Dump Body Trailer

Chris Wallace, superintendent at The Links at Brunelli, Timberlea, Nova Scotia, Canada, asked Bob Pruneau, equipment manager, to build a trailer to transport a Toro ProCore 648 Green’s Aerifier (09200) to the far reaches of the course. A 2015 Toro Workman HDXD Model 07385 had a dedicated topdressing machine permanently attached to it so Pruneau built a trailer from the dump body that was not being used any longer. An extensive 2-inch by 2-inch square tube framework and 3-inch by 3-inch square tubing to beef up the frame and the front of the box was built on the bottom. The bottom portion of the tongue is made of 2-inch by 2-inch square tubing. Another long piece of 2-inch by 2-inch tubing is placed on top of the tongue that is held in place with a lynch pin. Once the lynch pin is removed, the upper square tubing and the trailer tilts upwards so the 648 can be driven off using the tailgate as a ramp. Because the aerifier, which weighs 1,500 pounds, is perfectly balanced on the trailer, it is easy to reload and the trailer moves back into the horizontal position as the aerifier is moved closer to the tow vehicle. Used wheels, turf tires and axles were recycled. The end of the trailer closest to the tow vehicle was removed so the 648 can hang over the end and the trailer can be balanced properly. It took between six and eight hours to modify it and it would take about four hours to do a second one. It cost less than $200 to modify. Click on Pruneau’s blog for descriptive photos of the upper tongue and underneath framework: http://golfcoursemechanics.blogspot.ca/2015/10/pro-core-trailer-add-on.html.

Green’s Sub Surface Air Blower

This 2015 Billy Goat Model #F1802V Push Blower ($2,900) was converted to a green’s subsurface air blower hooked up to a USGA green’s drainage piping. The front shroud was removed and then a 15-inch diameter round steel plate 1/4-inch thick ($100) was bolted on in its place. A 4-inch steel threaded coupler ($20) was welded to the steel plate and then a female banjo quick connect fitting ($60) and a 4-inch by 9-foot heavy-duty plastic hose with two male banjo fittings ($300) is attached without tools. When not in use blowing air into the green’s profile, the blower’s metal plate’s bolts are removed and the OEM shroud is mounted back in place. There is a permanently installed vault behind the green with a 4-inch diameter drainage pipe riser, with a female banjo quick connect fitting, for easy hookup to the blower’s hose. It took about six hours to design, fabricate, build and install. The professional teamwork at the Noyac Golf Club in Sag Harbor, Long Island, N.Y., of Brian Goleski, superintendent, and JR Wilson, equipment manager, have an endless supply of great ideas.