SIS Pitches has invested in a fleet of 16 new hybrid pitch stitching machines. The new machines were designed and developed in-house and are more compact, allowing the company to ship two units in a single shipping container. The double installation capacity they deliver will reduce the installation time for a full-sized football pitch to just over three days.
The investment will allow the company to narrow timeframes to install hybrid grass pitches.
Two different models have been developed as part of the investment. The first, named Pro-X, is designed to cover larger pitches. The second model, Spin-X, is the first hybrid machine made specifically for cricket pitches, with a lower weight and unique made-to-measure wicket option.
Each new machine features a patented drum mechanism. According to SIS Pitches this allows for faster stitching by enabling forward movement in larger increments than comparable machines. Meanwhile, the combination of a new cutting device and an innovative needle clamp system should ensure precision and consistency in every stitch. Both of these features have been recently patented.
Variation in depth
Due to a fully customisable stitching configuration, the new machines can stitch to any depth from 45 mm to 180 mm. The machines can also offer the widest range of spacing options available on the market, from 15×20, 20×20 and 30×20. This allows grounds managers to specify an installation with the right level of reinforcement for their athletes and climate, while also accommodating the needs of a stadium, pitch profile or budget.
Pre-stitching
One of the configurations made possible by the new machines is SIS Pitches’ shallow stitch concept game ready hybrid. In this concept, fibres are pre-stitched into turf/sod rolls at 45mm depths, the installation of a pre-stitched turf that can be harvested, transported and laid as a ready-to-play reinforced hybrid surface in a matter of days.
“The development of our new hybrid pitch stitching machines is a major step forward for us as a business and demonstrates our continued commitment to innovation and providing the very best playing surfaces,” CEO Ivo Lamot said. “Further, the new machines have immediately raised the bar for stadium owners and operators seeking the quick and customisable installation of a new playing surface.”