AK-KO 36.8 E ELECTRIC SCARIFIER User Guide

AK-KO 36.8 E ELECTRIC SCARIFIER

Combi Care 36.8 E Comfort
Art.-Nr. 113573

ABOUT THESE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

• The German version is the original operating instructions. All additional language versions are translations of the original operating instructions.
• It is essential to carefully read through these operating instructions before start-up. This is essential for safe working and trouble-free handling.
• Always safeguard these operating instructions so that they can be consulted if you need any information about the appliance.
• Only pass on the appliance to other persons together with these operating instructions.
• Comply with the safety and warning information in these operating instructions.

Legends and signal words

• DANGER: Denotes an imminently dangerous situation which will result in fatal or serious injury if not avoided.
• WARNING: Denotes a potentially dangerous situation that can result in fatal or serious injury if not avoided.
• CAUTION:  Denotes a potentially dangerous situation which can result in minor or moderate injury if not avoided.
• IMPORTANT: Denotes a situation which can result in material damage if not avoided.

NOTE: Special instructions for ease of understanding and handling.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Designated use

This scarifier is intended for loosening and aerating a lawn (scarifying) in private applications, and is only allowed to be used on dried lawns that have been mown short. Any other use, as well as unauthorized conversions or add- ons, are regarded as contrary to the intended use and will result in invalidation of the warranty as well as loss of conformity (CE mark); the manufacturer will thus decline any responsibility for damage and/or injury suffered by the user or third parties.

Possible foreseeable misuse

The appliance is not designed for commercial use in public parks and sports facilities or for use in farming and forestry. It must not be used for trimming bushes and hedges or for leveling the ground.

Scope of supply

The items listed here are part of the scope of supply. Check that all items are included:

Available as optional accessories:

• Aeration roller, Article No.: 113621
• Grass collector, Article No.: 113622

Symbols on the machine

Safety and protective devices

WARNING

• Risk of injury
• Defective and disabled safety and protective devices can lead to serious injury.
• Have any defective safety and protective devices been repaired?
• Never disable safety and protective devices.

Motor switch lever

• The appliance is equipped with a motor switch lever which stops the appliance when it is released.

Baffle

• The appliance is provided with an impact flap that prevents grass and objects from being thrown out when the grass collector box is removed.

Product overview

SETTINGS

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

DANGER!

• Lack of knowledge of the safety instructions can pose a danger of extremely severe or even fatal injury.
• Lack of knowledge of the safety instructions and operating instructions can lead to extremely serious and even fatal injury.
• Observe all safety instructions] and instructions for use in these operating instructions as well the operating instructions which are referred to before you start using the appliance.
• Keep all supplied documents in a safe place for future reference.

General safety instructions for power tools

WARNING

• Read all safety instructions, instructions, illustrations and technical data that are provided with this power tool.
• Failure to comply with the following instructions can lead to an electric shock, fire and/or series injuries.
• Keep all safety instructions and other instructions for future reference.

The term “power tool” used in the safety instructions refers to mains-operated power tools (with mains line) and to batteryoperated power tools (without mains line).

Electrical safety

• The connection plug of the power tool must fit into the socket. The plug is not allowed to be changed in any way. Do not use any plug adapters together with earthed power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching sockets reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Avoid physical contact with earthed surfaces such as pipes, heaters, cookers, and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed.
• Keep electrical tools out of the rain and away from moisture. Water getting intoan electrical tool increases the risk of an electric shock.
• Do not use the cable for incorrect purposes such as carrying the electrical tool, hanging it up, or pulling the plug out of the socket. Keep the cable away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts.
• Damaged or tangled cables increase the risk of an electric shock.
• If you are working outside with a power tool, only use extension leads that are also suitable for outdoor use. Using an extension lead that is suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If the operation of the power] tool in a humid environment cannot be avoided, use a fault current circuit breaker. Using a fault current circuit breaker decreases the risk of electric shock.

