You’ve likely heard the name GKB before. Turf professionals across Ontario and beyond choose these machines to keep their playing surfaces healthy, safe, and beautiful year-round. Over the years, GKB has become a trusted name in turf cleaning and golf course maintenance equipment, known for providing reliable solutions that meet the highest standards in the industry. But what exactly makes GKB stand out in the ever-evolving field of turf maintenance? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how their engineering excellence, versatility, durability, and innovative approach have earned them a reputation as a go-to partner in turf cleaning. Whether you’re managing natural grass, artificial fields, or hybrid athletic grounds, understanding what sets GKB apart will help you make smarter decisions for your turf maintenance program.
Founded in the Netherlands by a family with deep experience in sports field management, GKB began as a direct response to a need: better equipment for more efficient golf course maintenance and athletic field upkeep. This real-world experience means GKB Machines are engineered to solve specific problems turf professionals face on a daily basis. From unpredictable soil conditions to the precision required for sand application, every feature is designed with care, efficiency, and durability in mind. That hands-on approach is what sets GKB apart–not just in product design, but in the way they think about turf maintenance as a whole. “Our strength is that we know what it’s like to work with turf,” GKB shares on their About Us page. “That’s why we develop solutions that are practical, robust, and always field-tested.” At Clean Turf Canada, we see this firsthand–our own crews use GKB equipment for turf maintenance projects throughout Ontario, which gives us a deep understanding of their strengths and how to get the most from each machine.
Turf maintenance isn’t just about keeping grass short or artificial turf clean. It’s about creating consistent playing conditions and protecting your turf investment over the long term. GKB Machines shine in this area thanks to their meticulous engineering. Take the GKB Sandfiller: It aerates the turf, removes thatch, and simultaneously fills the holes with sand—all in one pass. This ensures better root development, improved drainage, and faster recovery without the turf disruption that comes from doing each step individually. Similarly, the GKB Rotobrush is a top-tier tool for turf cleaning on artificial surfaces. With its powerful, adjustable rotary brushes, it revives artificial fields by redistributing infill and brushing up flattened fibres—keeping surfaces safe and consistent. These machines offer settings that allow turf managers to adjust depth, pressure, and pattern—giving full control over treatment intensity. That level of precision translates directly into healthier turf, lower input costs, and longer-lasting surfaces.
One of GKB’s standout features is versatility. Many maintenance crews are responsible for managing a variety of surfaces: natural grass tees and fairways, artificial putting greens, or artificial sports fields. Instead of investing in separate machines for each surface type, GKB delivers multi-functional equipment. For example, the Combinator can handle natural grass dethatching, topdressing, and scarifying. Swap out the attachments, and it’s ready for artificial turf brushing or cleaning. This cross-functionality makes it ideal for multi-use facilities like municipal parks, sports complexes, and of course, golf courses. When paired with the support of Clean Turf Canada, turf managers can get personalized guidance on machine setup and customization, ensuring they get the most value out of every piece of equipment.
GKB doesn’t cut corners when it comes to materials. Their machines are built using high-grade steel, anti-corrosion coatings, and rugged components made for long-term use in demanding environments. Every detail—from the sealed bearings to the reinforced frames—reflects the brand’s commitment to equipment that lasts. This matters in a world where downtime costs money. For many turf professionals, equipment that breaks down mid-season can derail an entire maintenance plan. By investing in GKB equipment, you’re investing in reliability. And with Clean Turf Canada’s local distribution and parts support, you’re never stuck waiting when routine maintenance or repairs are needed.
One of the lesser-known benefits of GKB equipment is the ease of maintenance. These machines are designed for accessibility—grease points are easy to reach, moving parts are modular for quick replacement, and wear-prone elements are designed for fast serviceability. For example, tine or blade swaps on aerators and scarifiers can be done quickly and with minimal tools. This reduces technician workload and keeps crews productive on the field, not in the garage. For golf courses, where every hour of downtime can affect course playability and guest experience, that ease of service matters more than you might think.
While GKB Machines are an investment, their return on investment (ROI) is clear. Instead of multiple specialized machines, GKB offers flexible solutions that perform several tasks, reducing equipment inventory and associated costs like storage, transportation, and training. When a single machine can dethatch, topdress, and aerate, you’re cutting down on labour hours, fuel use, and time lost switching between units. For smaller grounds teams or organizations working with tight budgets, this efficiency makes a huge difference. Our own team puts GKB Machines to the test across a wide range of maintenance projects. We know they hold up, deliver results, and make operations smoother–because we use them ourselves. Additionally, better turf health from precision treatments means you may spend less on seed, fertilizer, and water long-term. In other words, GKB Machines don’t just maintain your turf—they help improve the overall economics of your maintenance operation.
Golf course superintendents face constant pressure to maintain flawless playing conditions regardless of weather or heavy use. Because golf courses need maintenance equipment that can handle diverse turf challenges efficiently, GKB has developed a specialized line of machines. These durable, precise tools help keep greens and fairways in peak condition all year round.
Perfect for post-aeration sand application, the sandfiller improves the drainage and firmness of the playing surface while minimizing disruption.
A multifunctional workhorse. The combinator handles scarification, topdressing, and brushing—ideal for both tees and fairways.
Efficiently relieves compaction with carefully engineered tines that create just the right amount of disruption to encourage strong root growth.
GKB also designs smaller, more specialized machines for greens maintenance, where precision and minimal surface disruption are critical. Whatever the size or layout of your course, there’s likely a GKB solution tailored to it.
What sets GKB apart even further is their commitment to future-forward thinking. The company continues to invest in research and development to ensure that their machines stay ahead of turf management trends and environmental standards. Projects currently in development include sensor-equipped machines that could provide live feedback on compaction, moisture, or blade wear. This type of real-time insight could revolutionize how we approach turf cleaning and soil conditioning—moving the industry closer to smart, data-driven turf care. That kind of innovation ensures GKB remains not just a reliable choice for today but a smart choice for tomorrow.
Purchasing high-quality equipment is only part of the equation. Support, service, and expertise are just as critical. That’s where Clean Turf Canada comes in. As Ontario’s trusted distributor for GKB Machines, Clean Turf Canada offers:
Plus, with strong ties to the GKB team in the Netherlands, Clean Turf Canada ensures local customers benefit from global innovation with regional insight. Our maintenance crew uses GKB Machines every day to deliver top results for clients across Ontario. Because sports fields and golf courses require reliable and effective equipment to maintain pristine playing conditions, our firsthand experience allows us to provide smarter recommendations and practical tips that help you maximize your investment. Explore the full range of natural grass equipment available in Ontario. Interested in keeping your turf in top condition year-round? Ask us about our customized maintenance packages designed to maximize the performance and longevity of your turf. Contact our team for one-on-one guidance.
Whether you manage a sprawling golf course, a community soccer field, or a multi-surface athletic facility, GKB Machines can help you raise the bar. With Clean Turf Canada as your trusted partner, you’ll get personalized support, expert training, and premium equipment designed to handle Canadian conditions. Don’t settle for average. Choose the machines that professionals rely on season after season. Contact Clean Turf Canada today to request a demo or discuss your equipment needs.