Technical Surfaces enjoys an unrivalled wealth of experience in the maintenance of artificial sports pitches, which is reflected in our continued investments in the latest technology, ensuring our place at the very forefront of industry best practice.
Our 30-strong collection of dedicated maintenance machinery comprises many items from the SMG range, including the CareMax and SportChamp. Technical Surfaces is proud to be the sole UK Distributor of the SMG range of artificial pitch maintenance machinery, and we work closely with their research team to develop new and improved machinery and equipment.
SMG CareMax CM2D

The SMG CareMax CM2D is a compact drive unit, ideal for completing routine maintenance. In a single operation the SMG CareMax lifts the top layers of infill, separating any dirt, dust and fibre particles, before returning the cleaned infill to the system. This latest model of the SMG CareMax also boasts a series of attachments to perform more specialist works, such as decompactions and localised infill top-ups. Our maintenance technicians use the SMG CareMax to perform Power Sweeping and regular Decompactions as part of our specialist MatchFit® maintenance service.
SMG SportChamp

Described as both ‘the leading machine in the world market‘ and ‘the multifunctional care and maintenance machine for your sports facility‘, the SMG SportChamp has been designed specifically for artificial turf surfaces. From routine weekly tasks to monthly sweeping and even annual deep cleans, the SMG SportChamp performs a series of tasks on all types of artificial surface. The powerful drive unit, with its vacuum and filtration system, allows for the efficient cleaning of a pitch’s granular infill, effectively removing contaminants from the surface. Numerous attachments can be used at both the front and rear of the machine, to clean the carpet fibres, groom the surface, lift the pile, decompact and regulate the infill, and control moss and vegetation levels.
At Technical Surfaces, we utilise the SMG SportChamp – and its extensive range of attachments – to complete our Power Sweeping, Revite®, deep Decompaction and Infill Top-Up works.
To give an example of the maintenance services we provide using the SMG range of machinery, we liaise regularly with Alan Ferguson, Head Groundsman at St. George’s Park, to ensure that his artificial sports facilities receive the correct maintenance routines all year round. We are currently part-way through a collaborative study with Loughborough University to investigate the cumulative effects and benefits of maintenance on artificial pitches, for which Alan has granted our researcher unique access to his pitches.
Ahead of recent FIFA testing of their indoor 3G pitch, our routine assessment highlighted that the rubber infill levels were low in high-use areas, particularly around the centre circle and in the penalty areas. If left unresolved, a low infill can negatively impact on the quality of play on the surface, and can also cause increased wear and deterioration of the artificial carpet. Crucially, low infill levels can also affect the very criteria that a FIFA Recommended pitch must adhere to in order to pass the rigorous testing procedure.
We worked closely with Alan to help remedy the effects that a pitch low on infill can experience: the onsite grounds team modified the frequency and direction of their weekly drag brushing / matting, thereby helping to lift the flattened carpet pile, while we used the SMG SportChamp with its rotating brush attachment to complete a specialist deep-cleaning Revite® of the pitch, decompacting the surface, redistributing the rubber infill and removing contaminants whilst lifting the pile. This process not only improved both the performance and appearance of the surface but also helped to extend its life. We followed this with a rubber top-up, to bring the levels in line with the carpet specification and ensure that the pitch was in optimum condition. Once topped-up, the new rubber was worked into the surface using the SMG CareMax and its oscillating brushes.
To learn more about how Technical Surfaces can help improve the condition of your artificial sports pitch, or to request your copy of our latest SMG Machinery Brochure, contact our National Office on 08702 400 700, or email sales@technicalsurfaces.co.uk.