Personal safety

• Be alert, pay attention to what you are doing and take a cautious approach to working with a power tool.
• Do not use a power tool if you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medicines. A moment’s inattentiveness when using the power tool can result in serious injury.
• Wear personal protective equipment, and always use safety goggles. The injury risk can be reduced by wearing personal protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-slip shoes, a protectivehelmet or ear defenders, depending on the type and application of the power tool.
• Avoid starting to operate the appliance inadvertently.
• Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to a power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the power tool. Accidents can be caused by leaving your finger on the switch when you carry the power tool or when you connect it to the power supply.
• Remove the adjusting tools or spanner before you switch on the power tool. A tool or spanner that is in a rotating part of the power tool can cause injury.
• Avoid an abnormal bodily posture. Make sure you can stand safely and keep your balance at all times. This will enable you to control the power tool better if something unexpected happens.
• Wear suitable clothing. Do not wear baggy clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothing, jewellery or long hair can be snagged on moving parts.
• If dust extraction and catchment devices can be mounted, then these must be connected correctly used. Using a dust extraction system can reduce the risk caused by dust.
• Do not give yourself a false sense of safety; do not ignore the safety rules for power tools even if you are familiar with the power tool after using it many times. One careless action can lead to serious injuries within seconds.

Use and handling of the electrical tool

• Do not overload the power tool. Use the appropriate power tool for the job you are doing. Using the appropriate power tool will enable you to work more effectively and safely in the specified performance range.
• Do not use a power tool if it has a defective switch. A power tool that can no longer be switched on or off is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the socket and/or remove the battery before you make adjustments to the appliance, replace parts or put the power tool away. This precautionary measure will prevent the power tool from starting inadvertently.
• Keep unused power tools out of the reach of children. Do not allow people to use the power tool if they are not familiar with it or have not read these instructions. Power tools are dangerous if they are used by inexperienced people.
• Look after power tools and the insertion tool with care. Check whether moving parts function perfectly and do not stick, and whether there are any broken parts or parts that are damaged in such a way that the function of the power tool is impaired.
• Have damaged parts repaired before using the power tool. Many accidents are caused by failure to maintain power tools properly.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Carefully maintained cutting tools with sharper cutting edges are less likely to stick and are easier to control.
• Use power tools, accessories, insertion tools, etc. according to these instructions. When doing so, take account of the working conditions and the activity to be undertaken. Using power tools for applications other than the intended purpose can result in dangerous situations.
• Keep the grips and grip surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery grips and grip surfaces prevent safe operation and control of the power tool in unforeseen situations.

Safety in the workplace

• Keep your working area clean, and make sure it is well illuminated. Untidiness or dimly lit working areas can lead to accidents.
• Do not work with the power tool in a potentially explosive atmosphere with the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools give rise to sparks that can ignite dust or vapors.
• Keep children and other people away from the power tool when using it. If you are distracted, you may lose control of the power tool.

Service

• Only have your electrical tool repaired by qualified specialist personnel using genuine spare parts. This ensures that the electrical tool remains safe.

Safety instructions for scarifiers

Operator

• Young people under 16 years of age and people who do not know the operating instructions are not allowed to use the appliance. Observe any country-specific safety regulations concerning the minimum age of the user.
• Do not operate the appliance if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. ****

Safety in the workplace

• Before working, remove any dangerous objects from the working area, e.g. branches, glass or metal pieces, or stones.
• Work only in daylight or under very bright artificial light.
• Operate the appliance only on solid and level ground and not on sharp inclines.
• Pay attention to stability.

Safety of persons, animals, and property

• Note that the user is responsible for accidents and damage that may befall other persons or their property.
• Use the appliance only for the purposes for which it is intended. Any non-intended use can lead to injury and property damage.
• Switch on the appliance only when there are no other persons or animals in the working area.
• Maintain a safe distance to persons or animals, or switch off the appliance if persons or animals approach.

Appliance safety

• Use the appliance only under the following conditions:
• The appliance is not soiled.
• The appliance show no signs of damage.
• All controls function properly.
• Do not overload the device. It is intended for light work in the private sector. Overload can lead to damage to the appliance.
• Never operate the appliance with worn or defective parts. Always replace defective parts with original spare parts from the manufacturer. If the appliance is operated with worn or defective parts, guarantee claims against the manufacturer are excluded.

