WEN 16-Inch Dethatcher & Scarifier

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the WEN Dethatcher and Scarifier. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, assembly, and maintenance. Please read and understand all instructions and labels before use.

[Safety Alert Symbol]: Indicates danger, warning, or caution. Pay close attention to these symbols and their explanations to reduce risks.

Note: WEN continuously improves its products. If your tool differs slightly from this manual, visit WENPRODUCTS.COM for the latest version or contact customer service.

Specifications

Safety Information

General Safety Rules

[Warning] Read all safety warnings and instructions. Failure to follow may result in electric shock, fire, or serious injury.

• Keep the work area clean and well lit.
• Do not operate in explosive atmospheres.
• Keep children and bystanders away.
• Ensure power tool plugs match outlets; do not modify plugs.
• Avoid contact with earthed or grounded surfaces.
• Do not expose to rain or wet conditions.
• Do not abuse the cord; keep it away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
• Use an outdoor-rated extension cord for outdoor use.
• Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected supply in damp locations.
• Stay alert, use common sense, and do not operate when tired or under the influence of drugs/alcohol.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (eye protection, respiratory mask, non-skid shoes, hearing protection).
• Prevent unintentional starting by ensuring the switch is OFF before connecting to power.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before operating.
• Do not overreach; maintain proper footing and balance.
• Dress properly; avoid loose clothing, jewelry, or long hair near moving parts.
• Ensure dust extraction facilities are connected and used if provided.
• Do not force the tool; use the correct tool for the application.
• Do not use if the switch is defective.
• Disconnect from power before making adjustments or changing accessories.
• Store idle tools out of children's reach.
• Maintain tools; check for misalignment, binding, or broken parts. Repair if damaged.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
• Use the tool, accessories, and bits according to instructions and working conditions.
• Secure workpieces with clamps.
• Keep guards in place and in working order.

Electrical Safety

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Do not modify plugs or use adapter plugs with grounded tools.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
• Do not abuse the power cord. Keep it away from heat, oil, sharp edges, and moving parts.
• Use outdoor-rated extension cords for outdoor operation.
• Use GFCI protection for damp locations.

Dethatcher and Scarifier Safety Warnings

• [Warning] Read and understand all warnings and labels before operating.
• Use GFCI protection on the circuit or outlet.
• Disconnect the unit from the power supply when not in use or for servicing/cleaning. Do not leave unattended.
• Do not carry the product by the cord or yank the cord to disconnect. Keep cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
• Use the product only for its intended purpose.
• Do not overreach; operate at a walking pace and maintain footing and balance.
• Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Store idle units indoors in a dry area out of children's reach.
• Maintain the unit with care; keep it clean and inspect the extension cord. Keep handles dry and clean.
• Polarized plugs fit only one way into polarized outlets. If it doesn't fit, reverse the plug. If it still doesn't fit, contact an electrician. Do not modify plugs.
• Do not operate on steep slopes; slow down and ensure stable footing.
• Before starting, ensure tines are free to move and not touching objects.
• Grip the guide bar firmly with both hands. Never operate with one hand.
• Stay alert and use common sense. Do not operate when tired or under the influence of drugs/alcohol.
• If the dethatcher/scarifier strikes a foreign body, turn it off immediately, wait for tines to stop, and check for damage. Repair if necessary.
• If the unit vibrates abnormally, turn it off immediately and check the cause.
• Before maintenance or repairs, turn off the unit, disconnect from power, and wait for tines to stop.
• [Caution] The dethatcher/scarifier may bounce upward or jump forward if tines strike hard soil, frozen ground, or buried obstacles.
• [Warning] Do not operate near underground electrical cables, telephone lines, pipes, or hoses.
• [Danger: Risk of Cut] Wear gloves and use caution when cleaning or performing maintenance.
• [Warning] Be aware of the extension cord; do not trip over it and keep it out of the machine's path. Guide the cord away from the tool.
• [Warning] Do not expose to wet or rainy conditions. Never operate with wet hands.
• [Caution] Tines do not stop immediately after the unit is turned off.
• [Caution] Electrical cords may contain chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
• [Caution] Risk of injury. Do not put hands, feet, or clothing near rotating tines.
• [Warning] Dust and debris may contain chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Work in a well-ventilated area with approved safety equipment.

Electrical Information

The tool is double-insulated, eliminating the need for a grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are isolated with protecting insulation.

Important: Servicing requires qualified personnel and identical replacement parts.

