THE IMPORTANCE OF ELECTRIC BROOMS
The evolution of synthetic turf has evolved enormously over the decades. The structure and design of the fibres have created a denser turf than ever before. These changes pose a challenge for the installer, who must have the best tools and machinery to “brush” the synthetic turf fibres. I call this “defibrillation” or, as some call it, “power brushing”.
In this month’s column I will teach what electric brooms are, why defibrillation is important to the appearance of your project, and how “defibrillation” will help the longevity of turf fibers.
Electric rescue
A motorized broom for brushing synthetic grass fibres.
Defibrillation
For brushing synthetic grass in the opposite direction. Most manufacturers’ fibers that are tufted lean in one direction when manufactured, some may call this “Turf Lean”. Shredding can be done manually with a rake and/or a push broom or mechanically with a power broom. Defibrilation will cause the turf fibers to stand upright and pull the internal “thatch” upward, allowing the synthetic turf to have a uniform plush appearance.
Defibrated for a better appearance
When synthetic grass fibers are not brushed vertically and are tilted to one side, a shiny appearance is created. This is due to the reflection of light.
Defibrillation will diminish the shiny appearance by placing the fibers vertically to avoid the glare produced by the light. When done correctly it will give the synthetic turf a darker plush look.
Defibration for maintenance
Synthetic turf can get very dirty. An electric broom can remove debris, leaves and bits of trash. Electric brooms are ideal for the maintenance of pet runs, dog parks and playgrounds. These surfaces need weekly maintenance to clean feces, blood, urine and vomit. I recommend using an electric broom along with a commercially available cleaner to clean synthetic grass fibers.
Longevity
Defibration will aid in the maintenance and longevity of synthetic turf fibers but may also void the synthetic turf warranty due to excessive defibration. Excessive defibrillation or excessive sweeping can decrease fiber life and can cause memory loss and premature matting. This is especially important for “Slit Film” fibres. Excessive defibrilation in the Slit Film fibers will cause the fibers to split into finer fibers and cause premature matting.
Defibration of the fibres of the putting greens
Correctly placed infill on putting greens is very important for the ball to roll smoothly. I highly recommend having an electric broom if you decide to install putting greens. Nylon or textured PE putting greens require the infill to be placed internally from the bottom of the backing to the top of the finished surface. This creates a “ballast” that adds weight to the putting green surface and allows the golf ball to simulate “real play”. The use of an electric broom allows the infill to be handled down the putting green system more efficiently.
Choosing your electric broom
I recommend buying or renting electric brooms if you want to be a successful synthetic turf contractor. There are multiple manufacturers of electric brooms. Most electric brooms are motorized and resemble a “brushcutter” with a brush head on the end. Shindaiwa and Stihl are my favorites.
I recommend purchasing or renting the most aggressive brush head with your electric broom. This brush head can be versatile for landscape turf and mowing putting green surfaces. It is also beneficial for brushing seams and edges.
Defibrillation
For brushing synthetic grass in the opposite direction. Most manufacturers’ fibers that are tufted lean in one direction when manufactured, some may call this “Turf Lean”. Shredding can be done manually with a rake and/or a push broom or mechanically with a power broom. Defibrilation will cause the turf fibers to stand upright and pull the internal “thatch” upward, allowing the synthetic turf to have a uniform plush appearance.
Defibrated for a better appearance
When synthetic grass fibers are not brushed vertically and are tilted to one side, a shiny appearance is created. This is due to the reflection of the light. Defibrillation will diminish the shiny appearance by placing the fibers vertically to avoid the glare coming from the light. If done correctly, synthetic turf will have a darker, plusher appearance.
Defibration for maintenance
Synthetic turf can get very dirty. An electric broom can remove debris, leaves and bits of trash. Electric brooms are ideal for the maintenance of pet runs, dog parks and playgrounds. These surfaces need weekly maintenance to clean feces, blood, urine and vomit. I recommend using an electric broom in conjunction with SGW Turf Fresh to clean synthetic turf fibers.
Longevity
Defibration will aid in the maintenance and longevity of synthetic turf fibers but may also void the synthetic turf warranty due to excessive defibration. Excessive defibrillation or excessive sweeping can decrease fiber life and can cause memory loss and premature matting. This is especially important for “Slit Film” fibres. Excessive defibrilation in the Slit Film fibers will cause the fibers to split into finer fibers and cause premature matting.
Defibration of the fibres of the putting greens
Correctly placed infill on putting greens is very important for the ball to roll smoothly. I highly recommend having an electric broom if you decide to install putting greens. Nylon or textured PE putting greens require the infill to be placed internally from the bottom of the backing to the top of the finished surface. This creates a “ballast” that adds weight to the putting green surface and allows the golf ball to simulate “real play”. The use of an electric broom allows the infill to be handled down the putting green system more efficiently.
When using the SGW True Putt product, an electric broom is essential. SGW True Putt is a professional system for avid golfers. Requires the placement of 6-8 pounds of filler. Once the fibers are completely filled, the bristles of the electric broom are used to “cut” the sand level. This process I call “Cutting” does not mean using a knife or scissors. Power broom “mowing” of the completely filled surface splits the True Putt fibers and removes ¼” of sand to create a smooth surface for the ball to roll on. This process should consist of sweeping from north to south and then east to west and at all angles. When the “cutting” of the putting green surface is complete, a water roller or smooth drum roller will be needed to flatten the remaining ¼” fibers. This will complete the True Putt system.
Choosing your electric broom
I recommend buying or renting electric brooms if you want to be a successful synthetic turf contractor. There are multiple manufacturers of electric brooms. Most electric brooms are motorized and resemble a “brushcutter” with a brush head on the end. Kaercher and Stihl are my favorites.
I recommend purchasing or renting the most aggressive brush head with the electric broom. This brush head can be versatile for landscape turf and mowing putting green surfaces. It is also beneficial for brushing seams and edges.
Kaercher and Stihl electric brooms can be flipped to change the rotation and aggressiveness needed for shredding. When used in normal position it is very aggressive, when flipped over it is easy for the operator to final clean up.
Electric brooms may become hot after prolonged use. Do not put the power broom on synthetic turf at any time. The heat from the engine can melt the grass fibers. When adding fuel to the power broom, do not add fuel to synthetic turf.
Electric broom storage
Electric brooms are very strong but fragile at the same time. Keep electric brooms maintained and stored in a safe place and not in the back of the truck where other equipment can be damaged.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr65VNRaG40
Video from Stihl Trading House
