Scarifier - what is it for a lawn, principle of operation, features of choice

Every person needs to systematically check their health by taking at least the simplest tests, such as a general analysis of capillary blood and urine. Referrals for these studies are issued by local physicians, and collection is carried out in public laboratories free of charge or in private ones for a fee. No matter how unpleasant the test procedure may be, it must be remembered that timely and correct diagnosis of diseases can only be done through laboratory blood testing. According to organizations and healthcare professionals, more than half of the diagnostic information about a patient is provided by laboratory results.

A blood test, which doctors recommend taking at least once a year or every six months, shows the amount of hemoglobin in the blood for the timely detection of anemia, and allows you to assess the level of red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets. To reduce pain when taking a laboratory test of capillary blood, it is better to use a scarifier.

Scarifier: what is it? What is it for?

Foreign words are gradually pouring into our speech, and to use them in speech it is necessary to accurately understand their meaning. A dictionary of foreign words will help you understand the meaning of the word “scarifier” (what it is and how it is used). The first and most common is used in the medical field and refers to a medical instrument with which an incision is made on the skin for a capillary blood test. A medical scarifier is a stainless steel plate that ends in a pointed spear. Some of these types of devices are made from other materials and have a more modern look. Children's lancets are especially different.

The second meaning is used in the agricultural sector - this is the name of an agricultural implement. Lawn scarifier - what is this tool? This can be understood based on the general meaning of the term. The concept of “scarifier” literally translated from Latin means “producing notches.” As an agricultural implement, the scarifier makes cuts in the ground to a depth of 4 to 15 cm so that more air enters the soil.

How to choose a unit?

The choice should primarily be influenced by the size of the land plot and the type of soil. If the user has unlimited funds, then it is worth purchasing a multifunctional device with additional elements.

Characteristics that you need to pay attention to when choosing a scarifier:

1. Frame. It should be light and durable. Better aluminum or steel.
2. Nozzle width. The wider the shaft, the fewer passages across the land.
3. Cutters and knives. They must be made of durable steel and well secured.
4. Lever. It would be good if it could be adjusted during operation.
5. Grass catcher. It is worth paying attention to the dimensions of the garbage container; the larger it is, the less often work will stop to clean the tank.
6. Engine. The greater the motor power, the higher the performance of the scarifier.

There is no need to purchase a powerful professional model if the size of the land plot is the traditional six acres.

Types of scarifiers

But the article will talk about the medical meaning of the concept “scarifier”. So, in medicine, this device is actually used for bloodletting. To collect capillary blood, various types of this device are used - children's and standard. Standard ones are used to make incisions on the skin of an adult. They come in different types: with a spear in the center of the plate or in the side.

There are automatic devices that use a small needle packed in a capsule instead of a blade. The needle can be of different lengths, it is not visible when used, which is ideal for collecting blood from children.

Accessory Manufacturers

To choose the best scarifier, you should know the main manufacturers of this device, which are in demand among users. All of them are divided into professional and household, have different technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Professional devices are necessary to care for a large area. Household models are suitable for home use. Popular, according to user reviews, are the following gasoline and electric devices:

1. Cramer Cara 60. This is a professional gasoline car. Its assembly is carried out in Germany. The model is equipped with a four-stroke Japanese Honda engine and has a high power of 5.5 liters. With. The processing width is up to 59 cm, and the depth is adjustable up to 15 mm. The downside of the device is its high cost, up to 185 thousand rubles.
2. Bosch ALR 900 . The device is one of the best electrical devices for household use. It has ample customization options and is light in weight – 9 kg. The processing width is 32 cm, a fairly budget cost of about 11 thousand rubles. The main disadvantages are the depth adjustment by changing the height on the wheels and the plastic body.

All manufacturers provide a warranty period and maintenance for their equipment.