NOTE: Repair work is only allowed to be carried out by expert workshops or our AL-KO service centers.

Vibration load

WARNING

• Danger due to vibration
• The actual magnitude of the vibration emissions during the use of the appliance may deviate from, that stated by the manufacturer.
• Observe the following influencing factors before or during use:
• Is the appliance being used as intended?
• Is the material being cut or processed in the proper manner?
• Is the appliance in a proper condition of use?
• Is the cutting tool properly sharpened or is the correct cutting tool installed?
• Are the handle grips and any optional vibration grips mounted, and are they firmly attached to the appliance?
• Only operate the appliance at the motor speed required for the respective work. Avoid using the maximum speed in order to reduce noise and vibrations.
• The noise and vibrations of the appliance can increase due to improper use and maintenance. This leads to damage to health. In this case, immediately switch off the appliance and have it repaired by an authorized service workshop.
• The stress level due to vibration is dependent on the work being performed and the use of the appliance. Estimate the stress level and plan appropriate breaks. This reduces the stress load due to vibration over the entire working time.
• Extensive use of the appliance exposes the operator to, vibrations, which can lead to circulatory issues (“white fingers”).
• To avoid this risk, wear gloves and keep your hands] warm. If any symptoms of “white fingers” occur, immediately consult a physician.
• These symptoms include numbness, loss of feeling, tingling, itching, pain, reduced muscular strength, and changes in the color or condition of the skin. Normally these conditions affect the fingers, hands or pulse. The risk increases at low temperatures.
• Take long breaks during your working day so you can recover from the noise and vibrations. Plan your work in such a way that the use of devices that generate strong vibrations spread over several days.
• If you notice an unpleasant sensation or discolouration of the skin on your hands when using the device, stop work immediately. Take sufficient\ work breaks. Without sufficient, breaks, a hand/arm vibration syndrome can occur.
• Minimize your risk of being exposed to vibrations. Maintain the appliance according to the instructions in the operating instructions.
• If the appliance is used often, contact your dealer to purchase anti-vibration accessories (such as handles).
• Avoid working with the device at temperatures below 10 °C. Define how the vibration load can be limited in a work plan.

Noise pollution

A certain level of noise exposure from this device is inevitable. Carry out noisy work at approved and specified time periods. Observe rest periods as necessary and restrict the duration of the work to a minimum. For your personal protection and the protection of persons in the vicinity, appropriate hearing protection must be worn.

ASSEMBLY

WARNING

• Danger if the assembly is not carried out completely!
• Operation of an incompletely assembled appliance can result in serious injury.
• Only operate the appliance when it is fully assembled.
• Check that all safety and protective devices are in place and functioning correctly before switching on.

START-UP

Carrying out visual inspection

1. Check the appliance for damage and loose screws. Replace the defective appliance parts and tighten the screws.
2. Check the mains cable for damage. Replace the defective mains cable.
3. Check the appliance for coarse soiling. Remove soiling.

Providing the mains cable and checking the mains connection

• Heed the safety instructions for the mains cable (see chapter 3.1.1 “Electrical safety”, page 31).

Requirements for the mains cable

Provide a mains cable that complies with the following requirements:

• 3 conductors with a minimum cross-section of 2.5 mm (i.e. with a protective conductor)
• The maximum length of 40 m
• Spray water protected (protection category IP44)
• Suitable for outdoor use (H05RN-F quality, i.e. rubber hose cable)

Requirements for the mains connection
Check that the mains connection complies with the following requirements:

• Min. 10 A fuse
• Fault current circuit breaker with max. 30 mA trigger current.

OPERATION

NOTE: Always mow the grass before scarifying (max. grass height: 4 cm). Remove any foreign bodies from the grass surface.

Opening the impact flap ( 05)

• The appliance can be operated with or without a grass collector. The grass collector is available as an accessory.

Scarifying without the grass collector

NOTE: The impact flap is closed on delivery. Always open the impact flap before scarifying so that the scarified material can be discharged at the impact flap.

