After seeing many fields that are 6-8 years old that have not been maintained, everyone admits that there needs to be maintenance done to the fields to prolong their lifespan.

Selecting the proper synthetic turf maintenance equipment

The sports turf industry has seen a great increase in the number of synthetic turf fields over the past decade. Unlike the first and second generations of synthetic turf, the third generation playing fields have longer fibers and are filled with rubber, sand, or a mixture of both to reduce the hardness of the playing surface.


While many buyers of these surfaces cite their being “maintenance free” as a major purchasing consideration, after seeing many fields that are 6-8 years old that have not been maintained, the manufacturers themselves will admit that there needs to be a degree of maintenance done to the fields to prolong the life of the field and keep them aesthetically pleasing. The most disappointing thing to sports turf managers is that most of manufacturers will claim that only they or one of their installers can properly maintain the carpet.


To better understand the maintenance required of today’s synthetic fields, one must understand the basic construction of the synthetic playing surface. It consists of fibers or carpet, the infill (sand or rubber), backing material, a choker stone layer, open grade and soil. It may sound complicated, but in essence the fields are not all that different from your household carpet. In order to select the proper maintenance machine for your field you must remember three basic components of field preservation:


·         Keep the surface free of debris


·         Keep the fibers in an upright position


·         Keep the infill free of compaction


To keep the surface free of debris, it is obvious that the debris must be removed. Organic material such as leaves should not be allowed to remain on the surface for any length of time. They can start to decompose and wander into the infill system, which can impede drainage on the field.


Some companies may instruct the owner to use a brush or backpack blower to remove the material from the surface. This may work for larger items, but when small debris such as sunflower seeds are a problem, a blower just moves the pollutant from one spot to another. To properly remove debris it is recommended to use a mechanical sweeper or vacuum to collect and remove the material. The amount of maintenance needed varies from location to location, but clearly a maintenance machine must be well maintained and the instructions must be carefully followed as to not cause any damage to the playing surface.


Regular grooming is a must to keep the carpet fibers in an upright position. If an artificial playing surface is not regularly groomed with a proper drag brush the surface will become slick and the fibers will wear prematurely. If the fibers are allowed to layover and remain bent too long they may be difficult to stand upright again, so they need regular attention. A drag brush can easily be found that can be used behind any power unit, including small tractors, utility vehicles, golf carts or even small mowers. Dragging will improve footing, redistribute infill, reduce static electricity, and improve the look of the playing surface.


Just like natural turf, all types of infill become compacted in time. Through research we know that GMAX ratings over 200, measured with a Clegg Drop hammer, pose greater risks for athletes. To reduce the compaction levels it is imperative to use a drag brush with spring tines to loosen the infill mix. The infill mixes that use sand, or a sand/rubber mix tend to see higher GMAX levels due to their design. They use sand not only as a weighted base, but to make the infill stiffer for a faster and harder playing surface.


When planning a synthetic system purchase, make sure to include the price of these three machines for proper maintenance. The maintenance program will not only provide a better looking and safer playing surface, but it is also an investment to insure a longer life for your surface.


When making a purchasing decision remember to ask these key questions:


·         Can I do my own maintenance?


·         Is there a recommended maintenance program?


·         Is there a recommended or approved list of maintenance equipment?


Some manufacturers may try to make you think that only they or their installers can maintain a synthetic field. Many have an approved list of machines that can be used on their fields that you can buy only from them, which limits your choices and increases your costs. Be advised to look closely at manufacturer warranties before making a buying decision. Some companies have clauses that restrict users by hours of use, maintenance schedules and other items such as improper footwear. When gym class, band practice, and actual game time is added up it not only voids warranty, but it shortens the life of a playing field.


Paul Hollis is the executive vice president of Redexim Charterhouse, Inc., www.redexim.com.