Description of scarifiers and tips for their selection

For some, the summer period is a time for walks, outdoor activities, and for those who have a summer cottage, this time of the year is marked by a lot of work on the site. After the spring period, the area needs careful maintenance and renovation. In order to monitor the lawn on the site, various devices are used, among which scarifiers can be noted.

When people just begin to delve into the topic of such a technique, they do not distinguish between verticutters, aerators and scarifiers. In fact, each type of this technique performs its own function and is designed for a different spectrum of actions. A lawn scarifier is very important for removing debris and last year's dead grass from the site. After the snow melts in spring, traces of the past grass become visible on the grass, which managed to dry out and remain on the lawn during the winter period. If we talk about the functional component, then the removal of such garbage is very important. First of all, it is necessary for your lawn to breathe, and last year's grass and debris in every possible way prevent this.

On the other hand, the decorative component is also important. A clean and well-groomed lawn always pleases the eye, not only for guests at the dacha or any other area, but also for the owners themselves. And to perform this function, a scarifier is needed, which makes garbage collection quite simple, less energy-consuming and, most importantly, fast.

It is worth noting that the scarifier is a separate device compared to a similar technique, and there are differences in different copies. Let's start by looking at the difference with an aerator, which is a lawn and soil renewal tool. Crashing into it to a certain depth, the aerator loosens the surface and allows it to breathe more actively. Another device from a similar category is the verticutter. It is a versatile device that combines a 2 in 1 mode, while having all the functions of an aerator and scarifier.

In this case, it should be said that functionally the verticutter is more diverse and preferable for working with a lawn that requires special care several times a year. It is impossible to say right off the bat which device is better, since with different functionality there is a significant difference in price.

Despite the seemingly simplicity of the purpose of scarifiers, they are also divided into various types, an overview of which will allow you to find out in more detail what this type of garden equipment is.

I would like to start with a short description of what makes models with a gasoline engine special. First of all, work on fuel is necessary to perform a large amount of work. Gasoline units are designed for use on an area of ​​15 acres, as they are more powerful, efficient and perform the work much faster than other types of scarifiers. Of course, the main issue here is the price, which is noticeably higher compared to electric and manual units.But if for you the result and the speed of its achievement are paramount tasks, then the gasoline scarifier will cope with this best.

Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the high noise level, so it will not be possible to calmly rest on the site during the operation of this device. Do not forget about environmental friendliness, which also suffers due to the release of gasoline vapors into the air.

The principle of operation of such devices is to be powered from electricity by means of accumulator reproduction of energy. It is worth noting the features of electric scarifiers. First of all, it is important to say about the area of ​​application, which reaches an indicator of up to 15 acres. This limitation is due to low power compared to gasoline counterparts, as well as lower performance.

Electric models can be suitable for gardening applications where a large amount of work needs to be done in a small area. Of course, battery operation also has a number of advantages. The most important of these is the price.

Don't forget about mobility, which makes your work more convenient. With their smaller dimensions, electrical units are much easier to learn and require less attention when preparing for work. There is no need to worry about what gasoline to fill, in what quantity, whether it needs to be diluted with oil, and if necessary, in what proportion. Just charge your device and go. The process of cleaning the grass itself is more pleasant, since the battery counterparts are less noisy and are not accompanied by gasoline exhaust, which has an unpleasant odor.

The type of garden equipment that was relevant before, but now, due to the popularity of gasoline and electric models, has become less used. Despite this, manual models allow you to do a certain amount of work. Of course, in terms of productivity and efficiency, this type of gardening equipment is the weakest, which is quite logical, because instead of energy, human strength is used.

Hand-held scarifiers are best used in small areas where the total cleaning time will not take more than a couple of hours. In this case, the presence of a mechanical device is quite justified, since it is much cheaper to have this unit than to buy another one. The most important advantage of a manual scarifier is its low price, which is achieved not only due to the cost of the device itself, but also due to its subsequent use. No gasoline with oil, electricity or any other source of energy.

It is worth saying about the principle of operation of this type of technique. At the bottom of the device there is a special needle shaft, a person drives the entire mechanism by physical effort, moving the scarifier in the right direction. The needles begin to work the lawn and collect all the debris, which is then layered on top of each other. Then you need to remove all unnecessary and continue working.

