Billy Goat PR550 - Manual (Page 11)

Part No 350324 Form No F090407A 11
PR & OS Owner’s Manual
RAKING OPERATION-SPRING REEL
NOTE: Must have the spring tine reel assembly (350354) for this operation.
MOW: Mow the lawn to it’s normal cut height. Tall grass will not leave a manicured look when the
dethatching job is complete.
DRY: Be sure grass is relatively dry. Wet conditions can cause increased damage to healthy grass.
SET DEPTH: With engine off, set the raking depth so that the spring tines are just above touching the
flat surface (i.e. driveway, or sidewalk) the units height is being adjusted on. NOTE: Allowing the
spring tines to have substantial contact with the ground will cause premature wear and failure of the
spring tines.
START ENGINE: See page 9 for further instruction.
ENGAGE TINES: Pull back on the bail on the operators handle. NOTE: When engaging the spring
tines in heavy load conditions (i.e. heavy thatch, or very uneven turf), push down on the operators
handle lifting the front wheels slightly. Engage the spring tines. Slowly lower the unit into the turf.
RAKE: Rake a small test area and examine the results. Thatch should be removed and deposited on
top of the healthy grass. If excessive damage occurs to healthy grass, adjust the spring tine depth to
decrease damage. Continue raking the yard, working in one direction (i.e. north-south, or east-west).
NOTE: If a large drop in engine RPM occurs, or the unit pulls you forward and bounces during
operation the spring tine depth is set too low.
REMOVE THATCH: After raking, a layer of thatch will be deposited over the top of the lawn. This
thatch must be removed prior to any fertilizing, seeding, or watering of the lawn. We suggest the use
of a lawn vacuum or wheeled blower for collection and removal of the thatch.