The new Redexim Scarivator: Q and A

Redexim are pleased to announce the launch of the Scarivator – a new tool, ideal for contractors, that promises to revolutionise the maintenance of hybrid sports pitches. Find out more in this Q & A...

What is the core purpose of the Scarivator?

The main purpose is to remove organic material and thoroughly loosen soil for a thorough effectively renovation on hybrid surfaces without causing damage to the synthetic fibres that remain in their fixed position (In-situ) thereby extending the hybrid surface’s lifespan and save money.

What Are The Key Benefits and Messages

• Perfect Combination with Turf Stripper: The Scarivator loosens the uppermost surface, enhancing the effectiveness of the Turf Stripper to work deeper.
• Soil Loosening for Decompaction: It breaks up compacted soil and hardpan surfaces on hybrid surfaces.
• Preparation for Re-Seeding: Ideal for annual renovations, ensuring optimal conditions for re-seeding hybrid surfaces producing fine tilth.

What Is the background for engineering the Scarivator?

Redexim identified the need for this machine based on market demands from contractors who renovate hybrid surfaces. Hybrid surfaces naturally become very firm and compacted over time, often scoring high on the Clegg impact hammer scale. This is why Redexim introduced the Scarivator to its lineup, offering a new solution for hybrid surface renovation.

Testing duration and involved parties

Since the first prototype, we at Redexim have done extensive performance and stress testing with hybrid carpet manufactures and hybrid turf farms and in conjunction with contractors during yearly renovations at many Premier League football clubs within the U.K. In addition, FIFA have also been involved with trials for the 2026 Mens World Cup.

For which market and target audience was the machine developed?

Hybrid surfaces are currently only installed at the highest level, such as the Premier League, UK and renovated by specialist contractors as such. However, we believe that hybrid surfaces become more accessible in the future.

For now, the Scarivator has been developed with contractors in mind on both
hybrid stitched and hybrid carpet systems. Primarily used for football and soccer. Has also been tested in golf and recreational applications.

What is the expected market demand?

It is still in its beginning stages and that is also the approach for the Scarivator. the market is expected to grow as these hybrid systems become increasingly popular due to their improved playing characteristics. The best of both worlds of synthetic and natural turf.

 

There are currently two main types of hybrid systems:

1) Hybrid Stitched System: A synthetic Fibre is sown to a depth of 18 cm into a soil profile, with 2 cm exposed above the rootzone. This system is designed to last up to 15 years.

2) Hybrid Carpet System: A lower-cost alternative, these systems use an open-backed carpet within the soil profile with a fibre up to 7 cm and with 2 cm of exposed fibre above the rootzone. This system is designed to last up to 5 years.

Why is maintenance of hybrid systems Important?

Hybrid systems require yearly renovations and even more frequently in some cases. The challenge with renovating these hybrid sport surfaces is the efficient and effective removal of organic material without causing damage to the synthetic fibres in situ. Improper use of machinery or maintenance practices can pluck fibres from the profile, causing costly delays to the renovation process.

How does the Scarivator provide a sustainable solution for the maintenance of hybrid systems?

Currently, an entire hybrid field is often discarded at the end of the season because there is no proper maintenance solution, with installation costs ranging from 250,000 to 1.5 million. It's considered contaminated waste and is subject to high taxes as it has to be disposed of in a landfill. With the Scarivator we offer an alternative.

How does the Scarivator work?

The Scarivator uses two horizontal beams with angled sprung tines to work into the surface, minimising any damage to the synthetic fibres in situ. The horizontal beams reciprocate across each other to agitate and loosen the organic material and soil without the risk of fibre wrapping around a rotor and causing damage.
The tines are adjustable in angle and depth up to 35mm to allow for varying levels of aggressiveness and to ensure the correct working depths are achieved while protecting hybrid surfaces from being worked too aggressively. This is particularly important on hybrid carpet systems, as the backing can lift if caught by rotating blades.

Do we hold any patents on the Scarivator?

Redexim held multiple patents for the Scarivator. We believe in the upcoming growth of the hybrid systems maintenance market and that the Scarivator, with its valuable patent, is worth the investment.

How does the Scarivator enhance renovation efficiency while protecting soil and turf?

Reduce surface firmness when carrying out renovations to prevent excess wear on Turf Stripper knives to while ensuring fine uppermost soil for overseeding into. Will also level surface for an even finish effectively grading the surface. On par with the Turf Stripper pace for equal efficiency. Key advantage
over a traditional sprung tine rake is the Scarivator is far more vigorous to the soil while reducing potential damage caused to fibre.

How does it work in combination with a turf stripper with a hybrid rotor?

The Scarivator can be used as the first step in renovation, loosening the uppermost surface, which allows the Turf Stripper to work deeper by removing more of the rootzone in a single pass. The Scarivator really excels once the synthetic fibre has been exposed after the Turf Stripper.

The soil profile below reveals a naturally occurring hardpan, and the Scarivator can etch away at this concrete-like layer to loosen the soil and level the surface in a single pass. In tandem with the Turf Stripper, it has proven to offer an improved finish and better-performing results, especially on hybrid carpets, where digging knives need to avoid damaging the backing.

Once a loose tilth has been created with the Scarivator, new rootzone material can be applied, creating an ideal seedbed. This process is not limited to hybrid surfaces and also offers value for natural surface renovations. Additionally, it has proven effective on synthetic surfaces by agitating and lifting infill on heavily worn carpet systems.

Can it be used for regular maintenance in addition to renovation?

Yes, the Scarivator can be used as a rake during the season to manage lateral growth and remove divots caused by regular play. However, the Verti-Rake is a more cost-effective and faster option for this task. While the Scarivator can be used if it’s already available, its primary purpose is for renovation work.

Is it also applicable to natural turf?

Yes, the Scarivator can be used on natural surfaces which will equally benefit the surface and Turf Stripper.

Is it also applicable to synthetic turf?

Yes, the Scarivator is safe and proven to be affective at decompacting on synthetic surfaces.

 

For more information visit the Redexim website.