We are pleased to announce that we will be at the 2011 Golf Industry Show in Orlando, Florida on February 9-10, 2011! We will be at booth number 2836. Look for more information soon!

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Purchasing used commercial turf equipment can be a very cost effective way to get the best looking turf for your money. You can get high quality hardware at a fraction of the retail cost. However, it is essential to do your homework before purchasing any piece of used equipment so you dont end up investing in a money pit. Here are a few helpful pointers on how to maximize the benefit you receive from a piece of used machinery, both before and after the initial purchase.

Whether your are a high school, a park or a state university, maintaining your athletic fields plays a huge role in the reputation of your team. In the following you'll find some tips and common practices for maintaining your sports fields with basic commercial turf equipment.

1. Mowing
Mowing your field is vital to the life of your turf. All mowing systems work around the "1/3 Rule," which means that no more than 1/3 of grass leaf should be cut off at any single mowing. Since mowing increases the density of your turf, you'll also want to cut as often as possible. Balancing these two rule can be easy with the right equipment. When shopping for commercial turf equipment you should look for something that will allow you to easily measure for the 1/3 Rule, but will allow you to work the field as often as possible.

2. Aeration
One of the biggest problems with many fields is soil compaction. Aerating your field can breakup the soil, allowing for a thick turf and soft field of play. Purchasing the right aeration equipment will allow you to aerate your field quickly and effectively. One awesome piece of commercial turf equipment is the SISIS Aer-Aid Javelin.  The SISIS Aer-Aid Javelin doesn't just put holes in the ground, but actually uses air pressure to aerate the entire root system. You may also want to consider used commercial turf equipment. We carry a number of models that may be perfect for your field.

3. Fertility and Irrigation
To promote a thick green field for your players, you will also need to keep a well-watered and fertile field. While shopping for commercial turf equipment for your field, you'll also want to look for good irrigation equipment. One awesome provider of commercial irrigation equipment is Kifco, Inc. Kifco makes a wonderful water-reel that is easy to use and can irrigate your field in a single pass as well as options for spreading fertilizer.

4. Seeding
Finally, seeding your field will help fix patchy areas as well as ensure thick, green turf. We carry a number of pieces of commercial turf equipment for just this purpose. The SISIS Veriseeder is a phenomenal piece of commercial turf equipment. Contact us to learn more about commercial turf seed equipment.

When you want to take care of your field, you'll want the right approach and the right equipment. C. S. Trading carries the best new and pre-owned equipment on the market. Contact us to learn more about any of our mowing, seeding or aeration equipment.

By Geoff Brereton

Author Geoff Brereton has considerable experience in the sports turf industry, both in Crown greens and Flat rink Bowls. He is an advisor on Bowling Green maintenance for clubs and local authorities and was Groundsman of the year in 1989. He has lectured at Reaseheath College, Myerscough College and is now employed by Elmwood College in Fife. He has been involved with education for the Institute of Groundsmanship for over 20 years. He is the author of training courses for Bowling Green staff and has contributed to the development of qualifications for ground staff in England and Scotland.