• Polarized Plugs: Fit only one way into polarized outlets to reduce shock risk.
• GFCI Protection: Recommended for the circuit or outlet to reduce shock risk.
• Service and Repair: Must be performed by a qualified technician using original parts.

Extension Cord Guidelines

Use an extension cord heavy enough for the product's current draw. An undersized cord can cause voltage drop, power loss, and overheating.

• Examine extension cords before use; replace or repair damaged cords.
• Do not abuse extension cords; disconnect by pulling the plug, not the cord. Protect cords from sharp objects, heat, and moisture.
• Use a separate electrical circuit (minimum 12-gauge wire) protected by a 15A time-delayed fuse. Ensure the switch is OFF and current rating matches the nameplate before connecting.

Before Operating

Unpacking & Packing List

Carefully remove the Dethatcher and Scarifier from packaging. Check the packing list for all parts and accessories. Contact customer service if any part is missing or broken.

Parts List:

• 1. Dethatcher Blade (1)
• 2. Scarifier Blade (1)
• 3. Thatch Bag Rack (1)
• 4. Thatch Bag (1)
• 5. Upper Handle (1)
• 6. Dethatcher / Scarifier Body (1)
• 7. Middle Handle (1)
• 8. Lower Handles (2)
• 9. Handle Cam Knob Assemblies (4)
• 10. Cable Clip (1)
• 11. Hex Wrench (1)
• 12. Extension Cord Holder (1)
• 13. Angle Adjustment Cam Knobs (2)
• 14. Washers (2)
• 15. Angle Adjustment Bracket (2)

Know Your Dethatcher and Scarifier

The WEN Dethatcher and Scarifier is designed to pick up lawn debris for better oxygen absorption, airing, and drainage.

Key Components:

• Upper Handle
• Safety Lock
• Extension Cord Holder
• Cable Clip
• Thatch Bag Rack
• Thatch Bag
• Angle Adjustment Cam Knob
• Middle Handle
• Power Cord
• Handle Cam Knob
• Thatch Bag Flap
• Depth Adjustment
• Wheels
• Switch Lever

Assembly & Adjustments

[Warning] Ensure the machine is OFF and disconnected from the power source before assembly or adjustments.

Assembling the Handle:

1. Place lower handle (Fig. 1 - 1) into the angle adjustment bracket (Fig. 1 - 2). Ensure it is seated completely.
2. Place a washer (Fig. 1 - 3) onto the threaded rod of an angle adjustment cam knob (Fig. 1 - 4).
3. Screw the cam knob through the lower handle, adjustment bracket, and into the body. Push the knob UP to lock.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the other lower handle.
5. The handles can be adjusted to three height positions. Push cam knobs DOWN to unlock, adjust height, and push UP to relock. Ensure both are securely locked.
6. Install the middle handle (Fig. 2 - 1) onto the lower handles using two handle cam knobs (Fig. 2 - 2), washers (Fig. 2 - 3), and bolts (Fig. 2 - 4). Push knobs UP to lock. Ensure the middle handle is inside the lower handles.
7. Attach the extension cord holder (Fig. 3 - 1) to the upper handle (Fig. 3 - 2) on the same side as the safety lock.
8. Install the upper handle onto the middle handle using two handle cam knobs (Fig. 3 - 3), washers (Fig. 3 - 4), and bolts (Fig. 3 - 5). Push knobs UP to lock. Ensure the upper handle is outside the middle handle.
9. Thread the power cord (Fig. 3 - 6) through the cable clip (Fig. 3 - 7) below the handle connection point.

Installing the Thatch Bag:

[Warning] Ensure the machine is OFF and cutters have stopped before attaching or emptying the thatch bag.

1. Lift the thatch bag cover and secure the thatch bag to the unit using the mounting hooks.
2. Clip the sides of the thatch bag to the thatch bag rack frame.
3. Empty the thatch bag frequently.
4. To remove, lift the cover, detach the bag from hooks, empty, and reattach.

Adjusting the Depth:

[Warning] Ensure the machine is OFF and disconnected from the power source before adjusting tines.

Move the depth adjustment lever (Fig. 4 - 1) to adjust the depth. Negative depth settings mean the blades dig into the ground.

Operation

Connecting to Power Supply

Note: A proper extension cord is required. Use a cord rated for outdoor use with protected sockets. Use a GFCI or RCCB protected power supply.

[Warning] Check the voltage against the rating label.

Connecting the Extension Cord:

1. Ensure power is OFF.
2. Select the correct extension cord (refer to Electrical Information section).
3. Pass the pronged end of the extension cord through the extension cord holder.
4. Tie a knot with the power and extension cords to secure the connection (Fig. 5).

