GB2272623A - Turf laying apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus comprises a carrying frame, 4, mounted on a base 1 and the frame 4 has (a) supporting arm(s) carrying a roll of turf 20 which is rotated about its longitudinal axis onto a surface as base 1 is moved along the surface. Base 1 may have wheels. The base 1 and frame 4 are substantially no wider than the roll of turf and the apparatus is balanced against roll's weight A limb 5 of the carrying frame is pivotally mounted on the base about point 6. The frame also comprises a limb portion 7, which is integral with limb 5 and at an angle of 120 DEG thereto. Supporting arm 8 is pivotally mounted on the limb portion 7, about pivot point 9. The free end of supporting arm 8 is provided with a hook-shaped portion 10, adapted to engage with the axle of the roll. As shown, carrying frame 4 comprises two parallel limbs 5, two parallel limb portions 7 and two parallel supporting arms (each with a hook shaped portion) 8, one at either side of the base 1. A hydraulic ram 11, operated by means of a hand pump, is pivotally mounted on the base 1 about point 12. At its other end, the ram is attached (pivotally, at point 13) to a cross arm 14 to which the limbs 5 of the carrying frame are connected. A number of embodiments are illustrated. <IMAGE>

Description

TURF LAYING APPARATUS Field of the Invention This invention relates to apparatus for use in laying turf from a roll, to the apparatus in combination with a roll of turf and to a carrying frame for use as part of the apparatus.

Background to the Invention In order to lay turf over a surface (eg, on playing fields, lawns, golf courses and the like), a convenient alternative to laying turf manually from small, individual rolls of approximately 1 square yard, is to lay the turf continuously from a larger roll. Machines of various designs are available which nay be used to unwind turf from such a roll onto the surface on which it is to be laid. Most known machines are, however, relatively complex both to produce and to use, and hence also relatively expensive. They typically comprise a number of moving parts and frequently tend to break down.

Another major disadvantage with known turf laying machines is that they tend to be relatively large and cumbersome, and can lack stability because of the large number of complex parts they comprise. A turf laying machine must include some kind of support means, such as a carrying frame, for supporting the turf roll as it unwinds. It also typically includes complex mechanism for controlling smooth unwinding of the turf roll.

The size and weight of a typical roll of turf puts constraints upon the size, and in particular the width, of the turf laying machine. In particular, in order to balance the weight of the turf roll on the machine, the wheels of the machine, which allow it to move along the ground as the turf is unrolled, tend to be positioned outside the ends of the turf roll. The overall width of the machine is thus wider than that of the turf roll itself.

Whilst some turf laying machines are known where the width of the machine is substantially no greater than that of the turf roll to be carried, these machines are extremely complex in construction and in operation, and correspondingly costly.

Attempts to simplify the designs of such machines have led to problems of balance, which in turn have forced the above mentioned size (and in particular width) constraints on the machines.

Large and cumbersome turf laying machines, whilst acceptable for use when laying turf on large surface areas such as football pitches, are nevertheless extremely difficult to use in small areas. The user who wishes to turf, for instance, a garden, may have difficulty in manoeuvring the machines through narrow entrances to back gardens, around buildings, and generally around the area to be turfed.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide turf laying apparatus which overcomes or at least mitigates the above described problems encountered with the use of conventional turf laying machines. It is an aim of the invention to provide a relatively simple and space-economical turf laying apparatus, which may be used in particular, although not exclusively, by a landscape gardener to turf a relatively small surface area.

Statements of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for use in laying turf onto a surface from a roll of turf, the apparatus comprising a base moveable along the surface and a carrying frame, mounted on the base, for carrying the roll of turf, the carrying frame comprising a supporting arm or arms for supporting the roll in such a way as to allow rotation of the roll about its longitudinal axis, the arrangement of the apparatus being such that, in use, the outer surface of the roll of turf carried in the carrying frame is held in contact with the surface to be turfed, and such that movement of the base along the surface causes the roll to rotate about its longitudinal axis, thus causing turf to unwind from the roll onto the surface.

A major advantage of the apparatus of the invention is its simplicity, which also makes it relatively inexpensive to produce. No complex control mechanism is needed in order to ensure efficient and smooth unwinding of turf from the roll; it has surprisingly been found possible to achieve this simply by allowing the turf to unwind itself, as the apparatus moves along the ground, due to contact between the turf roll and the ground. Thus, the apparatus is simple both to produce and to use, reliable and, because of its simplicity of construction, extremely stable.

