Primary land drainage is carried out by laying a series of pipes underground and then backfilling with a permeable material such as gravel or Lytag® to allow the rain water to pass through. This type of drainage can be incorporated into large sports fields, football pitches and golf courses using award winning machinery designed by Shelton.

Land drainage pipes fit neatly into the narrow trenches cut accurately by the Shelton Supertrencher's high speed cutting wheel. If necessary a narrow strip of turf can be removed prior to cutting the trench, which can be replaced immediately after backfilling. More commonly the narrow trenches are topped with a free-draining medium, which in turn is sown with a suitable grass seed mixture.

Click here for further information on the Shelton Supertrencher

For the accurate and even backfilling of trenches, the Shelton Gravel Placement Hoppers provide the ideal solution. Round gravels in the 1-12mm range are preferable for backfilling as they have bigger voids between them when placed. Crushed gravel tends to compact, restricting the water flow to the drainage pipes below. Alternatively, manufactured land drainage materials such as Lytag® may be used.

Click here for further information on the Shelton Fast-Flow Gravel Hoppers

It is worth noting that primary drainage alone will collect little, if any, surface water. To be successful, the primary drainage system must be installed in conjunction with secondary drainage which channels the surface water into the primary network.

Please feel free to contact us today to discuss your specific requirements.