ENGLISH

OPERATION / ADJUSTMENT

Regular removal of thatch is critical to maintenance of a healthy lawn. Thatch is a layer of stems, clippings, run- ners, 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 dethatcher 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. Retighten the hex nuts. See figure 10.

5.If the de-thatcher appears to be "jumping" during use, then extra weight should be added to the tine shield. In most conditions extra weight will be needed. Concrete patio blocks are recommended for weight because of their low profile; however any type of weight is suitable if it can be tied down to the shield. Secure weight by using suitable binding material such as rubber tie down straps or wire, fastening to the holes in the shield flange. See figure 11.

CARRIAGE

BOLT

HITCH

& NYLOCK

NUT

MOUNT

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARMS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIGURE 10

3.Vary the vehicle's forward speed until the best dethatching action is achieved.

4.For best results, use a crisscross pattern on your lawn.

FIGURE 11

MAINTENANCE

1.Before each use check all nuts and bolts for tightness.

2.Lubricate wheels as needed.

3.If rust appears on the shield or spring tines, sand lightly and coat with enamel paint.

4.Always store in a dry area, and coat exposed metal with light oil when not in use.

6