SPORTSTURF asked several prominent turf managers to answer questions onhow they stripe their fields Here are some of the responses

Trevor Vance Kansas City RoyalsST In your opinion what are the most important things to know

about mowing designs on baseball fieldsVance The field is the backdrop of

the game You want it to look crispsharp and professional Dont take awayfrom the game the fans come to see theplayers and after they say Wow whenthey first see the field you dont wantthem talking about it any more You wantyour field to be beautiful but not loud

Get comfortable with your mowerfirst Start simple cutting a straight lineisnt as easy as it looks Maybe start bycutting 112circles then you cant tell ifyour lines are not straight Dont repeat-edly go over a line trying to get it straightthough

Lopas doesnt always keep it simple though His post-9l1 American flag was amasterpiece as was the tribute 26 cut into the outfield to honor long-timeAngels owner Gene Autry after he passed away The number refers to Autrys statusas the 26th man on the roster says Lopas

For three seasons Lopas and crew mowed the outfield with walk-behinds butnow have some nine-blade triplex mowers from Jacobsen for the outfield as well

both Jake and Toro walk-behind modelsHe uses them all to create his stripes

Lopas says if youre just starting to cutsome lines into your field use string linesto centerfield or a foul line then mowthree lines mow them back again beforemoving on to three more lines and so onPick a point on the fence and headstraight for it Once your lines are mowedin its a piece of cake from there Lopassays Even I could do it

ST How do you mow a straightline

Vance Find a point ahead and stayfocused on it then go for it Its not easyas I said Hopefully your foul lines arestraight so start there cutting along the line first then try and follow that straight-ness If you mess up you can fix it the next day

ST What equipment do you use to stripeVance We use a triplex 3-reel 2653 mower in the outfield and sometimes in

the infield We also use a walk-behind 26-inch greens mower which stripes widerso you make fewer passes

We vary our cuts using a different pattern every homestand What pattern ischosen depends on weather time of year and length of the homestand A shorterone we might just have a center cut longer we crosscut different direction everyday so we dont put a grain into the turf

ST Do you have to make adjustments in your maintenance scheduleto mow designs Time of day height of cut etc

Vance In the heat of summer we cut lots of 112circles so we dont have to beso exact

Barney Lopas Anaheim AngelsIn his 9th year in Anaheim Barney Lopas keeps it simple We cut a line from

home plate directly to where each of our players stands and we keep it that waythroughout the entire homestand he says of his infield mowing pattern

When the teams gone we mow in different directions but 5 or 6 days beforethey are back we starting burning in the old pattern Lopas says

32 April 2005

Collin Castille Houston AstrosST In your opinion what are the

most important things to know aboutmowing designs on baseball fields

Castille Knowing what your grass iscapable of doing is the most importantWhat will the grass look like when youput a particular pattern in How manytimes do you have to mow in order to get

the grass looking the way you want it (or how long does it take to get an old pat-tern out)

ST What equipment do you use to stripeCastille We use mowers with rollers on them Our walk behind which we use

for the infield is a reel mower with a small roller in the front and a large drum inthe back of the cutting unit Our outfield unit has three reels on it also has rollersin front and in back of the cutting unit These rollers do very good jobs and pro-duce what we are looking for

ST Do you have to make adjustments in your maintenance scheduleto mow designs

Castille No we are fortunate that we do not have to make any adjustments toour program in order to create a pattern on our field Our grass stripes up nicelyThe only drawback to our field is that we have to cut our grass pretty low In orderfor us to get a pattern to look very good we have to mow it at least five times inorder to make it look good If we ever wanted to do something with high detail wewould probably have to mow it more than five times

ST Any other advice for those who want to mow patterns on baseballfields

Castille Keep your patterns simple and clean Dont have more than one pat-tern in at a time ST

SPORTSTURF bull httpwwwgreenmediaonlinecom

TOPDRESSER FOR PROGATORSSpecifically designed for the John Deere ProGator 2020 and 2030 utility vehicles the TD1 00 Top Dresser is made of gal-

vanized steel hopper that resists corrosion and is supported by a steel frame for strength A fixed-speed nylonpolyestercord endless conveyor belt moves material under the metering gate and through a rotating brush for even distributionThe conveyor belt and rotating brush are powered by a hydraulic motor that operates off the ProGator hydraulic systemJohn Oeere8oo-537-8233For information circle 062 orsee

