Kirk Langley, Derbyshire, England: Compaction related problems are common place on golf courses. Dry patch, black layer and excessive thatch all lead to an inconsistent course surface. Compaction reduces the air spaces between the soil particles; restricting the passage of air, water and nutrients through the rootzone.

The patented SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 machine greatly increases the speed of the aeration process by directly injecting air into the rootzone at a fast working rate, creating thousands of fissures.

The Javelin Aer-Aid gained rave reviews from the STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute). Over a three-month period, extensive trials led by Dr Christian Spring were carried out which examined how and if the Javelin Aer-Aid had an effect on the hardness of the turf, the root depth, water infiltration and disease.

Dr Spring reported that ‘it became obvious that the Aer-Aid improved maximum root and depth within the soil profile and also had the benefit of increasing the depth of the average rooting mass’.

With 10 mm diameter ‘tipped’ tines working at 75 mm (three inches) spacing, air is introduced from the Aer-Aid at a rate of 88 litres (three cubic feet) per minute. These air injection tines are specially designed to use the maximum air available from the compressor and produces clean, fresh air, while also ensuring that surface disturbance is kept to a minimum.

The cam trigger mechanism ensures that the air is always expelled at the bottom of the tine penetration, enabling treatment to be targeted precisely and consistently.

The Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 has a working width of 1.5 metres and is extremely quiet in operation. It can be powered by a compact tractor as little as 30 horsepower which also keeps weight on the surface to a minimum. Used at the correct speed and depth, it can aerate an average green in under 20 minutes, whilst leaving an even finish that can be played on immediately afterwards.

“Changing tines is simple and quick with very little maintenance needed on the machine. Alternative tines for other operations, such as hollow coring before top dressing, are available to make this SISIS a truly versatile aerator,” said a spokesperson for SISIS, a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

To view the Javelin Aer-Aid in action, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MujLx24eqSE