Articles from December 2009



Aerators for Frontmount Grasshoppers

Aeraters for the frontmount Grasshopper Units

Grasshopper claims The AERA-vator™ aerates and loosens compacted soil in 1/4 the time and with 1/4 the labor it takes with walk-behind aerators. AERA-vator™ eliminates unsightly cores and deep-fractures hard, dry soil combinations within the root zone without irrigation, increasing water filtration by up to four times. PTO-driven tines vibrate in an oscillating motion to penetrate soil, while heavy-duty construction allows use on packed paths and areas containing small rocks and other obstructions that would damage other aerators. 

I have seen this unit and the tines and drum are made very heavy! These units are very easy for one person to hook up.

Aeration creates a more resilient surface on playing fields and improves permeability and drainage for all turf.

Toro Company Acquires Assets of TY-CROP Manufacturing Ltd.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (October 14, 2009) – The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) today announced it has acquired certain assets from TY-CROP Manufacturing Ltd., a leading manufacturer of topdressing and material handling equipment for golf course and sports field applications.

Through the acquisition, Toro has acquired several models of topdressing and material handling equipment that will enhance the company’s position in the turf maintenance industry. TY-CROP products will be marketed under the Toro brand and sold through Toro’s distribution channel in the United States and international markets.

“Comprehensive cultivation and topdressing programs are increasingly important for our customers around the world,” said Michael Happe, vice president of Toro’s commercial business. “Golf courses and sports fields rely on these machines to achieve improved agronomic conditions and to create healthy, consistent playing surfaces. TY-CROP’s solid reputation in this important category complements our existing line of application and cultivation equipment. Equally, it provides our customers with a more comprehensive offering to meet their turf maintenance needs.”

While primarily employed on golf course greens and fairways to improve turf health, control thatch and provide optimal playing conditions, topdressing and material handling equipment is gaining increased acceptance on sports fields. Sports turf managers will use these machines to evenly apply a variety of materials like topsoil, fertilizer, sand, lime, and even crumb rubber for artificial turf.

Based in Rosedale, British Columbia, TY-CROP is a privately held company. In business for more than 30 years, TY-CROP has built a solid reputation around a durable line of topdressers and material handlers. The company’s other businesses, which include trailers and oil and gas products, were not associated with this acquisition and will continue normal operation.