LawnMaster GV1212B Operator's Manual page 19

OPERATION
USING YOUR TOOL
To maintain a well-cared for lawn it should be dethatched every 4 to 6 weeks.
Scarifying with the blade cylinder is a more intensive treatment than dethatching and should only be
carried out once a year, the best time being in spring after the lawn has been mown for the first time.
How to use your scarifier
■ By scarifying you remove the hardened surface, grass felt and flat-growing weeds and the crusted
over grassroots are loosened up. The lawn will start to breathe again and assimilate nourishing
substances such as oxygen and water. This also prevents bacteria growing in the lawn felt when the
grass is dormant.
■ Cut the grass to a height of about 1.57 inch (40 mm) before scarifying. The lawn must be dry when
using the tool. The best time for scarifying is any time during the vegetative season, from end of
April through to September. Scarify it at least once a year. We recommend using a fertilizer straight
after airing if you want a healthy lawn.
How to use your dethatcher
■ By dethatching you remove the dead matter, moss, and weed which disfigures a lawn. The build-
up of dead grass provides a mat of absorbent fibers which prevents water getting through to the
ground.
■ Do not force your dethacther through grass that is longer than 2.95 inch (75 mm). The lawn must
be dry when using the tool. It's recommended that your dethacther is used at the beginning and the
end of each grass cutting season to give your lawn a thorough raking. Your dethacther should also
be used after each mowing to remove any grass clippings that may be left by your tool.
WARNING
When working on slopes always proceed across the slope. Be particularly careful when walking
backwards and pulling the tool. There is possible danger of stumbling.
NOTE: The shorter the grass, the better the lawn can be treated. Furthermore, the load on the tool is
less and the service life of the cylinder is prolonged.
■ The tool can be operated with or without the collection bag.
Recommendation: Work with the collection bag for dethatching and without the collection bag for
scarifying.
■ To ensure that the safety guard flap closes properly, remove any earth that may have collected on
the safety guard springs and/or the housing. When working without the bag, check that the safety
guard flap is tightly closed.
■ Mow the lawn to the required grass height.
■ Do not use the scarifier in long grass. It may otherwise wind around the scarifier blade and result in
damage to the tool.
■ Select the appropriate working or readjustment position (in the event of cylinder wear) so that the
tool is not overloaded.
■ Commence work in the vicinity of the power socket and proceed away from the socket.
■ Always ensure that the extension cable is behind you, and after turning move it to the side that has
already been treated.
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