Tru-Firm Turf firmness meter
£1,008.00 ex. VAT
Customers based outside of the UK, please contact us directly for assistance: jingle@harvestagri.co.uk or +44 7984 018400
Keep Your Greens Firm, Fast, and Consistent
The FieldScout TruFirm® offers a quick, easy, and affordable method to measure the firmness of turf and bunker sands. TruFirm® is a registered trademark of the USGA.
Keep Your Greens Firm, Fast, and Consistent
- Measures golf course turf conditions for firm and fast play
- Portable, easy-to-use design
- Bluetooth capabilities for instant analysis
The FieldScout TruFirm® offers a quick, easy, and affordable method to measure the firmness of turf and bunker sands. Data acquired from the device allows golf course superintendents and sports turf managers the ability to take appropriate actions to reach the desired firmness of golf course greens, fairways, and bunkers, as well as other playing surfaces.
The primary objective behind the developement of the TruFirm® was to improve championship-caliber playability by cultivating greens that are both firm and fast. By measuring the relationship between the compaction of the soil and the moisture level, greenkeepers are able to ensure healthy, aesthetically-pleasing greens that offer exceptional playability. Objective data measurements allow turf management professionals to balance the fine line between soil moisture and firmness, which can challenge even the most experienced experts in the industry.
The patented TruFirm® system utilizes a hemisphere-shaped impact hammer that mimics the shape of a golf ball to better simulate golf ball impacts. The mass is dropped from a consistent height and the maximum turf penetration value is recorded and correlated to the surface firmness — the lower the penetration value, the firmer the turf.
- Measure golf course turf conditions for consistent playability
- Objective data measurements allow turf management professionals to balance the fine line between soil moisture and firmness
- Evaluate trends and monitor sections of turf relative to one another
- Easy-to-use design provides instantaneous measurements
- Logged data can be sent via Bluetooth to a mobile/handheld Android device for plotting specific greens or other surfaces
- Lightweight design results in an easily portable device without the need for extra parts
- Includes soft-sided carrying case
Common applications for TruFirm® include:
• Golf course greens for better playing conditions and fewer ball marks
• Fairway landing areas for longer drives
• Green approach areas for chip and run play
• Bunker sands for surface firmness
TruFirm® is a registered trademark of the USGA.
Introducing the new FieldScout Mobile App
Use the FieldScout Mobile app to instantly collect and display data on your smart phone or tablet, from your Bluetooth enabled FieldScout TDR 300 Soil Moisture Meter or FieldScout TruFirm® Firmness Meter. The app allows you to see and email information on a grid of zones (3 wide by 3 deep).
- Collects data from FieldScout TDR 300 Soil Moisture Meter (Bluetooth device required) and FieldScout TruFirm® Turf Firmness Meter using Bluetooth Smart connection
- Uses your smart phone for time-stamping and geo-referencing the data
- On-the-go means of collecting data from FieldScout meters
- Color coded to represent a scale of turf firmness or moisture
- Eliminates the need for a computer, cable, and GPS accessory
- Visualize readings in real time
- E-mail relevant information
- Compatible with iOS and Android smart phones and tablets, device requires Bluetooth Smart Ready
- Free download from App Store or Google Play (see links below), Pro version requires a subscription (see more information here)
Download information – FieldScout Mobile App (Free):
Applications:
The TruFirm Turf Firmness Meter is ideal for a variety of turf management applications, ensuring optimal playing conditions across different areas of a golf course:
- Golf Course Greens: Measure and maintain the firmness of greens to reduce ball marks and enhance playability.
- Fairway Landing Areas: Optimize fairways for longer drives by monitoring and adjusting turf firmness.
- Green Approach Areas: Ensure consistent chip and run play by evaluating and managing the firmness of approach areas.
- Bunker Sands: Assess and adjust the firmness of bunker sands for better playability and fewer player complaints.
The TruFirm Turf Firmness Meter is an essential tool for golf course superintendents and turf management professionals, providing reliable data to ensure that every part of the course meets the desired standards of firmness and consistency.
Power: 2 AA batteries (included)
Weight: 4.3 lb (1.95 kg)
Height: 27 in (69 cm)
Diameter of Hammer: 1.68 in (4.45 cm)
Measurement Units: Depth of travel (inches)
Range: 0.1 in – 1.5 in
Resolution: 0.01 in at 1.00 in – 1.50 in (0.25 mm at 25.4 mm – 38.1 mm)
0.003 in at 0.00 in – 0.999 in (0.076 mm at 0 mm – 25.4 mm)
Display: LCD Display
TruFirm Turf Firmness Meter: Precision in Turf Management
The FieldScout TruFirm® Turf Firmness Meter is specifically designed to help golf course superintendents and sports turf managers maintain optimal turf conditions. The patented system uses a hemisphere-shaped impact hammer that mimics the shape of a golf ball, dropping it from a consistent height to measure turf penetration. The resulting data provides a clear indication of turf firmness, enabling precise adjustments to soil moisture levels and compaction.
