Product review: The SISIS Rotorake TM1000

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The SISIS Rotorake TM1000 is a tractor mounted scarifier and linear aerator with collection which now features a new interchangeable reel system.

The redesigned product is now available with five quick release interchangeable reels to aid the removal and control of thatch and help reduce standing surface water by improving water infiltration.

Like other scarifying machines in the SISIS range, the Rotorake TM1000 works on the successful contra-rotating principle for a clean, consistent performance with a selection of blades to suit key seasonal tasks. This system ensures minimal surface disturbance thus reducing any disruption to the playability of the greens

Unique features of the Rotorake TM1000 include a floating unit to follow ground contours, a range of five quick release interchangeable reels and optional spacing for scarifying, linear aeration, verticutting and brushing and a ‘no tools required’ depth setting ensuring fast, simple adjustments can be made.

One club that has seen excellent results using the TM1000 is Normanby Hall Golf Club. Head greenkeeper Michael Burgin commented: “Over the past 21 years I have seen the percentage of thatch in the top 50mm rise from zero to 3.5, and I didn’t want this to continue, so I decided to look for a solution.

“I did a lot of research and came across a number of videos online of greenkeepers using the TM1000. I then read an article about the course manager at Greetham Valley Golf Club using it and what he said about the machine pretty much persuaded me to buy it.

“There were other machines on the market but the ones we looked at didn’t collect. This would mean that you would require two or three guys going behind the machine clearing up. “I also like the fact that the TM1000 can go down to 50mm deep. The SISIS TM1000 runs straight through the turf – like a knife through butter.

“We have found that the time of year doesn’t really matter when it comes to using it. The first time we used the TM1000 was mid-February in winter conditions and we found that it did not phase the machine whatsoever. No matter what the weather you can’t even tell that the TM1000 has been across the greens and that has really impressed me. It’s a reliable machine with very little maintenance required.

“Overall it is just a fantastic piece of kit. There has been a big improvement in the greens and our soil samples have proved that the thatch levels have dropped dramatically since using the TM1000.”