Another advantage of the handheld model is the weight, which is so light that you can transport this unit without any special means. From this plus follows another, namely the work itself. Although physical strength is required to complete the tasks with this technique, nevertheless for a trained person this process will be simple. At the same time, there is no need to constantly monitor the fuel level, charging and other indicators that fuel equipment is equipped with.

For a more complete presentation, it would be best to draw up a kind of rating of scarifiers depending on the type of energy used - gasoline or electricity.

For those who prefer gasoline models, the models presented below will be of interest.

The Tielbuerger TV 405 B&S 550 is a premium German-made top technology that combines two-in-one mode and looks like a full-fledged lawn mower. It is possible to change the scarifier knives to a spring aeration rake. The case is made of shock-resistant steel, so even serious physical damage for this model will be insignificant. 14 pairs of knives made of especially durable hardened material significantly improve the quality of loosening the soil, as well as removing any kind of debris from the lawn. There are also impact knives that are designed to work with clay and extra dense soil.

This model has a high capacity of 1250 sq. m / h, which allows you to work in fairly large areas. The lever for switching modes and positions is located at the optimal place for the user. The comfortable handles are adjustable in height, easy transportation is ensured by the large ball-bearing wheels with a diameter of 23 cm. The working width is 38 cm, there is a large grass catcher with a capacity of 40 liters. A special valve is installed to protect the user from falling stones and other solid objects. This model combines light weight with excellent performance. Of the shortcomings, only a high price can be noted.

The Husqvarna S 500 Pro is a Swedish lawn implement known for its performance, power and ease of use. The most important advantage of this model can be safely called reliability, which is possible thanks to the build quality, components and versatility. The width of the working surface reaches 50 cm, which, together with the high number of revolutions per second, namely 3600, makes the S 500 Pro one of the best gasoline scarifiers in general. The body of the model is made of high strength steel.

Engine power is equal to 6.1 liters. s, and the volume of the fuel tank is 3.1 liters, which ensures a high level of wear resistance and reliability of operation during a long period of operation. The cutting system consists of 14 pairs of knives, which are driven by a powerful motor. Ease of use is possible thanks to the adjustable handles. Among the shortcomings, one can note a high noise level and considerable weight, which is very important to take into account, since inaccurate movement can spoil the soil of the lawn, which will negatively affect the appearance of the site.

Viking LB 540 is an Austrian mobile model that can be seen as opposed to the previous one. With a good power of 5.5 liters. with., this unit is well suited for work in difficult areas where versatility and small size of equipment are needed for hard-to-reach places. This is facilitated by an optimal working width of 38 cm and a working system consisting of 14 fixed knives of high quality.

An important advantage is the low noise level, which is a melodic sound, rather than various incomprehensible thrusts or ringing sounds. The weight is only 32 kg, which is quite small for a scarifier of similar power. A very robust engine allows the user to process up to 2 thousand square meters in one working session. m of territory. The LB 540 is equipped with a six-stage height adjustment system, which expands the working range.Among the shortcomings, it is worth mentioning the lack of a grass catcher.

Among the electrical ones, you can find many reliable and convenient units.

Einhell GC-SA 1231 is a very nimble and handy scarifier that meets all the necessary requirements to be called a quality tool. The German manufacturer has equipped this model with a 1.2 kW engine, which is quite enough for processing an area of ​​up to 300 square meters. m. The working system consists of 8 double blades that work the lawn as thoroughly as possible, while avoiding pulling out the grass and removing all debris.

In this scarifier, small dimensions, good power and ease of use are combined with an acceptable price, so GC-SA 1231 can be safely attributed to those models that fit the cost / quality ratio. The working width is 31 cm, there is an adjustable blade depth. This model is very suitable for those who have a lot of moss and other small vegetation on the site after the winter and spring periods. The manufacturer has foreseen the practicality of its product, so users have the opportunity to purchase spare blades. The equipment is equipped with large wheels for increased mobility. Among the shortcomings, it is possible to note the small volume of the grass-catcher - 28 liters.

