Billy Goat PR550, PR550H, PR550V, PR550HV, OS551, OS551H RAKING/SLICING Tips, Raking Operation

16OPERATION continued

RAKING/SLICING TIPS

Before begining, it is best to evaluate the condition of the lawn by cutting one or more core samples from area to be treated. A core can be cut using a piece of pvc, or metal pipe. Hammer the pipe into the ground, remove it, push the core out of the pipe and inspect it to determine the depth of thatch in your yard.

THATCH: Thatch is a dense layer of dead grass, clippings, and roots that builds up over time at the base of of the lawn preventing air, water, and fertilizer from reaching the soil. This can cause shallow root development and make a lawn more susceptible to drought and disease. Thatch also provides an ideal environment for insects to hide and multiply. Periodic removal of thatch will keep your lawn in good health.

HEAVY THATCH: Lawns with an excessive amount of thatch will require multiple treatments for effective removal. Trying to remove excessive thatch (greater than 3/4"[19 mm] deep) in one treatment will damage or destroy the living part of the lawn. It is best to remove heavy thatch in seasonal treatments (i.e. spring, and fall).

SLOPES: Rake slopes across not up and down. This is much easier and safer for the operator and is better for the lawn. Raking across will help to reduce runoff during watering and allow the sloped ground to hold more seed, fertilizer, and water. The units maximum operating slope is 35% or 19°.

DEPTH: The wide range of depth adjusment on your unit is provided to allow for blade wear. Setting the reel deeper will not produce better, or quicker results. The flail reel is intended to be set so it just touches the surface on flat ground. The slicing reel should be set even with the ground for verti-slicing work, and set to a maximum 1/2" depth for overseeding jobs. Setting the reel deeper than this will only result in premature wear on the unit (i.e. failed belt). If you desire to work the ground deeper than the above guidlines allow, it should be done gradually in multiple passes..

SLICING / OVERSEEDING: Mow the lawn to shorter than the normal cut height before starting (i.e. approxi- mately 2" tall for fescue grass). For the best result, Slice/Overseed in criss cross pattern (See Fig. 1 and See Fig 2).

Fig. 1

Part No. 350324

Fig. 2

RAKING OPERATION

DO NOT- Use this machine on any surface other than a lawn.

DO NOT- Use this machine on slopes in excess of19°. DO NOT- Allow persons unfamiliar with this equipment to operate it.

DO NOT- Allow children to operate this equipment.

NOTE: Must have the flail reel assembly (350112) for this operation.

MOW: Mow the lawn to it's normal cut height.

DRY: Be sure grass is dry. Wet conditions can cause increased damage to healthy grass.

SET DEPTH: With engine off, set the raking depth so that the blades just touch on a flat surface (i.e. driveway, or sidewalk).

START ENGINE: See page 5 for further instruction.

ENGAGE BLADES: Pull back on the bail on the opera-

tors handle. NOTE: When engaging the blades in heavy load conditions (i.e. heavy thatch, or very uneven turf), push down on the operators handle lifting the front wheels slightly. Engage the blades. Slowly lower the unit into the turf.

RAKE: Rake a small test area and examine the results. Thatch should be removed and deposited on top of the healthy grass. If excessive damage occurs to healty grass, adjust the blade depth to decrease damage. Continue raking the yard, working in one direction (i.e. north-south, or east-west). NOTE: If a large drop in engine RPM occurs, or the unit pulls you forward and bounces during operation the blade depth is set too low.

REMOVE THATCH: After raking, a layer of thatch will be deposited over the top of the lawn. This thatch must be removed prior to any fertilizing, seeding, or watering of the lawn. We suggest the use of a lawn vacuum or wheeled blower for collection and removal of the thatch.

Page 7 of 16 Form No. F031605A