All about verticutters

Owners spend a lot of energy to keep the lawn tidy. In addition to constant watering, haircuts, you need to remove the accumulated small debris, loosen the soil. A verticutter will help to cope with all of these tasks.

The lawn verticutter is intended for loosening the surface and removing dry leaves, moss and other small contaminants from the soil. It keeps the lawn clean and the grass healthy, and you can use it to quickly and easily clean the required area. This type of technique will help to penetrate the air and necessary nutrients into the soil layers, and it also perfectly thinns the lawn.

If you do not take care of the lawn in a timely manner and do not loosen it from time to time, this can lead to illness and death of the ornamental grass. The result of inaction will immediately affect its appearance - it will turn yellow, it will look sloppy, and trashy areas will be visible through it.

To prevent this from happening, the owners of decorative lawns use this unit. He will provide all the necessary care for the lawn: remove excess moisture, cleanse of debris, and so on. This tool has a heavy-duty steel blade with blades that penetrates vertically into the ground to a depth of 10 cm.

In fact, this is the same processing of the soil with a bayonet shovel or pitchfork. Due to the high-quality alloy, this unit has been used for a long time, it is resistant to mechanical and physical stress. There are models with a gasoline or electric engine. All attachments are easy to change and vary in knife length.

There are manual and mechanical verticutters, but experts do not recommend using them, since they are not distinguished by their practicality. Many people think that aerator and scarifier are one and the same, but there is a significant difference between them. The aerator is suitable for loosening the soil, with its help the necessary biological processes are triggered, the soil is saturated with oxygen. And the main purpose of the verticutter is to cleanse the upper layers of the surface. All this work is done by different types of attachments, they are attached to the engine platform.

The scarifier has a convenient adjustable handle, which is convenient to adjust to the person's height. And also a lever is brought to it, with the help of which the depth of penetration of the knife into the ground is regulated. The handle is folded, due to this transformation, the equipment is convenient to transport and store.

And also the verticutter is equipped with a grass catcher. Old leaves, any small debris, particles of moss fall into it. A special nozzle performs a double function: it loosens the soil plus collects debris. For safe operation, all driving elements of the equipment are located behind a plastic or metal case. Manufacturing companies have tried to make these units silent, so they are as quiet as possible.

Experts recommend using the scarifier at least once in the fall and spring. Some argue that this is not enough, and it must be applied every time after the 6-7th mowing of the lawn. Thinning is carried out on short, damp grass. It is strictly forbidden to use this type of technique on soft ground, because the knives will damage the root system of plants.

It is customary to classify verticutters according to several criteria. Based on the main characteristics of this technique, several main varieties can be distinguished.

According to the system of knives, there are three main types.

• Vertical knife. Designed for the deepest cleaning of the site (places where the overgrown grass has a powerful root system). Ideal for lawns that have not been tilled for several years in a row. The technique with such knives can easily cope with old roots, stems, and also provide high-quality soil preparation for subsequent planting.

• Spring loaded blades. A device of this type resembles a powerful rake. It is used on lawns that were sown no more than 3 years ago. Such a blade practically does not loosen the soil, but only quickly and efficiently cleans the soil from small debris.

• Triangular teeth. Blades of this kind are only found in expensive, professional models. Suitable for high-quality cleaning of large-scale spaces.

Some features apply to all types of devices.

• Garden aerator and verticutter feature self-propelled movement, in it, the motor turns the shaft with the knife, but does not rotate the wheels of the unit. This is fully justified by the fact that the speed needs to be changed periodically, since the quality of the lawn coverage also changes.

• If the lawn is small, you can save on the purchase and choose model without waste container (branches and debris can be removed with a regular garden rake).

Such equipment, according to the principle of operation, is also divided into mechanical, electrical and gasoline.

• Mechanical. An excellent model that is convenient to handle a small area. It stands out for its practicality, environmental friendliness, relatively low cost, endurance (such a tool is considered practically indestructible). It has a special roller on which knives are attached.

• Electric ones are already being used on an area of ​​7 to 15 acres. Naturally, a power source is needed to use such a tool. There are rechargeable models, ideal for those who do not want to depend on the mains. Electric cutters operate with minimal noise and are highly efficient. Of course, the cost of such a unit exceeds the mechanical option.

• Gasoline are considered the most productive, suitable for use on large areas (over 15 acres). As a rule, such tools are chosen by owners of large-scale sites. It can work for a long time without interruption, does not depend on power sources, it is already considered a professional technique, therefore it has a rather high cost.

Manufacturers currently present separate or combined (two in one) models, which include a verticutter (used twice a year) and an aerator (used throughout the summer). Many consumers stop at just such units, since with their help it is very easy to achieve perfect order in garden plots. 2-in-1 lawn models can be gasoline or electric.

This technique has differences in cost, width, power. The rating of the best models was created by experts based on customer reviews and sales analysis.

The top of the most rated units is opened by the leading manufacturer of garden equipment Greenworks. Model G40DT30 is equipped with a 1000 W electric motor and has a working width of 32 cm. To start, you must first press the fuse button, and then the bracket. The handle is foldable, which allows you to transport equipment even in a small car, and during storage, the unit will take up a minimum amount of space. The handle is equipped with rubber pads that help to securely hold the verticutter while working. The body is made of plastic, which significantly reduces the overall weight of the equipment.

It is the most durable battery model. It has a very high-quality assembly, as well as a built-in battery. Thanks to the large 20 l grass container, you can work longer without interruption to empty the collection box. The area is processed quickly, as the tool is equipped with high-speed blades that rotate at a speed of 3500 rpm.

