BTME Review: GKB

By Alistair April 13, 2022 09:01

GKB Machines used BTME 2022 as a launch platform for a brand-new addition to its natural turf maintenance range, in the form of the Verticollector. Based on the principles of the VStrong scarifier, the new Verticollector range promises effective organic matter removal and clean collection of the extracted material in a single pass.

The benefits of effective verticutting are well documented, seeing it play an important role in the maintenance of fine turf surfaces. The Verticollector is available in two working widths – 1.2m and 1.6m – and is equipped with precision-engineered steel blades, spaced at 25, 50, 75 or 100mm, for the accurate removal of thatch, surface debris and lateral growth down to depths of 40mm. The wind paddles, fitted to GKB’s unique CombiRotor®, generate enough suction to lift the extracted material up and into the new 400L collector which can then be hydraulically lifted and conveniently emptied at the press of a button.

Ideal for use on golf and bowling greens, cricket wickets and other situations where collection of the removed material is desirable, the multi-functionality offered by the Verticollector enables the operator to complete the job swiftly – bringing benefit to plant health, whilst keeping surface and play disruption to a minimum.

Commenting on it’s introduction, UK operations manager Tom Shinkins said, “We pride ourselves on listening to the end users and coming up with solutions to everyday problems. The new Verticollector will be ideal for greenkeepers, combining OM removal and debris collection in one pass to make the task more efficient and less labour intensive. The initial reaction we’ve had to the VC120 on show at BTME has been very positive and we’re very much looking forward to taking the machine out and putting it through its paces over the coming months.”