The arrangement of the apparatus may be such that the base and the carrying frame are together substantially no wider than the roll of turf and such that the apparatus is balanced against the weight of the roll of turf when the latter is carried in the carrying frame. Again, the simplicity of the apparatus makes this possible; the apparatus can be balanced against the weight of the turf roll, despite the reduced width of the apparatus, because the apparatus does not comprise any complex unwinding mechanism or other components present on conventional turf laying machines.

An advantage of such apparatus in accordance with the invention is that it is much less wide than conventional turf laying nachines of even comparable simplicity; it need not be wider than the roll of turf which it carries (including the width of any axle around which the turf roll is mounted). The apparatus is nevertheless correctly balanced, such that, in use, the base and carrying frame are still able to support the turf roll without tipping. The reduced width of the apparatus makes it ideal for use in confined spaces or in areas to which access may only be gained through relatively narrow entrances.

A further advantage arising from the reduced width of the apparatus is that, as turf is unrolled from the apparatus onto a surface, the base of the apparatus does not need to travel over an adjacent line of turf which has previously been laid, and thus does not disturb the newly-laid turf in that adjacent line.

Moreover, apparatus in accordance with the invention is relatively simple and inexpensive, both to manufacture and to use. Its simplicity also makes it robust, since it need comprise relatively few moving parts.

The base of the apparatus may take any form, so long as it is capable of supporting the carrying frame and is of an appropriate size and shape to ensure that the apparatus as a whole is correctly balanced when carrying a roll of turf. The base is preferably moveable along the surface to be turfed by means of wheels, which may b mounted on the base within its overall width and thus within the width of the roll of turf to be carried in the carrying frame.

Movement of the base may be hand driven; for instance, the base may be provided with a handle by means of which it may be pushed or pulled along. However, the apparatus preferably additionally comprises drive means, for driving movement of the base along the surface to be turfed. The drive means may be any conventional power supply, used to push or to tow the base. The size and power of the drive means will depend on the exact uses to which the apparatus is to be put, in particular the weight of the turf roll which is to be carried by the apparatus and the nature of the surface to be turfed.

If the apparatus is to be hand driven, it preferably comprises one or nore secondary wheels, with which the user may steer the apparatus whilst the weight of the apparatus remains mainly over the main wheels. The secondary wheel(s) may be detachable, allowing the user to make use of them when necessary but remove them if the apparatus is to be driven using a power supply.

In order to ensure that the apparatus is properly balanced when carrying a roll of turf, such that the base is not caused to tip towards the roll due to weight of the latter, the dimensions of the base and carrying frame, and the strength of the various components of the apparatus, must be carefully chosen. The carrying frame and the base should together have an appropriately positioned centre of gravity, such that mounting a roll of turf in the carrying frame, in an "in-use" position, does not prejudice the stability of the apparatus or cause the base to lose contact with the ground at any point. This is particularly important if the entire base of the apparatus, including any wheels or other means by which it is moveable along the ground, is substantially no wider than the turf roll which it is designed to carry.

Alternatively, the carrying frame may be such that a roll of turf is carried, in use, vertically above the wheels of the apparatus (which must then be positioned outside of the width of the roll, for stability). Such an arrangement has excellent stability; its centre of gravity can be very low over the wheels and the turf roll need never be lifted very high off the ground.

The carrying frame preferably comprises two supporting arms, one for supporting the roll of turf at each of its respective ends. Each arm preferably comprises a hook, adapted releasably to engage with an axle which in use passes through the centre of the turf roll. Rolls of turf are typically produced around a hollow core, through which core an axle may be passed prior to engagement with hooks on the supporting arms of the apparatus of the present invention. Other forms of connection between the supporting arm(s) and the turf roll are also possible, however, so long as they allow the roll to rotate about its longitudinal axis, so that the roll can be allowed, in use, to unwind onto the surface to be turfed.

The carrying frame needs to be capable of carrying the turf roll, in use of the apparatus, in such a way that the outer surface of the turf roll just touches the surface being turfed.

The apparatus preferably additionally comprises lifting means, for lifting and lowering the supporting arm or arms, in particular so as to allow mounting of the turf roll onto and demounting of the turf roll from the supporting arm or arms, and so as to allow the turf roll to be appropriately positioned, relative to the surface to be turfed, in use.

This lifting means may be manually or electrically operated.

However, it is preferably hydraulically operated. It may, for instance, take the form of a hydraulic ram, by means of which the supporting arm or arms, or that part of the carrying frame on which the supporting arm(s) are mounted, may be raised or lowered relative to the height of the surface to be turfed.

