SPORTS & PLAY
HIBERNIAN FC INVESTS IN REDEXIM VERTI-RAKE TO ENHANCE PITCH QUALITY
Maintaining a top-class playing surface at Easter Road Stadium is no small task, but for Steven Thomas, Head Groundsman at Hibernian Football Club, having the right machinery is making all the difference. One of the latest additions to his maintenance fleet is the Redexim Verti-Rake – a tool he says is already proving invaluable.
“ We’ ve had the Verti-Rake for a few months now,” Steven explained.“ For us, it was about maintaining the highest standard of turf possible. We were looking for an attachment that could rake the surface, keep our hybrid stitch clean, and clear out organic matter. Having looked at a few options, we felt the Verti-Rake was the best choice. It’ s simple to use, easy to set up, and does exactly what we need.”
The Redexim Verti-Rake is designed for fast and effective thatch removal. Its spring tines work between the grass blades to loosen thatch, while adjustable tine angles allow operators to alter the aggression of the rake. Working depth can also be fine-tuned for perfect results. As well as helping to clean surfaces, the Verti-Rake can be used to create a seed bed ahead of overseeding.
Steven and his assistant Ronan use the rake regularly.“ We tend to use it after every game,” he said.“ It’ s great for raking out organic matter and keeping the hybrid stitch upright. But it’ s also weather dependent – we’ ll assess the conditions and decide if it’ s needed. What’ s been clear so far is that every time we’ ve used it, it’ s easy to set up, easy to manoeuvre, and leaves the surface clean.”
He adds that the machine also has benefits for playability.“ Earlier in the season, we felt the surface was maybe too dense for ball movement and traction. Once we put the rake through, followed by a rotary cut to tidy debris, you’ d almost not know we’ d been on the pitch. It leaves minimal disruption and keeps the surface playing really well.”
Ease of operation is a standout feature for Steven.“ For me, the key feature is how easy it is to set up. It’ s literally just a case of attaching it to the three-point linkage on the tractor and using the side levers to adjust the depth. It’ s quick, simple, and effective.”
Steven also believes it is an exciting time for the Redexim brand right now.“ I think they’ re making a bit of a
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