Benchmark 13 Amp Electric 2-in-1 Dethatcher and Scarifier

Product Specifications

Need Assistance? Call the toll-free customer support line: 1-833-818-4111 (Monday through Friday, 9am - 5pm, Eastern Standard Time) for technical questions, replacement parts, or parts missing from package.

Safety Instructions

Important

Please read these instructions fully before assembling and operating.

Description of Symbols

Symbols are used in this manual to attract your attention to possible risks. The safety symbols and their explanations must be perfectly understood. The warnings themselves do not prevent risks and cannot substitute for proper methods of avoiding accidents.

Safety Alert Symbols

General Safety Warnings

• WARNING: When using electric garden products, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.
• WARNING: Read all instructions.
• WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, phthalate or bisphenol A which are known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash your hands after use.

For All Dethatchers Scarifiers 2 in 1

1. Avoid Dangerous Environments - Do not use appliances in damp or wet conditions.
2. Do Not use in rain.
3. Keep Children Away - All visitors should be kept at a distance from the work area.
4. Dress Properly - Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. They can be caught in moving parts. Use of rubber gloves and substantial footwear is recommended when working outdoors. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
5. Use Safety Glasses - Always use a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
6. Do not use the dethatcher scarifier 2 in 1 for any job except that for which it is intended.
7. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be used for the gardening appliance. Receptacles are available having built-in GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of safety.

Extension Cord Usage

Warning: To reduce the risk of electric shock, use only with an extension cord intended for outdoor use, such as an extension cord of cord type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOW-A.

Extension Cord: Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. Table 1 shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

To reduce the risk of disconnection of appliance cord from the extension cord during operation:

• Make a knot as shown in Figure 1.
• Use one of the plug-receptacle retaining straps or connectors described in this manual.

Table 1: Minimum Gauge for Extension Cords

Save These Instructions for Reference

10. Avoid Unintentional Starting - Do not carry plugged-in dethatcher scarifier 2 in 1 with finger on switch. Be sure switch is off when plugging in.
11. Do not Abuse Cord - Never carry dethatcher scarifier 2 in 1 by cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
12. Do not grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting edges when picking up or holding the dethatcher scarifier 2 in 1.
13. The equipment should work at constant speed - It will do the job properly and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
14. Do not Overreach - Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
15. Stay Alert - Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate dethatcher scarifier 2 in 1 when you are tired.
16. Disconnect Dethatcher scarifier 2 in 1 - Disconnect the dethatcher scarifier 2 in 1 from the power supply when not in use, before servicing, when changing accessories such as blades, etc.
17. Store Idle Dethatcher scarifier 2 in 1 Indoors - When not in use, dethatcher scarifier 2 in 1 should be stored indoors in a dry, high, or locked-up place - out of reach of children.
18. Maintain Dethatcher scarifier 2 in 1 With Care - Keep cutting edge sharp and clean for best performance and to reduce the risk of injury. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Inspect appliance cord periodically, and if damaged, have it repaired by an authorized service facility. Inspect extension cords periodically and replace if damaged. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
19. Check Damaged Parts - Before further use of the dethatcher scarifier 2 in 1, a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other condition that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service center unless indicated elsewhere in this manual.

WARNING: Read all safety warnings and instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

For All Double-Insulated Dethatchers

1. Replacement Parts - When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
2. Polarized Connections - To reduce the risk of electric shock, this dethatcher scarifier 2 in 1 has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The plug will fit into a polarized extension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a correct polarized extension cord. A polarized extension cord will require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall outlet. Do not change the equipment plug, extension cord receptacle, or extension cord plug in any way.

Figure 1: Method of Securing Extension Cord

Diagram Description: Illustrates two methods for securing an extension cord to an appliance cord: (A) Tying the cord in a loop, and (B) Connecting the plug and receptacle.

Know Your Electric Dethatcher

Read the owner's manual and safety instructions carefully before operating the electric dethatcher. Compare the illustration below to the electric dethatcher to familiarize yourself with the location of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Diagram Description: An illustration of the electric dethatcher with numbered parts indicating controls and components. Key parts include: Upper handle, Switch lever, Safety lock button, Middle handle, Knobs, Bolts, Extension cord restraint holder, Cable clips, Plug, Lower handle, Thatch bag rack, Thatch bag, Angle knob, Fixed knob, Thatch bag cover, Raking depth adjustment lever, Cover, Decorative plates, Base, Grass blade, and Ripper blade.

