A scarifier – also sometimes known as an electric lawn raker – aerates your lawn and helps remove dead grass, moss and weeds, helping to keep your grass in good condition.
Scarifier safety
Follow these tips to make sure you’re using your scarifier safely.
Safety first
- Make sure you buy or hire your scarifier from a reputable dealer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- It’s important to register a new electric scarifier with the manufacturer so that you can be contacted if a safety notice or recall is required. It also makes it easier for you to return a faulty product or order a repair. To register any of your appliances, regardless of age, visit our Product Registration page.
- Use our free online checker to see if you have any recalled electrical items.
- Check that your machine has a UK plug; if it doesn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adaptor. Seek advice from the retailer.
- Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch. If you have fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping then contact a registered electrician to investigate.
- Any socket you plan to use to plug in a scarifier should have RCD (residual current device) Protection. An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against dangerous electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires. If you don’t have RCD protection in your fuse box for your sockets, consider installing an RCD socket or use an RCD plug to protect you and your property from serious appliance faults.
- If you have to use an extension lead make sure it is suitable for outdoor use, is fitted with a thermal cut-out and is fully unwound before using it.
Using your scarifier safely
- Ensure pets and children are kept away from the area you’re working in.
- Check the area for any debris or trip hazards before you get started.
- It’s best to wear sturdy shoes that cover your toes and long trousers when using your scarifier.
- Position the scarifier on a flat, level surface like a path or drive before adjusting the flails.
- Be extra careful when working near to gravelled areas – if a stone gets caught up in the mechanism and is then spat out, it could cause serious injury.
- Keep the power cord over your shoulder and well out of the way during use.
- If a fire does start, don't try to fight the fire. Get to safety and call 999 immediately.
- Always unplug your scarifier before cleaning.
- Store in a cool, dry place.