Dethatchers & Overseeders

A dethatcher or power rake is a lawn maintenance tool designed to remove thatch – a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic material that accumulates between the soil and visible grass. 

A thin layer of thatch can be beneficial, as it helps to reduce soil compaction and increases water tolerance, but excessive thatch can lead to unhealthy turf. 

• Too much thatch hinders light, water, air and nutrients from reaching the grass roots 
• It also creates a breeding ground for harmful insects and disease organisms 

Dethatchers cut through this layer, loosening the debris to make it easier to remove or decompose, ultimately promoting healthier grass growth. 

Dethatchers come in various forms, including manual rakes, tow-behind units and powered dethatching machines such as Bobcat dethatchers.  

• Manual dethatcher rakes are labor intensive but suitable for small areas 
• Tow-behind models are attached to lawn tractors or ATVs, and they are ideal for larger yards  
• Power rakes or powered dethatchers offer the most efficient solution for tackling medium to large spaces quickly, with the ability to match cutting blades, spacing and dethatcher reels with your job and desired results

Before operating power equipment of any kind:  

• Be familiar with the machine's operation and maintenance manual 
• Wear safety glasses, hearing protection and appropriate footwear, and tie back long hair 
• Read and understand any safety warnings that are printed on the machine  
• Clear any debris from the jobsite and mark any obstacles that could be damaged or cause damage to your machine  
• Pets and children should be a safe distance from the work  

To start the dethatcher: 

• Lower the reel, then adjust the reel height with the machine's adjustment knob 
• If your dethatcher is equipped with an overseeder, set the seeding rate with the feed control 
• Make sure the clutch control lever is disengaged before starting 
• Open the fuel valve and adjust the choke to the appropriate setting 
• Set the engine switch to the on position 
• Pull the recoil starter to start the engine 
• Open the choke and set the engine speed to fast with the engine speed control or, if your machine is equipped with a throttle, adjust it to your desired speed 

 To start dethatching: 

• Push the lift control handle to lower the reel 
• If your model has a clutch control only, begin pushing the dethatcher manually at a constant speed, then engage the clutch control while the machine is in motion  
• If your machine is equipped with an operator presence control or OPC, squeeze the OPC lever before engaging the clutch 
• Disengage the clutch control and raise the reel before stopping, slowing or turning the machine  

To shut the dethatcher off: 

• Release the clutch control, release the OPC (if equipped) and make sure that all moving parts have stopped before setting the engine switch to the off position 
• Close the overseeder feed control (if equipped) and return the lift control handle to the transport position 
• Close the fuel shutoff valve before transporting the machine 

For more detailed information, refer to the operation and maintenance manual for your machine. You can also watch the Bobcat safety videos for Bobcat dethatchers. 

You shouldn’t dethatch when a lawn is wet. When you dethatch while the lawn is wet, you risk compacting the soil, scalping turf, damaging grass or completely removing the beneficial thatch layer. 

An overseeder is a piece of equipment designed to overseed your turf. Overseeding involves the planting of grass seed directly into your existing turf without tearing up the turf or soil. It helps to improve the density of your turf, establish new grass varieties or enhance lawn color. 

A mechanical overseeder cuts through the thatch layer to create slits or miniature furrows in the soil. It then deposits grass seed into the soil where it can germinate. 

It’s a more efficient method than broadcast seeding, as an overseeder creates more seed-to-soil contact for a higher germination rate and better-looking turf – along with less wasted seed. 

As with dethatchers,  you should follow all safety procedures before operating power equipment of any kind:  

• Read operation and maintenance manual 
• Wear proper attire and protection 
• Read and understand any safety warnings  
• Clear debris from the jobsite and mark any obstacles 
• Keep pets and children from the work the work area 

To start the overseeder: 

• Adjust the reel height with the height adjustment knob 
• Set the seeding rate with the feed control cam; a chart on your machine can help you choose the correct setting 
• Make sure the clutch control is disengaged and reels are in the raised position before starting 
• Open the fuel valve and adjust the choke to the appropriate setting 
• Set the engine switch to the on position 
• Pull the recoil starter to start the engine 
• Squeeze the operator presence control (OPC) 
• Engage the clutch control lever; the OPC must be held in place while the clutch control lever is engaged or the machine will stop 
• Use the throttle to set the machine speed 

 To start overseeding: 

• Squeeze the OPC, then push the lift control handle to lower the reel 
• Push the clutch control lever forward to begin dethatching and overseeding 
• The seed gate opens automatically as the reel engages with the ground 
• To stop or turn, raise the reel and disengage the clutch control lever 
• When the machine is back into position, you can lower the reel and engage the clutch 

To shut the dethatcher off: 

• Release the clutch control and release the OPC (if equipped); make sure that all moving parts have stopped 
• Set the engine switch to the off position 
• Close the overseeder feed control cam  
• Close the fuel shutoff valve before transporting the machine 

For more detailed information, refer to the operation and maintenance manual for your machine. You can also watch the Bobcat safety videos for Bobcat dethatchers. 

Bobcat DT19 & DT20 Dethatchers Safety Video provides more information about the D20 overseeder.