A dethatcher is a useful piece of equipment for removing thatch from your lawn. With a Greenworks electric dethatcher, you can effectively care for your lawn. If this is your first time using a dethatcher, you may be wondering how to operate it. In this post, we will share the process we researched for using a Greenworks electric dethatcher.
To operate a Greenworks electric dethatcher, follow the steps below:
- Plug the dethatcher into the extension cord.
- Press and hold the power button to activate the bale switch.
- Pull the bale switch up to the handlebar.
Before you can use the device, you will need to mow your lawn to a specific height. Read on to learn more about the Greenworks dethatcher and how to use it. We will also share maintenance tips.
How To Use A Greenworks Electric Dethatcher
A dethatcher can remove thatch from your lawn. You may have seen this piece of equipment attached to a tractor. It acts like a rake and has blades that pull thatch out from the grass.
Thatch sits between the soil and the grass of your lawn. Although it usually does not present a big problem, it should not be more than 0.5 inches thick. You will need to dethatch when you observe that your lawn has brown areas or seems soft.
You should only dethatch when the soil is moist. If you dethatch wet soil, you could create bare areas in the grass. Do not dethatch when the soil is dry or during very hot weather.
Greenworks offers an electric dethatcher for your lawn needs. The company manufactures adjustable, corded, and cordless options.
Preparation For Dethatching
Before you dethatch your lawn, you will need to make some preparations to the grass and to the equipment. Read on for details.
1. Assembling The Dethatcher
Based on Greenworks’s product manual, the first thing to do is assemble the dethatcher.
Here are the steps for assembly:
- Remove the unit from the box and check it for damage. Make sure all of the accessories listed in the packing information are included.
- Test the device to make sure it works satisfactorily.
- If there are missing and damaged parts, call customer service.
- If the packaging is complete, install the lower and upper handles. Tighten the bolts to secure the handles in place.
- Adjust the height of the spacing and cutting depth for the type of grass on your lawn.
2. Lawn Preparation
Prior to dethatching, you need to mow your lawn so that it's about half its regular height. Mowing will prevent motor overload, which can weaken the dethatcher. Doing so can extend the useful life of the dethatcher.
Before you start, locate items such as sprinkler heads and underground utility lines on your lawn and be aware of them as you work.
Note that you should not fertilize right before dethatching. The fertilizer will not work, and you will need to apply it again after dethatching.
Using The Electric Dethatcher
After the preparations, you are now set to operate the dethatcher.
To operate the dethatcher, follow the easy process below:
- Plug the dethatcher into an extension cord. You will need to use an approved outdoor extension cord for the device.
- Press and hold the power button to activate the bale switch.
- Pull the bale switch up to the handlebar.
- Move forward to start dethatching. Avoid moving backward with the machine.
After dethatching, stop the dethatcher by releasing the bale. Rake away the thatch that you collected. You can put the pile into your compost heap or bag it up.
You should read and understand the owner's manual before attempting to use the equipment. If you have difficulty with the instructions, do not use the dethatcher and call customer service.
Click here to see this dethatcher on Amazon.
Safety Rules For Using The Dethatcher
You should be familiar with specific safety rules from Greenworks to avoid any physical injuries when operating the dethatcher.
Here are the tips to remember:
- Do not use the dethatcher in wet conditions or work near bodies of water. Don’t expose the equipment to rain or use it in damp areas.
- Wear a dust mask and eye and ear protection when using the dethatcher. Greenworks recommends using a wide-vision safety mask over the safety glasses.
- Tie the extension cord in a knot or use a cord retainer to prevent disconnection when the dethatcher is in use. Keep the cord away from the tines/blades and working area.
- Keep other people at least 50 feet away from the dethatcher. Also, keep tools, lumber, and other obstructions out of the work area.
- Do not work on slippery spots or areas with a lot of rocks or stones.
- If you want to dethatch on slopes more than 15 degrees, do not use the dethatcher.
- Do not use the dethatcher indoors.
By following these rules, you can dethatch your lawn safely. If you feel uncertain about using the dethatcher, you should enlist the help of a lawn professional or ask someone knowledgeable to do the dethatching.
How Do You Adjust The Depth Of The Dethatcher?
Adjusting the depth of a dethatcher is easy. Before adjusting it, turn off the motor and unplug the device from the power source. Make sure that the motor has stopped before you adjust the dethatcher.
To adjust it, just turn and pull out the hubcaps to the desired depth setting. Then firmly lock the hubcaps into place. For optimal performance, set the height of both wheels to the highest setting. Only lower the height if required.
