If you take care of soccer fields for your school, community centre or soccer club, you may want to invest in line marking equipment. The most convenient line markers are non-motorised push machines that look similar to lawn mowers. If you're in the market for a new line marker or field stripper, here are the features to look for.
1. Easy to Push
As these machines aren't motorised, you have to use your personal strength to move them along. Look for a machine that is easy to push. If possible, test the equipment by pushing it up and down the aisles of the store.
2. Compatibility With Multiple Types of Line Marking Paint
Most line markers allow you to attach a can of aerosol line marking paint. A lever attached to the handle of the machine allows you to spray the paint as you walk along the area that needs to be marked. To get the most use out of your equipment, look for a machine that accommodates multiple types of paint.
For example, if you need to temporarily mark smaller fields or different goal boxes for leagues full of small children, you may want an aerosol chalk that can be washed off after use. In other cases, you may need more permanent solutions.
3. Storage for Extra Cans of Paint
Regardless of the type of paint you are using, you don't want to have to walk back to the utility shed every time you need more paint. To avoid that, look for a line marker that has space to accommodate extra cans of paint. When the can you are using is empty, you can just pop in a new can and keep on making lines.
4. Adjustable Wheels for Different Surfaces
With adjustable wheels, you can modify the height of the wheels to make it easier to push over different types of surfaces. Even if you primarily plan to use your line marking equipment on a grass field, you may want to ensure that it also works to mark lines in a car park or on a synthetic turf field.
5. Variable Line Width
Depending on the situation, you may need to make lines of different widths. To make this possible, look for line marking equipment that can accommodate a range of widths.
6. Wind Screen
As you may know from using cans of spray paint in other situations, the wind can easily pick up the paint and carry it away. To avoid that, you may want to try to only mark your soccer fields on calm days. However, as that's not always possible, you may want to look for equipment with a wind screen.
