To work efficiently and get professional results, you need the right machine for the job. To remove the top layer, an old coating, or thick film from a concrete surface, the best tool is a concrete scarifier, and we've compiled all you need to know about scarifying concrete.
What is a concrete scarifier?
A concrete scarifier, sometimes called a concrete planer or milling machine, is a piece of construction equipment that cuts into the top layer of concrete. Walk-behind concrete scarifiers consist of a handle with controls, an engine, and a cutter drum. At RuggedMade, our scarifiers also include features to make the machine more comfortable, including anti-vibration mounts and comfort handles.
Concrete scarifiers can also be used on asphalt for resurfacing preparation and traffic line removal, so you may find them referred to as asphalt scarifiers.
Types of concrete scarifier cutter drums
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SD200 Scarifier Cutter Drum: Six-Tooth Carbide Tip - Works well for leveling and grinding asphalt, traffic line removal, concrete edging, and grinding and scabbing.
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SD300 Scarifier Cutter Drum: Six-Tooth Steel Flail - Can be used for concrete and asphalt removal, marking removal, and surface recycling.
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SD400 Scarifier Cutter Drum: 18-Tooth Steel - Removes paint, adhesive, dirt, and oil stains.
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SD500 Scarifier Cutter Drum: Five Tooth Carbide Tip - Handles asphalt and concrete milling, surface removal, concrete leveling, and grooving pavement.
How to scarify concrete
Once you've chosen the best cutter drum for the job, scarifying concrete is simple. You should familiarize yourself with the instructions of the model you're using, paying attention to any safety features, operational controls, and maintenance requirements, but these are the basic steps for running a concrete scarifier.
- Adjust the cutting depth: Determine the appropriate depth for your job. It's best to start with a shallower depth and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired results.
- Start the scarifier: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to start the scarifier. Depending on whether it's electric or gas-powered, you might need to pull a cord or flip a switch. Once the scarifier is running, give it a few moments to reach full speed.
- Begin scarifying: Grip the handles firmly. Slowly and steadily move the scarifier across the concrete surface in straight lines or overlapping passes. Apply minimal downward pressure and let the machine do the work.
- Maintain a consistent speed: Moving too quickly or too slowly can affect the quality of your results. Experiment with different speeds to find what works best for your project.
- Be careful around corners and edges: When working near corners or edges, use caution to avoid damaging adjacent structures or surfaces.
- Dust mitigation: Most scarifiers have a port on the base where you can connect a vacuum to control dust. When you're finished scarifying the concrete surface, stop the scarifier and turn off the power. Remove any remaining debris and dust using a broom or vacuum.
Remember to wear the proper personal protection equipment when running the machine, including gloves, dust mask, safety goggles, ear protection, and steel-toed boots.
Should I rent or buy a concrete scarifier?
The daily rental from a widely known rental company of an 8" walk-behind, gas-powered concrete planer can run $225 per day. Adding delivery and pickup nearly triples the cost for a single day. On the other hand, RuggedMades offers the SC8 Scarifier with an 18-tooth steel cutter drum for $1,743 with free shipping. If you're going to use the machine more than twice, it makes sense to purchase it. Plus, you'll know how well the scarifier has been maintained and protected from the elements if it's your own.
If purchasing a scarifier is the right choice for you, check out RuggedMade's complete line of easy-to-use concrete scarifiers that are built to last and will help you do the job right.