The hydraulic ram may, for instance, be operated by means of a hand pump.

Preferably, the apparatus includes control means to control the speed at which the lifting means lifts and lowers the supporting arm(s) and to ensure that the turf is always in contact with the ground as it is unwound from its roll. A very simple mechanism of raising and lowering the turf roll in this way can ensure smooth laying of the turf.

Where the apparatus comprises lifting means, the arrangement and geometry of the base and carrying frame must be such that the apparatus is balanced against the weight of a turf roll carried in the carrying frame whether the supporting arm(s) are in a raised or a lowered position. The lifting means is preferably in the form of an adjustable length prop, such as a hydraulic ram, pivotally attached to a limb of the carrying frame which is in turn pivotally mounted on the base, such that variations in the length of the prop cause the limb of the carrying frame to tilt relative to the plane of the base, causing the rest of the frame, in particular the supporting arms, to vary correspondingly in height relative to the base.

In this embodiment of the invention, the relative lengths of the prop and the limb of the frame, and the relative positions at which they are connected to the base, must be carefully chosen to ensure that the centre of gravity of the apparatus and a roll of turf which it carries are appropriately positioned so as not to cause tipping of the base, over a range of different heights which the supporting arms are likely to occupy relative to the base during normal use.

The supporting arm or arms are preferably pivotally mounted in the carrying frame, to allow greater ease of movement of the supporting arm(s) and thus facilitate mounting of a turf roll onto the arm(s) and its subsequent removal therefrom.

The apparatus of the invention is preferably, although not exclusively, for use with turf rolls of relatively small surface area, for instance between 10 and 20 square yards, ideally about 15 square yards. Such rolls are suitable for use by the small landscape gardener, who will benefit from the use of a relatively compact and simple turf laying apparatus which does not exceed the overall width of the turf roll.

The carrying frame is preferably mounted on the base such that a turf roll carried in the carrying frame is at the rear of the apparatus in the direction of travel of the apparatus during use in laying turf. The advantage of this is that turf is unwound from the roll behind the apparatus, which does not then travel over, and thus cannot damage, a strip of turf which has already been laid.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a carrying frame for use as part of turf laying apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The carrying frame must be capable of being mounted on the base of the apparatus, which in turn is preferably capable of being coupled to some form of drive means.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus as described above as being in accordance with the invention, in combination with a roll of turf to be laid onto a surface.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a side view of turf laying apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an end view of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2; Figures 4 and 5 show side views of the apparatus of Figures 1-3, showing the apparatus in two different positions during its normal use; Figure 6 shows a side view of alternative turf laying apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 7 shows a side view of a modified version of the apparatus of Figure 6; and Figure 8 shows a plan view of the apparatus of Figures 6 and 7.

Detailed Description of the Drawings Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown in side view a turf laying apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus comprises a base 1, mounted on a set of four wheels such as that labelled 2. The wheels are of dimensions 330 x 165 x 152 m, mounted on a 25 mm shaft. The base is capable of moving along the ground, and may be pushed or pulled either manually or by means of a suitable power unit coupled to the base at point 3. The exact details of the coupling mechanism are not shown in Figure 1, but a rose joint coupling is preferred in the apparatus shown, since it allows a certain amount of flexing about the joint as the apparatus and the power unit travel along tne ground, thus helping to prevent the apparatus from tipping sideways. However, any appropriate coupling mechanism may be provided on the base, depending on the type of power unit with which it is to be used.

A typical power unit that might be used to drive the apparatus would be a tiller, such as is used by professional gardeners.

The apparatus shown in Figure 1 comprises a carrying frame, generally labelled 4, mounted on the base 1. The limb 5 of the carrying frame is pivotally mounted on the base about point 6. As well as limb 5, the frame also comprises a roughly horizontal limb portion 7, which is integral with limb 5 and at an angle of 120 thereto. Supporting arm 8 is pivotally mounted on the limb portion 7, about pivot point 9.

The free end of supporting arm 8 is provided with a hookshaped portion 10, adapted to engage with the axle of a roll of turf (see Figures 4 and 5).

As can be better seen in Figures 2 and 3, the carrying frame 4 actually comprises two parallel limbs 5, two parallel limb portions 7 and two parallel supporting arms (each with a hook shaped portion) 8, one at either side of the base 1.

