Tru-Turf

ROLLER COMPARISON

The roller comparison chart compares the features, specifications and designs of several leading greens rollers. Including rollers from Tru-Turf, Salsco, DMI, Smithco and Greens Iron. An explanation is also given regarding each key feature making this effective as both a sales tool and information sheet for consumers.

FEATURES	TRU-TURF RS48-11B	SALSCO	DMI SPEEDROLLER	SMITHCO	GREENS IRON
Roll Width	48"(2x24")	36"	38"	36"	38"
# of Smoothing Rollers + Size (width x diameter)	6, 24"x2½"	2, 36"x10"	2, 38"x4½"	2, 36"x10"	2, 38"x4½"
Drive Roller	Rubber coated 1, 27"x6½"	Steel 2, 36"x10"	Rubber coated 1, 38"x6¾"	Steel 2, 36"x10"	Rubber coated 1, 38"x6½"
Weight (lbs)	506	n/a	465	760	690
Compaction (psi)	3.43	6.5	3.54	5.9	5.0
Brake	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Trailer	Inbuilt	Separate	Separate	Inbuilt / Separate	Separate
Transmission	Eaton 11	Sunstrand	Belt & Pulley	Hydro Gear	SNPT / Eaton 7
Hydraulic Lines	Hard	Rubber	nil	Rubber	nil
Transmission Oil Capacity	2 Gallon	5 Gallon	nil	n/a	nil
Ground Spikers	Yes	No	No	No	No
Engine Type	5.5HP Honda 2:1 6.0HP Kohler 2:1	8.0HP Honda	5.5HP Honda	8.0HP Honda 8.0HP Kohler	5.5HP Honda
Adjustable Seat	No (important)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lights	Optional	No	No	No	Optional
Roll Undulations in Any Direction	Yes	No	No	No	No
Contour Follow	Yes	No	No	No	No
Climbing Ability	Good	Good	Fair	Fair	Fair
Steering	Joystick (Light)	Wheel (2.25:1)	Handlebar (Heavy)	Wheel (10.2:1)	Handlebar (Heavy)
Max. Rolling Speed (mph)	12	5.5	8	5	7
Time Taken to Roll 18 Greens	Fast	Slow	Reasonable	Slow	Slow & Awkward
Straight Roll SQ.FT / HOUR @ Max Speed	253440 100%	87120 34%	133760 53%	79200 31%	117040 46%
Roller Weight Balance	Balanced	n/a	n/a	30%F, 70%R	n/a
Seat Height from Ground	27"	39"	n/a	n/a	n/a


Explanation to Roller Features

Why the seat is not adjustable	Top
Adjustable seats alter the weight transfer on the rollers through to the green, if we move the seat forward or back varying P.S.I. is applied to that end of the roller, this creates uneven surface rolling pressure.

Why triple offset rollers fitted in the smoothing head	Top
Single rollers follow the bumps; they can exacerbate the problem & cause surface rippling, like wise two rollers in a head can create the same problem as a single roller does. The simple scientific explanation why the Tru-Turf rollers are fitted with the patented three offset rollers in each head and how it works so effective is like this: When the leading or 1st roller reaches a bump on the green it tends to take the weight off the centre or 2nd roller, this applies more weight on the front or 1st roller which applies more weight on the high spot, when the centre or 2nd roller reaches the bump it tends to take the weight off the front or 1st roller applying more weight to the high spot, then when the rear or 3rd roller reaches the high spot it tends to take the weight off the centre or 2nd roller allowing the rear or 3rd roller to apply more weight to the high spot. This triple offset roller system is the secret to why the Tru-Turf roller applies the least P.S.I. to the green, but trues the surface to perfection through design not weight, as we know; weight creates compaction which superintendents are constantly addressing. Did you know that water, vibration & weight applied together are our best form of compaction?

Why a split smoothing head	Top
Green surfaces are becoming more complicated in shape, course designers and architects are causing product designers to constantly re-think the way modern equipment is designed to cope with these situations. Tru-Turf split the smoothing head, 2 x 24” heads and a 27” drive roller allows us to address the above problem, this is the only style of smoothing head that will roll a green in any direction regardless to severity of the undulations our design applies even down pressure across all rollers including the drive roller. This is achieved by allowing the smoothing heads to pivot independently to the main body, this system also ensures the vulcanised rubber drive roller is in maximum contact with the green distributing even ground pressure and maximum traction. Importantly, it also eliminates the line creasing that is created by longer rollers, creasing in not desirable for the perfect greens surface. One objection occasionally to the above spit head is the gap that sometimes appears to be not rolled on certain greens at certain times of the year, this section is strictly aesthetical, testing through the use of a prism glass reveals no raised portion on the greens surface. The drive roller removes the gap whether following or leading the smoothing head & gap. Try rolling a ball across the rolled surface, there will be no bumping of the ball.

Other important points	Top

>	If you are demonstrating on greens that have never been rolled before you may notice roller indentation marks, if this is noticeable turn the roller 90 degrees and continue to roll the green you will notice these indentations will disappear, as these greens are rolled more regularly this will not be noticeable and a single rolling will satisfy.

>	Wherever possible always keep the vulcanised rubber coated drive roller on the low side, pushing the smoothing heads up the hill. Maximises the drive roller traction.

>	Use the foot pedals as you would a mechanical vehicle clutch, easy down, easy up. This reduces roller spin.

>	Engage the spikers only when the roller is moving, they do not tear and you can circumnavigate the green with them engaged without damaging the green. Once engaged they can be left engaged until finished spiking.

>	We also supply a standard roller the GR11000 model, it comes with the same drive system as the RS48-11 except it does not spike and has a one piece 39” triple roller smoothing head, this unit is the same as other rollers on the market (except for the triple roller smoothing head arrangement & the heavy duty Eaton 11 transmission) Care must be taken when rolling the green, line creasing will prevail as it will with the long one piece rollers that are also fitted in the opposition machines.


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