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Bartell Floor Scarifier

by Blades Admin

The Contractor’s Guide to the Bartell Global Floor Scarifier

If you’re in concrete surface preparation — removing coatings, profiling slabs, or prepping floors for overlays — then a professional-grade machine like the Bartell Global floor scarifier is a tool you simply can’t ignore. In this article you’ll find everything you need to understand the Bartell scarifier: how it works, what key features matter, which models are available, how to choose the right one, and why it could make a big difference in productivity, cost and quality on your job-site.

What is a Floor Scarifier — And Why Use One?

A floor scarifier (also called a floor planer or concrete scarifier) is a powerful surface-preparation machine designed to remove material from a concrete or asphalt surface by means of rotating drums fitted with hardened cutters. Unlike grinders (which smooth surfaces), scarifiers aggressively chip away old coatings, overlays, textured surfaces, adhesive residues, and even key concrete to prepare for new work. The Bartell Global site clearly defines the CT320 model as:

“The largest and most aggressive floor planer in Bartell Global’s line of scarifiers … applications include removal of road markings, coatings, membranes; surface texturing; scarifying; planing/shaving; grooving; cleaning; de-scaling.” 

In short: If you have heavy surface prep to do — removing thick coatings, creating texture for slip resistance, removing laitance, or profiling slabs for overlays — a scarifier is often the right machine. The Bartell floor scarifiers bring contractor-ready features to that task.

Key Features of the Bartell Floor Scarifier You Should Know

When evaluating a scarifier — and especially models from Bartell Global — here are the features you’ll want to compare:

1. Working Width & Cutting Depth

Bartell offers different widths and depths. For instance, the CT320 has a 12.6″ (32 cm) working width and can cut up to 1″ (25 mm) in its standard version or up to 1.5″ (40 mm) in a low-chassis version. Knowing what width and depth you need helps pick the right size.

2. Drive Type & Mobility

The BEF320 model, for example, includes self-propelled hydrostatic drive, forward and reverse controls, and hydraulic drum raise/lower. These features allow better maneuvering and control on large-scale jobs.

3. Depth Control / Raise-Lower Mechanism

Precise depth control means you’re removing exactly the amount of surface you intend — whether stripping a coating or leaving a profile for overlay. The CT320 emphasizes “accurate depth control”. 

4. Dust Control / Extraction Port

Surface prep machines can generate significant dust. The BEF320 features a 2″ (50 mm) dust-extraction port for use with a vacuum system. Frequent use of such ports is increasingly important for job-site safety and compliance.

5. Engine / Motor Specification

Bartell models offer electric (3-phase) or gas/diesel options. For example the CT320 lists a 23hp/480 V electric motor. Choosing power type depends on job-site accessibility, environment (indoor vs outdoor), and mobility.

6. Tooling / Cutter Options

Bartell offers different cutter drums: flail, friction cages, tungsten carbide tipped cutters etc. For the BEF200N model:

“Offering both FLAIL and FRICTION cages. Cutter options include TCT, milling, star.” Being able to tailor the drum/tooling to the surface prep task matters for efficiency and cost.

Popular Bartell Floor Scarifier Models & Applications

Here are a few of the Bartell floor scarifier models you should be aware of — each fits a different set of use-cases:

Bartell Global BEF200N

  • 8″ (20 cm) working width — compact model for small-to-medium jobs. 

  • Available in electric or Honda gas engine.

  • Features include: dust extraction port, large wheels, welded construction.

  • Best for tighter spaces, rehab/renovation, smaller floor areas.

Bartell CT320

  • Working width ~12.6″ (32 cm) with up to 1″ (25 mm) cutting depth (or up to 1.5″ low-chassis version). 

  • Electric motor (23hp 480 V) option.

  • Use-cases: larger floor area prep, coating removal, heavy surface texturing.

Bartell BEF320

  • Large model: 13″ (320 mm) width, self-propelled hydrostatic drive, forward/reverse. 

  • Heavy duty jobs — industrial slabs, road/bridge maintenance, thick coating removal.

When to Use a Scarifier vs. Other Surface Prep Tools

Selecting the right tool for the job is key. Here’s how a scarifier stacks up vs other surface prep equipment:

  • Scarifier: Best for heavy removal (coatings, thick adhesives), creating profile for overlays, texturing.

  • Grinder/Polisher: Best for finishing a surface after removal or minor smoothing; less aggressive.

  • Shot-Blaster / Planer: Additional alternatives — shot-blasters also profile and clean surfaces; planers may shave or smooth concrete.