~~TURFTENDERDakota Peat amp Equipment has

introduced the 414 Turf Tender toits topdresser product line Built atthe request of customers the 414features a 4-yd hopper and isdesigned to spread any type ofmaterial needed for turf mainte-nance The 414 features an electri-cally controlled hydraulic systemthat allows you to control spinnerspeed and belt speed from the trac-tor seat for II on-the-go spread pat-tern adjustmentsDakota Peat amp Equipment8oo-477-8415For information circle 065 orsee hHplwwwonersimsca4572-o6S

Why Does This certified Bermudagrass VarielyMake Such Good sense for

Sunbelt Playing FieldsCloser IOWing u e ht Leaf Blade Im~ Leaf

Heights ~ TextureResearch conducted in Tifton GA shows TifSport has a similar leaf texture tothat TifSport can tolerate closer mowing TlfSports leaf blade stilfness IS beln~ to~ted Tifway and a finer leaf texture thanheights than Tifway and Midiron With by many turfgrass professionals With TlfSport mostother grasses ifSport willTifSport mowing fanatics can mow away players seem to get better bounces dellver excell~nt footing for sportsto their hearts content I r fields of all stripessue

TUrf~TifSport has a greater densitthan Tifway - about a 1 point difference on a 10point scale And its about 3points better than common bermudagrass

Good LateralGrowth

TifSport is more aggressivethan genetically pure Tifwayespecially during the coolweather months This mayaccount for nfSports rapidgrow-in and repair time

Dark GreenColor

Pastel green is passeTifSportsdark emeraldgreen color will makeyour fields the envy of theneighborhood

Drought ToughAll grass has to have waterbut nfSport can help youmake it through thosesummer water restrictionsIt stays healthier and recoversfaster from drought than mostother bermudas

Cold Tolerant-nfSport has expanded thenorthern limit for warmseason bermudagrassesIt has survived multiplewinters as far north as

Stillwater OK amp Lexington KY

su e Sod~

TifSportssuperior sodstrength means quickerinstallation with less wasteand thats got to be goodfor your bottom line Pest Resistant

Research has shown thatmole ceickets just plain dontlike TifSportThats just onemore reason why youshould

Excellent TrafficTolerance

TifSportsturf density sod strength and good lateralgrowth rate give it a highranking for traffic tolerance

~~ if inside view of a typical TifSport plugshows TifSportsimpressive root systemstolons and rhizomes

For a Ust of e -$1 _ perri Growers VisitWWVVtifSportcomCircle 158 on card or wwwonersimsca4572-158

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ntenance equipment

TOPDRESSER HYDRAULIC KIT OPTIONThe Tv-Crop ProPass 180 low impact broadcast top-

dresser now offers an optional self-contained engine pow-ered hydraulic pump and reservoir The unit can be towedbehind many types of vehicles regardless of theirhydraulic capabilities which means you can share the top-dresser without sharing the tow vehicle Units featurelight foot print accurate spread pattern (so theres noneed to drag or brush in afterwards) and gives you theversatility to spread a variety of materials at varying widthsand depthsTy-(rop8oo-845-7249For information circle 066 orsee httpwwwonersimsca4572-066

REDEXIMSTOPDRESSER

Redexim Charterhouseintroduces topdressers toits line of turf mainte-nance equipment Mostmodels use hydraulics to power a permanently self-aligning con-veyor belt delivering the wet or dry material directly to the rotarybrush which can deliver a variety of materials including sand andrubber infill mix for a spread up to 12-in thick in one pass TheEasy Spread model is a low cost solution that can be used with avariety of materials spreading as much as 8 tons in one dayusing a single operatorxeuexim Charterhouse Il1c800-597-5664For information circle 067 orsee

Item 81135X-2047880retail~NOW $16145

bstore ANYTIME -hl9se from Thousands of ntres

34 April2005 SPORTSTURF bull httpwwwgreenmediaonlinecom

SHIELDED SPRAYERThese 52- and 132-in aerodynamically designed shielded sprayers deliver an even spray of

small droplets that stick to vegetation achieving greater coverage with less chemicalsIndependent floating chambers follow the ground contours for precise application The sprayattachment is for Grasshoppers full line of True ZeroTurn FrontMount and MidMount mowers

