Photos courtesy of Arbortech
Editor’s note: The following article was supplied by the Arbortech team. All product claims, research cited and other information are directly from the company and its customers providing testimonials.
The era of relying on educated guesses is over. For golf course superintendents and their teams, the margin for error is razor-thin. To meet these demands, the industry has seen a surge in high-tech solutions, from Scouting Drones and TDR Moisture meters to specialized in-ground cutting tools like the Arbortech ALLSAW BA200X powered by DEWALT.
At Marshfield Country Club in Marshfield, Mass., we’ve combined these three elements into a precision-driven workflow that works seamlessly together. While modern data systems help us pinpoint problem areas, the ALLSAW BA200X delivers the accuracy needed to address them, allowing our limited labor force to operate more efficiently and effectively.
Precision in Practice: Eye in the Sky
Our maintenance program begins with the Turf Cloud Greensight Drone. This automated system utilizes a triple-camera payload to provide daily intelligence:
- NDVI Mapping: By scanning turf pigmentation, we calculate plant health across the entire property. This allows us to identify stress, such as compaction or disease pressure, long before it’s visible to the naked eye.
- Thermal Lens: We use thermal imaging to monitor surface temperatures, which directly informs our hand-watering schedules and helps us locate subsurface irrigation leaks before they become catastrophic.
- High-Res Imagery: With the ability to map exact square footage (accurate within 100 sq. ft.), we’ve replaced the manual "walking wheel" for sod orders and fairway reshaping. This high-resolution overhead view ensures our height-of-cut lines are exactly where they need to be.
Precision Moisture Management
Supplementing aerial data, TDR and USGA moisture meters are game-changing for managing greens through summer drought stress. We probe all 19 greens in the early morning to calibrate our hand-watering based on nightly irrigation output. By performing a secondary loop in the afternoon, we can track moisture loss in real-time, allowing us to make data-backed decisions on "syringing" or adjusting the next night's irrigation cycle to optimise green speeds.
The New Toolbox Essential: Arbortech ALLSAW BA200X
Even with the best data, the physical challenges of a golf course require specialized tools. Our newest addition to our toolbox is the Arbortech ALLSAW BA200X. Engineered for versatility, it features an expansive range of specialized blades—suited for everything from turf cutting and root removal to masonry and hardscape applications. It runs on the DEWALT 60V MAX FLEXVOLT battery platform, which is widely available at major retailers.
Case Study: The Solution to Root Encroachment at Marshfield Country Club
The ALLSAW isn't just another reciprocating saw; it’s a problem-solver for the specific headaches that our superintendents face daily. Unlike traditional gas-powered or heavy equipment, the BA200X enables renovations while play continues. With noise levels comparable to a string trimmer, it allows courses to take on larger projects during peak seasons without disrupting the course.
"At Marshfield Country Club, we had some tee box areas that were struggling during the heat and drought stretches in the summer of 2025. We found that we had roots from large oaks, pines, and arborvitae consuming a large portion of our irrigation. Through the use of the ALLSAW Wood Blades, we were able to plunge and cut the roots at the edges of our tee boxes.
We were amazed at how well it worked and could feel the ground shaking under our feet up to fifteen feet away from where we were cutting. After we completed this process, we had a noticeable improvement in the areas that were struggling." — Liam Harrington, assistant superintendent, Marshfield Country Club
Precision in Practice: Insights from the Field
Beyond root management, the Arbortech ALLSAW has become our go-to for renovation and detail work. Its unique orbital cutting action and dual-reciprocating blades provide a level of control that traditional tools can't match.
"In the fall of 2025, we had a major driving range tee box renovation where we leveled and re-sodded the entirety of our range tee. The ALLSAW Turf Blades allowed us to cut sod edges like butter around irrigation boxes and our range mat pads, ensuring a perfect seam. We have since been using the Turf Blades to edge our yardage stones, bunker faces, and rock walls all around the property."
Setting a New Standard for Turf Management
The Arbortech ALLSAW fills a critical gap in our turf management workflow. It offers the power of a gas-powered saw with the surgical precision required for fine turf. By pairing the ALLSAW with our drone and moisture data, our team at Marshfield CC is no longer just maintaining a golf course, we're engineering a championship experience.
For us, this isn't just about adding another tool; it’s about having the right tool to act on the data and deliver perfection. The ALLSAW has been a game-changer for our turf management team.