Water hog

A water hog is a machine that removes water from sports grounds. The water hog was invented by Hugh McLaughlin.[1]

For the rodent, see Capybara.

Driven by a rider, it has a wide, front roller that absorbs the water, transfers it to a storage tank, and allows it to be discharged in a safe location. Some water hogs can suck off excess water at a rate of 200 gallons per minute and throw it as far as 100 feet away from the machine. It is designed so that it will not damage the turf.[2]

Originally devised for use on cricket pitches,[3] it is now used at a wide range of sporting venues including golf putting greens,[2] football grounds,[4] American football stadiums,[5] and at gaelic football stadiums where it has proved very successful.[6]

Incidents

The water hog at the Taunton cricket ground failed, in May 2006, delaying the start of the Somerset v Hampshire C&G Trophy match, which was subsequently abandoned.[3]

References
  1. "Joseph O'Malley". Irish Independent. 8 January 2006. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  2. Reid Hanley (20 August 1987). "Butler Calls In The Water Hogs". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  3. Ivo Tennant (22 May 2006). "Warne complains as Taunton's water hog fails to grunt". The Times. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  4. "Cover-Up". Altrincham F.C. 24 June 2005. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  5. "Here comes the sun, but only briefly". Washington Times. 15 January 1995. Retrieved 11 April 2010.
  6. Ronan Flanagan (5 August 2008). "Croker stands up to Mother Nature". Irish Independent. Retrieved 10 April 2010.


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