Other advantages include a button to prevent unauthorized launch. The disadvantages include a high price, unregulated speed, the unit itself does not move - you need to push, quite noisy (84 dB), heavy (weight 14 kg).

The next leader is Viking LE 540. Electric motor with a power of 1.6 kW. The body has 4 wheels for support and a folding metal handle. For convenience, the starting bracket is brought out to the entire handle to start the unit with both left and right hands. And there are also knives (7 pieces) that cut the soil with cutting edges. Captures 38 cm wide at a time. Since the tool operates on a 220 V network, an extension cord should be purchased.

There is a latch so that when the voltage drops, the wire does not pull out. The model is equipped with a regulator (6 positions), which can influence the height of the knife. You can change the depth of loosening the soil right in the process, as well as work on a large lawn. Cons: large weight (28 kg), there is no rubber pad against slipping hands, it moves poorly on tall grass, since it has a shallow tread on the wheels.

Bosch AVR 1100 is also in good standing. The German manufacturer has created a device with an electric motor of 1100 W. Depth adjustment has 4 modes. The body is made of ultra-strong lightweight material, the total weight of the product is 9.9 kg. The blades are made of carbon steel, they do not break or dull when hitting hard rocks. The grip is 32 cm. The handle can be conveniently folded in two places.

The capacious 50 l grass catcher allows you to work continuously for a long time. Other advantages: a high handle is suitable for people of different heights, a rigid and voluminous container for collecting grass. Disadvantages: a very high price, if you work for a long time, protection may work, when the blades are lowered to the maximum, fresh grass is damaged.

Swedish manufacturers have presented their Stiga SV 415 E. Many users note its maneuverability and practicality, which is facilitated by the narrow wheel arrangement. In order to move the device from place to place, there is a convenient handle, but it should be noted that the tool is far from light (18 kg). Power 1500 W, captures a strip of 38 cm. The large, robust collection box holds 50 liters and is easy to clean up from debris.

The collector motor is very hardy, it stands out for its increased resource. The plug for connecting to the network is located on the handle. It has two shafts, one cuts moss and has 20 knives, the second pierces the ground with 44 springs. The shafts change quickly, thereby expanding the capabilities of the unit, the depth of the knives is adjustable.

Disadvantages: heavy weight, high price, a container for garbage is difficult to put on, there are plastic latches, which are extremely unreliable.

The top five is closed by the Japanese manufacturer's verticutter. Their Makita UV 3200 model is equipped with a 1300 watt electric motor. GThe loosening depth can be adjusted with a lever located near the right front wheel. It covers 32 cm in width. The main body parts are made of plastic, and the collection of grass (for 30 liters) is made of strong, dense fabric.The handle is rubberized, which prevents the hands from slipping when working, it can also be adjusted to suit the height of the person. The inclusion bracket is brought out to the right side. The engine is factory assembled, which guarantees long-term use of the equipment.

Maneuverable, has increased cross-country ability. Due to its design, it easily overcomes uneven terrain. From the pros: you can hang the power cord on a special hook on the device, equipped with 10 knives with 20 edges, excellent cross-country ability and maneuverability. Cons: it will not be very convenient for a left-hander to use this option, since the inclusion bracket is on the right, the cost is higher than average, in order to change the blade depth, you need to bend over (the adjustment is at the bottom of the case).

Before choosing a garden tool of such a plan, you should consider some of the main criteria.

• If the area of ​​the lawn is small, then the mechanical or electrical version of the verticutter (up to 8 acres) will cope with this task. On a large area, experts recommend using only gasoline models - they are much more powerful and can easily cope with the task.
• The verticutter is not used on soft soil, you need a dense soil.
• The weight of the unit must be comfortable for the person who works on it. Also, a tool that is too bulky can damage the grass.
• In terms of power, you should choose an inventory of more than 1000 W, so the knives can penetrate deeper.
• When choosing an electric model, you should decide in advance on the nearest outlet and an additional extension cord.
• The body made of plastic (or polypropylene) is not afraid of corrosion, it does not make the weight of the unit heavier, but is inferior in strength to the metal body.
• Experts also recommend paying attention to the parameters of the motor: power, volume (if it is a gasoline model), noise, network parameters.
• An important nuance is the working width. The higher the processing number, the less time it will take to clean the lawn.
• The quantity and quality of knives and whether the ripping depth is adjustable.
• The package may include an aerator, which will be a definite plus.
• The volume of the garbage container in gasoline models should be from 55-60 liters, in electric ones - 40-50 liters.

This garden technique is recommended to be used twice a year. Spring processing is carried out before the young grass begins to grow massively. It is easy to work with this tool in spring: there is usually little debris after winter, leaves and old grass are removed. In the fall (before the winter cold), the unit is thoroughly passed over the lawn, thereby preparing the lawn for wintering. Many gardeners recommend using such a "rake" every 2 months or after every 6th mowing.

If used correctly, the lawn will always be well-groomed and healthy. Be sure to read the instructions for use before using. There should be a detailed description of all the characteristics and capabilities of this type of technique: whether it can be applied on wet grass, how and when it is better to treat the lawn.

Also, do not forget that stones or other hard objects can damage the baking powder. Do not run over or crush the wire, and also use fuel that is not suitable according to the technical data of the tool. Before starting work, be sure to inspect the knives and the mechanism itself for damage. Loosening of the soil should be carried out only in good lighting (it is possible in the dark, if it is possible to highlight the area with high quality). This type of work is performed in the transverse plane.