Aim:
Have a number of uses on the ground.
- To level top dressing to ensure a true surface.
- To check the surface level and gradient within the PQS system.
- Used to set the height of cut on a cylinder mower.
Method:
- As part of the renovation of a turf surface top dressing is applied, to ensure a level surface a straight edge is drawn across the surface to remove loose maintain from high areas to low areas.
- One of BS test within PQS is the assessment of surface levels and gradient a straight edge is used for this method.
- When setting a mower height of cut a straight edge is placed from the back roller to the front roller and the height of the bottom blade measured and adjusted.
Timing:
- Top dressing is normally applied at the end of the season and a pitch is renovated normally in late September early October.
- A PQS assessment can be done at any time of the year.
- Checking and setting the height of cut on a mower should take place each time the mower is used.
Effects of Incorrect Procedure:
- Not levelling top dressing will lead to an uneven surface which will be increase high points and low areas.
- Assessing level without a straight with not give you an accurate standard for your surfaces.
- If the mower is incorrectly set the grass can be damage and the surface standard reduced.
Equipment Selection:
- A 3 m straight edge is the standard length.
- A 0.5 m straight edge is common but also mower manufactures are providing setting bars with each new mower.
Practical Tips:
- Due to the size and possible amount of soil to move, make the straight edge out of light material such as aluminium and make it possible for two people to pull.
- Using a setting bar is much easier and needs less hands.
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