Which Roller is best? Cancel The title field is required!

1. Buchholz Eric

   
   8/20/2012 11:08 AM

   Obviously everyone will have a different opinion on the matter but I was just wondering what everyone is using and how they like them?
   
   I currently have a first generation smithco tournament roller and it is nearing its end. Im on a 27 hole course so have been looking into the triplex rollers to cut down on time and create the ability to roll more often. I've heard things either way on this and figured I'd see what everyone has got.
   
   If you have vibe rollers how do you like them? Thats the way Im leaning as of right now, but maybe you will change my mind!!!
   
   -Eric Buchholz

   
   
   
   
2. Larry Allan

   

   0 posts
   
   8/20/2012 1:08 PM

   I still use the old Toro Triplex rollers. Their biggest drawback is that the membership like the sexy sideways rollers and believe you are cutting and not rolling. I can't speak to the vibrating triplex rollers. I demoed a set once years ago and thought they were too light to really do much good.
   The USGA were in a week ago and said that they see a lot of collar/green edge damage from the sideways units and for everyday use the Triplex rollers were just fine. They are also much faster at staying ahead of the clientele

   
   
   
   
3. David Ohren

   

   0 posts
   
   8/21/2012 9:08 AM

   I'm with Red I also use Toro Rollers, we have a set of the original vibra rolers, great for topdressing and don't do much otherwise because they are too light. My greens are much faster rolling with Toros, dead weight is the trick.
   
   Dave Ohren
   Willow Glen GC

   
   
   
   
4. Baker Daniel

   
   8/21/2012 1:08 PM

   I've used two models of the "sexy sideways rollers" and they both have their pros and cons. The TruTurfs I used are the RS-48's (we had two) and they were great for their speed. They had maintenance issues like the coating wearing off the drive roller, sealed bearing failing, tow frame assy cracking. Keep in mind we rolled 4 days a week at least twice and many times 4x per day.
   
   The Salsco I purchased is a heavier model that goes nearly as fast at the RS-48's. I bought it because I do not get to roll as often at this course and like the extra weight. It is a champ after aerification, built like a tank and has a 5 year warranty. It takes a little over 3 hours to roll my greens one time.
   
   Collar wear can become an issue if you roll excessively or have operators who need more training about how to change directions without scarring turf. Sideways is sexy:)

   
   
   
   
5. Justin Murray

   

   0 posts
   
   8/21/2012 2:08 PM

   We rolled with the Tri plex rollers for years. With only one greens mower available, we finally got a tru-turf 48 and will not look back. Now we can mow and roll in about 3 hours. Before it was a full day for the same task. I also have one of my "larger" staff members roll greens with the tru turf and it does a better job than a light weight operator.

   
   
   
   
6. Joey Franco

   

   0 posts
   
   8/21/2012 5:08 PM

   I have 2 Salsco rollers. We roll 4-5 times/week. Same direction every time and no wear. We do 2 cleanups around green. This prevents any clippings tracked onto green and reduced collare wear. Mow at .130 with Champion and keep speeds between 11-12. I had triplex rollers and you get more wear from the turning (just like triplex mowers). The Salsco can keep speeds up and smooth greens after aerification. Mow three times per week and roll 4 times per week. No stress and speedy greens.

   
   
   
   
7. David Brandenburg

   

   3 posts
   
   8/21/2012 7:08 PM

   We have had vibratory rollers for 10 years at least and love them. They do a good job smoothing and for speed increase and consistency.
   
   We use them because every employee that can mow greens can roll greens with little extra training. Usually the roller is two passes behind the mower working as a team.

   
   
   
   
8. Joe Wachter

   

   5 posts
   
   8/24/2012 11:08 AM

   Vibratory here. Works well as others have said. Can use anyone to operate these units with not much wear and tear. We have a tendency to roll straight or shot and have guys drive off our bent approaches to prevent wear damage from turning. Roll 3 to 4 times a week and members area most impressed by smoothness of greens. We get very good ball roll as well.

