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SIDESTEP SHUFFLE
The Imants Shockwave rotary decompactor range is ideally suited to amenity and sports turf aeration, with good work rates and low maintenance as operating pluses. But how do they work?
Campey Turf Care Systems has never suggested the Imants Shockwave range is an alternative to deep tine aeration systems. The key is to regard these now well established units as tools that can help alleviate compaction, both when used on their own or in conjunction with other systems.
The Shockwave range is divided into the 'smaller' 100, 155 and 210 models of 1.00m, 1.55m and 2.10m. These can be operated by compact tractors from 28hp for the 100 through to 60hp for the 210. For deeper and more intensive operations the 2.2m 'heavy-duty' 220 is available. Primarily seen as a contractor or local authority tool, this physically larger unit needs to be operated by a 'heavier' tractor in the 80hp to 120hp power bracket.
All versions feature a central gearbox from which drive passes to a shaft fitted with three-blade rotors. These blades slice a vertical slit through the turf at a depth of up to 250mm - or 380mm for the heavy duty 220 model. Mechanically that about wraps it up. Even maintenance is minimal, there being no grease points on the smaller units with just the pto shaft needing lubrication attention. The 220 model has a couple of grease points on the rear depth, but that is about it.
The blades are made from drop forged steel, with a curved profile that is claimed to preserve the blades overall length as it wears. The way in which the blade is made also helps to keep the cutting edge 'sharp'. The blades have a slight offset that leads to a lateral shift in the sliced section of soil with each blade pass. Take a look at a Shockwave in action, and you can see the turf physically shuffling back and forth across the width of the unit as it moves forward. It is not a dramatic movement but it is sufficient to help reduce a layer of compaction.
The key is to establish the depth of compaction by digging a few test holes. The Shockwave is then set to the required working depth by adjusting the rear roller. It pays to follow the machine initially, checking the set depth is delivering the required results. The simplest approach is to use a simple probe, testing how easy it is to push through the soil both before and after the passage of the machine.
The Shockwave will either push smaller stones aside or slice through them. If the stone or other obstruction will not yield to the blade, the rotary action will lift the unit up and over the obstruction. Campey suggest this is a key to the versatility of the Shockwave as it can be used in areas that may be considered too risky to treat with a tined aerator.
If the rotors do meet an object that will not allow the unit to slice through or force the machine out of the ground, the tractor and Shockwave transmission are protected via a torque - limiting clutch on the PTO. Once triggered, the clutch will reset once the obstruction has been cleared.
Summary - A Shockwave is one of those tools that can be a useful aid to relieving compaction over wider areas where surface disturbance needs to be minimised. Relatively fast and capable of working in less than ideal conditions, the Shockwave should prove easy to operate and look after. Most important of all it appears to do a good job.
Article courtesy of Amenity Machinery and Equipment.
To download the press release as a pdf please click here - SIDESTEP SHUFFLE
Campey Turf Care Systems has never suggested the Imants Shockwave range is an alternative to deep tine aeration systems. The key is to regard these now well established units as tools that can help alleviate compaction, both when used on their own or in conjunction with other systems.
The Shockwave range is divided into the 'smaller' 100, 155 and 210 models of 1.00m, 1.55m and 2.10m. These can be operated by compact tractors from 28hp for the 100 through to 60hp for the 210. For deeper and more intensive operations the 2.2m 'heavy-duty' 220 is available. Primarily seen as a contractor or local authority tool, this physically larger unit needs to be operated by a 'heavier' tractor in the 80hp to 120hp power bracket.
All versions feature a central gearbox from which drive passes to a shaft fitted with three-blade rotors. These blades slice a vertical slit through the turf at a depth of up to 250mm - or 380mm for the heavy duty 220 model. Mechanically that about wraps it up. Even maintenance is minimal, there being no grease points on the smaller units with just the pto shaft needing lubrication attention. The 220 model has a couple of grease points on the rear depth, but that is about it.
The blades are made from drop forged steel, with a curved profile that is claimed to preserve the blades overall length as it wears. The way in which the blade is made also helps to keep the cutting edge 'sharp'. The blades have a slight offset that leads to a lateral shift in the sliced section of soil with each blade pass. Take a look at a Shockwave in action, and you can see the turf physically shuffling back and forth across the width of the unit as it moves forward. It is not a dramatic movement but it is sufficient to help reduce a layer of compaction.
The key is to establish the depth of compaction by digging a few test holes. The Shockwave is then set to the required working depth by adjusting the rear roller. It pays to follow the machine initially, checking the set depth is delivering the required results. The simplest approach is to use a simple probe, testing how easy it is to push through the soil both before and after the passage of the machine.
The Shockwave will either push smaller stones aside or slice through them. If the stone or other obstruction will not yield to the blade, the rotary action will lift the unit up and over the obstruction. Campey suggest this is a key to the versatility of the Shockwave as it can be used in areas that may be considered too risky to treat with a tined aerator.
If the rotors do meet an object that will not allow the unit to slice through or force the machine out of the ground, the tractor and Shockwave transmission are protected via a torque - limiting clutch on the PTO. Once triggered, the clutch will reset once the obstruction has been cleared.
Summary - A Shockwave is one of those tools that can be a useful aid to relieving compaction over wider areas where surface disturbance needs to be minimised. Relatively fast and capable of working in less than ideal conditions, the Shockwave should prove easy to operate and look after. Most important of all it appears to do a good job.
Article courtesy of Amenity Machinery and Equipment.
To download the press release as a pdf please click here - SIDESTEP SHUFFLE
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Using genuine parts allows you to maintain your machine to the same standards as when it was brand new. We are able to despatch parts for delivery the following day direct to your door. We also provide total support on genuine parts for all products.
Using genuine parts allows you to maintain your machine to the same standards as when it was brand new. We are able to despatch parts for delivery the following day direct to your door. We also provide total support on genuine parts for all products.
If you have any questions or would like more information about Spare Parts Products please call us now:
+44 (0)1260 224568