The water hog was invented by Hugh McLaughlin.
[1] 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.
[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] 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.