FAQs
Compatibility & Fitting
How do I know which size Hedgehog Sleeves to buy?
Hedgehog Sleeves are available in three standard sizes, with two additional sizes designed specifically for electric trolleys.
Choosing the right size is simple: measure the outside diameter of your trolley wheel.
As a general guide, many trolley wheels are around 10" (25.4cm) in diameter. If your wheel matches one of our available sizes, that is the appropriate Hedgehog Sleeve for your trolley.
Hedgehog Sleeves are designed to fit snugly. They should be reasonably difficult to put onto the wheel — if they go on very easily, they may be too loose.
There is some flexibility in the sleeve sizes. For example, a 10" sleeve may stretch to fit an 11" wheel, while a 12" sleeve may fit a 13" wheel. However, we recommend caution when stretching sleeves beyond their nominal size, as excessive stretching can put additional stress on the seam.
If you need to stretch a sleeve, soaking it in warm, soapy water can make fitting easier. Where possible, use additional heavy-duty cable ties rather than relying solely on the supplied screws and plates.
If you are unsure which size you need, contact us with your trolley model and wheel diameter and we'll help you choose.
My sleeves keep sliding off the wheel. What can I do?
If your sleeves are slipping, they may be slightly too large for your wheels.
The simplest solution is to secure them using strong, household cable ties. In many cases, this provides an excellent, secure fit and is the preferred method of securing the sleeves to the trolley.
Do you make Hedgehog Fairway Protectors for my electric trolley?
There are many electric trolley models available, and wheel sizes and designs vary considerably between manufacturers.
We produce Hedgehog Fairway Protectors for many of the most popular electric trolleys, and each product listing clearly states which models the product is designed to fit.
If you can't find your trolley model, don't assume it will fit. Instead, check our Electric Hedgehog Sleeves.
Our Electric Hedgehog Sleeves are available in two sizes and feature an additional row of studs to help distribute the weight of an electric trolley. They are supplied with clips and cable ties to provide a secure fit.
View Electric Hedgehog Sleeves
Still unsure? Contact us with your trolley model and wheel size and we'll advise you on the best option.
Performance & Longevity
How long will Hedgehogs last?
The lifespan of a Hedgehog Fairway Protector depends on how often and where it is used.
They are designed primarily for golf course use on grass. Normal use on fairways and rough should provide a long service life.
Like any product made from flexible material, however, prolonged use on hard, abrasive surfaces such as paths, car parks and roads will accelerate wear.
For the longest possible life, use Hedgehogs on the surfaces they were designed for: golf course turf.
Will Hedgehogs damage the golf course?
Hedgehog Fairway Protectors have been extensively tested across a range of golf course conditions, including fairways and rough.
In wet conditions, you may see a series of small dimples in the turf behind the trolley. These are a result of the individual studs contacting the ground and, in healthy turf, normally recover quickly.
On frost-covered ground, Hedgehogs are designed to minimise the marking associated with conventional flat trolley wheels.
As with any trolley, we recommend following your club's guidance regarding where and when trolleys should be used. We do not recommend taking a fully loaded trolley across putting greens.
Golf Clubs & Winter Trolley Policies
Why does my golf club insist on Hedgehogs in winter?
During periods of wet weather and frost, many golf clubs restrict conventional trolley use because of the potential for turf damage, compaction and rutting.
Hedgehog Fairway Protectors provide clubs with an alternative to a complete trolley ban.
Their unique studded design significantly reduces the area of wheel-to-ground contact, helping to minimise the pressure and disturbance caused by conventional trolley wheels.
This can allow golfers to continue using their trolleys during periods when ordinary wheels may be restricted — subject, of course, to the individual club's trolley policy.
For golfers, that can mean more opportunities to play. For clubs, it can provide a practical way of managing trolley traffic while protecting vulnerable areas of the course.
My golf club has never heard of Hedgehogs. What can I do?
If your club doesn't currently use Hedgehog Fairway Protectors, speak to your Club Professional, Head Greenkeeper or Course Committee.
Hedgehogs are already used by golf clubs across the country, but the recommendation of an existing golfer can be one of the most effective ways of introducing them to a new club.
You can also give your club a copy of our Hedgehog Viability Report, which explains the benefits of a Hedgehog Wheel Policy in more detail.
Download the Hedgehog Viability Report
And there's something in it for you too: if your introduction results in a first order, we'll send you a free gift as a thank-you.
Technical Details
How do Hedgehogs protect the course?
Conventional flat trolley wheels create a relatively continuous area of contact with the turf. In wet or vulnerable conditions, this can contribute to compaction, smearing and rutting.
Hedgehog Fairway Protectors use a patented stud design that dramatically reduces the amount of wheel surface in contact with the ground.
For a standard trolley wheel, the area of direct contact can be reduced from approximately 6–7 square inches to around 1–2 square inches, depending on the trolley and conditions.
That means less concentrated pressure on the turf and a different interaction between the trolley and the ground.
The individual studs also provide excellent traction while allowing the trolley to roll over the grass rather than presenting a continuous flat surface to it.
In simple terms: less surface contact means less pressure on the turf — while the trolley remains easy to move.