A recently completed contract was to manufacture the Track grooming machinery for the Counties Racing Clubs new track at Pukekohe Park.
The Harrow
Weighing in at 5tonnes, with 15wheels, 240tines, 2 leveling bars and a finishing roller, the Harrow is an updated and integrated two in one machine, evolved from two machines built for the Matamata Track in 1998. It harrows out hoof holes, levels and rolls the track to a uniform finish.
The Float
The float is a 3 point linkage mounted machine with a two tonne, 25mm thick main plate, a 16mm thick wear plate, 150tines front and rear. It weighs a total of 3080kg and as well as removing hoof holes it acts just like a large concrete float, bringing excess water to the surface of the track and sealing the sand to stop any water from penetrating.
The Tanker
We also built a tanker to water the track. A 14,000 litre trailed unit with 9metre wide spray pattern, a 35hp diesel engine driving a 2 ½ inch pump, it can empty the tank in eight minutes. In high summer track staff can apply up to 280,000 litres of water to the track each night!