Sidekick now available at John Deere dealers
Sidekick USA announced at the Sports Turf Managers Association Conference and Exhibition in West Palm Beach, Fla., that its turf installation machine will be distributed through select John Deere dealers. The award-winning* Sidekick machine will now be available through select John Deere dealerships both in the United States and international markets for demos, leasing and purchase.
“We’re so thrilled to bring the Sidekick’s unmatched capabilities to a whole new audience, helping them create the most exceptional — and safe — athletic turf fields throughout the world,” said Paul Carlson, CEO of Sidekick USA. “Through John Deere’s extensive dealer network and distribution channels, the Sidekick can bring unprecedented, cutting-edge turf installation to a global market for improved playing surfaces around the world.”
Through its patented design, the Sidekick is optimized to gently push thick-cut sod together during the installation process. The cut is approximately two-inches thick, 48-inches wide and can weigh up to 20 pounds per square foot — making it a challenge to tighten without the proper tool. The Sidekick is an advancement from the crude methods — such as pulling the sod by hand with rakes — used by installation crews, that often result in exposed seams or tears, which can pose serious injury risks to athletes.
The Sidekick mechanizes and streamlines the installation process. This frees up field management teams to focus on other important areas of the install. Prior to the Sidekick, a full field replacement took about three days. Now, the entire process typically takes only one day with the Sidekick. After completion, the field can be ready to use the same day. This also allows for more activities — including sporting events and concerts — to take place.
Sidekick is the official equipment and partner of Rose Bowl Stadium. It is also responsible for aiding turf installations at 17 NFL stadiums, including Soldier Field, Lincoln Financial Field and Levi’s Stadium. Additionally, Sidekick has been utilized in numerous MLB, MLS and NCAA stadiums and facilities.
For more information, visit www.sidekickusa.com. Contact Sidekick USA or your local John Deere dealer for pricing and availability.