Turf Maintenance Facility Design and Management

This book is an essential resource covering all aspects of setting up, and efficiently operating, a turf maintenance facility. The authors discuss the role of the turf equipment manager, the most effective shop equipment, management techniques for safe and efficient shop operation, and specialized diagnostics for turf equipment. This information is supported by photos and drawings illustrating shop layouts, workflow and organization charts, and preventative maintenance forms. Introduction.

Chapter One: The Role of the Turf Equipment Manager.

History.

The Management Team.

The Turf Equipment Manager as the Team Psychologist.

Future Roles.

Sports Turf Facilities.

Chapter 2: Maintenance Facility and Shop Design.

Site Selection.

Sample layouts.

Design, Construction and Selling your Design to Management.

Remodeling Older Facilities.

Meeting Regulations and Zoning.

How to Allow for Expansion.

Functional Interior Space.

Zonal Concept.

Equipment Storage Area.

Office Space.

Lounge and Break Rooms.

Parking.

Landscaping.

How the Maintenance Facility Sets the Example.

Chapter 3: Preventive Maintenance.

What is PM?

Setting Up a PM System.

The Effects of No PM.

Well Trained Operators as a Resource.

The Technicians Role in PM.

Software.

Trims.

Sample Documents.

Chapter 4: Reel Technology.

Reel Mower Precision vs. Rotary Mower Simplicity.

Grinding Methods.

Back Lapping.

Grinding Equipment.

Reels.

Rotaries.

Adjusting for Height of Cut.

Tire Pressure.

Rotary Blades / Wear / Sharpening.

Chapter 5: Selecting Tools and Equipment for the Shop.

The Right Equipment for Your Shop.

Must Have Tools.

Special Tools.

Chapter 6: Problems and Suggestions.

A Simple Diagnostic Technique.

Inventory Control and Logistics.

Ethics.

Preventive Maintenance and Time Management.

Respect and the Technician.

Chapter 7: Training Equipment Operators.

Where to Find Good Operators.

Training Equipment Operators.

Chapter 8: Filling the Turf Equipment Manager Position.

Lack of Career Awareness.

High Schools as a Resource.

Postsecondary Programs.

Succession Planning.

Chapter 9: Safety Regulations and Regulatory Agencies.

Clean and Organized is Safer and More Efficient.

Assistance from Regulatory Agencies and Your Insurance Carrier.

Handling Fuels and Oils.

Chemical Handling.

Recycling and Detoxification.

Hazardous Materials Record Keeping.

Accident Prevention.

Accident Reports and Reporting.

First Aid and First Responders.

Chapter 10: Conclusions.

Appendix.

About the Authors.

John R. Piersol, GCSAA, is Director of the Golf/Landscape/Forestry Division at Lake City Community College in Florida. These programs offer AS degrees in golf course operations, landscape technology, and agribusiness management, and certificate programs in forest operations, irrigation technology, turf equipment technology, horticulture, and pest control operations. Mr. Piersol has presented seminars on golf courses and landscaping throughout the world.

Harry V. Smith has more than twenty-five years of experience in the turf equipment and allied industries as an equipment dealer, distributor's territory manager, turf equipment management professor, and technical trainer. Mr. Smith authored the "From the Shop" column for Landscape Maintenance magazine from 2004 to 2007. Now semi-retired and consulting in the turf equipment maintenance industry, Mr. Smith served as a professor and program coordinator of the Turf Equipment Management Program at Lake City Community College in Florida.

From set-up to operation—everything the turf equipment manager needs to know, all in one place

Inside this book are proven techniques that enable you to design, build, and manage an efficient and safe turf maintenance facility for golf courses, parks, and sports complexes. Backed by more than fifty years of collective experience, the authors assist you in developing and implementing cost-effective preventive maintenance programs that rely on the latest technology to optimize the performance of turf equipment. Moreover, with its detailed coverage of safety regulations and regulatory agencies, the book helps ensure the safety of everyone who works in the shop or uses the turf equipment.

This unique reference brings together all the best practices and clear, step-by-step guidance for critical tasks such as:

• Remodeling older maintenance facilities to maximize efficiency and equipment performance

• Using the quick-start method for setting up an effective preventive maintenance program

• Selecting essential tools and equipment for the shop

• Maintaining closely mown turf using the latest reel technology

• Taking advantage of a simple diagnostic technique to organize, dissect, and isolate equipment problems

• Choosing the right turf equipment manager and training equipment operators

Extensive use of drawings and photographs of actual facilities and equipment help you understand how to implement the authors' recommendations. Web site addresses for many of the suppliers and services that you need are listed in the Appendix. In short, all the essentials of turf equipment management and maintenance—from initial set-up to operation—are now available in one place for quick and easy reference.