Product profile: The SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid

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Compaction related problems are common place on golf courses. Dry patch, black layer and excessive thatch all lead to an inconsistent course surface. Compaction reduces the air spaces between the soil particles; restricting the passage of air, water and nutrients through the rootzone. The patented SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 machine greatly increases the speed of the aeration process by directly injection air into the rootzone at a fast working rate, creating thousands of fissures.

The cam trigger mechanism ensures that the air is always expelled at the bottom of the tine penetration. The overall result is reduced compaction and a healthier root growth. The 10mm diameter ‘tipped’ tines are spaced at 75mm (3ins) with depth of penetration infinitely variable to a maximum of 127mm (5ins). The air injection tines are designed to use the maximum air available from the compressor and produce clean, fresh air. Surface disturbance is also kept to a minimum.

The Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 has a working width of 1.5 metres and is extremely quiet in operation. It can be powered by a compact tractor as little as 30hp which also keeps weight on the surface to a minimum. Used at the correct speed and depth, it can aerate an average green in under 20 minutes, whilst leaving an even finish that can be played on immediately afterwards.

Changing tines is simple and quick with very little maintenance needed on the machine. Alternative tines for other operations, such as hollow coring before top dressing, are available to make this SISIS a truly versatile aerator.

One club that has seen excellent results using the Javelin Aer-Aid is St Ives Golf Club. Rob Duff, Course Manager commented: “To start with we used the Aer-Aid twice a month and now we normally use it monthly from March until the start of November. Since using the machine, we have significantly eased compaction and the main accomplishment has been the reduction in thatch from 3 inches to being practically non-existent.

“It’s always going to be an on-going battle because of the grass on the greens, so it is important that we continue to use the Aer-Aid as a preventative. It has been really good at getting the air into the surface and creating chambers for the roots. Root development has massively improved since we’ve been using it on a regular basis as has the density of the sward.”