Belgian manufacturer Eliet have launched a new machine, which they claim is set to dramatically reduce the time landscapers and groundsmen spend undertaking scarifying operations and disposing of thatch and moss.

The new C550ZR Collector collects moss and thatch into narrow rows for easier disposal, which the company says results in significant time savings for the operator by reducing the cleaning time by up to 50%.

The new machine removes material from the turf, which it deposits into a discharge channel with an Archimedean screw that carries it to the side of the machine. It is deposited into a narrow row, which on the next pass of the operation can be re-collected by the machine and integrated into a new row, along with the raked-up material from the second strip of turf. In this way the C550ZR can collect the moss and thatch of a 1m working width into one row, which saves the operator time.

This new machine is self-propelled and features a 55cm working width which limits the number of rows to collect, and opreates at 2.5km/hr. The scarifying blades are spaced every 15mm to provide an intensive treatment to the turf and are designed to rotate forwards; thus maximising dethatching performance. This contra-rotation results in improved removal and collection of material which is pulled out and thrown vertically onto the collecting auger, increasing the efficency of dethatching by up to 30%.

In addition, the extremely fine blades have Permanently Sharp Blades technology to ensure minimum turf damage and extended blade life. The machine also features controls with an anti vibration damper for improved operator comfort and safety and runs on a rubber-coated roller that ensures an aesthetically pleasing striped pattern on the lawn.