Wen DT1315 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

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Andres PruittJul 29, 2025
Why won't my Wen DT1315 Lawn and Garden Equipment motor start?
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  mcarterJul 29, 2025
  If the motor of your Wen Lawn and Garden Equipment won't start, there are several possible reasons. First, ensure that the equipment is properly connected to a power source. Another reason might be that the safety lock button is not pressed. To resolve this, press the safety lock button and the switch lever at the same time to start the machine. If the power cord or plug is defective, or there is another electrical defect, you should contact customer service at 1-800-232-1195.
B
brett48Aug 9, 2025
What to do if my Wen DT1315 does not reach full power?
- S
  Sherry LewisAug 9, 2025
  If your Wen Lawn and Garden Equipment isn't reaching full power, several factors could be at play. First, check if the extension cord is suitable for operating the machine. Ensure you are using the proper extension cord. Also, the power source might have low voltage; try connecting to a different power source. Finally, inspect the air vents and clean them if they are blocked.
M
Melinda BeanAug 18, 2025
How to improve the results of my Wen DT1315?
- T
  Tyler MarshallAug 18, 2025
  If you are getting unsatisfying results with your Wen Lawn and Garden Equipment, consider these points. The cutting device might be worn down, in which case you should replace the tine cylinder. Also, ensure that you are only scarifying materials according to the machine's capacity. Finally, check the scarifying depth and adjust it for your specific operation.

Summary

General Safety Rules

Power Tool Use and Care

Covers proper tool usage, maintenance, and storage to ensure safety and performance.

Electrical Safety Precautions

Details safe use of plugs, avoiding grounded surfaces, rain, and cord handling.

Dethatcher and Scarifier Safety Warnings

Electrical Safety for Dethatchers;Scarifiers

Specific electrical safety rules including GFCI, cord handling, and polarized plugs.

Cord Management and Water Avoidance

Safe Operating Practices

Covers operating on slopes, checking tines, grip, staying alert, and handling foreign objects.

Cautionary Notes on Tines and Chemicals

Electrical Information

Extension Cord Guidelines and Recommendations

Provides guidance on selecting and using appropriate extension cords for safety and performance.

Operation Procedures

Connecting to the Power Supply

Guidelines for safely connecting the machine to a power source using an extension cord.

Overload Protection and General Operation

Scarifying and Dethatching Techniques

Details on scarifying, dethatching, and their optimal timing and methods.

Powering the Machine On and Off

Instructions on how to safely start and stop the dethatcher/scarifier.

Maintenance Procedures

Replacing or Changing the Blade

Detailed steps for safely removing and installing dethatching or scarifying blades.

Cleaning the Dethatcher and Scarifier

This document is an instruction manual for the WEN DT1315 15-inch Dethatcher & Scarifier. It provides comprehensive information regarding the tool's function, technical specifications, usage, and maintenance.

Function Description:

The WEN DT1315 is a versatile lawn care tool designed to improve lawn health by removing debris and promoting better oxygen absorption, airing, and drainage. It functions as both a dethatcher and a scarifier.

Dethatching: This process is less intense and involves using steel tines to pick up thatch and other light debris from the lawn surface. It improves aeration and drainage. Dethatching is recommended when the grass is actively growing and the soil has some moisture, typically in early spring or early fall in northern US regions, and late spring through early summer in southern US regions. Lawns prone to thatch buildup, especially those using a mulch setting on a lawnmower or certain grass species, may require more frequent dethatching.
Scarifying: This is a more intense process where blades reach deeper into the ground to remove moss, fungus, thatch, and other unwanted buildup, while leaving the grass intact. Scarifying also cuts grooves into the ground, which results in better drainage aeration and overall better growth. It is recommended to increase the depth setting for scarifying in spring (April - May) when the lawn is actively growing for better recovery. If the summer is wet, scarifying can be done again in late summer or early fall with a decreased depth setting. Scarifying should be avoided during periods of hot, dry weather.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model Number: DT1315
Motor: 120V, 60 Hz, 13A
Working Width: 15 Inches
Working Depth: +1/4", -1/8", -1/4", -3/8", -1/2" (Negative settings indicate blades digging into the ground)
No Load Speed: 3300 RPM
Power Cord: 16AWG, 0.35M UL Plug
Blade Count (Scarifier): 16
Steel Tines (Dethatcher): 24
Product Dimensions: 39.8 in. x 22.8 in. x 43.7 in.
Product Weight: 28.2 Pounds
Extension Cord Recommendations: The manual provides a chart for required gauge for extension cords based on length: 25 ft. (14 gauge), 50 ft. (12 gauge), 100 ft. (Not Recommended by UL), 150 ft. (Not Recommended by UL). A separate 12-gauge circuit protected with a 15A time-delayed fuse is recommended.

