Sidekick USA intros new Sidekick Duo sod installer

(Photo: Sidekick USA)

Sidekick USA recently announced that its award-winning apparatus will now be available as part of a dual-use sod installer. The Sidekick Duo will be the only installer of its kind with the internationally patented Sidekick attachment.

“We are excited to get back to our original Sidekick prototype model,” said Paul Carlson, founder and CEO of Sidekick USA. “After years of retrofitting Sidekick attachments for popular tractor brands,” said Paul, “we wanted to produce a versatile, all-in-one installer that is specifically designed for Sidekick. The Duo is the result of years of engineering, fabrication, and – most importantly – looking to our past for inspiration.”

A contractor himself, Carlson initially created the Sidekick attachment on one of his custom-made sod installers as a way to help his employees with installing thick-cut sod at Solider Field in Chicago. After successfully patenting his invention, Sidekick shifted away from their installer in favor of established compact tractor models.

According to the company, the Sidekick Duo’s six-wheel design offers efficiency with the lightest footprint possible. This paired with the patented design of the Sidekick apparatus gives users and contractors the option to unroll, kick, or both, all with only one piece of machinery. Additionally, the Duo can expand and contract in size – optimized for both transport and storage.

The company adds that the Sidekick Duo streamlines the installation process, speeding it up with the use of a compression plate to push turf rolls together for a seamless surface. Freeing up turf management teams to focus on other important tasks.

Before Sidekick, a full-field replacement could take at least three full days of labor. Now, the entire process typically takes only one day with a Sidekick and with far less physical effort. With Sidekick Duo, unrolling and compression can happen with one machine in seconds. After completion, the playing surface can be ready for use on the same day.

Sidekick is the official equipment and partner of Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., as well as distribution partners with STEC Equipment and HG Turf Group. It is also responsible for aiding turf installations at over a dozen stadiums in the National Football League, including Allegiant Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field and Levi’s Stadium.

Additionally, Sidekick has been utilized for both natural and hybrid turf installations around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China and Qatar – including for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.