For information circle 069 orsee httpwwwonersimsca4572-o69

middotmiddotTURF SLICERThe TS-48 by GreensGroomer

overseeds opens dry spots and aer-ates Strictly a tow behind unit thatrequires hydraulics PTO separatepower source (engine) or 3-pointhitch setup The TS-48 is made up oftwo rows of tines offset front toback to create 2 in on center spac-ing Each row of tines has a splitshaft reducing turf damage whilemaking sharp turns Two 25-galwater tanks present infinite adjust-ment of addition weightGreensGroomer888-298-aaS2For information circle 072 orsee hUplwwwonersimsca4572-072

httpwwwsportsturfmanagercom bull STMA

Attended bymore than

6000professionalsfrom acrossthe nation

Three optionalgreen industry

conferenceswith more than

60 educationsessions

Dedicated to the needsof landscape contractorsand grounds professionals

350 manufacturerslaunching newproduct lines

GIEGREEN INDUSTRY EXPO

We bring you a fresh location annuallyWednesday to Saturday November 2-5 2005

Orange County Convention Center bull Orlando FloridaSPONSORED AND ENDORSED BY

PLANET Professional Landcare Network(800) 395-2522 bull wwwlandcarenetworkorg

Professional Grounds Management Society(800) 609-7467 bull wwwpgmsorg

YES Send me a brochure about GIE200So Send me information 0 Send me information

on attending exhibiting my products

Clip and Sent toGREEN INDUSTRY

EXPO1000 Johnson Ferry Road NE

Suite 8-255Marietta GA 30068-2112

Fax (770) 579-3835

Name _

Company _

Address ~ _

CityStateZip _

Phone Fax _

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GIE and its exhibitors may use your contact data to forward you show updates and product informationCheck here 0 if you wish to have your name withheld

For more information(888) 303-3685

infogieonlinecomwwwgieonlinecom

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SPORTSTURF 35

TORO CORE COLLECTORToro has introduced the Pro Sweep 5200 core collector that

features a 52-in sweeping width with an exclusive floating brushhousing that rotates from side to side and front to back allowingthe sweeper to collect cores on uneven terrain The pivoting sub-frame allowsyou to maintain positive tongue weight and for better traction on inclines evenwhen the sweeper is filling up In addition the roller height is adjustable for spe-cific turf applications

The Pro Sweep is powered by a heavy-duty Workmans high flow hydraulicsToro Commercial Equipment8oo-344-8676For information circle 070 orsee httpwwwonersimsca4572-070

PLA ETAIR AERATORSPlanetAir continues to excel in the aeration market

with the unveiling of the High Density 50 Tow and theHigh Density 50 PTO aerators PlanetAir boasts theability to produce a 34-in hole with a 12x21 spacingat a rate of 12 acres per hour The patented coringtine cuts clean cores at the surface and shatters thesoil below This technology results in up to 90 lessclean up says the company The results are moredurable dense and playable turf due to the intenseroot zone aeration The units versatility means youcan aerate circles around a pitchers mound goal postor difficult corners while the aerator is working in theground without tearing turfPlanetAir Turf Products llC871-8oo-8845For information circle 013 orsee httpwwwonersimsca4572-073

DuPonttradeTurf Blan kerwith Xavan

Works as a buffer between your turf and the elementsThe DuPonFM Turf Blanket with DuPonttrade Xavan is a highstrengthlightweight nonwoven polypropylene fabric that effectively helps minimizedamage from winterkill wind and insects It passes both air and water andhelps create a greenhouse-type environment (higher soil and airtemperatures retained moisture) conducive to root growth extends thegrowing season and allows for earlier green-up of your sports field

Ideal for over-wintering germinationand lateearly season daily covers

ltQIIp]JnThe miracles oJ sciencemiddot

For more information about DuPonFM Turf Blanketscall Earth amp Landscape Solutions (ELS) at

(800) 289-2448

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36 April 2005 SPORTSTURF bull httpwwwgreenmediaonlinecom

ACCUPRO SPRAYERSingle seat sprayer with great visibility features an 18-hp

Kohler V-twin OHV air-cooled gas engine with the 5-speed trans-mission full suspension front and rear Comes in 160- or 21 O-galBroyhiU800-228-100J )(34For information circle 091 orsee nHIPIlWVlfW(mel bullbullI1gt bullbullbull a

NEW HYDROVERTI-DRAIN

Redexim Charterhouse hasunveiled a new ride on Verti-Drain7007 with hydrostatic drive pow-ered by a 13-hp Briggs andStratton Vanguard OHV engineand uses a hydrostatic transmis-sion supplied by Eaton with a for-ward speed of over 65 mph Ithas a three-wheel drive optionavailable and has a workingcapacity of over 12000 sq ft perhourRedexlm Charterhouse8oo-597-S664For information circle 097 orsee httpwwwonersimsca4572-Q97

NEW TECHNOLOGYLOW PRICE

Topdressers are the key to greatturf Millcreeks new Cub modelsat under $9K bring the best withinreach of any school or park budgetMost topdressers choke on wetclumpy soil treatments MillcreeksSaber Tooth technology spreadswet or dry coarse or fine materialsquickly evenly and to precisiondepths Minimize injuries and gettrue bounces with the CubMillcreek ManutactunnQliOI)-311-1For information circle 099 orsee httpwwwonersimsca4572-099

