Existing Equipment Issues
Tractor and Backhoe
Our 1976 Ford tractor is critically outdated with hydraulic
fluid leaks and structural issues, especially concerning the front wheels.
Similarly, our backhoe has presented operational difficulties, notably in
winter start-up, and consistently requires mechanical assistance. Both pieces
of equipment are far beyond their serviceable years.
Toro 4500 D Rough Mower
This is our primary machine for maintaining the rough and it
constitutes 70% of the workload in that area. Despite being new and within its
first season of a four-year lease cycle, we faced multiple malfunctions.
Although covered by the warranty, supply chain disruptions led to a full month
of downtime in June, adversely affecting course conditions. Things are running very smoothly with this
piece of equipment now.
Pump Station & VFD Drive
Operational since March, the pump station's VFD drive's
computer controller had to be replaced at a cost of $9,000. More recently, a
leak in the radiator cooling system led to water intrusion into the main panel,
damaging the starter contactors for Pump #1 and Pump #2. This has cut our
pumping capacity in half during a crucial period of early September heat
stress. Repairs will be made to the pump
station by outside contractors next week.
Fairway Spray Rig
Our fairway spray rig suffered overheating, radiator
blowout, and a blown head gasket. Though the block was not cracked, we faced
two months of downtime due to part unavailability, stretching our remaining
spray rig to cover the entire course. In
order to accomplish spraying everything with only one sprayer, weekend spraying
occurred with great frequency.
Fairway Mower
Our fleet of fairway mowers is nearing eight years of
service. Currently, we are down to a single operational mower due to a
back-ordered hydraulic line, severely affecting our maintenance schedule.
Approach Mower
Responsible for the driving range tees and approaches, this
mower recently suffered a starter failure, resulting in one week of downtime.
Small Rough Mower
This older machine unexpectedly caught fire on hole #17,
rendering it permanently out of service. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Future Equipment Investments
John Deere Tractor
We have ordered a new John Deere tractor, which is likely to
arrive within the next week. This investment is a significant step towards
modernizing our equipment inventory. The
new tractor will be utilized immediately in blowing clippings and fall debris
from the golf course. It will also play
a pivotal role in achieving our fairway aerification goals.
Leaf Vacuum Attachment
For fall and spring, we are exploring acquiring a leaf
vacuum attachment for our dump truck, aimed at streamlining our leaf collection
process. Eliminating most of the leaf
bagging from the process will save time and make the process slightly less
laborious.
Tow-Behind Blower
We are in the process of obtaining quotes for a tow-behind
blower that can be utilized for fairway maintenance, aiming to optimize our
workflow.
Additional Rough Mower
We are evaluating options for acquiring a smaller rough
mower to replace the units we have lost, depending on availability and our
budget constraints.
Conclusion
The year 2023 has been particularly difficult in terms of
equipment reliability and availability, stretching our maintenance team and
mechanic to their limits. Considering this, proactive planning and investment
in new, reliable equipment are imperative to maintain the high standards of
Kenmure Country Club.
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