Nestled on the edge of the picturesque Peak District, Breadsall Priory Golf & Country Club spans 300 acres of pristine parkland.
This renowned club boasts two distinct 18-hole golf courses, including the Championship Priory Course, alongside a putting green and driving range.
Maintaining such expansive and varied grounds is no small feat, and the SISIS Rotorake TM1000 has proven to be an invaluable asset.
Course Manager John Smith, who has dedicated 28 years to Breadsall Priory, originally started his career at the club as a mechanic. “I was born on a farm, and was born to be outside,” he reflects. Over the years, John has faced numerous challenges, especially with the club’s dual-course layout. “We have two very different courses which is great for membership.”
These differences require different maintenance strategies. “Having two different courses has its challenges, more and more so with climate change. We had 1.7 metres of rain in just over 15 months, which is unheard of,” John says. To address these challenges, the club relies heavily on specialised equipment like the SISIS Rotorake TM1000.
The Rotorake TM1000 is a tractor-mounted scarifier unit featuring a choice of five quick-release interchangeable reels designed to tackle thatch removal and control, improving water infiltration and reducing standing surface water. Its contra-rotating reel ensures a clean, consistent performance, while various blades cater to key tasks such as scarifying, linear aeration, verticutting, and brushing.
The TM1000’s quick-release reel system and no-tool depth setting enable fast, simple adjustments, making it highly efficient for the team.
“The TM1000 is a great machine for us. We even scarify in November because it results in less disease due to greater airflow through the roots,” John notes. “We use it on greens, aprons, tees - we just change the reel from 2mm down to 1mm up to 3mm. The ability to do that quickly, along with its cleanliness and speed, really helps.
“Since using the machine, thatch levels have reduced by 15% over a 12-month period.”
John also praised the TM1000 for its reliability and ease of maintenance. “There’s no complicated electrics on it,” John points out. Its standard Cat. 1, 3-point linkage and optional hydraulic tipping kit further enhance its functionality.
“The best feature on the TM1000 is its cleanliness, the speed, and the fact you can use it anywhere, even if it’s raining. The ability to change the cassettes quickly and its power to do that make it fantastic,” John concludes.
With the SISIS Rotorake TM1000, Breadsall Priory Golf & Country Club continues to thrive, offering members and visitors alike a top-tier golfing experience amidst the beautiful Derbyshire landscape.