Affordable New Models with Breakthrough Technology

The revolutionary Millcreek Saber Tooihspreading system makes all other top-dressers obsolete Millcreeks new low-priced TurfTiqer Cub models at under$9K bring the worlds best topdresserswithin reach of any school or park budget

Millcreek brings out the best in your turf

Most topdressers choke on wet clumpy soil treatments found inreal-world conditions Millcreeks patented Saber Tooth technologysolves that problem Now you can spread both coarse or finematerials quickly and efficiently no matter what their consistency

Both Turf Tiger Cub models can spreadwet or dry coarse or fine materials

Millcreek Topdressers produce healthy playing surfaces

Millcreeks TurfTiger Cub provides a more consistent healthierplaying surface-healthier environmentally and for the players

Millcreeks Cub Topdressers with Saber Tooth technology

Model 3100-18 cu yds (heaped)Model 3200-23 cu yds (heaped)Call (800) 311-1323 orvisit wwwMillcreekMfgcomGet the job done quickly

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38 April 2005

BETTER SPREADERCO TROL

EarthWay Products intro-duces the Ev-N-Spred ControlCenter that allows the operator tobalance the spread pattern for theleft and right side throw-ing ports and to controlthe rate with the spring-close T speed handleEarth Way IS7 4-848-7 491For information circle 068 orsee httpwwwonersimsca4572-068

SPORTSTURF HEATINGlnditherms under-turf heating uses patented

conductive polymer technologyFlexible pads do not affect drainage and use

low voltages generating uniform heat over theentire surface and rootzone This solid state sys-tem does away with boilers and maintenanceand eliminates leaks Energy costs are up to75 less than traditional hydronicglycol sys-

tems bringing heated fields within reach for many more teams Fields can be zoned t_omanage stand shading Inditherm is fully and automatically controllable easily integratedinto management software and systems Suitable for natural and artificial turfInditherm78l-686-1378For information circle 088 Of

see lTHICJIlWWWGneI5lfI1SCiJ4SrZ-ilHHi

NEW STRIPERFieldLazer is Graces newest airless line strip-

ing system The technology atomizes paint betterfor brighter longer-lasting lines Its durable pistonpump siphons paint directly from the original con-tainer The tall wheel cart rolls easily over rough ter-rain And the high capacity manifold filter makes tipclogs a thing of the pastGraco800-690-2894For information circle 061 orsee httpwwwonersimsca4572-061

SPORTSTURF bull httpwwwgreenmediaonlinecom

SIMPLE DESIGNTOPDRESSER

Earth amp Turf Productsintroduces its Model24D TruFlow a push-type topdresser for dryflowable materialsincluding sand infield

mix and calcined clay on athletic fields Featuresinclude 3-cuft capacity 8-in diameter dispersaldrum 24-in wide spreading pattern spreadingbegins when front wheels engage the ground noengagement lever and ends spreading when tiltedback on rear wheelsEarth amp Turf Products LLC888-693-2638For information circle 063 orsee httpwwwonersimsca4572-063

Durability Power and ComfortShindaiwa trimmers designed and builtwith the landscape professional in mind

bull Quality two-ring piston and chrome platedcylinder for maximum durability

bull Solid steel drive shaftbull Electronic ignition for fast easy startsbull Anti-vibration system reduces operator fatiguebull Heavy-duty gearcase designbull Lifetime warranty on drive shaft and electronic

components~-~~_f~_-~~gt~~~_ ~~~l( _~_1J

FIRSI 10 SIARJ1ASI 10 QUIT

To find a dealer nearest you call(800) 521-7733 or visit wwwshindaiwacom

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ALWAYSREAD ANDFOLLOW LABELDIRECTIONS

LAUNCHreg combines the best of Gordons FOCUSreg and

BOV-A-MURAreginto one powerful formulation that encourages

strong healthy roots increased density and wear resistance

When used regularly it also encourages quick germination

vigorous establishment and the rapid recovery of damaged

sports turf from soccer and football fields to golf greens and

fairways

bull Latest surfactant technology for maximum soil penetration

bull Ideal for seeding sodding sprigging and hydroseeding

bull Contains humic fulvic acid extract and kelp extract

bull Enhanced with deodorized dairy manure slurry base

bull Root and foliar uptake

Launch Focus and Bov-A-Mura are registered trademarks of PBIGordon CorporationInformation regarding biostimulants can be viewed on our web site

1-800-821- 7925 bull wwwpbigrdoncom

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SPORTSTURF 39