Scottish contractor, Fairways Sportsgrounds has won a contract to deep tine 60 football pitches and six golf courses operated by Glasgow City Council on behalf of Glasgow Life.
Each of the pitches will enjoy four separate visits across a 12 month period.
Bobby McDougall, Business Development Manager said: “Last summer was the third wettest in Glasgow since records began 107 years ago. Even by our own local standards we’ve had some amount of rainfall.
“The pitches are across 25 different locations some with heavy clay soils and others with a lighter footprint. Our mission is to rid them of compaction. Everywhere we go we’re trying for maximum depth.
“The challenge is applying the right amount of heave when conditions allow. Just by adding in 10 or 15 degrees of heave creates air pockets within the root zone, increasing pore space and vastly improves the flow of air, water and nutrients.”
Fairways Sportsgrounds is fortunately placed. It shares its Glasgow Airport HQ with sister company, Wiedenmann UK, and has access to the full range of 11 Terra Spike deep aerators, spare parts and workshop.
“Yes, we’re in an enviable situation when it comes to operator training and best kit for purpose,” continued Bobby McDougall. “For the contract I can access Terra Spike XP and XD machines – all the requisite 2.1 metres wide.
“Where the Wiedenmann machines come into their own is the tool free heave adjustment. It’s a decent 25 degree range from 65° to 90°, so easy and quick to amend. Working depth operates hydraulically from the tractor cab.”