Key Benefits:
- Objective Data Collection: The TruFirm® provides objective measurements of turf firmness, allowing turf management professionals to make data-driven decisions.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Instantly transmit data to a mobile device using Bluetooth, enabling real-time analysis and adjustments.
- Ease of Use: The lightweight, portable design of the TruFirm® makes it easy to carry and operate, providing instantaneous measurements without the need for additional equipment.
- Comprehensive Turf Management: Evaluate trends and monitor different sections of turf relative to one another, ensuring consistent conditions across the course.
Specifications:
- Power: 2 AA batteries (included)
- Weight: 4.3 lb (1.95 kg)
- Height: 27 in (69 cm)
- Diameter of Hammer: 1.68 in (4.45 cm)
- Measurement Units: Depth of travel (inches)
- Range: 0.1 in – 1.5 in
- Resolution:
- 0.01 in at 1.00 in – 1.50 in (0.25 mm at 25.4 mm – 38.1 mm)
- 0.003 in at 0.00 in – 0.999 in (0.076 mm at 0 mm – 25.4 mm)
- Display: LCD Display
- Connectivity: Bluetooth Smart Ready, compatible with iOS and Android devices
How to Use: TruFirm Turf Firmness Meter
Step 1: Setup
- Install Batteries: Insert the 2 AA batteries into the compartment located on the back of the device.
- Power On: Press the power button to turn on the device. The LCD display will light up, indicating the meter is ready for use.
Step 2: Measuring Turf Firmness
- Position the Device: Place the TruFirm Turf Firmness Meter on the turf area you wish to measure. Ensure the device is upright and stable.
- Drop the Impact Hammer: Press the release button to drop the hemisphere-shaped impact hammer. The hammer will penetrate the turf, and the meter will automatically record the maximum depth of penetration.
- Read the Measurement: The LCD display will show the depth of penetration in inches, providing an indication of the turf’s firmness. The lower the penetration value, the firmer the turf.
Step 3: Data Collection and Analysis
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Connect the TruFirm® to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. Ensure your device is Bluetooth Smart Ready and has the FieldScout Mobile App installed.
- Log Data: The app allows you to log measurements, time-stamp, and geo-reference the data for easy tracking and comparison across different sections of the course.
- Analyze and Adjust: Use the data to analyze turf conditions and make necessary adjustments to maintain the desired firmness. This could involve modifying irrigation schedules, adjusting soil compaction, or other turf management practices.
Step 4: Maintenance and Storage
- Clean the Device: After use, wipe the impact hammer and device casing with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
- Store Properly: Store the TruFirm® in its soft-sided carrying case in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Q1: What is the TruFirm Turf Firmness Meter used for? A1: The TruFirm Turf Firmness Meter is used to measure the firmness of turf and bunker sands, providing data to help golf course superintendents and turf managers maintain optimal playing conditions.
Q2: How does the TruFirm Meter measure firmness? A2: The TruFirm® uses a hemisphere-shaped impact hammer that mimics a golf ball. The hammer is dropped from a consistent height, and the device records the depth of penetration into the turf, indicating the firmness of the surface.
Q3: Can the TruFirm Meter be used for other sports surfaces? A3: While primarily designed for golf courses, the TruFirm Meter can also be used on other turf surfaces where firmness and playability are important, such as sports fields.
Q4: Does the TruFirm Meter require calibration? A4: The TruFirm Meter is designed for consistent performance without the need for frequent calibration. However, it’s recommended to check the accuracy periodically, especially before critical measurements.
Q5: How does the Bluetooth feature work? A5: The TruFirm Meter connects to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. Using the FieldScout Mobile App, you can log and analyze data, visualize trends, and share results instantly.
Q6: Is the TruFirm Meter difficult to use? A6: No, the TruFirm Meter is designed for ease of use. Its simple, one-button operation allows for quick measurements, and the data is displayed clearly on the LCD screen.
Q7: How often should the firmness be measured on a golf course? A7: The frequency of measurements depends on the specific needs of your course. Regular measurements, such as weekly or after significant weather events, help maintain consistent playing conditions.
Q8: Can the TruFirm Meter be used in wet conditions? A8: The TruFirm Meter is built to withstand outdoor conditions, but it’s recommended to avoid using the device in heavy rain or extremely wet conditions to prevent inaccurate readings.
Q9: How long do the batteries last in the TruFirm Meter? A9: The 2 AA batteries typically last several months, depending on usage frequency. The device will display a low battery warning when it’s time to replace them.
Q10: What is included with the TruFirm Meter? A10: The TruFirm Meter comes with 2 AA batteries, an LCD display, a soft-sided carrying case, and a detailed instruction manual for easy setup and use.
By following these instructions and using the TruFirm Turf Firmness Meter, you can maintain the optimal playing conditions for your golf course or sports field, ensuring consistent and high-quality turf for all players.