Arena footing safety has been the challenge and often the frustration of the horse professional and enthusiast alike. The farm seed bed conditioner and construction rake has long been the origin of many of the tools commonly used for the competition arena. The problem is not always the result of design and materials used but the arena tool and conditioning methods used. One of our customers was quoted $9,000 to repair an arena that was out of level and very inconsistant with deep ridges in the base. This arena was designed and build to exacting standards. The Problem as it turns out was the drag they were using. With the proper repair sequence, RiataRake was able to bring it to the place where they feel that have one of the best arenas in town. You can read about other Riata customer testimonials that prove the RiataRake can make a world of difference - Also review our recommended arena working pattern. The Tool problem - Riata®Rake was designed and engineered by equestrians exclusively for the horse arena. It does not have the fundamental faults that farm tools and construction tools create in an arena including; gouging deep grooves with rippers are used on the base and produce troughs and ridges 8"-10" apart, or when s-tines are used and they load and release on the base creating divits and penetration holes that over time damage the base.
Many common arena problems are a result of an agricultural "seed bed preparation" design or in the case of construction tools; beautify the surface leaving what you don't see as the problem. Riata was designed with a precision solid rod tine conditioning array for footing control and has the unique ability to repair and re-level an arena base and surface. Unlike rippers which require 4-5 horse power per ripper, RiataRake is highly effecient and requires less than 1 horse per tine for use. Thereby providing 2 7/8" spacing betweeh tines. Typically, rippers are spaced between 8" - 12" apart. S-TInes and Rippers
Here is how it works; The features of the Riata®Rake Precision Arena System™ provide a total method of safety and precision beginning with its compact *close to tractor* frame which enables tight turns with little or no side-to-side sliding and gouging. The frame extends the over-all tractor length by only 4 feet from the 3-point hitch. Set up is fast and simple using a level under the top link connection.
Phase One - The weight of the Riata®Rake provides optimal hold depth for the steel tine array, which is the first phase of the tool to engage in the arena footing. The tine array is designed to aerate and condition all types of footing composites with varying moisture content to allow flow and de-compaction down to the compacted base of the arena. The tine spacing ensures that hoof and tractor tire compaction is removed in a single pass. The tines are made of high carbon alloy steel, which are heat treated for long wear. The tines are adjustable for precise footing depth from 1” to 6” with a single control. In addition, the tines in the array are angled (or swept back) to eliminate chatter making Riata®Rake a smooth and stable tool to operate. Adjustable gauge tires are a standard feature on the Riata®Rake Precision Arena System™ and provide depth control and stability which allows any low areas to be filled on the compacted base. Phase Two - Riata®Rake is the only arena drag with our patent pending auto leveling comb and which in combination with the tine array redistributes and levels the arena footing with every pass to ensure that your arena surface is level from the base to the top of footing. Every unit is equipped to accept an optional hydraulic control for moving footing material in high use cutting or barrel arenas. Phase Three - The top groom is completed with our rear finish comb. The final finish is always beautiful but more importantly, it is consistent in density from base to the top of footing. The weight and angle of the finish comb produces a constant PSI across the entire arena, which provides a feel that professionals say is "just right". This rear comb that the Riata®Rake features is made from AR plating Steel (abrasive resistant steel) to ensure long wear life. Maintenance Phase - Periodically every arena may need to be ripped to bring back the base after heavy use and bad weather. Riata®Rake is equipped with a unique method of ripping the arena with the precision that can only be found with excellent design and engineering. The rippers are located just before of the rear finish comb. The rear comb serves as the gauge for the rippers and allows accurate dependable ripper depth control, consistant throughout the arena. Good Footing is no Accident™ Riata has a reputation of making its products with the highest quality materials, welding techniques and finishes. Every Riata®Rake is powder coated to ensure it looks as good as it performs for many years of everyday use. Riata guarantees its products for one full year and provides a complete line of arena tools for any arena and any tractor.
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