GKB Machines BV

The GKB Aerator has been developed for the decompaction and aeration of artificial turf where sand and/or rubber infill is used. The infill material becomes more compacted with each use of the playingsurface, which leads to loss of quality in terms of bounce, cushioning and water drainage. The Aerator combats this compaction, regenerating the playing surface’s technical characteristics.

User experiences

"Walking across the field feels like walking on clouds after you've worked with Aerator" 
"I have so much confidence in this machine that I use it more than the rake "

Objective

• Combat compaction in order to regenerate and/or maintain technical characteristics;
• Combat compaction in order to regenerate and/or maintain sufficient drainage of water;
• Bring debris to the surface so that it can be easily removed;
• Combat algae;
• Restore field to perfect condition.

Method

• Aeration and de-compaction of the field is achieved by using matched pairs of spike rollers;
• The gear ratio between the rollers results in a levering effect that brings the infill material to the surface;
• The hinged frame ensures that the Aerator also works well around turns, which makes it very user-friendly and efficient;
• The working depth can be adjusted by varying the placement of weights in the three-point design.

All models are equipped with 4 geared spike rollers which penetrate down into the compacted material (maximum 3,5 cm) levering out unwanted debris to the surface. The degree of penetration is adjusted by position of ballast weights, supplied and by setting the angle of the front and rear spike roller.

The GKB Brushes were designed with the purpose of brushing artificial turf fast and easy. Brushing artificial turf is an essential part of the weekly maintenance. By using the GKB Brush (BR), Quick-Brush (QB), T-Brush (TB) or Rotobrush (RB) on your sports field, the artificial turf will remain in top-condition. Dirt is less likely to create an interfering layer between the fibers, in which algae growth would have free rein with all it’s consequences. For example, a reduced drainage, deteriorated sport characteristics caused by field hardening, and of course the image of the field.

The brushed fields will have the same appearance as on the day of commissioning.

Benefits

• Quick and easy to use;
• Effictive and a nice image after a single pass;
• Closed deck to prevent loss of material off the field;
• Few mechanical parts, which results in low maintenance costs;
• Hyudraulic folding brushes on the sides of the GKB Brush;
• Easy to replace brushblocks.

Frase mowing and aeration

The Combinator has been specially developed for work on grassy areas. As the top layers can be cut to a length of 0 to 5 cm, the machine is suitable for both frase mowing and verticutting. The Combinator can remove both the top layer and grass cover. When the Combinator frase mows on uneven surfaces, it removes all irregularities giving a perfectly level result. Frase mowing is done using a specially designed rotor shaft with cutting blades. This rotor shaft can also be used for verticutting. The cut material is then taken away by a horizontal and an elevating conveyor belt. The elevating conveyor belt can be folded away neatly onto the machine (for transport). The depth can be varied by adjusting the conveyor rollers to match the threaded spindles. In all models, adjustment of both the rear and forward rollers is done using a pendulum system. 

Infill removal

The Combinator can also be used for the removal of infill material in artificial turf. When renovating artificial turf it is often necessary to replace the infill material, by equipping the Combinator with a special brush the infill material can be brushed off the field. The infill material is then transported to a conveyor belt, so that it can easily be collected and disposed of.

Some of the innovations are listed below:

• Conveyer belt folds neatly away onto machine;
• Can be used in small spaces / low-lying areas with conveyor belt folded away;
• The conveyor rollers can be adjusted using a patented pendulum system;
• Plastic scrapers fitted on conveyor rollers;
• The new rotor shaft is suitable for both frase mowing and aeration, with several different settings and an increased capacity;
• Improved soil removal system with less wear and tear and higher reliability;
• New design;
• Heavy Duty Frame;
• Several new innovations leading to higher reliability and less maintenance;
• Finely tuned.

Advantages

• Cost-effective as a result of combination of activities;
• Quick replacement of the grass cover;
• Levelling of uneven ground;
• Inexpensive conversion of rough grassy areas into sports fields;
• Weed control without use of chemicals;
• Easy removal of moss(thatch) so as to improve growth;
• Mowing and levelling for development of nature parks.

The GKB Brushes were designed with the purpose of brushing artificial turf fast and easy. Brushing artificial turf is an essential part of the weekly maintenance. By using the GKB Brush (BR), Quick-Brush (QB), T-Brush (TB) or Rotobrush (RB) on your sports field, the artificial turf will remain in top-condition. Dirt is less likely to create an interfering layer between the fibers, in which algae growth would have free rein with all it’s consequences. For example, a reduced drainage, deteriorated sport characteristics caused by field hardening, and of course the image of the field.

The brushed fields will have the same appearance as on the day of commissioning.

Benefits

• Quick and easy to use;
• Effictive and a nice image after a single pass;
• Few mechanical parts, which results in low maintenance costs;
• Easy to replace brushblocks;
• With the flip-over tool equipped on the Quick-Brush infill-material can be easily added to new fields.

The Quick-Clean is the right machine for cleaning artificial turf both quickly and thoroughly. With a single pass, leaves, branches and other dirt will be swept off of the field.

Operation

• The Quick-Clean can be connected by means of a threepoint (CAT I/II) connection, and requires a PTO for powering the machine;
• The littered infill material is swept up by a depth-adjustable brush and transported to the shaking screen;
• The dirt moves over the screen and falls in the waste bin, which is emptied manually;
• An adjustable suction unit with disposable dust bags is located above the shaking screen.

Benefits

• The screens are easily interchangeable for different grain sizes, so that different infill materials such as sand, rubber, cork and TPE can be filtered;
• The screens can be positioned at various angles;
• With a view to the environment, the Quick-Clean has a low CO2 footprint.