Artificial Grass Maintenance - Powered Sweeping (Part 2)

Powered sweeping the pile to prevent compaction

Both sand and rubber crumb will compact with intensive use, and the ability of the surface to drain adequately will be reduced. This can be compounded when organic matter contaminates the in?ll material. This not only restricts the drainage capacity but also retains moisture in the ?lling material.

This prolonged moisture retention and organic material provides an ideal conditions for moss and algae to ?ourish. This can result in dangerous slippery conditions and produce an unpleasant odour. In extreme cases the algae can cause puddles leaving a thick black sticky residue that can solidify when the surface does eventually dry out. This solidi?ed algae binds the surface and the in?lling rendering the shock reduction characteristics the surface should provide as ineffective. 

Court infested with moss and algae

Debris collection – as required

Therefore it is essential to remove any organic debris before it contaminates the surface. At the same time remove any litter and potentially injury causing debris before play on a regular basis. Sources of debris include that can contaminate the surface include

1. Wind blown material such as leaves and litter,

2. Animal excrement from birds and other animals gaining access to unsecured sites,

3. Debris carried on to the surface by users of the facility.

4. Loose ?bres from the surface often found following a new installation.

5. Debris carried on to the surface on maintenance machinery used in other applications.

6. Debris that can wash on to the surface in heavy rain or ?ood conditions from higher ground

Secure barriers can help to prevent some debris entering the area but can also prevent any captured from escaping. Light loose debris may be quickly blown off the surface. The material that is heavy, damp or sticky tens to remain on or in the grass pile. A Kersten sweeper is a very effective means of picking this material up. All the Kersten sweepers may be ?tted with a full debris collector which collects all swept material or a ?lter collector. 

The Kersten pedestrian sweepers all feature a collector box made from robust polyurethane.(PE) The box is attached to and removed from the sweeper easily. It can then be emptied in to a bin. Larger tractor mounted sweepers can feature hydraulic emptying.

Sorting the debris from the ?lling

The filter collector accessory allows smaller particles through a ?lter including the sand or rubber ?lling and return to the surface while the larger debris such as leaves, sticks fabric, hair etc. remain in the collector for disposal off the surface

Debris collection frequency will be governed by the local environmental conditions in and around the surface and the hygiene regime applied to the users of the surface by the pitch manager. There may also be a seasonal effect regarding volumes of debris found on the surface. It is always surprising the amount of debris which is collected but cannot be easily seen when laying on the surface prior to the operation.

Looking after the edges

It is common the ?nd a build up of debris around the perimeter fence of the sports surface. Modern surfaces may feature a kick board to prevent damage to the lower part of the perimeter fence. It is essential this board has a clear gap between it and the surface. The gap is designed to allow surface water to drain off the surface very quickly in the event of extreme rainfall. Failure to maintain the edges often results in weed growth encroaching on to the surface.

All Kersten sweepers may be ?tted with the side gully brush accessory which carry out this function quickly and easily. The accessory can fold up in and out of work and works effectively with the solid or ?lter box collector. 

Kersten Machines Inside and out

Keeping the access paths, roads and edges clean in and around the playing surface is also essential to prevent ingress of debris on to the surface. Debris may easily be transported on to the service by Shoes and tyres of maintenance equipment. All of the sweepers in the Kersten range can carry out the same sweeping tasks on most types of surface collecting debris. 

For more information look out for my next article or visit www.kersten-machines.com