After 15 years of dependable service managing a fleet of smaller Redexim Verti-Drain® models, Martin Guy, owner of Grass Plant Ltd, highlights the transformative impact of the high-speed Verti-Drain® 2519 on both internal contracting operations and external hire projects. The efficiency gains have been so significant that plans are already underway to expand the fleet.
Leading a team of 25 specializing in construction and ongoing maintenance of various natural turf sports surfaces across the Southeast, Martin notes the escalating agronomic expectations. “Due to play demands and climatic conditions, the time available to meet these standards is shrinking,” he explains. “This increased demand led us to seek a high-speed aerator, and the 2519 proved to be exactly what we needed when we tried it.”
With a PTO speed of up to 540rpm, the Verti-Drain® 2519 can cover up to 8739sq.m per hour when spaced at 165mm, establishing itself as the most productive aerator in its category. Its versatility, accepting a range of tine options and working to variable depths of up to 250mm, positions the 2519 as a well-suited tool for a diverse range of applications, a fact verified by the Grass Plant team through extensive use.
“It’s adaptable, which is critical for us given the diverse range of locations we work at,” Martin explains. “On a golf course, for example, you can start on a tee, then use the same machine to aerate the fairways and the greens. There are very few machines that allow you to do that.”
He further notes, “The higher the speed these machines operate at, the more there is that can go wrong, but the build quality of the Verti-Drain® is as solid as ever. Since taking delivery of the 2519 close to three years ago, we’ve experienced very little downtime.” This reliability has earned praise both internally and from self-drive hire customers. “We get a lot of repeat business on our hire fleet, and we wouldn’t get that if we were providing machines that weren’t fit for purpose or falling apart in front of their eyes! The trouble is, everyone is so impressed with just how much the 2519 can do that now we need more of them!”