1. Fold the impact flap (05/1) back until it audibly engages at an angle of approx. 30°.

Scarifying with grass collector

Fold the impact flap completely up. Using the grass collector: see chapter 6.7 “Attaching and removing the grass collector [optional] (11)”, page 39.

Folding the handlebar in and out (06)

CAUTION

• Danger of crushing
• Fingers or other parts of the body can be crushed between the loose parts of the handlebar.
• Hold the loose parts of the handlebar tightly.
• Do not hold any fingers or other parts of the body between the loose parts.

IMPORTANT!

• The danger of damaging the power cable
• The motor and main cables can be crushed and damaged between the loose parts of the handlebar.
• Do not jam the cables when folding the handlebar in/out.

Folding in the handlebar

1. Release the quick release (06/1) and fold the top handlebar (06/2) downwards (06/a).
2. Release the quick release on the rotary/snapin joints (06/3) until the entire handlebar can be folded forward into the horizontal position (06/b).
3. Slightly tighten all quick releases.

Folding out the handlebar

• Proceed in reverse order.

Adjusting the handlebar to the body size (07)

1. Loosen the quick release on the rotary/snapin joints (07/1).
2. Adjust the entire handlebar to the desired height (07/a) at the handle (07/2). The movement is limited by the end stops (07/3) of the rotary/snap-in joints.
3. Tighten the quick releases (07/1).

Setting the working depth (08)
The setting of the working depth depends on:

• Grass condition (well-kept: low working depth, overgrown: large working depth)
• Blade wear (new: low working depth, worn: large working depth)
• If the working depth is too large: The appliance stands still and the motor does not run.

IMPORTANT!

• The danger of damage to the appliance
• Setting the working depth with the appliance running causes damage.
• Only set the working depth when the motor and blade system have stopped.

1. Turn the adjusting wheel (08/1) to HIGH. The blade system is raised to the maximum.
2. Checking the working depth:
3. Start the appliance (see chapter 6.6 “Starting and stopping the motor (10)”, page 39).
4. Move a little way onto the grass and check the result. If the grass is too short or irregularly scarified, the blade system must be lowered.
5. Stop the appliance and wait until the blade system has stopped.
6. Turn the adjuster wheel (08/1) a little towards LOW. The blade system is lowered.
7. Repeat the previous steps until the grass is uniformly sacrificed.

Establishing the mains connection (09)

1. Firmly plug the socket (09/1) of the mains cable into the plug (09/2) on the motor switch.
2. Clamp (09/a) and (09/b) the mains cable (09/3) in the cable strain relief (09/4) so it cannot be pulled off the motor switch.

Starting and stopping the motor (10)

IMPORTANT!

• The danger of damage to the appliance
• The motor and blade system can be damaged by consecutively switching on and off briefly several times.
• Only switch the motor on when the blade system has stopped.

Starting the engine

1. Press the safety button (10/1) and hold (10/a).
2. Pull the motor switch bracket (10/2) towards the handlebar (10/3) (10/b). Start the motor and blade system.
3. Release the safety button (10/1) and hold the motor switch bracket (10/2).

NOTE: The motor switch bracket does not lock in place. Hold it tight against the handlebar during the entire working period.

Stopping the motor

1. Release the motor switch bracket (10/2). It automatically returns to its initial position. The motor stops immediately. The blade system keeps running until it stops.

CAUTION!

• Danger of cutting injuries
• There is a danger of lacerations when reaching into the blade system while it is running on.
• Wait until the blade system has stopped.

Attaching and removing the grass collector [optional] (11)

• Assembly: See images (03) to (04).
• The appliance can be operated with and without grass collector.

Attach the grass collector

1. Raise the impact flap (11/1) (11/a).
2. Attach the grass collector (11/2) in the holders (11/b) from behind.
3. Release the impact flap.

Remove and empty the grass collector

1. Stop the appliance and wait until the blade system has stopped.
2. Raise the impact flap (11/1).
3. Lift the grass collector (11/2) out of the holders and take off to the rear.
4. Empty the grass collector.
5. Attach the grass collector (see above).

