Is a mechanical sand rake worth the investment for your course?
For most courses with more than a dozen bunkers, a mechanical sand rake pays for itself. The return shows up in crew hours, in consistent bunkers, and in the sand lasting longer. Here’s the honest version, including when it might not stack up yet.
Parkland has supplied turf and golf equipment to New Zealand courses since 1988. If you’d rather talk it through, call the team on 0800 807 333.
Where the money comes back
- Labour saved. One operator grooms every bunker in a fraction of the time hand raking takes. Those hours go back into mowing and the rest of the list.
- Consistency members notice. Even, fair bunkers mean fewer complaints and a course that presents well every day.
- Protecting the sand. Regular grooming keeps depth even and slows contamination, extending the life of an expensive resource.
- Ready for events. When a competition or visitor day lands, the bunkers are already up to standard.
When it might not pay yet
If you’ve only got a few bunkers, or budget is tight this season, hand raking or a good used machine may be the smarter call for now. There’s no sense buying capacity you won’t use. Our guide on manual versus mechanical sand raking helps you place your course.
Making the call
Add up the crew hours your bunkers take each week, then weigh that against the machine over its life. If you’re kitting out fully, it can be worth talking through financing so it earns its keep from day one. Have a look at the Toro Sand Pro 3040 and 5040, or the whole bunker and sand rakes range.
Talk to Parkland
We’ll help you run the numbers for your course, honestly. Call 0800 807 333 or get in touch with the team.
