What are the odds?

Yesterday after an incident on the golf course I was looking at the odds. The specialized equipment we use on the course can create a potential hazard at a moments notice. We have turf maintained anywhere from .105" - 3". This turf constantly has equipment driving over it. These pieces each have a capacity of 1-20 gallons of fuel, equally the amount of hydraulic oil and up to 6 quarts of oil. Between seals, gaskets, hydraulic hoses and even a misplaced cap, leaking of these products can be a concern. Why? The high temps of these fluids kill instantly and the toxicity adds to the damage.
Did you ever notice how many cars leak some type of fluid? Just take a look at a parking lot sometime.

We examine our machines all the time and our odds have been good. Usually when our turf looks absolutely perfect, this happens....



This is 6 green. One of our crew members was using our walk behind mower , a seal gave out and oil leaked out. Should he have noticed, absolutely, did he, not! This was probably no more than 4 ounces but like I said, oils and fuel kill grass. These areas will brown out but ball roll wont be effected.
By the way, our short turf doesn't even like when you dump your soda on it.

- Posted by Lance A. Rogers, CGCS