Operation; Maintenance/Storage - Craftsman 486.243152 Owner's Manual

Regular removal of thatch is critical to maintenance of a
healthy lawn. Excessive thatch prevents air, water and
fertilizer from reaching the roots. To effectively dislodge
excessive thatch from your lawn, read these instructions
for proper adjustment and operation of the dethatcher.
ADJUSTMENT OF TINE SHIELD
• 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 7.
• Lower the dethatcher into operating position using the
lift handle. Loosen the two nylock nuts and carriage
bolts which fasten the hitch mount arms to the hitch
arm mount brackets at the rear of the tine shield.
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 7.
CARRIAGE BOLT
& NYLOCK NUT
FIGURE 7
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and follow the maintenance schedule and the maintenance procedures listed in this section.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Fill in dates as you
complete regular service.
Check for loose fasteners
Lubrication
• Before each use check all nuts and bolts for tightness.
• Lubricate wheels at least once a year or as needed.
• If rust appears on the shield or spring tines, sand
lightly and coat with enamel paint.
• Always store in a dry area, and coat exposed metal
with light oil when not in use.

OPERATION

HITCH
MOUNT
ARMS

MAINTENANCE/STORAGE

X
X
OPERATING TIPS
• Vary the vehicle's forward speed until the best
dethatching action is achieved.
• For best results, use a crisscross pattern on your
lawn.
• If the dethatcher 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 8.
FIGURE 8
• To remove a spring tine, insert a screw driver or
punch into the locking tab and pry up. Replace spring
tine and pry tab down. See figure 9.
FIGURE 9
6
Service Dates
SCREW
DRIVER