The SoftStep Floor – Grip and Emission Reduction
Dear Dealer,
With The SoftStep Rubber Flooring, we offer an efficient and durable flooring solution that enhances both cow health and working conditions in the barn. This flooring not only improves grip and hoof care but also contributes to a healthier barn environment by reducing ammonia emissions. It is a valuable addition to our range of solutions designed to improve animal welfare while increasing operational efficiency.
Why is The SoftStep Floor interesting for your customers?
- Improved Grip and Natural Movement: The SoftStep’s design, featuring longitudinal grooves and an SoftSteped pattern, provides excellent traction. This allows cows to move naturally and comfortably, promoting their overall well-being. Enhanced grip and stability are essential for safe and stress-free movement in the barn.
- Healthier Hooves and Less Maintenance: The soft rubber surface minimizes hoof wear and injuries, reducing the need for hoof treatments and lowering maintenance costs. This extends the lifespan of the cows and decreases the farmer’s workload, aligning perfectly with our broader approach to barn optimization, where animal health is a top priority.
- Dry Surface and Emission Reduction: The SoftStep groove pattern directs moisture towards the longitudinal grooves, keeping the floor dry and further reducing hoof problems. Additionally, this design helps cut ammonia emissions b benefiting both animal health and the environment. This aligns with the growing focus on sustainability in modern dairy farming.
- Easy Installation and Maintenance: The SoftStep is delivered in rolls up to 1,200 mm wide and 150 meters long. Installation is straightforward, simply unroll the strips side by side and secure them with drive-in nails. Maintenance is also hassle-free, as the floor can be cleaned with a combination scraper. This ease of use makes it an ideal choice for farmers seeking practical and cost-effective solutions tailored to their needs.
- Durable and Versatile: Made from natural rubber, The SoftStep Floor is highly wear-resistant and elastic, ensuring a long service life. This makes it a smart investment for customers looking for a flooring system that is both functional and long-lasting.
Why Sell The SoftStep Floor?
- Enhanced Animal Welfare: Provides better traction, creating a safer environment for cows.
- Reduced Hoof Maintenance: Minimizes hoof wear and injuries, leading to healthier animals and lower costs.
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: Helps reduce ammonia emissions, improving air quality in the barn.
- Scientifically Supported:
According to the German KTBL publication Förderfähige Techniken zur Emissionsminderung in Stallbauten (3rd edition, 2024), grooved or profiled rubber floors for dairy barns — classified as “planbefestigter Rillenboden mit Profil” — are officially recognized as emission-reducing barn floors. Independent literature cited by KTBL (Winkel et al., 2020) reports 31–35% ammonia reduction compared with conventional concrete floors under controlled test conditions. The SoftStep’s grooved, slip-resistant rubber design and efficient urine-drainage pattern follow the same technical and management principles, making it consistent with KTBL-recognized best-available techniques for lowering ammonia emissions in dairy housing.
- Easy Installation and Maintenance: Quick to install and simple to maintain, making it user-friendly.
Our Comprehensive Approach to a Healthier Barn
At Royal de Boer, we provide more than just products, we deliver complete solutions that enhance animal welfare, farm efficiency, and barn sustainability. The SoftStep embodies this approach by integrating grip, hygiene, and emission control into one product. In addition, we offer expert advice and complementary solutions that contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more productive barn.
We understand that barn improvement requires a holistic strategy. That’s why we offer additional solutions, including ventilation and manure management systems, to optimize overall farm performance. Our goal is to create a healthy and efficient working environment for both animals and farmers.
Technical Specifications:
- Maximum Roll width: 1,200 mm
- Maximum Roll length: 150 m
- Thickness: 20 mm, reinforced for added durability
- Groove pattern: SoftStep grooves with a 3% slope for optimal drainage
- Emission reduction: Estimated ammonia reduction of -31-35% (KTBL)
- Application: Suitable for solid concrete floors
- Maintenance: Easily cleaned with a combination scraper
Installation Tips
- It is important to remember concrete must be in good condition prior to installation to ensure optimal lifetime of the product.
- The strips of rubber are rolled out and attached side by side, minimum distance apart 3cm apart, maximum 4cm.
- If required toolset is available for unrolling and cutting the SoftStep. Available for purchase through Royal De Boer Sales Portal
- If the floor is cleaned with a scraper, the scraper must be equipped with brushes, which are available through the Royal De Boer Sales Portal
- A cable, rope or chain installation can be used with the SoftStep Rubber Flooring .
The first projects have been installed, with enthusiastic feedback from the users.
Summary
The SoftStep is a practical flooring solution designed to improve cow comfort, reduce ammonia emissions, and enhance barn hygiene. With its easy installation, durable materials, and long lifespan, it is a cost-effective investment for farmers aiming to optimize their operations. This product fits seamlessly into our comprehensive approach to barn improvement, ensuring the best outcomes for both livestock and farm efficiency.
The SoftStep Floor can be configured in the Royal De Boer Sales Portal. Do you have questions or need sales support? Feel free to contact us.