Advantages of scarifiers

A disposable scarifier allows you to take blood for testing almost painlessly. In addition, the patient who comes to donate blood can be sure that the device is sterile and has not been used before. The doctor or laboratory assistant opens the sealed packaging of the scarifier in front of the patient and makes an incision or puncture in the skin. A scarifier is a device that minimizes contact with the environment and the hands of medical personnel, so the risk of contracting any infection is almost zero.

Lawn scarification – cut and clean

In order for the cover to be perfectly smooth, without bald spots or yellowness, it must be periodically fertilized, loosened and ventilated. In addition, from time to time an organic layer of moss, felt, dead and dry grass, and everything else forms on the surface, which makes the lawn dull and dull. In this state, the grass is susceptible to all sorts of diseases and does not allow moisture and air to pass through well. It is to remove this layer that it is necessary to carry out scarification - loosening and cleaning of debris.

To improve air exchange, aeration is carried out using garden forks or professional equipment - aerators. Systematic piercing of the turf promotes better penetration of air, moisture and nutrients into the soil.

Scarification or loosening is a more complex process, and it is recommended to use it no more than twice a year: before and after winter. Loosening consists of cutting the roots of plants, as a result of which the grass increases its density due to the growth of lateral shoots.

The immediate need for scarification arises after a warm and wet winter, when mosses appear on the surface like mushrooms after rain. Carrying out scarification in the fall contributes to the formation of strong turf and dense grass.

A lightweight version of scarification is carried out using a garden rake or a rake with spring teeth. The layer of “straw” accumulated in the root zone is removed by regular combing. Such an event can be carried out more often as felt accumulates.

For deep scarification, a rake is used to cut through the turf. Carrying out such a procedure mechanically is a very labor-intensive process, especially if the area is large. Scarifiers - devices of a new generation of gardening equipment - came to the aid of farmers.

Scarifier

Externally, the scarifier, or as some manufacturers also call it the Vertical cutter, resembles a lawn mower. In fact, this is a powerful garden machine, essentially a surgical device for your lawn. In his work he uses sharp metal knives. By skillfully using them, the verticutter cleans the surface of debris, dry grass, lichens and mosses - regulars of the grass cover. By vertically cutting the turf to a depth of 3 cm, it significantly increases air exchange in the soil and creates favorable conditions for tillering of shoots.

Scarifiers are manual, electric and petrol. You can use your hands to process a small area of ​​a young and more or less even canvas, since it is very difficult for him to cope with tubercles and compactions. Unless you put pressure on him “as hard as you can.” Electrical appliances are relatively lightweight, easy to use and do not make much noise. But they are dependent on a stationary power source and pull the “tail” of the drive behind them. Therefore, most often they are used to work in small areas. Gasoline scarifiers have no restrictions in this regard: they operate on fuel wherever and whenever it is convenient for you. In addition to mobility, they also have good power.

Some models have a grass catcher to remove moss. The larger this tank, the better, since the moss is very voluminous, and compacting it is useless.

After you go through the scarifier, the green carpet will seem a little shabby. Don’t be afraid - in 8-12 days everything will heal and turn into a solid Persian palace. The main thing is not to forget about the “carrot”.

Modern scarifiers

So, a scarifier - what kind of device is it? All laboratory assistants and doctors know about this, but the choice of the type of this disposable instrument lies with the patient himself. Often it depends on the manufacturer whether it will hurt when taking blood. Pharmacies now sell modern scarifiers, which differ in appearance and quality from a steel plate. They are multi-colored bright tubes, at the end of which there are needles in capsules. These needles come in different lengths; you need to choose the right one based on the color of the device itself. The manufacturing company of this type of lancet is MEDLANCE Plus. There are four scarifier colors to choose from: purple with a needle length of 1.5 mm (it is recommended to use it for patients with diabetes); blue, capable of puncturing 1.8 mm; green with a needle length of 2.4 mm and yellow with a puncture depth of 0.8 mm.

