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The Solution Section (FAQ)
What does the Parma Arena Groomer® do?
It combines three functions in one unit to prepare your arena ground in a single pass. Vibrating "S"-tines loosen compacted soil and prepare the base, a leveling bar fills holes and smooths humps, and a rear pipe roller breaks up clods while firming and packing the base for a soft, uniform surface. Because all three steps happen together, you don't need to own two or three separate tools to do the same job.
How does the Parma Arena Groomer® protect my horse's footing?
By preparing both the base and the top surface in one pass, it leaves consistent, well-prepared footing that can improve your horse's performance and reduce stress on the legs. The S-tines can be set to your desired digging depth for a uniform base, and the rear roller conditions the surface and gauges tine depth for an even finish. It has been proven in arenas and on tracks for events that require good footing.
What sizes and models are available?
Mini models come in 5', 6', 7', and 8' widths with mini S-tines (Models AG513, AG615, AG719, and AG821M). Standard models include the 8' AG821, 10' AG1027, and 12' AG1233, plus an 8' Professional (Model AGPRO) with two rows of standard S-tines and two rows of coil tines. Special wider sizes can also be built on request.
How do I know which size is right for me?
Size is mostly determined by the tractor or power unit available to pull it. The 8-foot model requires 30 to 35 horsepower minimum, while the mini models need only 18 to 25 horsepower. Match the groomer's width to your tractor's outside tire width so it covers the tire tracks, and ask about the pull tongue option if you don't have a 3-point hitch.
Can I use the Parma Arena Groomer® on a synthetic or equestrian arena, or pull it behind an ATV?
Yes. A Coil Tine Conversion swaps out the S-tines for use on synthetic and equestrian arenas. There is also a Tongue and Ratchetjack option for pulling behind an ATV or UTV, and Parma has been very successful using four-wheel ATVs with the 5-foot model.
How does it attach to my tractor, and how heavy is it?
All standard and mini models attach using the tractor's 3-point hitch for quick, easy hook-up. The units are lightweight, with the 8-foot model weighing just 800 lbs and the mini models running 300 to 350 lbs. Each unit is easily adjusted and maintained by anyone around the arena.
Is it hard to assemble or set up?
No. The Arena Groomer ships easily by truck in a simple bolt-together package that requires only a ¾ wrench for assembly, and the mini models need just minimal assembly. Parma also provides a short video walking through the easy setup in six steps.
How do I get a Parma Arena Groomer® for my property?
The Parma Company is a manufacturer of specialized agricultural equipment based in Parma, Idaho, with dealers established around the country to help with your buying needs. To find the right size and model for your arena, call 208-722-5116, email parmacom@parmacompany.com, or visit www.parmacompany.com.
What is the Parma Arena Groomer®?
It is a pull-behind arena footing implement made by The Parma Company of Parma, Idaho that performs three jobs in a single pass. S-tines loosen and plow the soil, an adjustable smoothing bar levels valleys and mounds, and a rear pipe roller breaks up clods and packs the base into a smooth, fluffed riding surface. The goal is complete ground preparation in one trip around the arena instead of several.
How do the three functions actually work together?
As the unit is pulled, the S-tines rip through and unearth the compacted footing to break the hardpan and loosen material. The adjustable leveling bar immediately follows, filling in the low spots and knocking down the high ones that the tines create. Finally the rear pipe roller pulverizes the remaining clods and firms the base, leaving a consistent, semi-compacted yet cushioned surface.
What sizes and models does Parma offer?
Parma makes mini models in 5', 6', 7', and 8' widths (AG513, AG615, AG719, AG821M), standard models in 8', 10', and 12' (AG821, AG1027, AG1233), and a professional 8' AGPRO. Smaller widths suit compact tractors and ATVs while the larger standard widths are built for big riding facilities. This lets you match the groomer to both your arena size and available horsepower.
How much does a Parma Arena Groomer cost?
List pricing scales with width. The 6-ft AG615 is $2,850.00, the 7-ft AG719 is $3,050.00, the standard 8-ft AG821 is $4,875.00 (Part No. 530082), the 10-ft AG1027 is $5,475.00, and the 12-ft AG1233 is $6,275.00. Optional add-ons are priced separately per model. Contact The Parma Company at 208.722.5116 for current pricing and freight.
How much horsepower do I need to pull one?
