Cart path edger
The 6,742 lineal feet of partial concrete screening cart paths, with Celebration Bermudagrass edges on both sides, are efficiently edged with a 2016 Toro Sand Pro 5040. The sports field edger attachment, model 0877 at approximately $4,946, has an 8-inch-wide blade, similar to a mini sod cutter blade, that is replaced twice per year. The process begins with the attachment edging along the Bermudagrass runners. This is to create a sharp edge along the concrete screening path. Behind this process, two workers with scuffle hoes and fan rakes clean up the edging. After the edges are completed, they follow the path with a small box blade and brush attachment. The grooming and edging of the cart paths is executed once or twice every week depending on rainfall. If there is rain, the process is performed more frequently. Superintendent Robert Jacks, assistant superintendent Vern Vertilus and machine operator Jobed Jean Claude at the Stonebridge Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, keep the cart paths looking sharp.
Wildfire balloons creative thinking
Whenever a wildfire is approaching, the US Forest Service fills up their helicopter water buckets from two specialized balloons positioned on the driving range at Seven Canyons in Sedona, Arizona, where Jason Bazuin is superintendent. The USFS notifies the gate house that they will be using the driving range filling stations and then the staff closes the range for them. All materials are owned by the USFS and they are stored permanently onsite in metal containers. A 2-inch diameter hose quick connect is hooked up to the irrigation system set underground in a valve box. Each balloon holds approximately 1,000 gallons. The water is filled automatically with a float system similar to a farming reservoir in a field. Once the water reaches a certain level, the float will rise and block the water flow. It takes about 30 minutes to refill both balloons and four helicopter bucketloads per hour are accomplished during daylight hours only. It cost about $500 for the 2-inch hoses and fittings. The USFS does all the hookups and it takes them about one hour to get ready.
Explore the January 2022 Issue
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