   
   
   
   
9. Chase Best

   

   0 posts
   
   8/24/2012 11:08 AM

   Vibratory rollers here. My first change when I took over 4 years ago was to roll 3-4 times a week. The membership and public loved the change. I have very true ball roll and can maintain a constant speed.
   
   
   Chase Best
   Old Capital Golf Club

   
   
   
   
10. James Moore_2

    

    1 posts
    
    8/24/2012 12:08 PM

    Built my own triplex roller heads ; 4 smaller rollers perhead each head weight s 150lbs . So far its working . Picks up speed by 6 .No tire tracks when greens are firmed up with topdressing and no heavy rains ,

    
    
    
    
11. Steven Huffstutler

    

    11 posts
    
    8/24/2012 1:08 PM

    I use the Vibe 5's. I've used the Salscos and they are probably the best, but for the speed, convenience and results I get, the vibratory rollers on a triplex are the way to go.
    
    Regards,
    
    Steve

    
    
    
    
12. Stephen Okula

    

    3 posts
    
    8/24/2012 2:08 PM

    I was using vibrating rollers mounted on a Toro triplex (can't remember the roller manufacturer right now) and they were quick and easy but falling apart after 5 years.
    
    So I just got a new SmithCo sidewinder Ultra Tournament thing delivered this week. It takes a little longer but I think does more for speed, and as mentioned above, the members have the idea that the sidewinder roller is bitchin'. It makes me look cool.

    
    
    
    
13. Steven Huffstutler

    

    11 posts
    
    8/24/2012 3:08 PM

    The vibes do have to be rebuilt more frequently, they are self destructive. I didn't like what the sidewinders did to my collars, but I hear they have fixed that spin out problem.

    
    
    
    
14. Charles Denham

    

    1 posts
    
    8/24/2012 3:08 PM

    Stephen
    We bought the Smithco this year also. I think you will be very pleased with the results you get with the machine. We went from having 'good' greens to practically the talk of the town. You will love it!
    
    Charles Denham
    Ridgecrest G.C./ Centennial G.C.
    Nampa Idaho

    
    
    
    
15. Justin Peckens

    

    0 posts
    
    8/24/2012 3:08 PM

    I have the DMI speed roller and have been very happy. We have 27 holes and replaced the Toro triplex rollers with this unit. It saves time and there is no hydraulic oil associated with the machine! I only wish the trailer was made better.

    
    
    
    
16. Buchholz Eric

    
    8/30/2012 6:08 AM

    Thank you for all the input. Got the Vibe demo unit yesterday and love them!! Looks like we are going that route.
    
    Thanks again for all the input!
    
    -Eric Buchholz
    Waushara Country Club
    Wautoma, WI

    
    
    
    
17. Edward Doda

    

    0 posts
    
    8/30/2012 8:08 AM

    [attachment=0">Brad.JPG[/attachment">We have the vibes and seem to work well enough. Big advantage is speed in that one man can roll just behind the walkers even on a weekend. Are any of the side-ways machines this quick? If so, I will try one/
    
    But for real rolling after aeration this is what we use..
    
    ed doda, barrie cc, an hour north of toronto

    
    
    
    
18. Larry Allan

    

    0 posts
    
    8/30/2012 9:08 AM

    This is what we use. A local lad by the name of Haney gave us one heck of a deal.
    We call her "Manly" after Elizabeth Manley, the figure skater
    
    [img">http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii204/paleo/IMG-20120830-00028-2.jpg[/img">

    
    
    
    
19. James Schmid

    

    1 posts
    
    8/30/2012 2:08 PM

    Larry Allan said: This is what we use. A local lad by the name of Haney gave us one heck of a deal.
    We call her "Manly" after Elizabeth Manley, the figure skater
    
    [img">http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii204/paleo/IMG-20120830-00028-2.jpg[/img">

    
    
    Is that a Farmall "A"?

    
    
    
    
20. Larry Allan

    

    0 posts
    
    8/30/2012 2:08 PM

    a 1945 International from what we can tell. Its a modified corn tractor. Still runs like a top. Did International make the Farm All?