14. Assemble the spring align wires through the front
and rear rows of spring tines, passing the wires in
between the hitch mount arms and the tine shield.
Bend the ends of the wires to secure them. See
figure 8.
FIGURE 8
15. Assemble a hitch arm mount bracket to the axle
bracket using two M8x25 carriage bolts, M8 lock
washers and M8 hex nuts. Do not tighten yet.
See figure 9.
16. Insert the lift handle down through the tine shield.
Attach it to the just assembled hitch arm mount
bracket using M8x20 hex bolt and a M8 hex lock
nut. Tighten. See figure 9.
17. Position the hitch arm mount bracket so that there
is side tension on the lift handle when it is locked
in the up position. Tighten the nuts. See figure 9.
18. Assemble the grip onto the end of the lift handle.
See figure 9.
FIGURE 9
OPERATION / ADJUSTMENT
Regular removal of thatch is critical to maintenance of
a healthy lawn. Thatch is a layer of stems, clippings,
runners, roots and leaves that have not decayed.
Excessive thatch prevents air, water and fertilizer
from reaching the roots. The de-thatcher effectively
dislodges excessive thatch from your lawn. Read
these instructions to help avoid improper adjustment
and operation.
Proper adjustment of the tine shield and spring
tines is important for effective performance. Refer
to the following steps for the proper adjustment
before operating the de-thatcher.
1. Move the towing vehicle onto a level surface, such
as a driveway or garage floor and attach the tine
de-thatcher to the vehicle hitch. See figure 10.
2.To adjust the spring tine shield, lower the de-
thatcher into operating position using the lift
handle. Loosen the two hex nuts and carriage
bolts which fasten the rear of the hitch mount arms
to the hitch arm mount brackets. Adjust the tine
shield until it is level and both the front and rear
spring tines are in contact with the ground. Re-
tighten the hex nuts. See figure 10.
FIGURE 10
3. Vary the vehicle's forward speed until the best
de-thatching action is achieved.
4. For best results, use a crisscross pattern on your
lawn.
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