The Underrated Impact of Turf Rolling on Sports Fields

When it comes to achieving elite-level turf performance, some tools make a bigger difference than most realize - and the turf roller is one of them.

At Salsco, we’ve engineered two high-performance rollers that are making a measurable impact on fields across the country: the STR-180 Tow-Behind Roller and the Tranz-Former Self-Contained Roller. These machines are designed to improve surface smoothness, enhance playability, and support overall turf health - all while helping crews work more efficiently.

Measuring the Difference: Turf Roller Performance in Action

To demonstrate just how much of a difference a quality roller can make, we recently conducted a simple, revealing test using a soccer ball stint meter. Before any rolling, the ball traveled 24 feet on the unrolled turf. After a single pass with a roller, the ball traveled noticeably farther and straighter. But after a second pass, the results were striking:

The ball traveled 34 feet - a 42% increase in roll distance.

Just as important, the second roll significantly improved the straightness of the ball’s path and eliminated unwanted bouncing, indicating a smoother, more uniform playing surface.

Why does this matter? On high-performance fields, especially in sports like soccer, field hockey, or lacrosse, ball control and predictability are everything. A consistent roll improves gameplay and player safety while also reducing wear patterns from unpredictable foot traffic.

Salsco offers two professional-grade turf rollers, each suited to different field types and operational needs.

STR-180 Tow-Behind Roller

– 15-foot swath for fast, wide coverage

– Three articulating roll sections ensure 100% ground contact

– Ideal for large athletic complexes and multi-use sports fields

– Designed to tow behind a utility vehicle or tractor

Tranz-Former Self-Contained Roller

– 10-foot rolling swath with a hydrostatic drive system

– Self-contained unit - no tow vehicle required

– Articulating rollers deliver smooth, even results across the field

– Compact design for maneuverability in tighter areas

Tranz-Former

STR-180

Rolling Toward Better Playability

Turf rolling isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about performance. A properly rolled field offers better ball response, increased safety, and a more professional look and feel. With Salsco’s rollers, turf managers can achieve those results quickly and efficiently, without compromising turf health.

Want to see the difference yourself? Explore the STR-180 Tow-Behind or the Tranz-Former Self-Contained Roller and learn how Salsco can help you raise your field’s performance.