WEN 20V Max Cordless 15-Inch 2-in-1 Brushless Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier (Model 20716) Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The WEN 20V Max Cordless 15-Inch 2-in-1 Brushless Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier is designed to maintain lawn health by removing thatch and aerating the soil. This versatile machine helps ensure your lawn receives adequate nutrients, air, and water for optimal growth. It features a powerful 650W brushless motor, a 15-inch clearing path, and interchangeable heads for dethatching and scarifying.

Figure 1: The WEN 20V Max Cordless 15-Inch 2-in-1 Brushless Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier.

2. Important Safety Information

Always read and understand all safety warnings and instructions before operating this product. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including eye protection, hearing protection, and sturdy footwear.
• Keep children and bystanders away from the operating area.
• Inspect the work area for rocks, debris, or other objects that could be thrown by the machine.
• Ensure all guards and safety devices are in place and functioning correctly before use.
• Disconnect the battery pack before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool.
• Do not operate the machine in wet conditions or on steep slopes where stability may be compromised.
• Avoid contact with moving parts. Keep hands and feet away from the rotating heads.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present upon unpacking:

• WEN Dethatcher/Scarifier Main Unit
• 16-Blade Scarifying Head
• 24-Tine Steel Dethatching Head
• Two (2) 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Batteries
• Dual-Port Charger
• Detachable Thatch Collection Bag
• Instruction Manual

4. Assembly

The dethatcher/scarifier requires minimal assembly. Follow these general steps:

1. Attach the upper handle to the lower handle using the provided hardware.
2. Connect the lower handle to the main unit, ensuring all locking mechanisms are secure.
3. Route and secure any cables along the handle using the clips provided.

5. Setup

5.1 Charging the Batteries

Before first use, fully charge both 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion batteries using the dual-port charger. Insert the batteries into the charger until they click into place. The charger's indicator lights will show the charging status. Once fully charged, remove the batteries from the charger.

Figure 2: The WEN 20V Max Battery System, including batteries and dual-port charger.

5.2 Attaching the Dethatching or Scarifying Head

The unit comes with two interchangeable heads: a 16-blade scarifying head and a 24-tine steel dethatching head. Select the appropriate head for your task.

1. Ensure the battery is removed from the unit.
2. Locate the access panel on the underside of the unit.
3. Follow the instructions in the manual to safely remove the currently installed head (if any) and install the desired head. Ensure it is securely locked into place.

Figure 3: The interchangeable 16-blade scarifying head and 24-tine steel dethatching head.

5.3 Adjusting the Raking Depth

The unit features a 5-position height adjustment lever to control the raking depth. Adjust the lever to one of the five settings: +1/4", -1/8", -1/4", -3/8", or -1/2". A higher setting (e.g., +1/4") is suitable for light dethatching, while lower settings (e.g., -1/2") are for more aggressive scarifying or dethatching.

Figure 4: The 5-position height adjustment mechanism for controlling raking depth.

5.4 Attaching the Collection Bag

The detachable collection bag (12 gallons / 45L capacity) can be attached to collect removed thatch and debris. Ensure it is securely fastened to the unit's discharge chute. For heavy thatch, it may be more efficient to operate without the bag and rake the debris manually.

Figure 5: The detachable collection bag for collecting thatch and debris.

6. Operation

6.1 Starting the Unit (2-Step Safe Start)

To start the dethatcher/scarifier:

1. Insert fully charged batteries into the battery compartments.
2. Press and hold the safety lock button located on the handle.
3. While holding the safety lock button, pull the switch handle towards you. The unit will start.
4. Release the safety lock button once the unit is running.

Figure 6: The 2-step safe start mechanism for operating the unit.

6.2 Dethatching and Scarifying Techniques

Push the unit at a steady, even pace across your lawn. Overload protection will automatically stop the motor if the blades encounter hard objects like rocks or concrete, preventing damage. For best results, make overlapping passes to ensure complete coverage. The powerful 650W brushless motor generates up to 3000 RPM, providing efficient thatch removal and aeration.

Figure 7: The brushless motor and 15-inch working width of the dethatcher.

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your unit.

• Cleaning: After each use, remove the batteries and clean the unit, especially the underside and rotating heads, to prevent buildup of grass and debris. Use a stiff brush or cloth; do not use water directly on electrical components.
• Blade Inspection: Periodically inspect the dethatching tines and scarifying blades for wear or damage. Replace worn or damaged heads as needed to maintain effective performance.
• Storage: Store the unit in a dry, secure location away from children. The compact design allows for easy storage.

Figure 8: The compact design of the WEN dethatcher for convenient storage.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your WEN Dethatcher/Scarifier, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• Unit does not start: Ensure batteries are fully charged and properly inserted. Verify the 2-step safe start procedure is followed correctly (safety button pressed, then switch handle pulled).
• Poor dethatching/scarifying performance: Check the raking depth setting; adjust to a lower setting for more aggressive action. Inspect the heads for wear or damage and replace if necessary.
• Unit stops during operation: The overload protection may have activated due to encountering a hard object or excessive resistance. Remove the obstruction, allow the motor to cool, and restart.
• Excessive vibration or noise: Disconnect power and inspect the heads for bent or damaged tines/blades. Ensure the head is securely installed.

9. Technical Specifications

10. Warranty and Customer Support

The WEN 20V Max Cordless 15-Inch 2-in-1 Brushless Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier (Model 20716) is backed by a two-year warranty. For warranty claims, replacement parts, or technical assistance, please contact WEN customer service. Refer to the contact information provided in your product packaging or on the official WEN website.