Changing a scarifier belt

Changing a scarifier belt

why use a scarifier ?

A scarifier is an essential garden maintenance tool. It is a machine used for soil and lawn maintenance. It is equipped with metal teeth or blades that scrape the surface to remove accumulated layers of felt, moss or debris.

The scarifier also stimulates lawn growth by aerating the soil and promoting the penetration of water and nutrients into the grass roots. Often used in spring or autumn, it keeps the lawn in good health.

Which belt should you choose for your scarifier ?

To change the belt on your scarifier, it's obviously essential to choose a model that's compatible with your tool.

The classic types of belt are V-belts and toothed belts.

Changing belts on a scarifier may seem daunting, but with the right tools and a few instructions, you can do it yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you :

Changing belts on an Al-ko 38 scarifier

Materials required :

  • A new belt compatible with your scarifier model
  • Wrenches (usually 10 mm and 13 mm)
  • Screwdriver
  • Safety glasses
  • Protective gloves

step 1 : Preparation

Secure the unit by ensuring that the scarifier is switched off and unplugged. If it's a petrol model, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.

Depending on the model of your scarifier, you may need to remove a protective cover to gain access to the belt. Use a screwdriver or wrench to remove the screws from the guard.

step 2 : Remove the worn belt

Identify the belt to be replaced. It's usually located between the motor and the scarifying rollers.

Some machines are equipped with a belt tensioner which you can use to release the pressure.

Slide the old belt off the pulleys, noting the path it takes to ensure you install the new one in the same way.

step 3 : Install the new belt

Slide the new belt onto the pulleys, following the same path as the old belt. If your scarifier is equipped with a tensioner, adjust it to ensure correct tension on the belt, which should be tight but not too tight.

Here we see the two new belts 450-5M15-OPTIBELT and 270-5M15-OPTIBELT on this Al-ko 38 scarifier.

step 4 : Reassembly and checking

Replace the housing you removed and secure it with the screws.

Make sure that the belt is correctly installed and that it follows the correct path. Also check that all parts are secure and that nothing is loose.

step 5 : Test

Reconnect the power supply or spark plug wire and start the scarifier to check that the new belt is working properly. Observe the movement of the rollers and listen for any abnormal noise.

By following these steps, you should be able to change the belt on your scarifier without any problems. If you encounter any difficulties, please consult your unit's user manual or contact the manufacturer's customer service department for assistance specific to your model.