The power rake is a little machine with a big punch. So let’s turn this blog post into a little primer. Remember my advice, pick up skills very quickly and practice like mad. I let new workers try out the machine. Training is absolutely critical.
Why power rake?
The power rake has spinning metal blades underneath and as they make contact with the lawn they rip into it. This is useful when we have lots of moss in the lawn; or when we have lots of thatch in the lawn which tends to accumulate in the upper layer as the lawn ages.
The key consideration
First, assess the condition of your lawn and consider how much you want to power rake. The height setting on your machine will be the biggest decision you’ll have to make.
Also, don’t forget that the harder you power rake (low setting) the more clean up you will have to do. Sometimes people forget to account for adequate clean up time. It takes time to rake over the mess you’ve just made, tarp it and remove it. Don’t make this mistake.
Practice time
Our goal today was light power raking on the highest level setting 1.
The machine
There isn’t much to it. On/Off button, gas shut off, speed lever and one bar that activates the metal plates underneath. Select your height setting, hit the pull cord and you’re in business.
Remember to avoid collisions with pavement. Only engage the power rake on lawn surfaces. Otherwise you risk damaging the machine.
Also, keep your fingers and toes away from the bottom of the machine when it’s in operation. If you have to lift the machine, shut it off first. Today we had some access issues and it took four of us to lift the machine.
Always think about your own safety and the safety of your crew.
Common mistakes
New workers tend to commit mistakes which a supervisor like me is paid to catch. And quickly correct. Two mistakes stand out.
One mistake is using wrong tools for clean ups. Raking up lawn debris requires the use of a larger rake. The small 8′ rake my worker was using didn’t cut it. So I got him to pose for a blog post photo. Then, I made him grab a proper rake.
A second mistake is behaving like a tarp slave. Tarps full of grassy power rake debris tend to be heavy. Hauling them on your back all the way to the truck is incredibly inefficient and tires people out. Always use a wheelbarrow and move 2-4 tarps at one time. Alternatively, drive your truck closer.
The final step
Once your power raking is finished, the final step will be top dressing with good quality soil and over seeding.
Your lawn should look much better in no time!
