Remove Rubber Athletic Track With a Planetary Concrete Grinder

Removing a rubber athletic track with a planetary concrete grinder is a practical approach to prepare the surface for new installations or refinishing. A planetary grinder, equipped with the right tools, can effectively strip rubber material and smooth the underlying concrete. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tackle this project:

Steps to Remove Rubber Athletic Track with a Planetary Concrete Grinder

1. Select the Right Grinding Tools:

   • Equip the planetary grinder with aggressive, high-grit diamond tools or PCD (polycrystalline diamond) blades. PCD tools are particularly effective at removing rubber, adhesive, and coatings.

   • Make sure the grinder and tooling are suited to handle rubber material, which can be sticky and challenging for some blades.

2. Prepare the Area:

   • Clear the area of any debris and set up dust extraction, as grinding can generate substantial dust. Some grinders come with built-in dust collection, which is ideal for this kind of work.

   • Mark out sections of the track for systematic grinding, especially if it’s a large area.

3. Begin Grinding:

   • Start the grinder on a low setting to get a feel for how the rubber is removed, then gradually increase the speed as necessary. Keep the grinder moving to prevent overheating and rubber buildup on the tools.

   • Work in overlapping passes to ensure even removal of the rubber material. You may need to go over some areas more than once, depending on the thickness of the rubber track.

4. Clear Buildup on Tools as Needed:

   • Rubber can accumulate on the grinding tools. Periodically stop to clean the tools, scraping or using a solvent as needed to remove any rubber stuck on the diamonds or PCDs.

   • Ensure that tools remain sharp and effective; a rubber buildup can reduce the grinding efficiency and affect the finish.

5. Refine the Concrete Surface:

   • Once the rubber is completely removed, switch to a finer grit to smooth out the concrete. This step may require multiple passes to achieve a clean, level surface ready for resurfacing or refinishing.

6. Clean the Area Thoroughly:

   • Vacuum and clean the area to remove any remaining dust and debris. Check for any areas that may need additional grinding or touch-up before moving on to the next steps.