Help with horse arena groomer

[owenf]

We just got a new arena(100'x200') that is filled with sand 3-4". We have a JD 4300 Gear Trans in good condition. We need to fluff and level the surface. My JD dealer is letting us try a Mill Creek spin groomer with a rake it is 6' wide and seems to do a good job. We have tried the chain harrow but it seems impossible to get in the corners or close to the jumps. What shoud I get to do the job, or am I testing it out already? Any help is wanted. Thanks.

 

[Soundguy]

If you don't mind the money.. the rotary grooming type devices are the cats mew. For us horse owners that are not horse farmers.. we just get by with a drag usually..

Soundguy

 

[owenf]

Thanks, I am leaning towards the spin groomer, I just not too hot on spending over $1000 for a groomer. The chain drag is cool but doesn't seem to level or help the depressions near the jumps. It just seems to follow the dips in the arena not really level anything. Thanks.

 

[JackIL]

Owen,

Take a look at the Arena Rascal and the TR3 Rake from Absolute Innovations.

Absolute Innovations

The 6 foot version of the Arena Rascal is close to your price target. Get the video tape to see them in action.

I am getting a 6 foot Arena Rascal next month.

JackIL

 

[BB_TX]

Here are some <font color="blue"> rotary conditioners </font> starting at $595. Don't know anything about them though.

 

[cowboydoc]

Owen,

The spin groomer will do a nice job. For the cost it's probably the best thing out there in that price range in my opinion. They are cheaper but you have to look at quality. Do a search for rotary harrow, spin harrow, spin groomer, etc. and you will see lots of choices in lots of prices.

If you want the best out there it would be a Kiser arena drag. Another great one is the Reveal 4 n 1 and the Parma arena Groomer. It just depends on how serious you are and how well you want to take care of your arena for your horses.

 

[To20Chris]

Owen,

TSC sells a 6' rotary harrow - it's a single large disc that pivots in the middle. It's not on the web site, but they cost about $650. I'm quite happy with the one we have.

 

[gates]

A little late on this reply, sorry. It all depends on what you want to do with the footing in the arena. The rotary rakes and the chain harrows if not carefully used will dig into the base. I have had all of the above and now have a Red Master Harrow. This is totally idiot proof and does a fabulous job.

 

[To20Chris]

Yup - you have to level it and set the depth properly. Not a big deal.

 

[Soundguy]

I'd be very surprised to see a chain harrow get into base material. They simply aren't very agressive, and even in sand I doubt they could dig past 3" I gues sif you have less than 3" of clay or sand fluff over your base.. then .. well.. it might get into it..

Soundguy