Baseball and Softball infields are arguably the most important surface on the field of play for the game of baseball. Within this area is where the game is contested and athletes tested; it is essential to have a fair, and more importantly, safe surface. As such, the condition of infields has taken on new priorities for grounds managers, baseball coaches and park managers over the last 20 years. The system for developing and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing, playable, and safe surface has evolved over the years, through constant experimentation and research Smithco has developed a system that consists of four basic components to consider carefully when choosing the right machine for your baseball/softball needs.
Component 1: The Tractor
All Smithco AFC tractors share some common traits. They are all three-wheel designs with three separate attachment points and vary in power sources, drive trains, and attachment lift systems.
Smithco Sand Star 1 – the Sand Star 1 full size AFC offers a 16hp Vanguard engine with a 5-gallon fuel tank for longer run times and minimizes need for refueling. A large Sundstrand series 15 Hydro delivers power to two heavy duty TRW wheel motors. The hydrostatic pedal system has acceleration/deceleration controls for smoother starts and stops. The hand throttle can be left at the idle position and the engines RPMs are increased and decreased automatically as the pedal is depressed or released. For low-speed jobs requiring higher torque, the hand throttle can be used manually to increase engine power to maximum.
Smithco Sand Star 2 – Has the same features of the 1 but in a parallel 3-wheel motor configuration which can be switched from 3 wheel drive for better turning performance to 2 wheel drive for optimal plow and pushing performance.
Smithco Sand Star 4 – Like its cousins, the 1 & 2, it boasts the same configuration with the exception of more horsepower to help run a power steering option and a series parallel full time 3WD transmission.
Component 2: Center Attachments
A proper center scarifier is essential to maintaining a level and safe infield. Essentially this is where the magic happens. The Smithco system uses a tool mount between the wheelbase for penetrating and breaking up hardened clay surfaces. This position is important because it is where most of the weight of the machine is available to help dig into hard surfaces. It is also the optimal place to level as the front or rear are more adversely affected by movements from the tractor.
Component 3: Rear Attachments
Rear attachments are designed to be versatile or specific, depending on the model and need of the field. The main concept is to allow the operator to remain in the seat, without getting off the machine to unroll or roll up, lower or raise, activate or deactivate some device to begin or end a grooming session. These tasks reduce productivity and can leave clay piles that need to be worked in by hand, utilizing a proper rear attachment also can give a very professional look to an infield with a single person input.
Component 4: Front Attachments
The front attachment is primarily used for renovation and repair jobs where there is a need to push or move clay material and/or amendments. While it is not used as much on a day-to-day maintenance operation having one installed on the tractor makes it a more versatile tool. The basic configurations for the aluminum front plow consist of manual 40” & 60” straight and adjustable blades that are easy to lift from the operator’s seat. Hydraulic straight blades are also available.
Give one of our sales representatives a call to see how the Smithco four component system can give your field the surface you have been looking for.
