A range of
Syn-Pro equipment by SISIS is helping Cameron Flitten, head groundsman for De
Montfort University at Beaumont Park, keep the synthetic surfaces in impeccable
condition.
With the
emergence of synthetic surfaces becoming more common over the years in a wide
range of sports, the SISIS brand has continued to go from strength to strength
with its impressive Syn-Pro portfolio.
Today
synthetic surfaces are playing such a large role in a groundsman’s overall
responsibilities, many have turned to the reliable and efficient Syn-Pro range
and Cameron is no exception.
Originally
from New Zealand, Cameron’s career in sports turf started with an
apprenticeship on a golf course before landing a role working on the cricket
squares at Loughborough University and then progressing to being in charge of
the rugby and football pitches.
Three
years ago, he became the head groundsman for De Montfort University, which
coincided with the university agreeing to lease the vast playing fields at
Beaumont Park. The site received a multi-million pound investment and
transformed the facilities into some of the best in the county. Along with
seven other members of staff, Cameron maintains the wide array of sports
surfaces at Beaumont Park which now includes two recently built all-weather 3G
synthetic pitches.
To
maintain these two pitches, Cameron chooses to use the Litamina 1200 and a
combination of the Flexicomb fitted with straight and zigzag brushes.
The
Litamina 1200 is a compact sweeper for efficient collection for unwanted debris
from sand filled or rubber crumb synthetic surfaces. With its spiral design
brush helping to stand up the pile and improve collection, and a large capacity
mesh hopper collecting debris but allowing infill to be returned to the
surface, the Litamina 1200 is ideal for helping to keep surfaces free of
contamination and harmful debris.
Designed
primarily for use on synthetic surfaces, the Flexicomb ensures even
distribution of infill materials and lifts the pile. The adjustable setting
ensures the effect of a rake, but with the softness of a brush, reducing the
risk of damage to the fibres. The bristle sections are replaceable and the
Flexicomb is designed for a long working life with minimal maintenance. For
greater results, Cameron attaches either the zigzag or straight brush to the
Flexicomb which helps to even out the rubber crumb.
“We use
the Flexicomb with the zigzag or straight brush three times a week, especially
now with the high usage the pitches get. It helps to de-compact all of the
rubber, levels it all off and stands all of the grass fibres back up.
“The
Litamina is an essential piece of equipment and this is used at least once a
month, sometimes more if there are a lot of leaves on the surface. It is
perfect for removing all of the rubbish and debris from the surface.
“These two
pieces of equipment are all I need for my synthetic surface maintenance and you
can always rely on them to do a brilliant job. I like that they are solidly
built but I also like the simplicity of them. You can tell that SISIS have
thought a lot about the groundsmen using them because they are easy to set-up
and are generally very user-friendly. They also never break down either.”
