ALKO 32VLE Combi Electric Scarifier

Flimsy plastic body and back flap, back wheels too small for use on grass, collection bag difficult to fit. The machine has a tendency to topple backwards when the collection is fitted. Position of on switch is difficult to operate. Also, poorly made handles cannot be folded for storage. The bearing cap for the cartridge scarifier or rake is made of plastic and may not have a long life. This machine claims to be German designed. If so they must have had an off day.

Purchased this item a year ago and didn't put it together or use it for the first time until a year later. Seemed to fit together without any problem but when I used it the handle dismantled itself and I found that the flimsy plastic lugs inside the housing had snapped off and I couldn't remove one of the screws. Judging by previous reviews this is a serious design fault that renders the item useless and which the manufacturers should address.

This machine was highly rated by "Which magazine",unfortunately they do not do proper checks and tests as I have discovered.

I bought this machine because the spec seemed good. However when it arrived, could not fit the handles because they were badly formed,the bolts were too short,and furthermore it was supplied with the lead,(which felt as stiff as a steel rope)attatched to the machine. The lead must be able to be disconnected for safety by way of the plug and socket which is shown in the book.

Because of this breach of safety, I can not recommend this machine.

When I have the replacement handle and corrected the safety issue I will update report.

AL-KO 32VLE Combi Electric Scarifier - A very good product. A job that would normally have taken me two to three days was completed in a morning. The amount of moss and thatch that this machine extracted from my lawn had to be seen to be believed. The collection bag filled up so quickly that I stopped using it and just raked up the moss afterwards. I found it very easy to change the scarifier for the aerator. My lawn was very dry and I would recommend using the aerator on a moist lawn as it did struggle at times. This is not a critisism of the product as the ground was rock hard. The only downside to this machine is a small collection bag that is fiddly to attach to the machine but apart from that it is a thumbs up!