Petrol Powered Scarifiers

 

An Einhell Petrol Scarifier

As you are here, you are probably now, or soon will be, the proud owner of a new petrol scarifier. Congratulations.

We want you to get the most out of your scarifier, and enjoy using it efficiently and safely from the start. 

That’s why we have created this guide, full of basic tips and advice, and including answers to the sorts of questions new scarifier owners frequently ask, to save you time and give you confidence.

This way you can get all you want from your new purchase. 

Assembly: Your new scarifier will arrive ‘boxed’ and there is a minimal element of assembly. This is usually limited to attaching the ‘Handlebars’ and ‘Grass catcher’ and you will have to put fuel and oil in. Then you should be ready to start work. 

Manual: We understand that manuals can be difficult to read from time to time and translations are not always as helpful as they might be. However, do try to read manual/instructions as thoroughly as you can and keep them to hand, at least during early use.

Fuel: Your new scarifier almost certainly has a 4-Stroke engine, so Oil and Petrol are put in separate compartments, no mixing required.

Petrol: Modern fuel contains ethanol, which absorbs moisture and causes the fuel to deteriorate in as little as 30 days, causing damage and starting issues if left in the tank. Our suggested solution is either drain the tank if are going to leave it for a while or always add fuel stabilising additive to all fuel before filling up your tank. For the same reasons you should only put ‘Fresh Unleaded Petrol’ in your tank. Old fuel will degrade quickly if it has not already done so.

Oil: It is important not to under-fill or over-fill your machine. Please refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines as to the quantity.

Regular oil changes protect your engine from damage and excessive wear. Do refer to your ‘Engine’ manual regarding schedules for regular oil changes.

Not all models come with oil in the box and none with oil in the tank. It is advisable to check and have some ready just in case. The type should be 10/30 Lawnmower Grade Oil, otherwise known as SAE 30.

Oil needs to be changed after the first 5 hours of use. Running in of the machine can cause minute particles of metal debris in the engine, which an oil change and flush removes safely.

Starting: If you are having difficulty starting your machine, it is always advisable to check the following:

• Ensure you are holding in the ‘OPC Bar’ (Operator Presence Control). If you are not holding this in you will be unable to pull out the recoil.
• If you have a ‘Fuel Switch’, please ensure this is on.
• If there is a ‘Primer’, check you have primed the machine.
• If there is a ‘Throttle’, check that this is fully on to start the machine and then reduce the throttle once the machine has started.

Throttle: Again, if there is a throttle on your model, do remember that it does not affect the speed of the machine, it simply reduces or increases the ‘Revs’ of the engine.

Storage: Scarifier engines are not waterproof. So make sure you store yours in a dry place, covered if possible.

Cleaning: Obviously, by its very nature, a scarifier is going to be pulling up a great quantity of grass and mud to rid your lawn of thatch and moss. Subsequently, there will always be wet and organic debris in and amongst the tines when you bring it into the shed, or wherever you store it. 

Wet and rotting grass and mud can causes metal components to rust and grass and dirt in or around the engine can cause overheating and damage. Always make sure you clean the tines and the deck regularly and thoroughly.

You may need to tip the machine to clear the deck from beneath. Always tip from front to back so that the machine pivots/rests on the back wheels.

NB: Never tip from side to side as this causes the oil to flood the air filter. This can contaminate your spark plug and carburettor. In fact, as a matter, of course, be aware of where the oil and fuel tanks are situated and if possible, empty before cleaning. 

Scarifying: You may not have used a scarifier before. Here are a few things to consider:

• Your first ‘pass’ over the lawn may look like a disaster. Do not worry. If you have followed the instructions you will have done the right thing even if your lawn looks a sight. It will heal and improve over time. As a customer put it…‘The result obviously looks fairly devastating while we wait for the grass to start growing but many barrow-loads of moss and thatch were effectively removed so I am very pleased with the machine.’
• There will be a great deal of detritus pulled from your lawn, particularly the first couple of times you use your scarifier.  The experience of many of our customers is that the grass catcher is never big enough. Do not worry about this, it is a common issue. The fact is it can be almost impossible to create a grass catcher big enough for the amount of material a good scarifier will remove. After you have scarified a few times and the organic material your remove reduces in volume, you will probably find the grass bag or catcher is adequate. 
• The best time to scarify a lawn: This does, of course, depend on your lawn and many other factors, however, in general, late spring – somewhere around the middle of April to June and late summer early autumn – somewhere around late August to September are good times to do some light scarifying, not too deep. Then deeper, more aggressive, scarifying can be carried out in the Autumn, perhaps late August early September, maybe even early October depending on weather conditions. 

This MowHow article offers more detailed information on scarifying.

Servicing: Don’t forget that Annual Servicing is recommended by the manufacturers and is a requirement if you want to extend the guarantee beyond the first year. Out of tune engines and blunt blades can result in poor cutting, poor collection, and environmental pollution.

And finally, we’d like to thank you for your custom. We hope that these guidelines will be of assistance and that you enjoy using your new mower.

If you do have any concerns not covered by this article please contact us on [email protected]