Powering On & Off:

[Warning] Ensure no foreign objects are near the machine before powering ON. Keep hands and feet away from rotating tines.

1. To power ON, press the safety lock button (Fig. 6 - 1) with one hand and pull the switch handle (Fig. 6 - 2) towards the upper handle with the other hand simultaneously.
2. Release the safety lock button and hold the switch handle and upper handle with both hands.
3. To power OFF, gently release the switch handle. Wait for the tines to come to a complete stop.

[Warning] Tine cylinders continue to run after the switch is released. Do not tilt or carry the unit while tines are in motion. Do not touch the cylinder until it has stopped.

Overload Protection

The machine has overload protection that activates if:

• Scarified material builds up around the cutting device.
• Scarified material exceeds motor capacity.
• There is excessive resistance against the cutting device.

If the circuit breaker activates, switch OFF, remove from power, and let the unit cool. Remove build-up before resuming operation.

General Operation

1. Double-check that accessories are secure before operation.
2. Mark sprinkler heads, lights, or other fixtures. Remove hoses and obstacles from the lawn.
3. Push the machine forward by its handle.
4. Ensure air vents are clean and unobstructed to prevent overheating.
5. Clear the lawn of stones, sticks, wire, or other damaging objects.
6. Do not work on a wet lawn.
7. Push the machine forward slowly at an appropriate speed. Do not force it.
8. Work in slight overlapping rows for effective scarifying/raking.

Scarifying

Scarifying is more intense, removing moss, fungus, thatch, and buildup, while creating grooves for better drainage and aeration. Increase depth in spring (April-May). Scarify again in late summer or early fall if the summer is wet, using a decreased depth setting. Avoid scarifying during hot, dry weather.

Raking / Dethatching

Dethatching is less intense, removing thatch and light debris for better aeration and drainage. Dethatch when the grass is actively growing and the soil has moisture. For Northern US, this is early spring or early fall. For Southern US, it's late spring through early summer.

Maintenance

Routine Inspection

Before each use, inspect for loose hardware, misalignment, cracked/broken parts, or any condition affecting safe operation. Repair or replace parts as needed.

Once per season, lubricate tines/blades and shaft. At the end of the season, check for damage before storing.

Cleaning

[Caution] Always clean the unit after each use to prevent damage or poor performance.

[Caution] Never use a water hose to clean the unit.

• Clean the underside of the tine guard and motor housing with a scrubbing brush and a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water mixture.
• Use a stiff brush or damp cloth to remove soil and debris from the transmission and tines.
• Clean motor housing vents of grass and dirt.
• Wipe tines and shaft dry and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.

Replacing / Changing the Blade

[Warning] Ensure the machine is OFF and disconnected from power before replacing cutting devices.

[Warning] Tines are sharp and can get hot. Handle with care and wear safety gloves.

The unit comes with two blades: dethatching/raking (pre-assembled) and scarifying (included). Blades can be changed based on application.

To remove a blade:

1. Unscrew hex screws (Fig. 9 - 1) from the bottom of the body.
2. Carefully remove the blade bracket and blade (Fig. 9 - 2). Wear gloves and avoid scraping on sharp tines.

To install a blade:

1. Align the square end of the blade shaft with the square hole of the output gear (Fig. 10).
2. Press the bearing into the blade bracket slot. Secure the blade bracket and hex screws using the hex wrench.

Troubleshooting Guide

[Warning] Stop using the unit immediately if problems occur. Contact customer service for assistance.

Exploded View & Parts List

Body Assembly

Blade Attachment Assemblies

Motor Assembly

Warranty Statement

WEN Products are built for dependability. This Limited Warranty applies to WEN consumer power tools for home use, covering defects in material or workmanship for two (2) years from the date of purchase or 500 hours of use, whichever comes first. Ninety days for professional or commercial use.

To make a claim: Keep proof of purchase. Contact techsupport@wenproducts.com or 1-800-232-1195 with shipping address, phone number, serial number, required part numbers, and proof of purchase. Damaged or defective parts may need to be returned.

Warranty Exclusions: This warranty does not cover items that wear out from regular usage (belts, brushes, blades, batteries, etc.). It also does not cover damage from misuse, alteration, neglect, or improper maintenance.

Limitations: Seller is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. Implied warranties are limited to two (2) years. Some states/provinces may not allow these limitations.

This warranty applies only to items sold within the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Contact WEN Customer Support for warranty coverage in other countries.