Makita UV3200 is a popular model from one of the most famous manufacturers of work and garden equipment. Like any Makita product, the UV3200 boasts a number of impressive advantages, among which it is worth noting its compactness, ease of use and a decent power of 1.3 kW. The body is made of impact-resistant plastic, which will protect the inside of the equipment from stones and other heavy objects. The built-in thermal safety system prevents overheating of the battery and its rapid wear. The depth of penetration of the knives into the soil can be changed.

The working width is 32 cm, which is the standard for electric scarifiers. Compared to the previous model, the UV3200 is equipped with a larger 30 l grass catcher. Having a low vibration level, this unit performs best in small and medium-sized areas, quickly and efficiently removing debris, moss and last year's grass. It should be said about the complete set, which includes several pairs of spare knives. Among the shortcomings, one can note the noise level, or rather, not its volume, but the very sound that the scarifier makes. The plastic wheels are not fitted with bearings and the collection box fills up very quickly.

Gardena EVC 1000 is a German scarifier, the main advantages of which are simplicity and reliability. Convenient design with foldable and removable handle makes it easy to transport the unit, as well as take up less storage space. It is possible to adjust the cutting depth of knives made of high quality galvanized steel. They, in turn, quickly and reliably remove any moss, debris and grass. The 1 kW engine allows you to handle an area of ​​up to 600 square meters. m in one session. The working surface is 30 cm wide and the blades can be quickly lifted up to move on asphalt or other hard surfaces. The switch is located on the handle and weighs only 9.2 kg, making it easy to pick up debris.

Among the disadvantages, the most important is the lack of a grass catcher, but it can be purchased and installed, which carries additional costs. As for manual models, they are used much less often, but each of these devices has the simplest device, which means that the choice can be stopped on any vending model that suits its price. There are a large number of scarifiers on the market, so the choice should be limited only by your ideas about such a technique.There are also domestic manufacturers that offer good models for a fairly affordable price.

To choose the best unit for yourself, before buying, you need to decide which model is more preferable for you.

• It is worth starting with what area you are going to process with a scarifier. If we are talking about large areas with varied or dense soil, then it is best to purchase a gasoline unit, which, thanks to its power, will be able to do the entire amount of work. If the territory is small, then you can get by with the electric or even manual option.
• Functionality is another criterion. From the review of some models, it is clear that some scarifiers are equipped with grass collectors, some do not. The difference is also made by the presence of special safety systems against engine overheating or protection from falling stones and other objects. Do not forget about the dimensions, which directly affect the convenience during the operation of the scarifier.
• As always, price is an important criterion. If you need a fairly simple unit, then there is no point in overpaying for professional equipment equipped with special functions that may not even be used during normal operation.

Like any gardening equipment, scarifiers need to be used correctly. When it comes to gasoline models, the most important thing here is timely control over the fuel level. We recommend AI-92 gasoline, which is universal for all types of garden equipment. When pouring fuel into the appropriate compartment, make sure that the equipment is turned off. Do not forget to clean the grass catcher, if equipped. Empty it often enough as it clogs up rather quickly on some models.

If your equipment has become faulty, and you have done everything that is possible for correct operation, then contact a specialized technical service. Some domestic manufacturers have a considerable number of such centers, where you can send equipment for repair to professionals.

Before the very first start-up of the scarifier, carefully read the operating instructions and study the principle of operation of the technique. Also, this documentation may contain information about basic faults and how they can be resolved. During the work itself, make sure that the scarifier as rarely as possible collides with stones, branches and other obstacles that can blunt the knives and thereby increase their wear.

A very important part of using garden equipment is not only compliance with all conditions during direct work, but also proper care of it during storage. First of all, most manufacturers pay attention to the fact that the units are kept in a dry and clean place, since the presence of moisture in the room can affect the quality of the device parts. Cleanliness is also important so that dust, dirt and other elements do not get inside the scarifier, the presence of which negatively affects the operation of the equipment.

With regard to electrical models, here pay attention to the connection of the unit to the power supply. The plug should not have any physical defects, keep an eye on the battery and its condition.Do not place scarifiers near flammable objects, as well as heating systems and other things that have a high temperature.