Dutch golf course Almeerderhout turns into a sahara in the polder one week each year |
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GKB DTA260 aerators in action
Golf Course Almeerderhout in Almere has been investing for years in an intensive program of aeration and topdressing to improve the quality of its fairways. Johan Oosthoek of the Oosthoek Groep notes that more and more golf courses are adopting this approach. "We're noticing a clear trend: there is increasing attention to aeration and topdressing," he says during operations at Almeerderhout.
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The collaboration between Almeerderhout and Oosthoek Groep has now been running for three years. In that period, 2000 cubic meters of sand have been applied to the course annually. "But even before that, we had been doing this for years," says head greenkeeper Maikel van Buuren. "Among others, with companies like Scholman and De Ridder." The reason for this intensive approach is clear: Almeerderhout is located on clay soil. "We want to be playable all year round. That's not possible without structured and targeted topdressing," says Van Buuren. This year, a leading role was played by the brand-new GKB Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) 260, supplied by Kraakman. The DTA260 is essentially a heaving aerator.
intensive topdressing crucial for fairway quality
Two methods or "recipes" are used at Almeerderhout. The light method consists of aerating with the GKB heaving aerator, which has a working width of 2.60 m and is equipped with 18 mm solid tines, followed by the application of about 50 cubic meters of sand per hectare. This results in a 0.5 cm layer across the entire fairway. The heavier method involves aerating with so-called ice pins with a 50 mm diameter, followed by working in 200 cubic meters of sand per hectare. "You basically turn the fairway into a kind of Sahara for a while," says Van Buuren with a smile. "But whether you apply 50 or 200 cubic meters per hectare, after a week the sand has practically disappeared."
According to him, the approach pays off: "We've been doing this for years and truly see that the quality of our fairways has significantly improved." An annual assessment of the course identifies areas still suffering from waterlogging. Those results then determine the focus for aeration and topdressing in the following year.
DTA 260
For this season, new GKB aerators with a working width of 2.60 m are being used. Contractor Oosthoek is enthusiastic: "These are heavy, robust machines that remain very stable behind our Fendt tractors. In our view, they're more stable and even than the old red machines." However, Oosthoek adds honestly: "The two Verti-Drains we had were already at least 15 years old. So that's not really a fair comparison." The GKB machines, with a net weight of 2000 kg, are significantly heavier than their red predecessors. The decision to go with these GKB aerators was based on field tests conducted by Oosthoek Groep employees. "Our guys compared the red machines with those from GKB and unanimously chose the GKB models. They're built tough and reliable." Oosthoek chose the widest version of the aerator: the one with a 2.60 m working width.
 | | Maikel van Buuren |
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five versions
Additionally, GKB also produces DTA aerators with working widths of 1.20 m (the DTA120), 1.60 m (the DTA160), and 2.10 m (the DTA210). The DTA machines are equipped with heavy-duty, sealed crankshaft bearings. The tine speed is easily adjustable via a three-speed gearbox system. In the larger models, the DTA210 and DTA260, the penetration depth is hydraulically adjustable. Tine changes are quick and easy thanks to a proprietary fastening system. Moreover, the heaving angle is adjustable up to 25 degrees, increasing the machine's flexibility for various applications.
Oosthoek: "We compared both competitors thoroughly. One of the reasons we chose GKB was the strong relationship we have with that company and with Kraakman. Financially, there's not much difference between the two brands."
 | | Johan Oosthoek |
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peace of mind
Oosthoek says about the collaboration with Almeerderhout: "We handle the maintenance of seven golf courses that we manage ourselves, but it's great that we can help other golf courses improve their quality in this way too." Van Buuren: "For us, it's not practical to invest in these kinds of machines. It's much easier and more economical to outsource that."
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