TRAVELS WITH TERRY

Globetrotting consulting agronomist Terry Buchen visits many golf courses annually with his digital camera in hand. He shares helpful ideas relating to maintenance equipment from the golf course superintendents he visits — as well as a few ideas of his own — with timely photos and captions that explore the changing world of golf course management.

The “Chuck Wagon”

Chuck Totten, equipment technician at Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette, Illinois, developed this unique namesake, a well-equipped 2003 Toro Workman vehicle for working out on the course instead of taking a piece of equipment back to the shop. Equipment includes a Lincoln AC225-S stick welder; Miller Millermatic 130 MIG welder; Cutmaster 42 plasma cutter; Speedaire 4GB4Z air compressor with a 4-horsepower Honda Motor and a 30-foot hose reel; DuroMax XP12000EH power generator; Oxyacetylene W/victor cutting torch; bottle of Arcon/Carbon Dioxide N.O.S compressed gas for MIG welder; 30-foot tow strap; two 20-foot tow chains; Prentiss large vise; two Craftsman toolboxes with metric and standard wrenches and sockets; Prizm HOC gauge; 5x magnifying glass for quality of cut; Accu-Gauge height and groomer gauges; and jumper cables. It cost $6,000 to $7,000 for all the equipment, including $1,000 for the tools. It initially took about eight hours to build back in 2014 with an additional 10 hours to add and subtract tools. Totten, superintendent Matt Flory, assistant superintendent Colin Huber and assistant equipment manager Kevin Sinkus are the epitome of teamwork. Bruce Hepner is the restoration architect.

Dew Whipping Pole Holder

Parts and supplies were already in inventory. The top and middle flat pieces of steel, measuring 1 inch by 16½ inches by 1/8th inch, were mounted to the cinder block wall with concrete nails. Two-inch radiator clamps were bolted in place into pre-drilled holes. The bottom 1½-inch angle iron, holding the handles in place, was also mounted using concrete screws. Total labor time was about one hour. Course superintendent Kurt Jennings and assistant superintendent David Muth at the Redstick Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida, and their team are very creative. Rees Jones and Greg Muirhead designed the golf course.

Terry Buchen, CGCS, MG, is president of Golf Agronomy International. He’s a 51-year, life member of the GCSAA. He can be reached at 757-561-7777 or terrybuchen@earthlink.net.

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