It depends on the model. The mini units need roughly 18–25 HP, and the 6-ft AG615 calls for about 20–30 HP. The standard 8-ft AG821 is rated for 30–60 HP. Matching tractor or ATV power to the groomer's width ensures it pulls the tines through the footing cleanly without bogging down.
What are the specifications of the 8-ft AG821 standard model?
The AG821 measures 96" W × 85.5" L × 40" H and weighs 800 lbs (885 lbs shipping). It carries 3 bars with 21 standard S-tines fitted with reversible and replaceable chisel points, and is rated for 30–60 HP with a maximum tire width of 90". It lists at $4,875.00 under Part No. 530082 and carries a limited 1-year warranty.
What are the S-tines made of and can they be replaced?
The S-tines are spring-steel tines tipped with chisel points that are both reversible and replaceable. When a point wears down you can flip it to a fresh edge or swap in a new one, rather than replacing the entire tine. This keeps the loosening action effective over years of use and lowers long-term maintenance cost.
Can the Parma Arena Groomer be pulled by an ATV or UTV?
Yes. The mini models are designed for lighter tow vehicles and lower horsepower, making them well suited to ATVs and UTVs as well as compact tractors. A tongue with ratchet-jack pull option is available on models like the AG615 for that purpose. Larger standard models are intended for tractors with more horsepower.
Does it use a 3-point hitch or a drawbar?
Parma groomers are primarily pull-behind (drawbar-style) implements, but a 3-Point Swivel Hitch is available as an option on models such as the AG821 for an additional $350.00. This lets owners run the groomer off a tractor's 3-point lift if they prefer. Choosing the hitch style up front lets Parma configure the unit for your equipment.
What optional add-ons are available?
Common upgrades on the AG821 include a 7/16" Coil Tines Option (+$150.00), a Solid Roller Option (+$316.75), and a 3-Point Swivel Hitch Option (+$350.00). Smaller models like the AG615 also offer a tongue with ratchet-jack (+$285), coil tines in 1/4" or 3/8", and roller upgrades. These let you tune the groomer to your footing and tractor.
Why does the rear roller matter for arena footing?
The pipe roller is the finishing stage of the pass. It breaks apart and pulverizes the clods left by the tines and smoothing bar, then firms and lightly packs the base. The result is a semi-compacted surface that still feels fluffed and cushioned for the horse, rather than loose or rutted footing.
Who makes the Parma Arena Groomer and where are they located?
It is manufactured by The Parma Company, located at 105 E. Main St, Parma, ID 83660, in the Treasure Valley of southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon. Parma is a long-established manufacturer of specialized agricultural equipment. The same engineering that goes into their tillage and farm implements is applied to the arena groomer line.
What other equipment does The Parma Company manufacture?
Beyond arena groomers, Parma builds a broad line of agricultural equipment including tillage tools, trailers and spreaders, 3-point hitch implements, and specialty sugarbeet and onion equipment, plus water-lift pumps. This deep manufacturing background is why the arena groomer is engineered as durable, heavy-duty equipment. Their full catalog is organized by category on parmacompany.com.
What disciplines and arenas is the groomer best for?
The Arena Groomer is used across riding disciplines that depend on consistent footing, including roping, barrel racing, training, and general riding-arena maintenance. Smaller mini models fit private and home arenas, while the standard and professional widths handle large commercial and competition facilities. The three-in-one action delivers the same consistent surface regardless of arena size.
What do customers say about it?
Dee Pickett says, "The Parma Arena Groomer does a great job, and it does it fast," and Russ Walther of Walther Management Group calls it "the most consistent arena tool for leveling." Clay Taylor recounts that the groomer prevented "a huge wreck at the Idaho Qualifier after a forgotten hose flooded 1/3 of the arena overnight." The recurring themes are consistency, speed, and safety.
How do I buy a Parma Arena Groomer or find a dealer?
You can order directly from The Parma Company by phone at 208.722.5116 or email parmacom@parmacompany.com, and browse models, parts, and add-ons at parmacompany.com. The company also maintains an Arena Groomer Dealers locator so you can purchase through a dealer near you. Parts and accessories are available separately through the online parts store.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Models such as the AG821 carry a limited 1-year warranty from The Parma Company. Because the wear parts like chisel points are reversible and replaceable, routine upkeep is straightforward. For warranty terms and replacement parts, contact Parma directly at 208.722.5116.
