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Operating Principles
The grader has three main operating principles, depending on optional accessories fit-
ted:
Spring Tines
The spring tines agitate the surface, causing stirring and flicking of the arena mate-
rial, which fills in divots and levels surface lumps. This is an essential component of
good surface maintenance for rubber crumb and fibre-stabilised sand surfaces, but is
also highly useful for plain sand surfaces.
The working depth of the tines is recommended to be 45mm for most surfaces (the
middle bolt holes). Greater tine depth will mean greater surface lift, giving a ‘softer’
resulting ride, however, a greater static load is placed on the towing machine, so only
large towing machines (large ATVs, UTVs etc.) will have adequate traction to work to
design spec.
The tines are attached by an elegant single-bolt mechanism, to facilitate quick and
easy replacement should one fail, or when the tines wear out. Replacement tines are
easy to fit, and are available for a very reasonable price direct from Chapman Engin-
neering.
Levelling Blades
The rear levelling blades smooth the surface and move material forwards to fill in
divots and give a level arena. The effect of the blades passing over the material then
firms the surface lightly to give a consistent surface. The blades feature a special an-
glad profile to more effectively draw material forward and level it.
The use of the perimeter blade is twofold:
-
In the parallel position the blade works to level and consolidate across the entire
width of the machine. This is used for the bulk of the arena grading. The machine
should only be towed to/from the arena with the blade in this position.
-
In the angled position the blade draws material towards the center of the machine.
This is used primarily to draw material in from the edge boards, and is especially
useful when circular schooling work has been done, as it can quickly draw in and
level the banking that inevitably occurs. The two edge roller wheels prevents damage
to the edge boards whilst ensuring the grader blade can operate right up to the edge
boards. For arenas with low kick boards, an optional low-height roller wheel can be
fitted - contact your distributor for details.