It is not recommended to use a purple scarifier when taking a general blood test. The puncture is shallow and heals quickly, so this option is ideal for diabetics. The blue lancet is best used for donating blood for sugar, to determine blood type, to determine coagulability and other tests. For men and other categories of patients with rough skin on the fingertips, it is better to use a green scarifier. It was stated above that this device has a needle length of 2.4 mm.

What devices are there?

In the garden equipment market, the demand for new devices is increasing every day. When the lawn begins to lose its quality, it is worth getting a scarifier. Manufacturers offer various types and types of devices, which differ from each other in shape, size and cost. Main technical characteristics:

• power from 1.3 to 2 kW;
• weight from 15 to 55 kg;
• nozzle width from 30 to 40 cm;
• Grass catcher volume from 20 to 50 l.

Technical indicators depend on the model.

Mechanical

Mechanical or, as they are also called, manual scarifiers are well suited for caring for a small plot of land. In appearance, they resemble a rake with rotating wheels, equipped with teeth. The device is controlled by a handle. While moving, a shaft with knives rotates along with the wheels, which cuts small depressions in the ground and makes punctures.

Handheld devices vary in size. A wide shaft can cover a larger area of ​​land in one pass than a narrow one. The advantage of the device is its budget cost, environmental friendliness, saving money on consumables during operation and silent operation. The disadvantage of the models is their low productivity, the expenditure of considerable physical strength and rapid fatigue from action.

Electrical

For a medium-sized lawn, an electric scarifier would be appropriate. This category has the largest assortment with different powers. This is the same shaft with knives or teeth, only it is powered by a motor. The device may have additional devices in the form of a collector for collecting grass debris and a shaft with cutters for aeration.

The advantage of the device is its quiet operation, good performance and environmental friendliness. The engine is unpretentious in independent maintenance. The disadvantage of the device is depending on the electrical energy and the additional costs of paying for it. Although there are battery powered models. But they require charging and are limited in time during operation. The cost of such scarifiers is from 10 to 20 thousand rubles.

Gasoline

With their help, you can cultivate a large plot of land, as they are characterized by high productivity. They will be able to cope with poorly maintained lawns. Therefore, it is not advisable to purchase them for home use. Compared to other types, these are the heaviest models, the knives of which penetrate deep into the soil.

Such scarifiers do not overheat and are considered the most durable among users. The imperfection of the tool is its high weight and the cost of fuels and lubricants, at the same time the high cost of the unit from 20 thousand rubles. In addition to the price, a serious drawback is the noise during operation.

Children's scarifiers

It is best to choose modern scarifiers for children. For small patients, the yellow lancet from MEDLANCE Plus (puncture depth 0.8 mm) or the purple lancet from Acti-lance (puncture depth 1.5 mm) are ideal. It is necessary to take into account that if you select a scarifier for drawing blood from a baby in the maternity hospital, then you need to use the largest needle, because such an analysis is taken from the heel. In addition, a sterile scarifier with a blade is suitable for this, which will ensure good blood flow for collecting the analysis.

How to properly carry out scarification

The procedure has little in common with conventional loosening, which is carried out on empty soil between plants. Here you need to loosen the soil directly over the growing grass using knives that cut the roots of the grass, as a result, lateral roots grow and the lawn becomes thicker.

You can carry out scarification in the spring manually or using automated equipment, but in any case, follow the general rules:

• make vertical cuts to the lawn in a checkerboard pattern along a layer of dense turf: one strip along, another across, and then alternate directions;

  

  The scarifier is carried out first along the lawn and then across it.

• cut not the top of the grass, but the roots;
• the depth of the cuts is selected according to the condition of the lawn: usually older green surfaces require deeper scarification;
• after the procedure, the lawn is fertilized (you can use industrial fertilizer for a spring-summer lawn) and watered well;
• If you manage to significantly thin out the lawn, replant new lawn grass.