Usage Features:

Assembly: The manual details the assembly of the handle components (lower, middle, and upper handles) using bolts and knobs, and securing the power cord with a cable clip. It also covers the installation of the thatch bag.
Depth Adjustment: The working depth can be adjusted using a lever with five settings:
- Position 1 (High, 1/4"): Transport, removing thin thatch layers (Dethatching); Not for scarifying.
- Position 2 (Minimal, -1/8"): Dethatching healthy lawn; Not for scarifying.
- Position 3 (Medium, -1/4"): Storage and dethatching; Transport, storage, and scarifying.
- Position 4 (Deep, -3/8"): Not recommended for dethatching; Use for scarifying.
- Position 5 (Deep, -1/2"): Do not use for dethatching; Use for scarifying.
Powering On/Off: To power on, the safety lock button and the switch handle must be engaged simultaneously. Releasing the switch handle turns the machine off.
Operation Guidelines:
- Ensure accessories are secure, and mark any sprinkler heads, lights, or landscaping fixtures.
- Remove hoses or other obstacles from the lawn.
- Push the machine forward at a walking pace, avoiding excessive force to prevent overload.
- Keep air vents clean and unobstructed to prevent overheating.
- Ensure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects.
- Do not work on a wet lawn.
- Work in slight overlapping rows for even coverage.
Overload Protection: The machine is equipped with overload protection that activates if scarified materials build up around the cutting device, if materials exceed motor capacity, or if there is too much resistance. If activated, turn off the machine, disconnect from power, allow it to cool, and remove any blockages.
Blade Types: The tool comes with two interchangeable blade types: a dethatching/raking blade (pre-assembled) and a scarifier blade (included in the box).

Maintenance Features:

Routine Inspection: Before each use, inspect for loose hardware, improper mounting, misalignment, cracked/broken parts, or any other condition affecting safe operation.
Lubrication: Lubricate tines/blades and shaft once per season.
End-of-Season Check: Inspect for damage before storing.
Cleaning:
- Always clean the dethatcher/scarifier after each use to prevent damage and poor performance.
- Never use a water hose for cleaning.
- Clean the underside of the tine guard and motor housing around the tines with a scrubbing brush and a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water.
- Use a stiff brush or dampened cloth to remove soil and debris from the transmission and tines.
- Clean motor housing vents.
- Wipe tines and shaft dry and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.
Blade Replacement/Changing:
- Always ensure the machine is OFF and disconnected from the power source.
- Wear safety gloves as tines are sharp and can become hot.
- To remove a blade, unscrew the inner hex socket screw on the blade bracket and carefully remove the blade.
- To install a blade, align the square end of the blade shaft with the square hole of the output gear, press the bearing into the blade bracket slot, close the blade bracket, and install the hex socket screw.

Safety Information:

The manual emphasizes general safety rules, electrical safety, and specific dethatcher/scarifier safety warnings, including:

Using a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected supply.
Disconnecting the unit from power when not in use or during servicing/cleaning.
Avoiding cord abuse and keeping it away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts.
Using an extension cord suitable for outdoor use.
Wearing eye protection and other personal protective equipment.
Ensuring the switch is in the off position before connecting to power.
Keeping children and bystanders away.
Not operating the tool when tired or under the influence of substances.
Maintaining proper footing and balance.
Dressing properly, avoiding loose clothing or jewelry.
Not operating on steep slopes.
Checking for foreign objects before starting.
Gripping the guide bar firmly with both hands.
Turning off immediately and checking for damage if a foreign body is struck.
Being aware that tines continue to run after the switch is released.
Caution against the dethatcher/scarifier bouncing or jumping if tines strike hard-packed soil, frozen ground, or buried obstacles.
Warning against operating near underground electrical cables, telephone lines, pipes, or hoses.
Danger of cuts from rotating tines; wear gloves during cleaning/maintenance.
California Proposition 65 warnings regarding exposure to chemicals in dust created by tool use.

The manual also includes a troubleshooting guide for common issues like the motor not starting, product not reaching full power, or unsatisfactory results, providing possible causes and solutions. A detailed exploded view and parts list are provided for both the body and motor assemblies, as well as the scarifier and dethatcher blade assemblies, to assist with replacement parts.