A 460 mm stroke, 50 mm bore hydraulic ram 11, operated by means of a hand pump, is pivotally mounted on the base 1 about point 12. At its other end, the ram is attached (again, pivotally, at point 13) to a cross arm 14 (best seen in Figures 2 and 3) to which the limbs 5 of the carrying frame are connected.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in which the various components of the carrying frame 4 can be seen in greater detail.

An end view of the apparatus, viewed from the right hand side as seen in Figure 1, is shown in Figure 3.

The apparatus of Figures 1-3 is used as follows (see Figures 4 and 5). A roll of turf 20, to be laid over a surface, is delivered to the user as usual, eg onto the pavement outside a house, the garden of which is to be turfed. Using a power unit (not shown in Figures 1-3) to drive the apparatus, the apparatus is positioned in front of the roll of turf. The hydraulic ram 11 is then operated so as to lower the carrying frame 4, limbs 5 pivoting about points 6 so as to tilt the frame closer to the base 1. This in turn has the effect of lowering supporting arms 8 closer to the roll of turf and away from the main body of the apparatus. When the carrying frame is low enough, the user engages the axle 21 of the roll of turf 20 (which axle typically takes the form of a dumbbell passing through the hollow central core of the roll) in the hooks 10 of supporting arms 8.The roll is then supported by the carrying frame although it is still free to rotate about its axle.

The user then operates ram 11 so as to lift the carrying frame, including the supported roll of turf, above the ground.

Typically, the user will raise the frame to such an extent that the supported roll of turf sits above the wheels 2. In this position, the roll can be safely carried, in the apparatus, to the exact point at which turf laying is to commence. The base and carrying frame of the apparatus are no wider than the width of the turf roll (including its axle 21). This means that the apparatus can be manoeuvred in small spaces and through tight entrances.

Figure 4 shows the apparatus in use, carrying the turf roll 20 in this position as described.

When the user is ready to lay turf using the apparatus, he operates the ram 11 so as to lower the carrying frame (and hence the turf roll 20) towards the ground. He commences laying the turf with the outer surfaces of the roll touching the ground. This position of use of the apparatus is shown in Figure 5. The user may then drive the apparatus, in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 5. Turf is unwound from the roll 20 as the apparatus moves, and is thus laid upon the ground. Because the outer surfaces of the roll 20 are in contact with the ground, unwinding of the turf is caused automatically, and takes place smoothly and in synchrony with the movement of the base 1, without the need for any complex control mechanisms. However, the apparatus remains balanced at all times as the turf unwinds.

In use of the apparatus, it has been found possible for one person alone to lift, transport and lay turf, smoothly and efficiently, and with minimum manual effort.

Because all parts of the apparatus, including the wheels 2, are within the width of the turf roll 20, and because, in use, the turf roll follows the wheels, there is no problem of the apparatus wheels running over and possibly damaging a strip of newly laid turf.

The essential feature of the apparatus shown in Figures 1-5 is the way in which the weight of the turf roll 20, in use, is balanced against the apparatus as a whole, so as not to cause the base 1 to tip and traction to be lost between the power unit or the apparatus itself and the ground. This balance is achieved because of the simplicity of the apparatus (possible because of the way in which the turf roll is allowed to unwind itself) and because of the particular relative dimensions of the limbs 5 and 7 of the carrying frame and the hydraulic ram 11; the distance between the pivot points 6 and 12 (which dimensions are indicated in Figure 1); the angle between limb portions 5 and 7; and the weight and strength of the carrying frame (in this case, made from 60 x 40 x 4 millimetre mild steel box).These characteristics are carefully chosen, depending on the exact uses to which the apparatus is to be put, and in particular the weight of a typical turf roll that it might be used to carry.

It has been found, using the apparatus of Figures 1-5, that a turf roll of approximately 15 square yards of turf may be safely carried in a variety of different positions, including those illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, without loss of traction and without unduly affecting the balance of the apparatus as a whole. This versatility of positioning is extremely useful to the user who needs to transport a roll of turf from one place to another. For instance, the turf roll may be lifted (Figure 4) whilst it is simply being transported around, as opposed to during the laying process. It may also be lifted to the position shown in Figure 4, for instance, when the apparatus is to be driven uphill.This brings the weight of the turf roll closer to the centre of gravity of the apparatus, and thus improves the traction on an uphill stretch, where the weight of the roll would otherwise pull the apparatus backwards.

The geometry of the carrying frame 4, and the way in which it is mounted on base 1, is designed such that the apparatus can cope with the heaviest weight of turf roll with which it is intended to be used. This is important, because the weight of a turf roll of a particular surface area may vary, inter alia, with its moisture content.