After spring scarification, it is advisable to aerate the lawn using a mechanical aerator or ordinary forks, poking holes in the ground and pouring sand into them. Aeration will give the roots additional oxygen.

User reviews

According to many, using a scarifier during blood donation significantly reduces not only pain, but also fear. Mothers claim that baby scarifiers are a wonderful device that allows you to take blood from very young babies. If the child is sleeping, then during the procedure of drawing blood from a finger, he does not even wake up, only winces a little or moves in his sleep. Therefore, mothers do not experience feelings of guilt or anxiety after this procedure.

Some patients who have already learned about the existence of this device for collecting capillary blood are surprised that doctors themselves do not suggest that patients use a scarifier, and some laboratory assistants (such cases have also been observed) refuse to use the instrument purchased at the pharmacy. If the packaging of the sterile scarifier is not damaged and its expiration date has not passed, then the refusal is illegal.

What is lawn scarification?

What is lawn scarification? In essence, this is loosening the soil by cutting it with sharp metal knives. These knives, plunging into the ground, leave cuts on the roots of the lawn grass. You can set the immersion depth of the knives yourself (a certain depth of the knives is selected depending on the age and condition of the lawn grass). Such a powerful and effective effect on the lawn is not carried out very often - twice a year in late spring (especially after a warm and snowy winter) and in early autumn. Although scarification is very useful, it is not often necessary to do it, because it is a fairly strong intervention in the lawn, like a surgical operation. After loosening the grass, be sure to water it generously.

What does lawn scarification look like?

For this kind of loosening of the earth, the garden equipment scarifier or verti-cutter is used (this is a transliteration of the English scarifier and the German vertikutierer). There is no difference between these rippers. But an aerator is a garden equipment that is fundamentally different from a ripper. The aerator collects a layer of moss and felt from the ground, as if combing a lawn. Also, the aerator at a shallow depth (3 cm) evenly pierces the turf with teeth so that the roots receive the necessary air, water and fertilizer. Aeration can be carried out quite often: before fertilizing and feeding the lawn, before every fourth mowing. But do not use the aerator on wet or very dry ground. There are combined models of garden tools that combine an aerator and a scarifier. You only need to install the desired shaft.

Scarification - expert advice (video)

The difference between aeration and scarification can be seen in the example of working garden tools - forks and rakes. On the forks, the working spokes act as an aerator, simply piercing the ground. On a rake, the role of a ripper is played by curved teeth.

By the way, it would be nice to tell you how to loosen the soil with a rake. It is advisable to use a fan rake. Rake the grass carefully in one place, first in one direction, and then in the opposite direction. Do this work in September, after you have processed the moss (otherwise, if you do not destroy the moss, it will colonize the entire area). Combine loosening with leaf removal.

Fan rake for lawn scarification

Please note that after loosening with garden equipment, gaps may remain in the grass. Don't be so quick to blame your lawn scarifier. Perhaps the lawn in these bald spots disappeared due to excess moisture or due to the intervention of our smaller brothers. The loose blades of the ripper cannot damage healthy lawn bushes. This problem can be solved by additionally sowing the resulting gap with lawn grass.

Be sure to clear the lawn of debris so as not to damage the mechanism of the tool. Empty the grass catcher every five minutes.

Main characteristics

• Power and performance - the higher these parameters, the longer the service life of the device and the less need for cooling breaks.
• the working width , the faster the area can be processed.
• Case material - inexpensive models are mounted in plastic cases. Higher quality units are made of steel or aluminum.
• The presence and volume of a container for grass and debris - a large volume tank greatly facilitates the work.
• The presence of adjustable handles is especially important if people of different heights will operate the device.
• An area within four acres can be easily processed with a conventional rake or mechanical device. An electric scarifier will allow you to cope with fifteen hundred square meters. For a larger area, you cannot do without a powerful unit with an internal combustion engine.

How to use a verticutter and why do you need such a tool?

