During annual Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) conference there are workshops to help ground maintenance staff save time and money for their organizations. One of the more recent "how to" work shops covered field marking strategies without using manufactured field stencils. Mike Hebrand of Athletic Field Design has developed two formulas for two very common shapes that you'll likely paint on sports fields. The formulas require that you know the traditional measurements of the shapes... Read Full Story
A recent website visitor asked the following question, "I line over 30 fields at our soccer complex in Houston,Texas area. Also can you recommend a paint. I am using a Graco field lazer liner. I am paying $25.00 for a 5 gallon bucket. That the lines are only lasting a little over a week. Is there any such paint that will last at least 3 weeks." Here's our response with some recommendations. You are receiving the best pricing on bulk latex paint (5-gallon pails) that I've recently... Read Full Story
We've received several emails over the last six months concerning adding temporary marking lines to existing synthetic turf fields. For example here's the question from Scott, "One question I have about synthetic fields. Say you have a football-lined synthetic field and you want to run three youth soccer fields cross-ways once a week. Is there any way to mark the field quickly (some type of tape, chalk, paint) and on a temporary basis (play football the next day)?" I could offer several... Read Full Story
We continue to receive positive feedback on our rugby field layout tool. The original tool was built using the MS Excel spreadsheet formulas and focused on starting with a centerline through the center of the two goals and the center of the field. The latest update comes from Norm Paquette of Dracut, Massachusetts who has converted the formulas to MS Excel macros, VBScripting and improved the visual layout of the tool. As long as you enable macros as an option within the security settings... Read Full Story
We continue to receive positive feedback on our Tru Mark lacrosse field layout tool. The original tool was built using the MS Excel spreadsheet formulas and focused on starting with a centerline through the center of the two goals and the center of the field. The latest update comes from Norm Paquette of Dracut, Massachusetts who has converted the formulas to MS Excel macros, VBScripting and improved the visual layout of the tool. As long as you enable macros as an option within the... Read Full Story
During small engine setup and preventive maintenance procedures do you verify the revolutions per minute (RPM) setting to ensure optimum performance? Have you considered using a small tool to verify the engine RPMs and hourly usage? We found an inexpensive tool to help setup the "governor" on a Briggs & Stratton 17.5 HP Overhead Valve (OHV) 4-cycle single piston drive unit for our RS-500F Out-in-Front Athletic Field Marking unit. We are using the Tiny-Tach, standard model with reset... Read Full Story
Have you found yourself in a situation where you could use more light on a subject while needing your hands free to accomplish important tasks? Here's an innovative product using new LED and battery technology while incorporating a familiar spring loaded clip solution, called the Clip N Lite system by Moneke Gear. Everyone with a tool box, glove box, vehicle trunk, fishing boat, camping gear, repair and handyman shop will find an application for this very versatile and light weight... Read Full Story
We continue to receive positive feedback on our soccer field layout tool. The original tool was built using the MS Excel spreadsheet formulas and focussed on starting with a center line through the center of the two goals and the center of the field. The latest update comes from Norm Paquette of Dracut, Massachusetts who has converted the formulas to MS Excel macros, VBScripting and improved the visual layout of the tool. As long as you enable macros as an option within the security... Read Full Story
Have you ever visited another soccer facility and picked up some great operational tips? Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker recently visited the Portage Soccer Complex at 4422 Bishop Rd., Portage MI 49002. This community facility has been well designed and maintained with excellent field drainage, a central building for registrations, meetings, concessions and facility operations and maintenance, and hard surface parking with curbs. Field operations are primarily conducted by some dedicated... Read Full Story
Tru Mark introduces the latest upgrade kit to the Series RS-500 self-propelled riding athletic field marker units. All units are now (2008) being delivered with this new assembly. The RS-500 Bottom Intake Line Upgrade Kit improves the intake of field marking paint from the tank to the Shurflo 3.3 GPM 12-volt diaphragm pump. The 20-gallon (2) tanks are now outfitted with plastic PVC connectors from the tank bottom along with an easily accessible in-line filter assembly to a garden hose... Read Full Story
