Sheffield Wednesday's new aerator...

[@owlstalk]

The challenge of tackling inevitable wet patches on a pitch has been eased at Sheffield Wednesday FC’s Hillsborough Stadium, thanks to the club’s investment in a new Toro aerator.

30th Jan 2015
With recent difficulties alleviating wet patches with standing water, making it impossible to aerate with a tractor mounted machine, the Owls’ Head Groundsman Andy Thompson decided to trial Toro’s ProCore 648. Aerating both the wetter and shaded areas of the pitch, Andy was so impressed by the results, he subsequently put an order in with Toro distributor Lely UK.

As a prestigious stadium that’s played host to a World Cup, European Championship, two League Cup Final replays and 28 FA Cup semi-finals, ensuring Hillsborough Stadium is match-ready is vital, says Andy.

“Back in November, when it was particularly wet, we used the ProCore to help alleviate a wet patch with standing water,” he explains. “I can honestly say that without the machine, the pitch would have been too wet to play. Players, fans and TV spectators will not tolerate a playing surface that does not look or play as they have come to expect, so wet patches are an issue we have to solve.”
 
Worked with both 13mm and 19mm solid tines to depths of around 90mm, the ProCore is pressed into service at least once a week to keep the rootzone profile open, with the far side of the stadium that is most shaded often seeing a twice-weekly pass with the machine. 

This heavy use has significantly improved the pitch; its condition and playability having been enhanced since regular aeration has taken place.

Although a tractor mounted aeration system is suitable for some pitches, the high work rate of the pedestrian ProCore 648 has earned these machines a growing following for winter sports turf care. 

Andy points out that while the machine comes with what may seem a high price point, regular aeration can make all the difference between water getting away and the pitch being fit to play – making the investment well worthwhile. 

[BRADDO]

Thanks. That's 5 minutes I'll never get back

[F. Spiksley]

World's gone mad. Nothing wrong with a few fork prods in each goal mouth once a month.

[steelowl]

without that the bristol game would've been put back a lot more

 

watched him pulling it around I thought it was a vac   but looks an awesome bit of kit 

[aeroswfc]

Big machine. 

[Owls2k]

Is that the machine they wheeled down to the north west corner to help get rid of the standing water before the Bristol City match? After 20 mins of one bloke getting rid of the water on his own they wheeled that up, did bugger all and wheeled it back. Should've just got Adthe to do a Shefki Kuqi

[Holmowl]

42 minutes ago, Owls2k said:

Is that the machine they wheeled down to the north west corner to help get rid of the standing water before the Bristol City match? After 20 mins of one bloke getting rid of the water on his own they wheeled that up, did bugger all and wheeled it back. Should've just got Adthe to do a Shefki Kuqi

I spotted that too. Three blokes with squeegies worked wonders, then this gismo did absolutely nothing. Must have impressed the ref though.

Edited September 21, 2016 by Holmowl

[Guest mkowl]

He forgot to check the fuel level. He had to nip out and fetch his petrol can after it ran out mid mop up

[Holmowl]

7 hours ago, mkowl said:

He forgot to check the fuel level. He had to nip out and fetch his petrol can after it ran out mid mop up

 

Had to laugh before the Bristol kick-off. 2016, money swilling around the sport, and to clear water off the pitch we had 

 

bloke with fork

bloke with squeegee

bloke with snow shovel

 

Until the new Marvel superhero Aerator came along...but didn't work.

 

[Feelthepayne]

From 2015- but oh well

[Mr Farrell]

Holy crap that's a boring read.

 

[Buxtongent]

We were caught in the thunderstorm on our way to Hillsborough, having had to have a tyre change, so at the worst of the storm were driving over the top to Hillsborough. We were listening to R.Sheffield and wondering whether the match would be played or not. Our genuine opinion, after looking at the current conditions, and the 'up to date' broadcast, was a resounding NO, but, having got as far as Hollow Meadows from Buxton, decided that we would give it a try. Looking at videos of the sight of the NW corner at 7.30. I have come to 2 conclusions - the first was that we were mad to believe the match might be on, the second was our amazement at out first sight at seeing the state of the pitch at 8.00.

I can only say that the Groundstaff do not need any twerp criticising their actions, only thanks for the splendid job they did. I can only add that thank the Lord it wasn't me working in those conditions to ensure a game was played, and an extremely good game, and to a crowd that included many critics of the work thy did.

Thank you, Groundstaff, and incidentally, thanks to Mr Chansiri, for providing us with the new Desso pitch. It is a racing certainty that, on the old Hillsborough surface, this would have proved impossible.  

[Inspector Lestrade]

I cannot believe that we are employing such a machine, its sacrilegious that what it is, RED, bloody red!   Sack who ever agreed to this!

[Pastor Kidneys]

I prefer forking

[Mr. Tom]

Also comes with a hi-tech brush attachment

[Bolsterstone Owl]

 

Needs painting blue and white though.