The Sports Turf Managers’ Guide to Purchasing Equipment: Top Three Factors to Consider

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Investing in the right equipment is about more than just the initial purchase—it’s about long-term value, reliability, and support. Whether you’re managing a professional sports field, a college campus, or a municipal facility, the equipment you choose plays a critical role in efficiency and performance.

From researching equipment online to evaluating hidden costs and considering both new and used options, making the right purchase requires careful thought. Understanding the long-term benefits, ease of operation, and serviceability of a machine ensures you’re not just buying equipment—you’re making a strategic investment in your turf management practices.

We break down the top three factors to consider when in the market for turf equipment, as well as professional purchasing tips and the importance of dealer relationships.

1.Cost
There’s a reason for the saying, “You get what you pay for.” High-quality components—everything from bearings and tines to gearboxes, metal thickness, overall design, and even the type of PTO shaft—directly impact the cost of a machine. While higher-quality components do raise the price, they also extend the machine’s lifespan and enhance performance when properly maintained. The true cost of equipment reaches far beyond the initial purchase price.

In turfgrass management, hidden costs play a significant role in operational efficiency. Consider a sprayer with GPS technology. Training your team to use both the GPS and sprayer system together significantly reduces missed spots and overlap. As a result, your fertilizer budget stretches further since product waste is minimized.

Take the GKB Combinator, for example. Its rotor accommodates four different blade types, which can be used for fraising, natural and hybrid fields, verticutting, and, with a quick rotor change, can even be used to remove synthetic infill. One of the fraising blades lasts three to four times longer than a standard blade. While this premium blade costs about three times more upfront, it quickly pays for itself. Factor in the downtime, labor, and logistics of transporting a machine for blade replacements, and the investment in a longer-lasting blade becomes a clear cost-saving decision.

Yes, high-quality equipment may come with a higher initial price tag, but downtime and fewer use-hours have a cost too—one that adds up quickly. Instead of dismissing a machine as “too expensive,” consider what makes up that price. The right investment today could not only save you money but make more money in the long run.

2.Timing Of Purchase
How often will you use the equipment? Once a year? Every few months? Every day? The more frequently a machine is used, the easier it is to justify the investment. Both a mower and an aerator play a crucial role in maintaining safe, high-quality fields, but making the case for a mower—used regularly—is often simpler than for an aerator, which sees less frequent use.

When evaluating cost and usage, timing your purchase wisely is key. Avoid buying equipment immediately after the season you’d use it most so that it doesn’t sit idle in your shop. Just as important, don’t put yourself in a position where a major project is scheduled, and you’re using a new machine for the first time. Give yourself ample time to connect it to your tractor, run test plots, and get familiar with its operation. If the first time you fire up a machine is under a time crunch, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. Stress and tight deadlines can make even minor issues feel like major problems, leading to premature doubt about the machine’s performance.

Proper planning can completely change your experience with a piece of equipment and the future of your maintenance practices. Aim to purchase well in advance—not right before you need it, and not right after you’ve finished the season. Investing at the right time ensures a smoother transition, better performance, and greater long-term value.

3.Durability and Reliability
Few things are more frustrating than scoring a great deal on a piece of equipment, only for it to fail when you need it most. Then comes the question of maintenance—what does it involve? Is it a simple $10 fix, or are you looking at thousands in repairs? Can you handle it yourself, or will you need a mechanic? And what about operator ease—can anyone on your team run this machine, or does it require an experienced professional?

Take a mower, for example. If you miss a patch of grass, it’s no big deal—just go back and tidy it up. But a deep tine aerator? That’s a different story. Knowing when to engage the PTO, when to lower the machine, when to lift it over sprinkler heads, and keeping track of lost tines all require skill and constant attention. That may not be an issue for you, but at a small college, for instance, you might primarily rely on student labor. In that case, you have to ask yourself: Do I have the time to operate this machine myself? Or will I need to invest in training students and hope they retain the knowledge?

In the sports turf industry, throwaway culture doesn’t exist. You’re not buying equipment to replace it quickly—you’re investing in machines built to last. That’s why a reliable dealer who provides manuals, parts, and maintenance support is essential. While some purchases may be purely transactional, the real value comes from building lasting relationships with your dealer. As budgets tighten and staffing fluctuates, having a trusted resource for guidance and support can make all the difference. When you treat the process as more than just an exchange of money, you gain more than just a machine—you gain a long-term partner in your operation’s success.

The Importance of Dealer Relationships
The true value a dealer offers sports turf managers lies in an open, honest relationship. The best salespeople aren’t just trying to close a deal—they take the time to understand their customers, visit their sites, and build genuine connections. This level of service creates trust and ensures you’re getting the right equipment for your needs.

There’s also an often-overlooked advantage in working with smaller companies. Take STEC Equipment, for example. While we may be small in terms of employee count, that factor often works in our customers’ favor. Fewer layers of bureaucracy mean faster answers, quicker solutions, and a more personalized experience compared to larger companies with more hoops to jump through.

Internally, the strength of a sales team’s relationship with their parts department, technicians, and service managers is just as important. A well-run company directly impacts your ability to stay on schedule. At STEC, our experience allows us to not only provide expert advice but also connect customers with fellow turf managers who have faced similar challenges. The relationships we’ve built with our customers over the years help us troubleshoot issues and address common concerns more efficiently. Working with equipment salesmen who have dual experience and knowledge in the turf industry can help you feel more confident in your purchase decision.

Choosing the right equipment is about more than just specs and pricing. Will it save you time, reduce labor costs, and elevate your turf management practices? Take the time to research both the equipment and the dealer behind it. A quality dealer doesn’t just sell you a machine; they provide ongoing support and expertise that help you make the most of your investment.

Let us be a part of your equipment research process. Learn more about STEC Equipment and the high-quality machines and resources we provide turfgrass managers at https://stecequipment.com/.