✓Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com·Updated May 2026
H. Barber & Sons TURF RAKE grooming and cleaning stones from a horse arena
Turf Rake by H Barber and Sons Turf Rake by H Barber and Sons, rakes, grooms, and, Removes Rocks and Debri from your arena! No one needs their horse to get a sprain or stone bruise from rocks- Turf Rake is the solution!
What Is H Barber and Sons?
H. Barber & Sons, Inc. is a family owned and operated corporation, principally located in Naugatuck, Connecticut, USA.Founder Harold S. Barber first explored the prospects of building machines that clean beaches in the early 1960's. Mr. Barber understood the growing need for this type of equipment and designed the first Barber raking prototype to clean sand beaches.
As H. Barber & Sons, Inc. continued to grow, expansion into other areas of debris collection was a logical progression— and soon they discovered that their TURF RAKEwas the perfect solution to creating a velvet sand surface— free of rocks and debris— for horse riders to enjoy and perform on. Horse Riders from across America can enjoy the years of soft, smooth sand without the real concern and hazard that rocks and debris in your arena can cause. Smooth Sand— It’s Not Just “Convenience”- It’s What Your Horse is Riding On!
We’ve all experienced the irritation, disappointment and frustration of entering an arena, only to find it is littered with rocks, debris, roots and other hazards to your horse’s hooves and well being. If you are running a boarding or training stable, you will find that clients will leave to look for a better solution for your horse. But, even if the property is yours, you know that a misstep can mean anything from a stone bruise to a serious fall or injury.
The TURF RAKE by H Barber & Sons, Offers a Smooth Solution To A Rocky Problem!
Go from the arena no one wants to use— to the arena that is everyone’s favorite! The TURF RAKE Grooms, Rakes and, most importantly Removes all Debri that can hinder your horse’s performance and your enjoyment of your arena. Your clients, boarders or family will love what the TURF RAKE can do for your arenas.
What Does The TURF RAKE Actually Do?
* Removes stone, rock, sod, roots, sticks and similar debris from soil
* Grades rough or scarified soil
* Aerates the soil- leaving a gently harrowed area that is inviting and comfortable to ride on
* Tines penetrate the soil digging down to remove buried stones ensuring thick top layer of stone free soil
Why Use TURF RAKE At Your Arena?
* Who Wants To Spend Hours Picking and Digging out Rocks?NO ONE! The TURF RAKE stone picker can quickly do the work that previously took many men and many hours of hand raking.
* Simplify Mechanical Methods:The TURF RAKE stone picker in ONE Pass removes stone, elevates the debris to a hopper at the rear, levels uneven areas and leaves the surface ready for planting all in one pass.
* Make Riding Fun For Yourself and Clients! If you are running a boarding stable, or training barn, you won’t want to see your clients moving somewhere else. Your smooth arenas can mean money in your pocket as clients seek out your stables for an enhanced riding experience. If you own the property yourself, you will really enjoy being able to ride for hours on a smooth, inviting surface— and your horse will welcome it too!
* Help Ensure the Safety and Well Being Of Your Horses!Few things are more upsetting to a horse owner than hoof or leg injuries and layups. Having a smooth, debris-free arena is going to make a world of difference in savings to help prevent hoof and leg injuries
What Sizes and Models Of TURF RAKE Are Available?
TURF RAKE comes in three sizes/models: the 600HD, 400HD, and 400. We've found most horse arena owners find the 400 to be a good size, but a simple phone call to our friendly staff will help you decide on the right size and model for your operation. We have several models below-- perfect for your horse arena!!!
TURF RAKE Model 400(our most popular size for horse stables!)
The TURF RAKE model 400 is Barber's smallest stone rake. It weighs 1,900 pounds and can lift up to 2,000 pounds in its one (1) cubic yard hopper. Its hydraulic discharge places material neatly on the ground. Within one (1) hour, the model 400 can effectively clean up to two (2) acres. This is very suitable for most moderately sized horse operations. Just give us a call for pricing.
TURF RAKE Model 400 H D
At 2,700 pounds, the 400HD TURF RAKE is H. Barber & Sons' moderate-size stone and rock rake. It is equipped with a two (2) cubic yard hopper that will lift 2,400 pounds of debris to a dumping height of nine (9) feet. This mid-size model uses the same heavy-duty conveyor and dump components as the 600HD. The 400HD can clean up to two (2) acres per hour. Call for pricing.
Make Sure Your Arena Has The H Barber TURF RAKE Today!
Making sure that your arenas are free from debris and rocks isn’t just a matter of convenience, it is your responsibility as a horse property or stable owner or manager! A rocky arena can mean injury to your horse, a fall to the rider, and even lay-up time if the horse is injured. If you are a trainer or boarding stable, it can mean lost clients and even law suit if the horse gets injured. Let TURF RAKE end your rocky nightmare— you’ll love the difference, you’ll enjoy your arena like never before— and so will your horses and clients! H. Barber & Sons TURF RAKE grooming and cleaning stones from a horse arena
What exactly does the TURF RAKE do for a horse arena?
