I have recently bought a Kwikthatch 18" de-thatcher. It has a 5.5hp B&S 12 series engine and looks to have done very little work. It has 78 nylon tines fitted to a total of 26 cartridges on the main dethatcher shaft. I also got about 5 sets of new spare tines for the de-thatcher, but understand that they do last quite a long time.
Has any one used one of these before? What do you think of them with the nylon tines?
I think it will be good for de-thatching small lawns with it only being 18" wide. Also the nylon tines would not damage pop up sprinkler heads as much as metal tines. I am looking forward to giving it a go on my Kikuyu lawn in spring. As I have already given the engine a service and fitted a new drive belt to the de-thatcher.
On domestic lawns, de-thatchers are little understood. Yet they produce amazing results for the effort.
I think the nylon tines will be fine - given lawns generally only require once-a-season de-thatching. This is not a professional machine - but a top-end domestic job. Any advice welcome.
I think you have made an intelligent decision here. Please keep us informed as to use and lawn results.
I believe Kwikthatch was made by Kwik products, who make line trimmer heads and lines in the USA. I also heard from mower agents that Briggs & Stratton brought the Kwikthatch into the NZ/AUS markets. The tines are available from All Mower spares, which is good to know.
Mighty Mac make also make a de-thatcher to the same spec with the nylon tines. This is how I have found a relevant parts manual and operators manual for the machine.
I can't wait to use it in spring on my Kikuyu lawn.
