Turf

14 www.westernturfmag.com Bernhard and Company is celebrat- ing the 125th anniversary of the first grinder patent in 2014. Brainchild of English engineer and Bernhard and Company forefather John Atterton, the submission illustrates the first "spin" grinder for lawn mower cyl- inders (reels) that also sharpens bottom blades (bed knives) while still mounted to sole plates (bed bars). His specification for an "Apparatus for Grinding the Cylinder Blades and Bottom Blades of Lawn-mowers and similar Machines" was accepted in 1889. Thereafter, he established Atterton & Ellis, Ltd. in Haverhill, England. The company successfully manufactured lawn mower grinding machines for nearly a century before Stephen Bernhard purchased a control- ling interest in the 1980s and rebranded it as Bernhard and Company. "Atterton's main shaft, grindstone mounting, drive and guidance principles are used in our Express Dual models to this day," said Stephen Bernhard, executive chairman of Bernhard and Company. "It's a testament to his genius that the technology and underlying phi- losophy of operational simplicity remains a Bernhard calling card in 2014." The world was a very different place in 1889. Significant events included founding of the Coca-Cola Company (as Pemberton Medicine Company), opening of the Eiffel Tower (to criticism of its aesthetics), release of the first issue of The Wall Street Journal (cover price: 2 cents), and admittance of four U.S. states into the Union (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Washington). Specific to Bernhard and Company, Atterton & Ellis was casting parts in its onsite foundry in 1889; today, the state-of-the-art Bernhard factory uses parts cut with lasers. Furthermore, belts and steam pow- ered the 19th century grinders, and precision of the grind was completely dependent on the skills of the opera- tor. Fast forward to 2014 and models incorporate chemical elements like sili- con and space-age polymers. They also benefit from the latest microprocessor- automated control systems and operator aids to make the grind optimally sharp. Amid all of these changes, Bernhard's singular focus on making the world's best grinders has stood the test of time. "We've been in the USA since 1973 with a number of territory manag- ers across the United States for many, many years," Bernhard said. "Our rep- utation for the highest quality is hard- earned and has deep roots in the golf industry. We're intensely proud of our unmatched heritage. It is the bedrock for everything we do. Our machines are not underrated by any of its users." That point stands out in comparison to other machines on the market. "You find them very difficult to use—very complicated," Bernhard said. "In our industry that's what happens when you buy most of these cheaper machines. You find it hellishly com- plicated—so difficult to use and rather slow. Because it's quicker, easier and less hassle, they revert back to Bernhard. "It's blistering fast," he said. "Our machine is almost twice as fast as the next fastest machine. You can learn how to use it in 20 minutes, if properly shown. "It's just amazing. In other words you don't have to be a very skilled technician. And then the great thing is the machine lasts for 20 years. There's no other grinder on the market that will last more than nine or 10 years with normal use." Bernhard Grinders make the mower cut the way it is designed. The turf, in turn, recovers faster, uses less water and produces better rooting with a smoother surface. "We are truly a maintenance facilita- tor and maintenance system," Bernhard said. "Why wouldn't you keep the mower in perfect condition? It's easy to do. Providing high quality, beauti- ful playing conditions so the golfer is happy with the choice of venue they make is our goal. "You can raise the appearance of your club so much that you begin to compete with other golf courses in the area very favorably. If you can produce just 10 percent more rounds, you're talking 3,000 rounds at $50 a round for a gain of $150,000. That's the money that's important." Bernhard Grinders help maintain such a high quality that golfers want to play that course. "Our business focuses on making the course look beautiful and be sus- tainable," Bernhard said. Bernhard Grinders Celebrate 125th Anniversary of First Grinder Patent COURSE CARE By Allen Thayer Technology benefits iconic Express Dual machines to this day Stephen Bernhard

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