FAQ’s: Fibre Rakes
What Fibre Surfaces will these rakes work on?
We have Rakes working on a wide range of sand–fibre mixes, from a number of different suppliers, both local and overseas, and have not yet found problems with getting the Rakes to perform well on any of the surfaces.
These Rakes will also do a really good job on sand type surfaces, which have no Fibre in them.
How wide are the Rakes?
The usual width is 2 metres, but we have the ability to make wider, or narrower, to order.
What do I need to tow, or carry, the Rake?
The 2m wide Fibre Rake weighs about 160 Kg, which means it can be mounted on some of the smaller tractors.
We have a tow bar option, which allows the unit to be towed by a 500cc size quad bike, or ‘Side by Side’ type unit.
How many Tynes does the Rake have?
There are 2 rows of Tynes, each row has 8 tynes, so 16 tynes in total, with 2 arms on each, a total of 32 arms contacting the surface with each pass.
This number of Tynes has a very good levelling and conditioning action on the surface material.
We believe this number of tynes is a major part of why the surface mix and consistency of footing is so good after grooming with a Kiwi Fibre Rake.
Why do the tynes slope a little backwards?
We use a large, long, robust tynes, mounted so they lie slightly angled backwards.
This angle works well to pull up the surface, and level it as required, with the angle allowing the buildup of fibre to self-clean, as the unit moves forwards.
Even on surfaces which contain long fibreous materials, the tynes self-clean well.
What does the Roller do, and why does it have round bars?
Having travelled to 7 countries, outside of New Zealand, to study Arena Construction, Grooming, and Grooming tools, one of the main issues we see here in NZ, is that Fibre surfaces are often too loose for horses to work well on.
We have designed the roller to have a compacting action, and leave a slightly textured surface, to aid cushioning and grip.
The combination of a large number of tynes, and the slatted roller, creates a level, consistent surface finish.
Where are the Rakes made?
Kiwi Arena Rakes are made in Invercargill, using New Zealand and/or Australian steel.
The Tynes are European.
The quality bearings on the rear roller, have special triple seals, to keep the dirt and dust out.
What do you do to stop the Rakes rusting?
All the steel is sandblasted.
We then either apply ‘Thermo Plastic’ which is plastic powder melted onto the steel, completely sealing it against the weather, or Zinc rich paint, and a Top coat of sealer is applied.
This Zinc paint method is the same as used on road bridges, and the like.
These two coatings are among the best available.
You may here sellers talk of ‘Powder Coating’, or ‘powder painting’. These are simple, quick, cheaper systems, which do not provide the long lasting protection of either the Thermo Plastic, or Zinc paint methods, we use.
Because of the hassle of trying to blast and then coat the slatted roller, these are normally hot dip galvanized.
If I have a Towed model, how do I lift the tynes, to get it off the surface?
As an option we fit two wind up/down wheel sets, to the rear of the machine.
These wheels can be wound down to lift the tynes, and roller, clear of the surface.
Importantly, by using these wheels, they allow the Rake to be moved, without altering the settings of the tynes, or roller.
Do the Kiwi Fibre Rakes work on indoor and outdoor surfaces?
Yes, we have clients who actually have both indoor and outdoor Arenas, and use the kiwi Fibre Rake on both, often without altering the settings.