Читать книгу Start & Run a Landscaping Business - Joel LaRusic - Страница 47

A power rake is not essential for start-up, but is a useful tool if you think you will offer power raking services as your business grows. Power rakes are also called vertical mowers or dethatchers. They have rotating tines that cut into the lawn to remove moss and thatch. If you are planning to purchase a power rake, consider the following features:

Independent or attachment: Power rakes can be purchased as independent units or as attachments to your mower. The attachments don’t stand up well to commercial use, and they don’t do as thorough a job as the actual power rakes, although they are more productive (faster) and much cheaper, too. If your customer wants to reduce the thatch level in the lawn a little, then the attachment may suffice. If you will be completing a lawn renovation or rejuvenation, you should choose a full power rake.

Reel types: There are three types of reels available for power rakes: spring tines, flail blades, and slicing blades. The type you choose will depend on your application. Flail blades have square teeth that basically flail the lawn and remove anything not firmly planted (i.e., moss and thatch). These do by far the best job for both moss and thatch removal. Spring tines are similar to flail blades, except they have skinnier, lighter-duty tines. Slicing blades are not useful for removing moss and thatch and are discussed in section 4.6 on overseeders.

Best Names: Ryan, Bluebird, Classen, Billy Goat.

Author’s recommendation: Ryan Ren-o-Thin Power Rake.