All About the Tow Tine Dethatcher

The tow tine dethatcher refers to the type of dethatching rake that is hitched to a tractor or a riding lawnmower. It is available in two types: front mount and tow behind. Each of them has its pros and cons. The main advantage associated with tow tine dethatcher is that it dethatchers a wider area than other scarifiers and clears a large area within a short time.

Front Mount vs Tow Behind

The front mount is attached in front of the tractor and thus you can easily see where you are headed and what you have already done. The main drawback with front mount is that it tends to be more expensive. It also interferes with other front mount hardware.

The tow behind dethatcher offers more choices when it comes to width and features. It is also a universal mount dethatcher. One of its disadvantages is that it is hard to monitor where it is thatched.

Pull Behind Dethatcher Best Use Practices

Timing is important when it comes to dethatching. The spring season is the best time to dethatch since it gives the grass sufficient time to recover. For best results adhere to these guidelines:

• Use your tow tine dethatcher after mowing to a height of not more than 3 inches. The dethatcher will deliver the best results when grass is short.
• Mount your front or behind dethatcher correctly into the riding mower hitch. Ensure the mount arms of the dethatcher are tightly held into the riding mower. Use pliers to tighten well the nuts and bolts on top and bottom of the hitch mount.
• While dethatching, pull the dethatcher slowly and make several passes south to north of the yard. Thereafter make east and west side moves through the lawn.
• Use a rake to remove the collected thatch and fill them up in lawn bags for later disposal.
• The dethatched lawn exposes the grass roots which should then be watered thoroughly. You can use a sprinkler of piped water to sprinkle over the lawn. Let the field rest for a week then distribute nitrogen-rich fertilizer over the entire field so as to encourage new growth.

Important Tips

• Dethatch when the ground is dry. It should not have rained 24 hours prior to dethatching.
• The mower blades should never be used while dethatching.
• Consider adding weights on top of the shield if the dethatcher jumps up and down instead of piercing through the thatch.
• Never allow any bystanders when dethatching since the tines can throw off small stones which may result in injuries.
• Check out the lawn on mid-summer. You can use a ruler to measure it and if it is half an inch thick or more than that it is time to dethatch again.

A Final Word

The tow tine dethatcher is effective in eliminating stubborn thatch. You have two options to choose from: front or behind tow tine dethatcher. Evaluate each of their pros and cons and choose whichever suits you best. You should also understand how to make the best of your tow tine dethatcher. Follow the guidelines laid down and you shall get incredible results.