Ride-on Mower

Any dedicated mowing machine in which an operator is seated. This term excludes the use of tractors with mower attachments.

  Robot Mower

A self-controlled, non-human operated, mower which uses sensors or G.P.S. to mow a lawn or turf surface. They can be programmed and also controlled by a mobile device, such as a smart phone. They typically use rechargeable batteries and are relatively quiet in operation. They do need to be recharged on a frequent basis, although frequency of recharging will depend on technical features of the mower as well as the type and size of battery/batteries.

  Roller [1]

A cylindrical item of equipment which comes in many diameters, lengths and weights.

  Roller Squeegee

A long handled, light weight, implement with typically a 0.6 to 1 metre wide small diameter roller, about 25mm, at the end. This is a quick and easy way to remove standing water from well maintained, uniform surfaces, and also for the removal of dew.

  Rolling

The use of a roller to consolidate a turf surface. Before using a roller it is essential that the ground is checked to ensure no hard debris is present otherwise this will just be squashed into the playing surface, presenting a hidden hazard later on when play takes place. A light rolling of a newly germinated seed bed may also be considered to aid initial seed bed firming or where initial seed germination and establishment requires a light firming to ensure adequate root anchorage is maintained with the soil. Surface disturbance from a severe frost or disruption from mechanical work

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  Run Off [1]

The sideways movement of water across a surface which follows the path of the downward gradient. Also called Surface Run Off.

  Run Off [2]

The area where a cricket bowler ‘runs off’ a pitch following delivery of a ball.

  Run Off [3]

An area immediately outside of the touchline, for example on a football or rugby pitch, which acts as a safety area for players moving outside of the playing area due to tackles, or interactions with the ball and where no barriers are to be positioned, i.e. it must be free from any obstruction which could potential harm or injure a player. For junior players the runoff area might be 2m-3m in width, whilst for adults this might be 3m-5m in width.

  Scalping

Cutting a relatively uneven turf surface too short, especially with bumps or humps being present, and especially when using a rotary mower in those circumstances. Mowing the edges of lawns with rotary mowers that do not have a rear roller can easily result in the rotary blade cutting into the lawn edge as it can be difficult to hold the mower level when one of the side wheels is hanging off the lawn in a flower bed or shrub border. Where an entire surface has been cut too short then this would be called Shaving a turf surface, as well as Close mowing.

  Scarification

The penetration of the turf surface into the underlying organic or soil layer by the use of a scarifying implement. It is carried out to help control thatch, remove moss and to raise up flattened vegetation or lateral growing stems. It can be thought of as a scoring or marking of the surface. A light to medium scarification of a sward should not cause any disruption to play, although a severe or deep scarification will most likely result in some disruption.