The apparatus of Figures 1-5 is ideal for use in small spaces such as domestic gardens and the like. It is particularly suitable for use with rolls of turf carrying between 10 and 20 (preferably 15) square yards of turf. In such situations, it provides a practical and much easier alternative to the use of small, individual rolls of turf (eg, of approximately 1 square yard each).

The apparatus is relatively simple, both to manufacture and to use. It is also, having relatively few moving parts, fairly inexpensive and very robust. The apparatus is designed to be connected to any small power unit of the type which is regularly used by virtually all landscape gardeners - this too increases its versatility and usefulness.

An alternative example of turf laying apparatus in accordance with the invention is illustrated in Figures 6-8. Again, the apparatus has the advantage of simplicity of construction, having few moving parts or complex mechanisms. It also has great stability. Again, it operates to carry a roll of turf so that the turf is just in contact with the ground at all times, allowing the turf to unwind itself from the roll smoothly and simply.

Referring firstly to Figure 6, the apparatus can be seen to comprise a frame having base members 30, side support members 31 having an upturned V-shaped configuration and upper support members 32. The support members 31 are rigidly fixed to the base members 30, but the upper support members 32 are pivotally mounted on support members 31, about pivot points 33.

The support members 32 are pivotally attached at the front end of the apparatus to a 60mm hydraulic ram 34, via a cross member 35 which joins the two support members 32 and is best seen in Figure 8. At the rear end of the apparatus, the support members 32 each have attached a carrying arm 36 which has a hook 37 at its lower end for engaging the axle (here shown as 38) of a roll of turf. Each carrying arm 36 is attached to one of the upper support members 32 at a hinge 39.

At the rear of the apparatus, the frame is mounted on two wheels 40. The apparatus can either be pulled along the ground by hand (see Figure 7), or may be attached to a small tractor, lawnmower or other power driven vehicle, by means of the coupling joint shown at 41, to be driven along the surface to be turfed.

The main frame of the apparatus is made from 60 x 40 x 4mm rectangular box steel. Its dimensions are as shown in Figure 6. The wheel size is 22 x 10.50 - 8 ins.

The hydraulic ram 34 is pivotally mounted onto the frame. It is driven by a hydraulic pump 42, which causes the ram to extend or contract and hence cause the support members 32 and the carrying arms 36 to be lowered or raised respectively, pivoting about points 33. This allows the user to control the height of a roll of turf supported by hooks 37 of the carrying arms 36.

The hydraulic pump is provided with a more or less standard control box, which amongst other controls includes means for adjusting the speed of operation of the hydraulic ram and hence also the speed at which a roll of turf can be raised or lowered. As an alternative to the hydraulic pump, the ram 34 may be operated by means of a hand pump controlled by handle 43.

The apparatus shown in Figure 6 may be modified for use when towing by hand, as shown in Figure 7. In this figure, most of the components of the apparatus are the same as those shown in Figure 6, and are labelled accordingly. However, instead of the coupling 41 shown in Figure 6, an additional 1,jockey wheel" 47 has been secured to the front of the apparatus. This jockey wheel is mounted so as to be able to rotate about the vertical axis 48, thus allowing the user to steer the apparatus when he pulls it along by means of towing handle 49.

The apparatus is extremely easy to pull along in this way, even when loaded with a new roll of turf, since the main weight of the apparatus and the turf is taken over the rear wheels 40 so that the jockey wheel appears very light and easy to control. The jockey wheel 47 is of size 13 x 6.50 - 6 ins.

It is not necessary when the apparatus is to be power driven.

In a preferred version of the apparatus shown in Figure 7, the towing handle 49 is able to pivot about a joint provided at the point labelled 50, so as to be able to move towards the vertical position as shown by the arrow. In this way, as the user approaches a sharp corner with the apparatus, he can move the towing handle up into the vertical position so that the apparatus takes up less horizontal space, and therefore more easily turn tight corners with the apparatus.

Figure 8 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Figures 6 and 7, without any form of coupling or jockey wheel, all components being labelled in the same way as in Figures 6 and 7.

The apparatus of Figures 6-8 is used in the same way as that shown in Figures 1-5. The hydraulic ram is operated so as to lift the cross member 35 and hence to lower the carrying arms 36 and hooks 37 to enable the user to load a roll of turf onto the carrying arms. The ram is then operated to lower the cross member 35 and lift the turf above the ground, so as to transport it to the location at which it is to be laid.