Moving the appliance on the grass (12)

Guide the appliance (12/1) over the grass (as shown in the image) in such a way to avoid damaging the mains cable (12/2). Heed the safety instructions (see chapter 3.2 “Safety instructions for scarifiers”, page 34).

• Watch out for objects in the grass and remove them from the working area.
• Guide the mains cable by hand.
• Only control the appliance by the handlebar.
• Move the appliance at walking speed.
• Always move the appliance across the slope.
• If the motor suddenly stops: The motor circuit breaker has triggered due to an overload. Wait a few minutes and then attempt to start the motor again.
• In the following cases, visit the customer service workshop:
  • Motor no longer starts.
  • The appliance has moved onto an obstruction.
  • Appliance vibrates and does not run smoothly.
  • The blades of the scarifier roller or steel spring prongs of the aeration roller (optional) are bent.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

CAUTION!

• The danger of cutting injuries
• There is a danger of lacerations when reaching into the blade system while it is running on or the stopped blade system.
• Stop the appliance and wait until the blade system has stopped.
• Disconnect the mains plug to power down the appliance.
• Wear protective gloves.

Cleaning the blade system

IMPORTANT!

• Danger from water
• Water in the appliance causes short-circuits and destroys electrical components.
• Do not spray the appliance with water.
• Only use a broom or a brush for cleaning.

1. Stop the appliance and wait until the blade system has stopped.
2. Disconnect the mains plug.
3. Remove the grass collector see chapter 6.7 “Attaching and removing the grass collector [optional] (11)”, page 39.
4. Tip the appliance onto the side and clean the blade system with a broom or brush.

Replacing the scarifier roller and aeration roller (optional) (13)

The scarifier roller is intended for coarse scarifying work and the aeration roller (optional) for fine scarifying work (see chapter 2.3 “Scope of supply”, page 28).

Removing the roller

1. Stop the appliance and wait until the blade system has stopped.
2. Disconnect the mains plug.
3. Turn the appliance over.
4. Press the locking bar (13/1) until the lock is released (13/a).
5. Fold the locking bar (13/1) upwards (13/b).
6. Gently push the roller (13/2) towards the housing (13/c).
7. Remove (13/d) the roller (13/2). Installing the roller Proceeds in reverse order.

TRANSPORT

IMPORTANT!

• The danger of damage to the appliance
• The blade system will be damaged if the appliance is moved over a solid surface with the blade system lowered.
• To raise the blade system, turn the adjuster  wheel for the working depth to HIGH (level 1).

1. Stop the motor and wait until the blade system has stopped.
2. Turn the adjuster wheel for the working depth to HIGH (level 1).
3. Remove the mains plug from the power socket, fold up the mains cable.

working areas

• Move the appliance to the working area with the blade system raised.
• To carry the appliance: Lift the appliance by the carrying handle.

Transporting the appliance in a vehicle

• Fold in the handlebar.
• Secure the appliance in the vehicle against falling over and sliding.
• Secure the appliance against impacts from loose objects.
• Do not place objects on the appliance.

STORAGE

1. Disconnect the mains plug.
2. Turn the adjuster wheel for the working depth to HIGH (level 1).
3. Fold in the handlebar (see chapter 6.2 “Folding the handlebar in and out (06)”, page 38).
4. Thoroughly clean the appliance (see chapter 7.1 “Cleaning the blade system”, page 40).
5. Rub a thin coat of oil or silicon onto all metal parts for corrosion protection.
6. Store the appliance in a dry, clean location protected from frost. Cover with a breathable tarpaulin to protect against dust. Do not use plastic film in order to avoid the accumulation of moisture.

DISPOSAL

Information on the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElectroG)

• Electrical and electronic appliances do not belong in household waste but should be collected and disposed of separately.
• Used batteries or rechargeable batteries that are not installed permanently in the old appliance must be removed before disposal. Their disposal is regulated by the battery law.
• Owners or users of electrical and electronic] appliances are obliged by law to return them after use.
• The end user bears personal responsibility for deleting his personal data from the old appliance to be disposed of.
• The symbol of the crossed-through rubbish bin means that electrical and electronic appliances may not be disposed of in the household rubbish.
• Electrical and electronic appliances can be handed in at no charge at the following places:
• Public service disposal or collection points (e.g. municipal building yards)
• Points of sale of electrical appliances (stationary and online) provided traders are obliged to take them back or offer this voluntarily.