Operating Instructions

Intended Use

This product is intended for domestic lawn dethatching. It is not intended for dethatching on hard materials such as steel rod, stones, or other hard materials that exceed its cutting capacity and could damage the tines.

WARNING: To avoid injury from unexpected starting or electrical shock, do not plug the power cord into a source of power during assembly or adjustment.

Assembly

Assemble the Lower Handle

1. Install the lower handle positioning seat on the base. Note: There are 3 gears at the base installation position, representing 3 different installation heights.
2. Tighten the angle knob clockwise to fix it on the base. Note: The rotation direction for loosening and locking is marked on the angle knob.

Assemble the Middle Handle

1. Install the middle handle onto the lower handle by tightening the knob and the bolt.
2. Knob installation: Disassemble the knob assembly, pass the bolt through the inside of the middle handle, and then turn the knob clockwise to screw it in and fix the second handle. Repeat the same on the other side.

Assemble Upper Handle and Cable Clip

1. Install the upper handle on the outside of the middle handle. Install the extension cord restraint holder on the same side as the switch.
2. Pass the power cord through the cable clip, then clamp the cable clip on the left side of the middle handle.

Installing the Thatch Collection Bag

WARNING: The product must be switched off and the cutting device must have stopped rotating before you attach or empty the thatch collection bag.

NOTE: A full thatch collection bag will reduce the performance of this product.

NOTE: You have the option of operating the thatcher with or without the collection bag.

Attach the thatch collection bag to the lawn scarifier/dethatcher before operation. Lift the thatch collection bag cover, and hang the thatch collection bag on the mounting hooks. Empty the thatch collection bag frequently during use. Do not wait until it is completely full; emptying it when it is half full is recommended. Lift the thatch collection bag cover and pull the thatch collection bag off the mounting hooks to remove it. Empty the bag's contents into a suitable waste receptacle. Mount the bag back into position before resuming work.

Adjusting the Gears

WARNING: The unit must be switched off and disconnected from the power supply before adjusting the tine settings.

Adjust the depth according to the needs of your lawn. The most suitable depth depends on the kind of lawn and the actual height of the grass.

Starting & Stopping

WARNING: Before switching on the lawn dethatcher, make sure that it is not in contact with any foreign objects. Keep your feet and hands a safe distance away from the rotating tines and the ejector opening. Failure to comply with these warnings can result in severe personal injury.

To Start:

1. Press the safety lock button.
2. With the safety lock button pressed, simultaneously pull the switch lever back with the other hand on the upper handle. Hold the switch lever and upper handle together to operate.

To Stop:

1. Release the switch lever to stop and ensure the tines come to a complete stop.

WARNING: The tine cylinder continues to run for a brief period after the unit has been switched off. Do not tilt or carry the unit while the motor is still running and do not touch the cylinder while it is still rotating. Failure to comply could result in severe personal injury.

Overload Protection

The overload protection will be activated in the following circumstances:

1. A buildup of scarified material around the cutting device.
2. If the material scarified is larger than the motor capacity.
3. Where there is too much resistance against the cutting device.

When the circuit breaker has been activated, switch off the product and disconnect it from the power supply. Let the product cool down and eliminate the cause before using the product again.

General Operation

WARNING: If the product strikes a foreign object, stop the motor. Switch the product off, disconnect it from the power supply, and let it cool down. Inspect the product thoroughly for damage. Have any damage repaired before restarting.

WARNING: Extensive vibration of the product during operation is an indication of damage. The product should be promptly inspected and repaired.

• Check the machine, its power cord and plug, as well as accessories for damage before each use. Do not use the machine if it is damaged or shows wear.
• Double-check that accessories are properly fixed.
• Push the machine forward by its handle. Keep the handle dry to ensure safe support.
• Ensure that the air vents are always unobstructed and clear. Clean them if necessary with a soft brush. Blocked air vents may lead to overheating and damage the product.
• Switch the machine off immediately if you are disturbed while working by other people entering the working area. Always let the machine come to a complete stop before putting it down.
• Do not overwork yourself. Take regular breaks to ensure you can concentrate on the work and have full control over the machine.
• Mow the lawn before working and fertilize afterwards.
• Make sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects that could damage the machine or its motor.
• Select the suitable cutting depth for the actual grass height.
• Do not work with this machine on a wet lawn, as it tends to stick to the underbody of the machine, preventing the proper discharge of collected material, and it could also cause you to slip and fall.
• Slowly push the machine forward. Move the machine at an appropriate speed. Do not move it too fast to prevent the discharge from getting blocked and the engine from overloading.
• Work in slight overlapping rows. The most effective pattern for raking lawns is straight lines along one of the sides. This will keep the rows even and ensures that all the lawn is raked without missing any spots.

