How to Use a Power Rake on a Garden Tractor

Connect the power rake to the tractor's three-point hitch system. There is a single pin at the top of the hitch, and two pins at the bottom of the hitch. Remove the pins in the hitch mounts and insert the eyes for the power rake connector into their appropriate places. Replace the pins when the rake is hooked up.

Check the oil and gas level of your tractor before beginning. Using a power rake produces far more drag on the engine of the tractor than simply mowing. With the fuel and oil levels where they are supposed to be, sit on the tractor and start the engine.

Raise the cutting deck and disengage the cutting blades if they are engaged, press the brake and set the tractor into its forward gear at the lowest possible speed. Take your foot off the brake and allow the tractor to move forward.

Dethatch the yard first in one direction, passing back and forth over the lawn while paying close attention to how much material builds up on the power rake. Avoid digging too deeply into the ground. If you pull up dirt and turf, stop the tractor and adjust the power rake's depth setting so it doesn't dig as deep. The depth setting is usually a screw located on the upper bar of the three-point hitch.

Dethatch the yard in the opposite direction, after you complete the process in the first direction. Once you finish this, remove the built-up thatch from the rake tines and disconnect the rake from your tractor.