February 2008

Campey Turfcare Takes Imants Nationwide

Groundcare machinery specialist Campey Turfcare has been appointed as the sole UK distributor for the Imants range of aerators and decompactors.

Imants BV is based at Reusel in the Netherlands and has been producing its own forged and smithed steel tools since 1885. Since developing one of the first spading machines in the 1960s, the company has specialised in innovative groundcare equipment.

Initially, the Imants range will be spearheaded in the United Kingdom by the RotoKnife and the Shockwave Revenge.

The Imants RotoKnife slitter-aerator has recently been redesigned to offer even more functions, making it a highly versatile groundcare implement. Regular slitting results in a denser and healthier grass sward, and also helps to eliminate thatch and black layer.

Comprising a series of slitting discs suspended on individual axles with large diameter rollers to the front and rear, the RotoKnife has a unique control panel on the side of its frame which allows discs to be selected and working depth set for a variety of operations.

By moving the selector to the required position, one or two sets of mini discs can be brought into play for shallow slitting and thatch destruction, a fairway cassette activated or large discs put into work for deep slitting.

Working depths from 10-150mm can be selected, and the ability to choose the slitting tools means that the RotoKnife can be used on surfaces from golf greens to winter sports pitches. A choice of 1.7 and 1.8m models is available.

A perfect complement to the RotoKnife is the Shockwave decompactor, which provides deep loosening of the rooting area, improving drainage and aeration to allow healthy root growth.

The latest Mk II version of the Shockwave, named the Revenge, utilises a central all-gear drive for increased durability and a torque limiter on the pto rather than shear bolts, reducing downtime and boosting operator safety. Heavy duty sealed bearings also help to ensure that the Shockwave spends its time on the turf, not in the workshop.

Curved blades are attached to the central rotor, displacing soil which combines with the forward speed to give a ‘wave’ action. This shatters the soil laterally and removes compaction without surface disturbance; a rear roller smooths the slots for a clean finish. Working depth is adjustable from 120-260mm and versions are 1.55 and 2.1m working width, suitable for tractors from 35-50hp and 47-68hp. Another member of the Shockwave family is the heavy duty 2.2m model, ideal for contractors and racecourses. It is suitable for use with a tractor of 100hp and has a working depth of 380mm.

From his base near Macclesfield, Cheshire, Richard Campey offers the most technologically advanced groundcare equipment to leading golf clubs, sports grounds and local authorities. Expert advice on the ideal machinery solutions to suit groundsmen’s and greenkeepers’ needs is backed up by the highest quality service and parts support.

Felix Peters of Imants BV says: “We are very pleased to be working with Campey Turfcare. The initial package is for the Shockwave Revenge and the Rotoknife, and additional ranges will follow later this year. There will also be some new introductions from the partnership of Imants and Campey Turfcare.”

Richard Campey comments: “This is a versatile and advanced range of machinery which has already proven itself in UK conditions. We look forward to demonstrating the benefits of the Imants Shockwave Revenge and RotoKnife to a wider span of customers, and feel that the equipment fits in well with our existing ranges.”