Instructions / Assembly

Operating - Thatcherator - 6
OPERATING - THATCHERATOR
Operating - Thatcherator
When to Use the Thatcherator
The best times to dethatch are spring and fall. Grass
should be less than 76 mm (3 in.) high for proper tine
action.
Spring dethatching gives the grass a chance to grow strong
before summer takes its toll, while a fall treatment will
prevent pests from finding a fertile breeding ground in your
lawn.
Use John Deere’s tow-behind thatcherator to pull up
excess thatch.
Selecting the Operating Positions
1. Park tractor safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY
section.)
2. Install thatcherator to tractor.
3. Push lift handle (A) toward left side of machine, away
from lift lock plate (B).
4. Move handle forward or rearward to engage lock pin into
desired position:
• TRANSPORT (C) - Use top hole to raise tines so unit
can be towed without tines contacting the ground.
• DETHATCH (D) - Use center hole for general
dethatching.
• SCARIFY (E) - Use bottom hole to scarify a seed
bed.
Using the Weight Tray
1. Install thatcherator to tractor.
2. Place lift handle in top hole for transport position.
3. Add sand bags, concrete blocks, or other type of weight
to weight tray (A). Do not exceed 45 kg (100 lb) of weight.
Distribute weight evenly across tray to ensure equal tine
pressure.
4. If necessary, secure weight in tray using straps.
Checking for Proper Tine Action
Grass should be less than 76 mm (3 in.) high for proper tine
action during dethatching. The lift handle must be in the
DETHATCH (center) position.
When in use, all tines on the thatcherator should deflect
back and “flip” the thatch forward. If tines seem to drag
without flipping forward, the tine tray is too low and should
be raised. If all the tines stay in the free position, the tray
should be lowered.
If the tines are not moving through the full range of motion,
make up or down adjustments as required.
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CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not operate lift
handle unless attachment is installed to
tractor.
Lift handle is under tension when using ballast
in weight tray. Use caution when moving
handle into different positions.
Keep hands and feet away from tines when
lowering to the ground.
M92916
A
B
C
D
E
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CAUTION: Avoid injury! Never add weight to
tray unless attachment is installed to tractor.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Never exceed the
weight tray capacity of 45 kg (100 lb).
A