The TURF RAKE is a tractor-towed arena groomer that levels footing and lifts stones and debris out of the ground in a single pass. Using hundreds of offset raking tines, it pulls rocks from 1/2 inch to 4 inches in diameter up a perforated conveyor and into a hopper, while clean soil falls back to the surface. The depth is adjustable from 1 inch to 4 inches, so you can pull buried rock that frost-heave keeps pushing toward your footing season after season.
H. Barber & Sons TURF RAKE stone picker working in an equestrian arena
Who builds the TURF RAKE?
The TURF RAKE is made by H. Barber & Sons, Inc., a family-owned and operated corporation based in Naugatuck, Connecticut, USA. Founder Harold S. Barber launched the company in the 1960s after inventing the Surf RAKE beach-cleaning machine, and Barber rakes now operate across six continents in more than 90 countries. The same patented tine-and-conveyor raking system that grooms the world's beaches is what cleans and levels your riding surface.
H. Barber & Sons TURF RAKE preparing a farm seedbed by removing stones
Which model fits your arena?
The TURF RAKE comes in three models. The Model 400 is the smallest, weighing 1,900 pounds with a 1-cubic-yard hopper (2,000-lb capacity), a 6-foot cleaning width, and ground-dump unloading for smaller arenas and routine maintenance. The 400HD weighs 2,700 pounds with a 2-cubic-yard high-dump hopper and a 6-foot width, while the 600HD weighs 3,800 pounds, carries a 3-cubic-yard high-dump hopper that lifts to 9 feet, and cleans a 7-foot path at up to 3 acres per hour.
H. Barber & Sons TURF RAKE removing stones during golf course construction
How the tine-and-conveyor system grooms and de-rocks in one pass
As the machine is towed, the offset tines comb the footing and rake up everything from 1/2 inch to 4 inches across; the perforated conveyor carries the stones up into the hopper and screens the good soil back down. Because it levels the ground and removes stones in the same pass, the TURF RAKE eliminates the separate grading and hand-picking steps most barns dread. An optional Finisher Assembly rides behind the machine to smooth tire tracks and leave a combed, even surface, and an optional Caster Group lets it run over grass, soil, or pavement.
Why arena owners trust it for footing safety
No one wants a horse to take a sprain or a stone bruise from a rock hiding in the footing. The TURF RAKE is a high-end groomer ideally suited for creating and maintaining horse arena footing, and the same machine is used for water filtration beds, golf course construction, farm seedbed preparation, and infield grooming. Clearing stones and keeping footing level reduces uneven-surface lameness risk and protects the investment you have in both your horses and your arena base.
How to get the TURF RAKE for your barn
Contact H. Barber & Sons directly to match a model to your arena size and tractor. Call + or, Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 18:00 EST. A printable TURF RAKE brochure is available on hbarber.com, and the company can advise on hopper style, cleaning width, and the Finisher and Caster options before you order.
H. Barber & Sons, Inc. is a family-owned and operated corporation principally located in Naugatuck, Connecticut. Founder Harold S. Barber first explored the prospects of building beach-cleaning machines in the early 1960s. The company expanded into other areas of debris collection, and the TURF RAKE emerged as the perfect solution for creating a velvet sand surface — free of rocks and debris — for horse riders.
What does the TURF RAKE actually do?
Per H. Barber & Sons, the TURF RAKE:
Removes stone, rock, sod, roots, sticks, and similar debris from soil
Grades rough or scarified soil
Aerates the soil — leaving a gently harrowed, comfortable riding surface
Tines penetrate the soil digging down to remove buried stones, ensuring a thick top layer of stone-free soil
What models are available?
TURF RAKE comes in three sizes/models — the 600HD, 400HD, and 400. Most horse arena owners find the 400 to be a good size; H. Barber's friendly staff can help you decide.
What's the Model 400 like?
Per H. Barber, the TURF RAKE Model 400 is the smallest stone rake — popular for horse stables. It weighs 1,900 pounds, lifts up to 2,000 pounds in its 1 cubic yard hopper, and uses hydraulic discharge to place material neatly on the ground. Within one hour, the Model 400 can effectively clean up to two acres — suitable for most moderately-sized horse operations. Call for pricing.
What about the Model 400HD?
Per H. Barber, the 400HD is the moderate-size stone and rock rake — 2,700 pounds, equipped with a 2 cubic yard hopper that lifts 2,400 pounds of debris to a 9-foot dumping height. The mid-size model uses the same heavy-duty conveyor and dump components as the 600HD, and can clean up to two acres per hour. Call for pricing.
Why does removing rocks matter for horse safety?
Per H. Barber, a misstep in a rocky arena can cause anything from a stone bruise to a serious fall or injury. Boarding or training stables face client loss when arenas are rocky; trainers and stable managers face liability if a horse is injured. A smooth, debris-free arena helps prevent hoof and leg injuries — and is the kind of detail that distinguishes professional facilities.
