SISIS Powaspred: From Greenkeeper to Course Manager: Ben Archer on Turf, Time and the Tools That Make It Work
Ben Archer’s journey in greenkeeping is built on experience, progression and a clear understanding of what it takes to maintain high-quality playing surfaces.
“I’ve been here seven years now. I started greenkeeping about 15 years ago, then moved to Kedleston Park next door and came back here as Course Manager in 2019.”
The course itself offers something slightly different from the norm. Originally a nine-hole layout, it was expanded around 15 years ago with three additional holes—two built to USGA specification and one carved out alongside the lakeside.
“We’re now a 12-hole course. It’s a great alternative format to the traditional 18. A lot of members and visitors purely just play the 12 because it’s quicker, more fast-paced—but still the game we all love.”
Early Lessons in Quality Machinery
Ben’s first real exposure to SISIS equipment came during his time at Kedleston Park.
“We had a Rotorake scarifier that had been there for years – a proper solid bit of kit. And the twin play brush, again, simple and reliable.”
That experience shaped his view on machinery.
“It’s quality British engineering. The machines are built to last. That longevity is what speaks volumes and why we’ve continued down that route.”
Spring Maintenance: A Demanding but Critical Process
Spring renovation is one of the most intensive periods in the calendar.
“We’re doing our spring maintenance—putting on around a tonne of Mansfield MM35 per green. Then we run the ProCore through it and work it into the profile using the twin play SISIS brush. After that, we overseed with the SISIS Variseeder.
It’s a process that demands accuracy and consistency—something that wasn’t always easy to achieve.
“Before we had a mechanical spreader, we were top dressing by hand. When you’re putting out 15 to 20 tonnes in a week, that’s a long, labour-intensive job. And the spread isn’t always consistent—everyone throws differently.”
Introducing the Powaspred: Efficiency and Precision Combined
The introduction of the SISIS Powaspred changed everything.
As a tractor-mounted spreader and top dresser, it is designed to evenly apply sand, loam, and other free-flowing materials. Its rotating brush at the discharge point ensures a consistent spread, while the oscillating base plate prevents material from clogging or bridging in the hopper. With infinitely variable spreading rates, operators can precisely control application levels for optimal results.
“It’s a good, solid, simple piece of equipment. There’s not a lot to go wrong. You just set it, calibrate it and anyone can get on it and carry on.”
That simplicity translates directly into efficiency on the ground.
“You’re only spreading where you need to. There’s no wasting material into aprons or rough. It shuts off exactly when you want it to, so you can be really precise.”
Smarter Techniques, Better Results
Over time, Ben and his team have refined how they use the machine.
“When you’re working around tight corners, instead of turning, you can reverse while spreading. It saves turning time, reduces scuffing on the grass, and speeds the job up.”
The Powaspred’s lightweight design and twin-axle, four-tyre setup also play a key role in turf protection.
“It spreads the load well and minimises compaction. We can even use it in wetter conditions without marking the surface.”
And flexibility is built in.
“We’ve been running it on a larger tractor, but we’ve also used it on smaller ones. If you haven’t got the lift capacity, there’s a towable option, so you can still get the same application while reducing weight on the green.”
With a 1200mm (48") operating width and a minimum tractor requirement of just 15hp, it’s designed to be accessible and efficient across a wide range of setups—ideal for single-operator use while still covering ground quickly.
Consistency Over Manual Labour
The biggest improvement has been consistency.
“With the Powaspred, you get a quicker, more even spread. That uniformity is key because you want the sand to integrate evenly into the profile. By hand, you just can’t guarantee that.”
And when you’re dealing with large volumes, the time savings are significant.
“Spreading 15 to 20 tonnes by hand is hard work. Using the Powaspred speeds everything up and gives a much better finish.”
Built to Last, Easy to Maintain
After six to seven years of use, reliability hasn’t been an issue for Brailsford.
“We’ve never had any problems with it. The bearings are sealed, so there’s no ingress. Maintenance is simple—just keep it greased, keep it dry and look after it.”
That durability reinforces the original impression Ben had years ago.
“It comes back to that build quality. The simplicity is what makes it so reliable.”
A Practical, Proven Recommendation
For Ben, the Powaspred ticks all the boxes.
“I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a top dresser. It’s versatile, budget-friendly and does exactly what you need it to do.”
In modern turf management, where time, precision, and surface quality all matter, having dependable equipment is essential. For Ben Archer and his team, the combination of experience, smart working practices and the right machinery continues to deliver results—season after season.