire, UK: The Sports Turf Research Institute
# of Pages:2
Question:"Since purchasing a set of turf groomers for our greens triple mower a rippling of the putting surface around the perimeter of several of our greens has developed. This phenomenon was never seen when the groomerless cutting heads were used and we are worried that the groomer units are the direct cause of the disturbance. Are you aware of this problem, visiting the large number of clubs which you do and have you any suggestions to overcome it?"
Answer/Response:"There have been a number of suggestions put forward to explain this phenomenon and it is certainly widespread. The symptoms never seem to be universal on any one course, perhaps only half a dozen greens being affected and even then maybe only a section of the perimeter to each green. This rippling is certainly not a consequence of grooming round bends as rippling is common along straight edges. Our own feeling is that maybe the weight distribution of the units is the primary problem. The pivoting point could also influence the degree of rippling, both factors thus resulting in the unit possibly pushing into the turf as a consequence of some vibration occurring from forward motion. Cutting too fast has been a common fault exacerbating this feature and the washboarding effect of having to cut regularly in the same direction for the perimeter cut should not be discounted. Thatchy green surfaces seem most prone to the rippling, the softer surface allowing the weighty unit to bite into the turf. A similar situation arises in the spring when frequent mowing resumes on soft wet greens. The fact that automatic watering systems have had to be used intensively for the last couple of summers will have increased the duration of relatively soft and moist surfaces. It has been reported that a clear demarcation line is noted on greens where individual pop-up heads are leaking and the local, wet area shows this rippling whilst the remaining dry perimeter does not. Another theory put forward is that the rotation of the cutting unit matches the spacing of very deep solid/ hollow tining and this association leads to vibration of the cutting units and rippling. We feel that this can he discounted in the majority of cases although where deep tining produces softer surfaces it could he an influence. To overcome the rippling, firm-up soft perimeters possibly by hollow tining and sandy top dressing. Pursue a programme of thatch regulation and if irrigating make sure there are no leaks and that any water applied quickly drains from the surface. Gradually top dress out ripples and hand mow or use groomer-less reels on the triple to prevent further disruption. Restrict the use of the groomers to dry and reasonably firm perimeters regulating travelling speed."
Keywords:TIC Keywords: Golf course maintenance; Groomers; Problem diagnosis; Recommendations; Rippled turf; Surface quality; Triplex mowers
Language:English
References:0
ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Sports Turf Research Institute. 1991. Rippling with turf groomers. J. Turfgrass Sports Surf. Sci. 67:p. 172-173.
Fastlink to access this record outside TGIF: https://tic.msu.edu/tgif/flink?recno=114419
If there are problems with this record, send us feedback about record 114419.
Choices for finding the above item:
Web URL(s):
https://stri.lib.msu.edu/vol67-1991/pdf/sptri91067168.pdf#page=5
    Last checked: 08/30/2006
    Requires: PDF Reader
    Notes: Available to TGIF and STRI users
https://stri.lib.msu.edu/vol67-1991/sptri91067168.html
    Last checked: 09/18/2006
    Notes: Available to TGIF and STRI users
Find Item @ MSU
MSU catalog number: SB 433 .A1 S63
Request through your local library's inter-library loan service (bring or send a copy of this TGIF record)