How do I reach H. Barber & Sons?
Call 800-355-8318 or 203-729-9000, email [email protected], or visit hbarber.com. H. Barber & Sons is at 15 Raytkwich Road, Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770.
What is the H. Barber & Sons TURF RAKE?
The TURF RAKE is a tractor-towed arena groomer and stone picker that levels footing and removes stones and debris from the ground in a single pass. It uses hundreds of offset raking tines and a perforated conveyor to lift rocks into a hopper while returning clean soil to the surface. It is made by H. Barber & Sons, Inc. of Naugatuck, Connecticut.
What size stones can the TURF RAKE remove?
The TURF RAKE removes stones and rocks from 1/2 inch to 4 inches in diameter. This range covers the small pebbles that cause stone bruises as well as larger rocks that frost-heave pushes up into the footing over time.
How deep does the TURF RAKE clean into the soil?
The raking depth is adjustable from 1 inch to 4 inches deep into the soil. You can set it shallow for routine surface grooming or deeper to pull out buried rock when building or rehabilitating an arena base.
How many models of TURF RAKE are there?
There are three models: the 400, the 400HD, and the 600HD. They differ in weight, hopper capacity, cleaning width, and whether they ground-dump or high-dump, so you can match the machine to your arena size and tractor.
What are the specifications of the Model 400?
The Model 400 is the smallest TURF RAKE, weighing 1,900 pounds. It has a 1-cubic-yard hopper that holds up to 2,000 pounds, a 6-foot cleaning width, and ground-dump unloading. It is best suited for smaller arenas and ongoing maintenance.
What are the specifications of the 600HD?
The TURF RAKE 600HD weighs 3,800 pounds and carries a 3-cubic-yard high-dump hopper rated to about 3,800 pounds that lifts to roughly 9 feet for dumping into a truck or trailer. Cleaning a 7-foot-wide path, it can groom up to 3 acres per hour, making it the choice for large arenas and big grooming projects.
How does the 400HD compare to the other models?
The 400HD is the mid-size option, weighing 2,700 pounds with a 2-cubic-yard high-dump hopper (about 2,400-lb capacity) and a 6-foot cleaning width. It pairs the high-dump convenience of the 600HD with a narrower, lighter footprint for mid-size areas.
How fast can the TURF RAKE clean an arena?
The 600HD and 400HD can clean up to 2 to 3 acres per hour, and the Model 400 cleans up to 2 acres per hour. Actual speed depends on ground conditions, stone density, and how deep you set the tines.
How does the tine-and-conveyor raking system work?
As the machine is towed, hundreds of offset raking tines comb through the footing and lift stones and debris. The material rides up a perforated conveyor into the hopper while clean soil screens back down to the surface. Because it levels the ground and removes stones in the same pass, it eliminates separate grading operations.
What is the Finisher Assembly attachment?
The Finisher Assembly is an optional rear-mounted grooming tool that glides over the cleaned area to smooth tire tracks and leave a combed, even surface. It has automatic raise and lower control and gives the arena a finished, groomed appearance after the stones are removed.
What is the Caster Group option?
The Caster Group is an optional set of self-centering casters that let the TURF RAKE run over grass, soil, or pavement and pick up litter, and it can also function as a de-thatcher. It broadens the machine's use beyond arena footing to general grounds maintenance.
Why does removing stones matter for horse safety?
Stones hidden in arena footing can cause a horse to suffer a sprain or a stone bruise. By pulling rocks out and keeping the surface level, the TURF RAKE reduces the risk of uneven-surface lameness and helps protect both the horse and the rider.
Who makes the TURF RAKE and where?
The TURF RAKE is manufactured by H. Barber & Sons, Inc., a family-owned and operated corporation principally located in Naugatuck, Connecticut, USA. The company was founded by Harold S. Barber, who first invented the SURF RAKE beach-cleaning machine in the 1960s.
What else does H. Barber & Sons make?
H. Barber & Sons is best known for beach-cleaning equipment, including the SURF RAKE and SAND MAN sand-sifting machines, as well as the Road Rake for highway debris. The company says it has sold more beach cleaning equipment than any other company in the world, with rakes operating in more than 90 countries across six continents.
Besides horse arenas, what else is the TURF RAKE used for?
The same machine is used for water filtration beds, golf course construction, farm seedbed preparation, infield grooming, and even removing munitions from strafing ranges. It excels anywhere stones and debris need to be lifted out of soil to prepare or maintain a surface.
What tractor do I need to pull a TURF RAKE?
The TURF RAKE is a tractor-towed implement, and the right tractor depends on which model you choose since the units range from 1,900 to 3,800 pounds. H. Barber & Sons can advise on the appropriate towing and hydraulic setup for your model; contact them directly before ordering.
How do I buy a TURF RAKE or get more information?
Contact H. Barber & Sons directly to choose a model and options. Call +1 203 729 9000 or email [email protected], Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 18:00 EST. A printable TURF RAKE brochure is also available on hbarber.com.
