Wiedenmann UK established itself in the UK sports turf industry with the introduction of the Terra Spike. Fineturf currently own and operate four Terra Spikes, used for deep tine aeration on natural sports turf.
Deep tine aeration, or vertical draining, is the process of spiking a sports pitch, with solid or coring tines, up to a depth of approximately 400mm. The tines, which can range from 5mm-25mm in diameter, pierce the soil while the heave of the Terra Spike ensures the soil is shattered and decompacted during the process. Deep tine aeration relieves compaction in heavily played areas, improves surface drainage and promotes new root growth.
When to Perform Deep Tine Aeration
Performing regular deep tine aeration between spring and autumn is highly recommended when growing conditions are good and the surface can repair more quickly. In the spring you could expect the pores left by the Terra Spike to have grown over in a few days. When winter approaches the shearing strength of the grass plant will have increased, the ground will be decompacted and ready to cope with the cold and wet weather.
However, it’s worth noting that deep tine aeration can, and should be undertaken all year round. Further deep tine aeration during the winter months can help relieve damp areas. Used as part of an ongoing maintenance programme, vertical draining really achieves results.
Features and Uses of the XP and XD Models
The Wiedenmann Terra Spike XP is regarded as among the best professional deep loosening machines. The XP works reliably down to a handsome 400 mm which means it is ideal for local authority sites and parkland areas prone to holding water.
The Terra Spike XD is sufficiently versatile and efficient to ‘access all areas’. The XD works smoothly and efficiently down to a generous 275 mm leaving very neat hole patterns with minimal surface disturbance so it is particularly favoured by golf courses, football and rugby clubs.
Both the XP and XD feature QuickSet™ heave and depth technology which means a single simple ‘tool free’ adjustment can set heave anywhere between 65° and 90° while another sets infinitely accurate depth, regardless of tine lengths employed. This means the operator can concentrate on the work in hand and doesn’t have long periods of down time. Simply by noting the settings, the operator can return to the job at another date confident of achieving the same amount of heave and depth and not be reliant on guess work.
The XP and XD use a range of solid and coring tines – with diameters from 5 mm to 25 mm which allow a whole variety of sport pitches to be aerated. The thinner pencil tines are suitable for golf greens, where minimum disruption to play is essential but surface aeration is crucial. Larger tines can be used on golf fairways, cricket outfields and football and rugby pitches.
Below is a video of a Terra Spike in action on a golf course fairway and continue down the page for further specifications on both models.
Thanks to Wiedenmann UK for technical specifications and information. Visit their website http://www.wiedenmann.co.uk/.