The power take-off shaft activates the cutting tool, allowing it to dump the collected grass and products after cleaning into a special grass catcher bag. The depth of processing can be determined by adjusting the handle, as well as adjusted to the height of the operator.

To understand in more detail how the scarifier works, you need to read the operating instructions for the purchased model.

What tasks does it perform?

• Improves grass growth without the use of fertilizers;
• Helps increase the lawn's resistance to drought;
• Normalizes the level of soil density;
• Allows you to reduce soil dampness by creating drainage systems;
• Removes the dry layer of grass and inhibits the formation of a new one;
• Promotes the penetration of necessary moisture and oxygen into the soil.

It is worth noting that verticutter knives are made from a special, ultra-strong and resistant material, so they will perform all of the above operations with maximum productivity.

The best gasoline aerators-scarifiers

Gasoline scarifier aerators have proven themselves to be durable and reliable, mobile and powerful devices. When used, their engines do not experience overheating, and also allow you to process a fairly large area in one go.

MTD Optima 38VO

The Optima 35 VO model from the American brand MTD combines advanced technology and ease of use. Can be used to remove lichen, moss and debris from the site.

The engine operates with minimal gas emissions, consumes fuel economically, and is practically silent. The width of the area to be processed is 38 cm, with a depth of 15 cm. You can configure 1 of 6 options for knife immersion modes.

Equipped with an aerator-scarifier with a 45-liter grass catcher. The device weighs a little - 29 kg, which has a positive effect on its maneuverability and compact size.

Characteristics:

Advantages and disadvantages

• ease of transportation - the handle has a folding mechanism;
• multitasking;
• almost silent operation 86 dB;
• efficiency.

• high cost - on average 40,000 rubles;
• low productivity.

STIHL RL540

Recommended for treating large lawns. The model is equipped with a 2.2 kW engine. The device weighs 33 kg, there should be no problems in transportation - the handle easily folds if necessary.

The manufacturer equipped the RL540 with a depth processing lever located on the handle, as well as a quick start system and sharp knives. Maneuverability is ensured by large wheels.

Characteristics:

Advantages and disadvantages

• excellent build quality;
• the ability to select the mode of depth of treatment of the area;
• folding handle mechanism;
• maneuverability;
• light weight.

• high price - an average of 54,000 rubles.

Caiman CESAR 70C MAX

The aerator-scarifier/comber is capable of processing 20 acres of land, recommended for medium-sized plots. Equipped with a premium Caiman Green Engine 212CC, which exactly meets current European standards regarding the level of harmful substances. The motor is equipped with a sponge filter in an oil bath. This made it possible to implement the option of air purification even in very dusty conditions.

The service life of internal elements and the structure as a whole is increased. This was achieved by installing a forged crankshaft and a cylinder liner made of cast iron. The body is made of a single sheet of metal, there are no welding seams.

The grass catcher has a capacity of 40 liters, which saves time on unloading during work. Another plus is the presence of systems for adjusting the knives, tensioning their belts, as well as emergency shutdown in case of an emergency.

Characteristics:

Advantages and disadvantages

• high strength and reliability;
• there is a system for adjusting the position of the knives and an emergency shutdown;
• spacious grass catcher;
• compliance with environmental standards.

• No.

AL-KO Combi Care 38 P Comfort

German garden aerator-scarifier, equipped with a gasoline engine with a power of 1300 W. Can be used for household and professional purposes. The processing width is 38 cm, it is possible to change the immersion depth of the knives in accordance with 5 variations.

The set includes 2 working shafts - an aerator with 24 spring teeth made of steel and a ripper with 14 knives. The grass catcher has a capacity of 55 liters. The material of the bag is hard, which allowed it to easily accept particles of dry plant roots, moss and straw.

Characteristics:

Advantages and disadvantages

• mobility;
• performance;
• volumetric grass catcher;
• versatility;
• good set.

• No