New Way To Slip-Proof Concrete

New Way To Slip-Proof Concrete LIVESTOCK Dairy (17) 13-4-25 "There's no comparison with conventional concrete grooving done with a saw. Scabbling works much better," says Floyd Graber, who built a "scabbling" machine that makes 2-in. wide concrete grooves 1/8 to 3/16-in. deep in order to "slip proof" concrete in dairy barns. Graber says he started scabbling because many of his farmer customers felt the narrow concrete grooves made with saws did not do the job. "My machine makes wider, rougher grooves that aren't slick like grooves made by saw. That's because they're made with small air-powered units that chip away the concrete like mini jackhammers, leaving the bottom of the grooves and the edges rough so hooves can get a grip." Graber built his own scabbling machine that's fitted with 5 jackhammer chipping units. It makes 2-in. wide grooves and leaves 3 in. in between, roughening up approximately 40% of the surface. No water is needed to cut the concrete and there's no need to criss cross a floor, as with a saw. Graber claims that at 300 per square foot (plus a $50 set-up fee), scabbling is 40% less expensive than grooving. His machine, which includes a diesel engine, air compressor and the chipping unit, sells for $12,000. "That compares to as much as $40,000 for a grooving saw," tie says. He does custom-scabbling throughout the country and also sells or rents machines. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Floyd Graber, Miller Spray Service, Rt. 1, Box 453, Shipshewana, Ind. 46565 (ph 219 768-4488).

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