Whatever the height of the carrying arms 36 and the turf roll above the ground, the roll is always positioned vertically above the central axle of the rear wheels 40. This makes the apparatus extremely stable, even when travelling on slopes.

It always has a relatively low centre of gravity, since the turf roll need never be lifted very high above the ground.

When the user wishes to lay turf from the roll, he operates the hydraulic ram so as to lower the roll until the turf is just touching the ground. He then drives or pulls the machine forwards, letting the turf unwind behind it. By adjusting the control valve provided with the hydraulic pump 42, he sets the ram 34 to lower the turf roll gradually at a desired speed, so that the turf is kept continuously in contact with the ground as it is unwound from the roll. This gradual lowering of the turf roll is easily controlled, using standard control means associated with the hydraulic pump 42 to operate the ram 34 at a constant speed. Selecting the appropriate speed in any particular case is a matter of trial and error, but is normally very simple for the user to do.

This apparatus, as well as being simple in both construction and use, is also very stable and highly manoeuvrable. It can turn in more or less its own width (a flexibility impossible to achieve using big roll machinery), and unlike tracked laying machines, its low ground pressure tyres will not scuff or tear existing grass surfaces as it turns. It is also very easy to pull, even by hand, because the weight of the turf is always taken on the rear wheels 40, this again contributing to the overall stability of the apparatus. With a weight of no more than 250 lbs, the apparatus can be transported quickly and easily in most standard pick-up trucks.

Claims (19)

1. Apparatus for use in laying turf onto a surface from a roll of turf, the apparatus comprising a base moveable along the surface and a carrying frame, mounted on the base, for carrying the roll of turf, the carrying frame comprising a supporting arm or arms for supporting the roll in such a way as to allow rotation of the roll about its longitudinal axis, the arrangement of the apparatus being such that, in use, the outer surface of the roll of turf carried in the carrying frame is held in contact with the surface to be turfed, and such that movement of the base along the surface causes the roll to rotate about its longitudinal axis, thus causing turf to unwind from the roll onto the surface.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 in which the base and the carrying frame are together substantially no wider than the roll of turf and the apparatus is balanced against the weight of the roll of turf when the latter is carried in the carrying frame.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2 in which the base is moveable along the surface to be turfed by means of wheels, mounted on the base within its overall width and thus within the width of the roll of turf to be carried in the carrying frame.

4. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1-3, additionally comprising drive means, for driving movement of the base along the surface to be turfed.

5. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1-3 which is adapted to be hand driven and comprises one or more secondary wheels, with which the user may steer the apparatus whilst the weight of the apparatus remains mainly over the main wheels.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 5 wherein the secondary wheel or wheels are detachable.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the carrying frame is such that roll of turf is carried, in use, vertically abov the wheels of the apparatus.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the carrying frame comprises two supporting arms, one for supporting the roll of turf at each of its respective ends.

9. Apparatus according to Claim 8 wherein each arm comprises a hook, adapted releasably to engage with an axle which in use passes through the centre of the turf roll.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, additionally comprising lifting means, for lifting and lowering the supporting arm or arms, so as to allow mounting of the turf roll onto and demounting of the turf roll from the supporting arm or arms, and so as to allow the turf roll to be appropriately positioned, relative to the surface to be turfed, in use.

11. Apparatus according to Claim 10 in which the lifting means comprises a hydraulic ram, by means of which the supporting arm or arms, or that part of the carrying frame on which the supporting arm or arms are mounted, may be raised or lowered relative to the surface to be turfed.

12. Apparatus according to Claim 10 or Claim 11, further including control means to control the speed at which the lifting means lifts and lowers the supporting arm or arms and to ensure that the turf is always in contact with the ground as it is unwound from its roll.

13. Apparatus according to any of Claims 1-12, wherein the lifting means comprises an adjustable length prop pivotally attached to a limb of the carrying frame which is in turn pivotally mounted on the base, such that variations in the length of the prop cause the limb of the carrying frame to tilt relative to the plane of the base, causing the rest of the frame, in particular the supporting arms, to vary correspondingly in height relative to the base.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the supporting arm or arms are pivotally mounted in the carrying frame.

15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the carrying frame is mounted on the base such that a turf roll carried in the carrying frame is at the rear of the apparatus in the direction of travel of the apparatus during use in laying turf.

16. A carrying frame for use as part of turf laying apparatus according to any preceding claim.

17. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1-15, in combination with a roll of turf to be laid onto a surface.

18. Apparatus for use in laying turf onto a surface from a roll of turf substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. A carrying frame for use as part of the laying apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.