A Greenworks dethatcher has three settings. The meanings of each setting are as follows:
- I—Use this setting when transporting the dethatcher.
- II—In this setting, the dethatcher depth is approximately 1/8 inch. You can change this setting if the dethatcher spikes are old or worn out.
- III—In this setting, the dethatcher depth is around 3/8 inches.
You can decide on the setting and depth you need your dethatcher to dig. You will need to evaluate your lawn to determine the depth.
Best Extension Cord For The Dethatcher
You must use the appropriate cord with a Greenworks dethatcher. It should be in good condition and can carry sufficient current. If you use an undersized cord, your dethatcher might overload.
There are various gauges for extension cords with different lengths and ampere ratings. You can refer to the owner's manual for the table. The smallest gauge will be the heaviest cord.
Before connecting the dethatcher, always check the condition of the cord. Never use a damaged extension cord. You should replace it with a new one.
What Happens If The Dethatcher's Circuit Breaker Trips?
A circuit breaker on the dethatcher protects the device from short-circuiting. If the dethatcher overloads, the circuit breaker switch will pop out.
When that happens, you should release the trigger switch. Then, stop the dethatcher and let it cool down for 15-30 minutes. You will need to reset the circuit breaker before you can resume operation.
Maintenance Tips For The Dethatcher
Follow the tips below to make sure your dethatcher performs well:
- Do not use running water when you clean the dethatcher.
- Do not use sharp or pointed tools to clean it.
- Do not use solvents to clean the plastic parts of the dethatcher.
- Keep petroleum-based products, gasoline, and other oils away from the dethatcher's plastic parts.
- Before cleaning, make sure that the aerator cylinder has stopped.
- Store the device in a dry, closed area away from the reach of children.
- Clean the bottom of the dethatcher after each use and before storing it.
- Regularly inspect the tines and cartridges.
- Replace the broken springs of the cylinder as soon as possible.
If you need to replace parts, take the unit to an authorized service center. For more specific details on how to care for the dethatcher, refer to the product manual.
In Closing
Using a Greenworks electric dethatcher is easy. Before you operate it, you will need to mow your lawn.
Then connect the dethatcher to a suitable extension cord and start the machine by pressing and holding the power button. To use the dethatcher, you pull the bale switch up to the handlebar and move forward over your lawn.
When operating the dethatcher, remember to follow the safety rules and maintenance tips covered in this post. These tips will help you keep the device in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
If you know how to use a Greenworks electric dethatcher, you can get the best results for your lawn.
If you found this post helpful, check out these related articles:
How To Clean Up After Dethatching
Should You Dethatch Or Aerate A Lawn First?
FAQs
What height do you set a dethatcher? ›
The blades should be set to cut no deeper than ½ inch into the soil. Make sure to get directions for how to use the dethatcher, and follow all of them carefully.
What time of year should you dethatch your lawn? ›For northern grass the best time to dethatch your entire lawn is in late summer to early fall when the grass is actively growing. For southern grasses, dethatch in late spring. In early spring, and for small areas, use a thatching rake, which is a sharp-tined rake that rips the thatch out of the lawn.
What to do with dead grass after dethatching? ›After dethatching, rake up the newly exposed thatch. Mowing your lawn will also help to clean things up. Fertilizing at this time is also important. This will help your lawn recover and get much needed nutrients.
Should grass be wet or dry when dethatching? ›Dethatch when soil is moist, not dry. If soil is too wet, a dethatch may yank turf out by the roots, creating large bare spots. It's best to dethatch during cooler weather. Mow the lawn to half its normal height right before dethatching.
Should grass be wet when dethatching? ›Don't dethatch when the soil is sopping wet, as dethatching may damage grass by pulling it out by the roots. Avoid dethatching when soil is very dry or during times of drought as well. Soil must be moist for ideal results. It's also recommended that you mow the lawn half its normal height right before dethatching.
How many passes should I make with dethatcher? ›Make two passes over the entire lawn with a lawn dethatcher to tear up all the thatch. You can make a third if you like. Overlap each pass by a couple of inches just like you would if you were mowing.
Can you over dethatch your lawn? ›Excessive thatch can take more than one removal session, and removing too much at once can damage grass roots.
How many times should you dethatch your lawn? ›Almost every lawn needs dethatching about once a year, or whenever the thatch reaches a thickness of about 1/2 inch. To check, just work your fingers into the grass and note the depth of the thatch layer. Dethatch cool-season grasses in fall, warm-season types in early spring.
Should I dethatch before or after aerating? ›Excess thatch blocks out air, light and water from reaching root zones. Dethatching and aeration services go hand in hand. Dethatch first, then aerate.