These statements only apply to appliances that are installed and sold in the countries of the European Union and are subject to the European Directive, 2012/19/EU. Different provisions may apply\ to the disposal of electrical and electronic appliances in countries outside the European Union.

AFTER-SALES / SERVICE

• In the event of questions about warranty, repair, or spare parts, please contact your nearest AL-KO Service Centre.
• These can be found on the Internet at: www.al-ko.com/service-contacts

 HELP IN CASE OF MALFUNCTION

CAUTION

• Risk of injury
• Sharp-edged and moving appliance parts can lead to injury.
• Always wear protective gloves during maintenance, care, and cleaning work.

•     Check the mains cable and circuit breaker.
•    Pull the motor switch bracket to the end stop for the handlebar.

The blade system is blocked by lawn felt and moss.|

•   Set a lower working depth.
•  Clean the blade system.

Immediate short-circuit when inserting the mains plug| Defective electrical compo- nents in the appliance.|

•  Contact a customer service workshop.

The blade system does not turn.| The blade system is blocked by lawn felt and moss.|

•   Set a lower working depth.
•    Clean the blade system.

Motor and scarifier power decreases.| The blade system is braked.|

•  Set a lower working depth.
• Mowing the grass.

Scarifier blades are worn.|

•    Replace the scarifier roller.

The appliance vibrates and does not run smoothly.| Scarifier blades are damaged.|

•   Replace the scarifier roller.
•    Contact a customer service workshop.

NOTE: If you encounter any malfunctions that are not listed in this table or that you cannot rectify yourself, please contact our customer service.

GUARANTEE

We will resolve any material or manufacturing faults on the appliance during the legal warranty period for claims relating to faults, in accordance with our choice either to repair or replace. The legal warranty period is determined by the legislation of the country in which the appliance was purchased.

Our warranty promise applies only if:

• These operating instructions are heeded
• The appliance is handled correctly
• Original spare parts have been used

The warranty becomes void in the case of:

• Unauthorized repair attempts
• Unauthorized technical modifications
• Non-intended use

The guarantee excludes:

• Paint damage that can be attributed to normal wear and tear
• Wear parts that are marked with a frame xxxxxx (x) on the spare parts card
• The guarantee period commences with a purchase by the first end user. The date on the proof of purchase is decisive. In the event of a guarantee claim, please take this guarantee declaration and the original proof of purchase, and contact your dealer or the nearest authorized customer service center.
• This statement does not affect the purchaser’s statutory claims for defects against the vendor.

EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We hereby declare that this product in its marketed form conforms to the requirements of the harmonised EU Directives, EU safety standards and product- specific standards.

• Product: Electric scarifier
• Serial number: G1062012
• Type: Combi-Care 36.8 E Comfort
• Sound power level: EN ISO 3744 measured/guaranteed 94.0 dB(A) / 97.0 dB(A)

Manufacturer

• AL-KO Geräte GmbH
• Ichenhauser Str. 14
• D-89359 Kötz
• Germany

EU directives

• 2006/42/EC
• 2014/30/EU
• 2000/14/EC
• 2011/65/EU

Declaration of conformity

• 2000/14/EC Appendix V

Duly authorized person

• Andreas Hedrich
• Ichenhauser Str. 14
• D-89359 Kötz
• Germany

Harmonized standards

• EN 60335-1:2012+A11:2014
• EN 50636-2-92:2014
• EN 62233:2008
• EN 55014-1:2006+A2:2011
• EN 55014-2:2015
• EN 61000-3-2:2014
• EN 61000-3-3:2013

Kötz, 22/10/2017

• Wolfgang Hergeth Managing Director

References

• Startseite - AL-KO Unternehmensgruppe
• Servicestellen international | AL-KO Gardentech

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