GKB Machines praised for drainage work

By Alistair March 12, 2024 09:31

One of the country’s leading sports construction and maintenance companies has explained why it turns to GKB Machines when it comes to solutions for secondary drainage. Following the wet winter, plant and operations manager for White Horse Contractors, Mick Cross, predicts a busy season ahead for the pair of Drainmasters alongside the GKB Deep Tine Aerator (DTA).

White Horse Contractors was an early adopter of GKB equipment, with some machines on their fleet clocking up more than 10 years of reliable service. In addition to two Drainmasters and the DTA, two Combinators and a Rotobrush from GKB form part of a sizeable fleet of equipment, used on projects across the south of the UK by a team of 40+ operatives.

“When it comes to purchasing machinery, two things we look for are time-effective solutions and build quality – giving us the reliability to keep on track with a packed schedule” explains Mick, who has been with White Horse for over 30 years. “The Drainmasters tick both of these boxes.”

The two or three cutting wheels of the GKB Drainmaster are spaced at either 50cm or 1m, creating channels at a depth of up to 23cm which are simultaneously filled with sand to leave a stable surface, with improved, long-lasting drainage. “The beauty of this machine is that it conducts multiple operations in one pass, meaning we’re not having to cover the ground multiple times or use multiple machines.”

Mick continues, “We purchased our first Drainmaster in 2010, and a second one more recently and both are out on a regular basis between March and October.

“Last year, they completed work on upwards of 20 pitches – both natural turf and hybrid pitches which is another great thing about this machine.”

Together with football pitches from local council up to Premier League level, the Drainmaster has also been put to task on polo grounds and racecourses.

“It’s versatility, efficiency and robust build quality makes it ideal for the contractor market” he adds.

“The DTA is very much built in the same vein, giving us a tough and reliable aerator for regular work on elite sports surfaces.” Mick concludes, “There aren’t many manufacturers offering products so well suited to the requirements of the contractor market which is why we’ve already invested in a fleet of GKB Machines and are currently in the process of increasing this with all eyes on a busy year ahead.”