DE-THATCHING TIPS
•
DO NOT operate the de-thatcher add-on across sidewalks or driveways as the de-thatching fingers
may become bent or broken. Release throttle and pull the de-thatcher across.
•
Avoid sticks, branches, stones, etc., to prevent spring binding.
•
To de-thatch areas that are more dense, momentarily hold the de-thatcher in one spot, then slowly
proceed.
•
Slower forward travel results in more de-thatching; conversely, fast forward travel results in less de-thatching.
4
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALLING THE ADD-ON:
NOTE:
To make installing or removing the add-on easier, place
the unit on the ground or on a work bench.
1.
Turn knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 3).
2.
While firmly holding the add-on, push it straight into the EZ-Link™
coupler (Fig. 2).
NOTE:
Aligning the release button with the guide recess will
help installation (Fig. 1).
3.
Turn the knob clockwise to tighten (Fig. 3).
INSTALLING THE DE-THATCHING SHIELD
1.
Place the carriage bolt through the J-clamp center hole and
push the assembled J-clamp through the de-thatching
shield slot so that the end of the carriage bolt is protruding
up from the top of the de-thatching shield. Screw the wing
nut onto the carriage bolt making sure to leave the J-clamp
assembly loose and free to move along the slot. (Fig. 4 & 5)
2.
Repeat step 1 for the other side.
3.
From the front of the unit, slide the de-thatching shield over
the gearbox shield so that the bent part of the shield is
facing forward and to the front of the gearbox shield.
NOTE:
To ensure a proper and secure shield fit, make sure
that the small J of the J-clamp is used (Fig. 4)
4.
With the de-thatching shield held tightly against the
gearbox shield, turn the loose J-clamps so that the small J
of the clamp is under the gearbox shield. (Fig. 6)
5.
Tighten the wing nut until the de-thatching shield is held
securely against the gearbox shield so that it does not slide
or move.
6.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the opposite side.
INSTALLING THE DE-THATCHING RAKES
NOTE:
Each de-thatching rake has a decal noting which side
of the unit it is to be placed on for proper installation
from the operator’s position.
1.
Slide the de-thatching rake, with the hub facing inward,
onto the gearbox shaft. Make sure to align the front hole on
the gearbox shaft with the front hole on the de-thatching
rake. (Fig. 7)
2.
Secure with the click pin through the hole. (Fig. 8)
3.
Repeat step 1 and 2 for the opposite side.
NOTE:
Make sure the tips of the de-thatching rakes on both
sides are aligned to one another and pointing to the
front of the add-on.
4.
Unit is ready for use
RAKE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
Replace both rakes at the same time, because they will wear evenly through normal use. Work on one side
at a time.
1.
Stop the unit and disconnect the spark plug wire. (gas) or unplug the unit (electric).
2.
Remove the click pins (Fig. 8).
3.
Remove the de-thatching rakes from the gearbox shaft.
4.
Clean and oil the shaft.
NOTE:
Each de-thatching rake has a decal noting which side of the unit it is to be placed on for
proper installation from the operator’s position.
5.
Replace the de-thatching rakes onto the shaft, with the hub facing inward, onto the gearbox shaft.
Make sure to align the front hole on the shaft with the front hole on the de-thatching rake. (Fig. 7)
6.
Reinstall the click pin. (Fig. 8)
7.
Repeat this procedure on the opposite side.
NOTE:
When installed correctly, the tips of the de-thatching rakes on both sides are aligned to one
another and pointing to the front of the add-on.
STORAGE
•
Stop the engine or motor.
•
Check unit before storage to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
•
Store the unit indoors, in a dry and locked place, out of the reach of children.
For gas powerhead units
•
Allow the unit to cool before storing in any enclosure.
•
Drain fuel from unit. Never store the unit with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where ignition
sources are present such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, etc.
TRANSPORTING
•
Allow the unit to cool before transporting.
•
Secure the unit while transporting.
For gas powerhead units
•
Drain fuel from unit.
•
Tighten fuel cap before transporting.
DE-THATCHER ADD-ON
Operating Weight of Add-On:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 lbs. (10.4 kg)
De-thatching Rake Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 in. (55.9 cm)
Rakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 in. (17.8 cm)
SPECIFICATIONS
Upper Shaft
Housing
Fig. 2
Lower Shaft
Housing
Primary Hole
Knob
Fig. 3
90˚ Edging Hole
(Trimmer Only)
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury
and damage to the unit, shut unit off before
removing or installing add-ons.
CAUTION:
Lock the release button in the
primary hole (Fig. 2) and securely tighten the
knob before operating this unit.
CAUTION:
This add-on is to be used in the
primary hole only. Using the wrong hole could
lead to personal injury or damage to the unit.
WARNING:
To prevent serious personal injury, always wear heavy gloves when handling the
rakes.
Shield Slot
Bolt
Fig. 5
Small J
Fig. 4
J-Clamp
Wing Nut
Wing Nut
De-Thatching
Shield
Bolt
Left Side
Gearbox
Shaft
Fig. 7
Gearbox
Fig. 6
J-Clamp
J-Clamp
De-Thatcher
Rake
Right Side
Make east-to-west passes initially
Then “checkerboard” by going north-to-south
Diagram A
WARNING:
To prevent serious personal injury,
always wear heavy gloves when handling the tines.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
View from Bottom of Cultivator
OPERATING THE DE-THATCHING RAKE
Refer to the power head operator’s manual for safe operation
before using the de-thatching add-on.
Consult a professional landscaper or lawn and garden shop for
recommendations as to the best times of the year to de-thatch for
the region.
1.
Start the unit. Refer to the starting and stopping instructions section of the power head operator’s
manual.
2.
Firmly grasp the grip and handle of the power head and apply enough throttle to start the de-
thatcher springs turning. (Fig. 9)
3.
Apply full throttle once the de-thatcher is working.
4.
Walk at nearly the same speed as the de-thatcher springs to minimize hopping or jumping of the
de-thatcher add-on.
5.
Make initial passes in an east-to-west direction, then “checkerboard” by going north-to-south,
ensuring uniform de-thatching. (Diagram A)
6.
Rake off the thatch. After de-thatching, add grass seed, fertilizer and water following the local
garden shop or landscaper’s instructions.
WARNING:
Dress properly to reduce the risk of
injury when operating this unit. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry. Wear eye and ear/hearing
protection. Wear heavy long pants, boots and gloves.
Do not wear short pants, sandals or operate barefoot.
WARNING:
To prevent serious personal injury, use extreme caution when reversing
or pulling the unit towards you.
Fig. 9
Click Pin
Fig. 8
Click Pin Hole
