Andy Greaves of Andy Greaves Grounds Maintenance Champions the SISIS Combirake for Fine Turf Maintenance

For experienced grounds professionals, it's often the simplest tools that prove to be the most valuable. That's certainly the case for Andy Greaves of Andy Greaves Grounds Maintenance, who has relied on the SISIS Combirake for many years to help maintain cricket pitches, bowling greens and other fine turf surfaces across Staffordshire.

Working with sports clubs throughout the county, Andy understands the importance of preparing high-quality playing surfaces in all weather conditions. While larger machinery plays a key role in turf maintenance, he believes the SISIS Combirake remains an indispensable piece of equipment for everyday pitch preparation.

"I've seen a lot of clubs using these over the years," says Andy. "They're incredibly versatile because you can simply pick one up, take it onto the pitch and use it without needing machinery on the surface."

Designed specifically for groundskeepers maintaining smaller turf areas, the SISIS Combirake combines two essential maintenance tools in one compact, lightweight unit. Featuring a 690mm (28-inch) rake and 910mm (36-inch) brush, together with a convenient folding handle, it is easy to transport, store and use whenever conditions demand.

Two Tools, One Practical Solution

The Combirake's dual-purpose design allows operators to quickly switch between raking and brushing, making it suitable for a wide range of fine turf applications including cricket pitches, bowling greens and tennis courts.

"You can use it to rake up the lateral grasses over a cricket pitch, bowling green, tennis court or whatever you're doing," Andy explains. "Then you simply flip it over to the brush, which helps dry out pitches and grounds."

For Andy, both functions form an important part of his routine maintenance programme.

"I use it to rake up the lateral grasses before mowing a cricket pitch, and I also use it mainly for brushing surfaces to help dry out the ground."

The rake lifts and teases out lateral and matted grasses, standing them upright before mowing to produce a cleaner, more consistent cut. This not only improves the appearance of the surface but also helps create a healthier, more even sward and contributes to truer ball bounce and roll. Meanwhile, the brush efficiently removes dew and surface moisture, allowing pitches to dry more quickly and become play-ready sooner.

Ideal When Conditions Are Challenging

One of the Combirake's greatest strengths is its ability to keep maintenance programmes moving when heavier machinery simply cannot be used.

"If it's too wet or just slightly damp, you can use this very gently on the pitch and it won't leave too many marks," says Andy.

This makes it particularly valuable during unsettled weather, allowing grounds staff to continue preparing playing surfaces without risking compaction or surface damage.

Its lightweight construction and folding handle mean it can be carried easily onto any square or playing area, while the rake and brush can both be lifted clear of the ground during transport for added convenience.

Complete Control

Unlike powered equipment, the Combirake gives operators complete control over the intensity of work being carried out.

Downward pressure is applied through gentle pressure on the handles, allowing users to adapt the aggressiveness of the rake depending on the condition of the turf.

"I like these because you can put as much or as little pressure on as you want," Andy says. "You can push down and really lift those lateral grasses up."

This precision makes the Combirake equally effective for routine brushing, gentle grooming or more intensive lifting of lateral growth before mowing.

Built for Decades of Service

One of the reasons the SISIS Combirake has remained a favourite among grounds professionals is its remarkably simple, robust design.

The unit is virtually maintenance free, with replaceable rake wires and brush sections extending its already impressive working life.

"I'd say this is a must-have for most cricket pitches because there's virtually no maintenance involved," says Andy. "They're priced right, they're affordable for clubs and you're basically getting two tools for the price of one."

He adds: "There really isn't anything to go wrong with them. You might have to replace the rake wires after about 20 years—that's about it."

Looking at the serial number on the Combirake he was using, Andy was surprised to discover just how long it had been in service.

"I think this one's around 40 years old. That just shows how durable they are."

A Trusted Tool for Fine Turf Professionals

The SISIS Combirake continues to earn its place in grounds sheds across the UK thanks to its practical design and dependable performance.

Its key features include:

-Dual-purpose rake and brush in one compact unit.

-Lightweight construction with a folding handle for easy transport.

-Precision control through gentle downward handle pressure.

-Replaceable individual rake wires and brush sections for exceptional longevity.

-Virtually maintenance-free operation.

-Ideal for cricket pitches, bowling greens, tennis courts and other fine turf surfaces.

-Helps lift lateral grasses before mowing for a cleaner, more consistent finish.

-Removes dew and surface moisture to encourage faster drying and earlier play.

For Andy Greaves, it's a tool that has stood the test of time.

"Sometimes the simplest equipment is the best," he says. "The Combirake does exactly what it's supposed to do, lasts for years and helps produce better playing surfaces. I'd recommend one to any cricket club."

As grounds teams continue to balance playing quality with efficiency and budgets, the SISIS Combirake remains proof that thoughtful engineering, practical design and long-term durability never go out of style.