As a blog from BladesDirect notes:

“If you need deep removal and surface preparation, the Bartell scarifier is the tool of choice. If you want a smooth, polished finish, use a grinder.” 

In other words: use a scarifier when you need removal or profiling, not when you simply need to polish or smooth.

How to Choose the Right Scarifier for Your Business

If you’re considering adding a Bartell floor scarifier to your fleet or rental inventory, here are key decision-points:

  1. Job Size & Frequency

    • Small-scale remodels, resurfacing: compact models like BEF200N.

    • Mid- to large-scale: CT320.

    • Heavy industrial/bridge/road: BEF320 or higher specification.

  2. Surface Type & Condition

    • Thick coatings, membranes, heavy buildup: need deeper cut and aggressive tooling.

    • Light adhesive removal: shallower depth, smaller width may suffice.

  3. Indoor vs Outdoor Use

    • Indoor jobs may require electric motor and dust extraction.

    • Outdoor jobs may allow gas engine and less constrained mobility.

  4. Mobility & Controls

    • Self-propelled units reduce operator fatigue and speed up large jobs. BEF320 features hydrostatic drive. 

    • Walk-behind basic models may be sufficient for simpler tasks.

  5. Tooling & Consumables Cost

    • Review cutter drum options and replacement cost.

    • Example: For the CT320, Bartell gives options for different drums and cutters. 

  6. Dust Control & Regulatory Compliance

    • Ensure your scarifier can interface with vacuum systems (e.g., 2″ dust port on BEF320). 

    • Indoor jobs may require dust-free operations.

  7. Service & Parts Availability

    • Choose a vendor/dealer with good parts supply. Bartell’s North America network supports this.

    • Consider warranty, used equipment options (.e.g., BEF200N has used listings) 

Maintenance & Best Practices for Longevity

To maximize uptime and investment return, follow these best practices for your Bartell floor scarifier:

  • Inspect cutting drum and cutters regularly: Worn cutters reduce efficiency and increase wear.

  • Check depth control mechanisms: Ensure raise/lower actuators function well.

  • Clean after use: Remove dust & debris; prevent buildup around wheels or drive components.

  • Brake in properly: If new, follow manufacturer instructions on first use.

  • Train operators: Proper technique matters—correct feed speed, overlapping passes, avoiding overloading the machine.

  • Schedule service: Keep to service intervals (bearings, drive belts, motor/engine checks).

  • Use the right tooling: For the material and removal task; improper cutters can slow progress or damage machine.

Bartell’s CT320 product page emphasises rugged bearings and low-maintenance design, which means less downtime when maintained correctly.

Cost & Return on Investment

Purchasing a scarifier is an investment. Used pricing for models gives a benchmark: the BEF320 heavy-duty model is listed at around $20,835 on BladesDirect.  Meanwhile smaller models like the BEF200N list around $3,100 USD at some distributors. 

To achieve ROI:

  • Calculate cost per square foot you can process and compare to rental cost or labor cost of alternative methods.

  • Consider how many jobs per year you’ll use the machine for — higher usage means better payback.

  • Factor tooling, maintenance and operator training into total cost of ownership.

  • Renting vs buying: if your usage is occasional, rental may make more sense; if regular, purchase becomes cheaper per job over time.

Why Contractors Trust Bartell Global’s Scarifiers

  • Proven track record: Bartell Global has been supplying contractor-grade surface prep machines globally for decades.

  • Specialised scarifier line: The CT and BEF lines are purpose-built for scarifying and planing applications.

  • Choice of size & power: From compact 8″ models to large 13″ working width machines.

  • Support for job-site demands: Dust ports, depth control, variable speed drive, self-propel features.

  • Parts & tooling ecosystem: For example, the tooling page for BEF200N lists full range of drum and cutter options. 

Final Thoughts

If your scope involves serious surface preparation — removing old coatings, profiling and prepping concrete for overlays, or even creating textured anti-slip finishes — then investing in a Bartell Global floor scarifier is a strategic move.
Here’s your takeaway:

  • Choose the right model based on job size, material, indoor/outdoor environment, and frequency of use.

  • Ensure depth, width, tooling, dust control and drive features match your workflow.

  • Maintain it well, train your staff, and use the correct tooling to maximize performance and lifespan.

  • If you use it regularly, buying becomes more cost-effective than relying on rentals.

By doing so, you’ll not only improve productivity, but you’ll also enhance finish quality, reduce labor costs, and set your business up for success in the surface-prep market.

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