Circle around flower beds. When reaching a flower bed in the middle of the lawn, make a row or two around the circumference of the bed. Pay special attention when changing direction.

Scarifying

Consider the weather when scarifying. Scarify the lawn with an increased depth setting during spring time (April and May) as the lawn is better able to recover during this season. During a wet summer, scarify again in late summer with a decreased depth setting. Do not scarify during periods of hot weather. During a dry, rainless summer, do not scarify a second time in autumn.

Raking

For a healthy lawn to develop in the spring, it is necessary for greater amounts of air to penetrate the area around the roots of the grass. Aerate the lawn every 4-6 weeks depending on the state of your lawn.

Maintenance

WARNING: Before carrying out any repairs or servicing work, you must ensure that the machine has been disconnected from the power supply. Repairs and maintenance work other than described within this instruction manual may be performed only by qualified specialists.

Service + Storage

To ensure long and reliable service, carry out the following maintenance regularly. Servicing and cleaning work on the machine and the removal of guards may only be carried out after the motor has been switched off and the plug disconnected from the power supply.

• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to ensure the product is in a safe working condition.
• Allow the product to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• Check the thatch collection bag frequently for wear or deterioration.
• Examine the product regularly and replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
• Check that covers and guards are undamaged and correctly fitted. Carry out necessary maintenance or repairs before using the machine.
• If the cutting device should happen to fail despite the care taken in manufacturing and testing, repair should be carried out by an authorized repair facility.
• Do not clean the machine while it is running.
• Check the machine frequently for signs of wear. Replace worn or damaged parts.
• Store your machine in a dry place. To ensure a long service life, all screws and bolts should be cleaned and then oiled.
• Clean the machine with a brush or cloth. Do not use any solvents or water to remove dirt.
• The component subject to most wear is the cutting device. You should therefore check the condition of the cutting device and its mounting at regular intervals.
• If the cutting device is worn or blunt, it must be replaced immediately.
• If the machine starts to suffer from excessive vibrations, this means that the cutting device has not been balanced correctly or has suffered damage due to impacts. In this case, it must be repaired or replaced.

Replacing/Changing Cutting Device

WARNING! Always switch the machine off, disconnect it from the power supply, and let it cool down before changing/replacing the cutting device.

WARNING! Cutting devices are very sharp and become hot during use. Handle them carefully.

WARNING! Wear safety gloves when handling cutting devices to avoid injuries like burns and cuts.

WARNING! Make sure all bolts are completely tightened before operating the machine. Do not operate the machine if any bolts are missing, loose, or damaged.

The product has two functions: scarifying or raking. The scarifying cylinder is preassembled on the machine. The raking cylinder is included in the supply box. The cylinder can be changed according to the application.

Diagram Description: Two diagrams showing the Grass blade and the Ripper blade.

Remove the Raking Cylinder

1. Loosen the inner hexagon on the bearing seat and unscrew it counterclockwise.
2. Then take out the raking cylinder.

Grass Blade Installation

1. Align the rectangular hole at one end of the comb blade with the square output shaft on the base.
2. Press the bearing on the grooming blade into the bearing seat, and then tighten the hexagon socket screw clockwise.

Troubleshooting

Exploded View

Diagram Description: A detailed exploded view diagram showing all the components of the Benchmark 13 Amp Electric 2-in-1 Dethatcher and Scarifier, with parts numbered for reference in the Parts List.

Parts List

WARNING: When servicing, use only original equipment replacement parts.

The use of any other parts may create a safety hazard or cause damage to the 13 Amp Electric Dethatcher Scarifier 2 In 1. Any attempt to repair or replace parts on this 13 Amp Electric Dethatcher may create a safety hazard unless repairs are performed by a qualified technician. For more information, call the Toll-free Helpline, at 1-833-818-4111 – Monday-Friday from 9am - 5pm Eastern Standard Time. Always order by key number.

Warranty

Benchmark 13 Amp Electric 2-in-1 Dethatcher and Scarifier Warranty

If this Benchmark tool fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within five years from the date of purchase, return it to any Home Hardware store with the original bill of sale for exchange. This warranty does not include expendable parts, including but not limited to blades. This warranty covers defects in material or workmanship only. It does not cover normal wear and tear, failure due to abuse/misuse, or defects caused by careless or accidental mishandling. If this Benchmark product is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty does not apply.