As the weather turns colder and ground conditions worsen, it’s time to take a look at one of the often overlooked pieces of equipment in a groundsman’s toolkit – the boot wiper. Boot wipers and scrapers help remove mud from footwear and keep indoor areas cleaner.
Today’s buying guide looks at the important things to consider when choosing new boot wipers and scrapers.
Boot Wiper Sizes
Boot wipers are available in a range of sizes. The size of the boot wiper unit corresponds with the number of simultaneous users that it’ll support at one time. When buying a boot wiper, it’s important to select a size that will adequately deal with the number of potential users. If you buy a boot wiper that’s too small, will players with muddy rugby boots simply walk straight into the dressing room rather than wait?
Consider how many boot wipers you’ll need. Two or more smaller units may help prevent crowding around walkways or entrances, rather than one larger boot wiper.
Boot Wiper Unit Fixing Methods
Freestanding boot wipers tend to be smaller, suitable for use by just one or two people at a time. The size of these boot wipers means that they are reasonably light and portable. Freestanding boot wipers are ideal for locations such as golf courses, or for areas that receive lower ‘traffic’.
Floor fixed / socketed boot wipers are typically larger and suitable for use by up to four people at a time. Excellent for use next to rugby and football pitches, or any team sport pitch. Fixed styles of boot wiper can either be bolted to the ground, concreted in place or placed into ground sockets. Sockets and fixing bolts are not supplied as standard, so please contact us for further information if you require these items. When selecting a fixed boot wiper, choose a size that will match the level of traffic it’ll need to handle.
Boot Scrapers
Many boot wipers are also fitted with boot scrapers – simple pieces of metal that allow the user to scrape off the worst of the mud before using the brushes. Boot scrapers can help extend the life of the brushes.
Boot scrapers are sometimes located ‘internally’, as featured in Harrod Sport’s Premier Boot Wiper range – this style of internal scraping plate means metal isn’t protruding from the boot wiper unit. Models that feature external boot scrapers are rounded to help prevent injury.
Replacement Brushes
Boot wiper brushes won’t last forever and will need replacing every so often. When buying a new wiper unit, choose a widely available brand that offers replacement brushes.
Replacement brushes are typically sold in sets to fit the model of boot wiper.
If you would like more information on any of the boot wipers or replacement brushes available from sportsequip.co.uk, please contact us on 01858 545789.