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Keeping the four display rings on its showground at Norwich in tip-top condition is a prime requirement for the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association.

For the last three seasons an OPICO grass harrow has been playing a vital part in the maintenance of this facility by removing the thatch and stimulating the growth of fresh grass. "In the summer we aim to have the grass in the rings four inches high with a huge depth of turf" explains Stephen. "At the end of the season the rings are cut down to a manageable level and the grass harrow is then used to rip out the thatch. This opens the turf and encourages new shoots of grass for the following season."

"The tines are adjusted to give a fairly severe operation", says Stephen, and the ground is covered in four different directions for maximum thatch removal. With each ring occupying about 2.5 acres the machine covers about 40 acres annually on this particular application. "Chain harrows are not up to the job but the grass harrow is purpose-built for our needs," said Stephen. "It is absolutely brilliant - I cannot fault it."

The 'Turf Comb' is also used for repairing the showground. "It will take out light wheel marks in muddy areas and hoof prints when the ground is soft," says Stephen. Last year, he estimates, about 50 acres were treated in this way. In addition to the annual Royal Norfolk Show the showground which covers 100 acres inside the perimeter fence plus car parks is used for numerous other events.

'It is a very robust machine," says Stephen. "The tines have stood up to the work with negligible wear although the ground here is very stony with light gravel soil. "After three years' use the machine is still doing a first-class job. That's what I call good value for money."

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