A method and device for installing synthetic turf uses a motorized turf rollout vehicle and a frame removably carried by the vehicle, the frame holding a roll of synthetic turf on a spindle at a first, forward end thereof. The roll and spindle are held in an orientation that is transverse to the first forward direction, and have a transverse dimension that extends beyond that of the vehicle. As the vehicle moves forward in the first direction, the vehicle engages and pulls the roll of turf, and the vehicle also moves on top of the just-unrolled portion of the turf. This accurately and efficiently places the turf on and over the base, in a desired position. Because the vehicle moves on top of the just unrolled section of turf, the present invention eliminates direct contact with, and disruption to, the underlying prepared base. This method and device reduces the time and cost associated with locating a roll of synthetic turf over a base during the installation of an athletic field, compared to prior installation methods.