Operation Tips - Troy-Bilt OEM-290-263 Operator's Manual

CAUTION
TO AVOID INJURY:
• Do not operate machine when you are barefoot or
wearing sandals, sneakers, or similar lightweight
footwear. Wear footwear that will protect your
feet and improve footing on all surfaces.
• Do not carry the machine when the engine is run-
ning. Always stop the engine before transporting
the machine.
• Do not operate the Power Rake without the debris
shield installed and properly secured with its
mounting strap.
• Stop engine, allow it to cool, and disconnect the
spark plug wire before untangling the tines or
performing any repairs or maintenance.

Operation Tips

• Thatch is a slowly decomposing layer of organic material
that develops on top of the soil, beneath the visible layer of
grass. A heavy layer of thatch can prevent the movement
of water, air and fertilizers to the lawn's shallow root sys-
tem. It can also increase the susceptibility of grass to
disease. The Power Rake attachment will loosen some of
the matted grass and other lawn debris— it can then be
easily collected for disposal.
• For best results:
- To help prevent bending or binding of the spring tines,
inspect the area before using the Power Rake and remove
any sticks, stones or other debris.
- Mow the lawn before using the Power Rake.
- The soil should be somewhat moist, but not wet.
• The penetrating depth of the spring tines is determined by
a number of factors, including soil conditions, the wheel
bracket height setting, the ground travel speed, the engine
speed, and the amount of pressure applied to the handle-
bar. Be patient while learning to use your Power Rake
attachment – you may have to experiment a little to find
that "just right" combination for your particular lawn.
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Figure 6
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Operation
• Move the machine outdoors and start the engine (see the
"OPERATION" section in your Tiller/Cultivator Owner's
Manual for specific starting instructions).
IMPORTANT: Use slower engine speeds and a shallower
raking depth when first learning to use the Power Rake
attachment.
• The penetrating depth of the spring tines is primarily
controlled by the amount of upward or downward pressure
applied to the handlebar. Upward pressure will result in a
deeper tine penetration; downward pressure will result in a
more shallow tine penetration.
NOTE: The height setting of the wheel bracket also helps to
determine tine penetration depth. Adjust the wheel bracket
up or down as necessary.
• Hold the handlebar firmly with both hands, press down on
the handlebar to raise the rake tines off the ground, and
squeeze the engine throttle lever. When the rake tines
begin turning, slowly lift up on the handlebar until the
spinning tines contact the lawn.
IMPORTANT: Do not pull the machine backward while
using the Power Rake attachment.
• For more thorough thatch removal, let the machine move
forward slowly. For lighter thatch removal, let the machine
move forward more quickly. In areas containing very
heavy thatch build-up, momentarily hold the machine in
that area.
• For uniform results, make side-by-side passes lengthwise
across the lawn, overlaying each pass by approximately
one-half the width of the machine (see Figure 6). For more
thorough thatch removal, make a second series of passes
at a right angle to the first series of passes (Figure 7).
• When you have finished, collect the thatch and other grass
residue for disposal.
Figure 7
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