The Evolution of the Driving Range
Globally, artificial turf is rapidly replacing natural grass on golf ranges. Artificial turf is more cost-effective and easier to maintain, requiring no watering, mowing, or seeding. Modern mat quality has improved significantly, now closely mimicking the feel of natural grass. Furthermore, as water becomes an increasingly scarce and expensive resource, artificial solutions offer a sustainable future for the industry.
The Maintenance Challenge
To retain its performance properties, artificial turf requires consistent maintenance. Over
time, sand and debris migrate deep into the turf fibers. This leads to the hardening of the
mats and stiffening of the base structure. Neglecting mat maintenance affects both players and owners:
- Reduced Lifespan: Dirty, hardened mats wear out significantly faster, leading to
higher replacement costs. - Increased Friction: Accumulated grit creates unnecessary friction, prematurely
wearing down both the mats and the range balls. - Poor Player Experience: Hardened mats are uncomfortable to hit. Debris and
small rocks can fly toward the player upon impact. - Equipment Damage: Players’ clubs wear down faster, and the lack of proper “give”
provides poor feedback during practice.
Advanced Mechanical Restoration: We have developed a cleaning and maintenance solution that follows manufacturer guidelines while outperforming traditional raking, brushing, or vacuuming. Our water-free and chemical-free system combines mechanical manipulation with high-frequency vibration.
- How it works: The mat is fed into the device with the turf side facing down. The system strongly bends the structure to open the fibers. While in this “open” state, the mat is subjected to intense vibrations that shake loose deep-seated sand and dirt. This combined action effectively revives the turf and restores its original playing properties.
- Efficiency and Results: Our solution is fast, user-friendly, and cost-effective. A single mat can be cleaned quickly and safely. Our studies show that approximately 75% of debris is removed during the first cycle, with cleaned mats yielding between 1–10 lbs of extracted sand and dirt.
- The system features an automated “plug-and-play” design: It starts automatically when a mat is inserted and stops once the cleaning cycle is complete.
- Availability: Operators can purchase the system directly or order maintenance as a
professional service.
Technical Specifications:
– Power Requirement: 110 VAC / 15 A
– Material: Industrial-grade Stainless Steel
– Dimensions: (Main Unit) 1.3 ft x 2.5 ft x 5.5 ft
– Weight: (Main Unit) 90 lbs
– Tables: (Input/Output) 1.5 ft x 4.7 ft (30 lbs total)
– Setup Time: ~5 minutes (Assembly/Disassembly)
– Noise Level: ~90 dB (Hearing protection required)