Charlotte, NC ─ The new WORX® 12 amp, 14 in. Dethatcher is a highly efficient, maneuverable, and affordable solution to removing thatch build-up in small to mid-sized lawns up to ¼ acre. This electric, DIY yard machine removes compacted thatch that prevents oxygen, moisture and nutrients from reaching the soil.
The best times of the year to dethatch a yard is spring and fall. To determine if dethatching is needed, examine different areas of the lawn. If the thatch buildup is one inch or greater, then it may prove beneficial to dethatch the lawn. An underlying layer of thatch looks like a matting of grayish-brown stems stuck together.
Homeowners can use a dethatch rake to remove thatch buildup, but it’s hard work and may be a recipe for a backache. Hiring a professional is another option, but be prepared to pay a premium for the service.
In contrast, a cost-effective option is owning your own dethatcher, like the WORX 12 amp, 14 in. Dethatcher. This lightweight machine weighs 18.6 lbs., and is easy to operate and maneuver. It is powered by a 12 amp, 120V, 60 HZ, high-torque motor that develops no-load speeds up to 3500 rpm.
The electric dethatcher cuts a 14-in. swath in a single pass, allowing the project to move along quickly. Thatch and debris are caught in a detachable, 0.9 bushel collection bag for easy disposal.
Dethatching depth is set by pulling out and turning a large, three-position, depth-adjustment knob on either wheel hub to raise and lower the tines. The first setting removes approximately 0.12 in. of thatch above the ground. The second setting removes 0.12 in. below ground level, while the third setting – the most aggressive – removes 0.35 in. below the ground. The first setting is recommended when first using the dethatcher. The homeowner can then gauge whether to keep it at that level or increase the removal rate by selecting the second position.
Starting the 12 amp, 14 in. dethatcher is a breeze. Just plug the power cord piglet into a 16-gauge, 3-wire, 50 ft. or 14-gauge, 3-wire, 100 ft., outdoor-rated, extension cord. Then press and hold down the safety lock-out button, while pulling back on the bail handle. Release the safety lock-out button and it’s ready to go. Once underway, keep the dethatcher moving and don’t stay stationary in one place for too long. Always be mindful of the extension cord so it’s well beyond the dethatcher’s path.
For best results, the grass should be short. Do not use the dethatcher in wet or damp conditions or when the grass is higher than 3 inches. Consider overseeding the lawn once dethatching job is completed to encourage new growth.
The dethatcher’s handle has a comfortable, padded grip and folds down for space-saving storage. When transporting or storing the machine, keep the depth-of-cut setting in the first position.
The eco-friendly, electric dethatcher is emission-free and has low operating and maintenance costs. There’s no pull-cord, gas tank to fill, oil to check, or spark plug and filters to replace.
The WORX 12 amp,14 in. Dethatcher (WG850, $139.99), including the thatch collection bag, is covered by the WORX three-year limited warranty. It is available at worx.com and Amazon.
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About WORX
Established in 1994, WORX Yard Tools USA, based in Charlotte NC, is one of the fastest growing companies serving the global power equipment market today. A diversified manufacturer and marketer of a complete range of electric powered lawn and garden equipment, and related products, WORX has over 4000 employees worldwide. More information is available on www.worx.com.
