Ames True Temper 1943400 ActionHoe II Review

Introduction: A Tool That Promises to Change Your Spring Routine

For years, I treated dethatching as a necessary evil. You know the drill: you spend a crisp Saturday morning wrestling with a heavy, vibrating gas-powered dethatcher, or you resign yourself to a backbreaking afternoon with a metal rake that feels like it was designed in the Iron Age. I had almost accepted that spring lawn prep meant sore shoulders and a grumpy disposition. Then I came across the Ames True Temper 1943400 ActionHoe II, a tool that calls itself a “manual dethatching rake.” I was skeptical. Could a simple, hand-operated tool really replace the brute force of a machine? After months of using it on a variety of lawns, I can tell you: it does not replace a machine for every job, but it does something far more valuable for the average homeowner. It makes dethatching accessible, precise, and almost enjoyable. This is my honest, boots-on-the-ground review of the ActionHoe II.

How I Tested It: Real Lawns, Real Conditions

I did not test this tool in a sterile lab. I used it on my own lawn, my neighbor’s lawn, and a small community garden plot over the course of two full growing seasons. My primary test area is a 4,000 square foot fescue and bluegrass mix that sees moderate foot traffic and a fair amount of shade. I also took it to a friend’s property with a much thicker, sun-drenched Bermuda grass lawn that had a serious thatch buildup of over an inch. I used the ActionHoe II in early spring, after the lawn had greened up but before the first mow, and again in early fall for a lighter maintenance pass. I timed myself, documented the physical strain, and paid close attention to the quality of the work. I did not use any power tools on the same areas to ensure a fair comparison of manual labor. I also deliberately avoided sharpening the blade for the first several uses to see how it performed out of the box.

Performance: Where This Rake Shines and Where It Struggles

The Sharp Serrated Blade: A True Game Changer

The single most important feature of the ActionHoe II is its sharp, serrated blade. This is not a standard rake head. The blade is a curved, steel piece with aggressive teeth that are designed to cut through thatch, not just pull at it. In my testing, this made a night-and-day difference. On the fescue lawn, which had a moderate thatch layer of about half an inch, the blade sliced through the dead grass and moss with surprising ease. I did not have to wrestle or yank. A simple, rhythmic chopping motion lifted the thatch to the surface without tearing up the healthy grass roots. I was able to clear a 10×10 foot section in about 15 minutes, which is significantly faster than a standard spring-tine rake. The serrations grip the thatch and pull it upward, rather than just skimming over the top. This is the tool’s superpower.

Adjustable Blade Angle: Versatility in Action

The second standout feature is the adjustable blade angle. The head of the rake can be set to three different positions. In the most aggressive angle, the blade digs deep, ideal for that first heavy spring dethatch. In the middle setting, it is perfect for general maintenance and light raking. The most shallow angle is great for collecting debris after you have already loosened the thatch. I found myself switching between these angles constantly. For example, I would start a strip of lawn with the blade at the deepest setting to cut the thatch, then quickly adjust it to the shallow setting to gather the debris into a pile. This adjustment is done by loosening a single wing nut, moving the blade, and tightening it back. It takes about ten seconds and does not require any tools. This versatility means the ActionHoe II is not just a dethatcher; it is also a capable leaf rake, a scarifier, and a debris collector. That is a lot of utility for one tool.

Comfortable D-Grip Handle: Saving Your Back and Hands

Anyone who has spent an hour with a standard rake knows the pain: blisters on your palms, a burning sensation in your lower back, and a general feeling of regret. The ActionHoe II addresses this with a D-grip handle. This is a looped handle at the top of the shaft that allows you to use two hands in a pushing and pulling motion, rather than just pulling with one hand. In practice, this changes the entire ergonomics of the job. You can engage your core and legs more effectively, reducing the strain on your lower back. The grip itself is padded and comfortable, even after an hour of continuous use. I did not develop any blisters, which is a first for me with any manual lawn tool. The handle also provides excellent control, especially when you are working around flower beds or tree roots. It allows for precise, short strokes that are impossible with a long, unwieldy rake.

Where It Falls Short: The Reality Check

No tool is perfect, and the ActionHoe II has its limitations. The most significant is the blade durability. After about four hours of heavy use on the thick Bermuda grass, I noticed the serrations were not cutting as cleanly. The blade had dulled noticeably. It still worked, but I had to apply more force. This is not a dealbreaker, but it is a reality. A sharp blade is essential for the tool to perform at its best. I ended up sharpening the blade with a flat file, which took about ten minutes. It is not difficult, but it is an ongoing maintenance task that you should expect if you have a thick lawn or a large area to cover. The second limitation is size. This is not a tool for a two-acre property. The working width of the blade is about 15 inches. If you have a very large lawn, you will spend a lot of time walking back and forth. For a 5,000 square foot lawn or smaller, it is perfect. For anything larger, you would be better served by a power dethatcher or a tow-behind unit.

Build and Value: A Tool That Feels Built to Last

Materials and Construction

The Ames True Temper ActionHoe II is built with a focus on practicality. The handle is a sturdy, fiberglass-reinforced shaft that feels light but strong. It does not flex or wobble under pressure, even when I was really leaning into a thick patch of thatch. The D-grip is made of a durable plastic with a rubberized foam pad. It has held up well to sun exposure and rain, showing no signs of cracking or degradation. The blade is the star of the show. It is made of forged steel and is coated with a dark, anti-rust finish. After a full season of use, including being left out in a light drizzle a few times, there is only surface rust on the parts where the coating has worn away from the serrations. This is normal and expected. The wing nut and bolt mechanism for adjusting the angle is simple and robust. It has not stripped or loosened on its own during use. Overall, the build quality is excellent for a tool in this price range. It feels like a professional-grade implement, not a disposable piece of hardware.

Value for Money

I cannot give you a specific price because prices vary by retailer and region, but I can say that the ActionHoe II is consistently priced in the mid-range for manual dethatching tools. It is more expensive than a basic steel rake, but it is significantly cheaper than a gas-powered dethatcher or an electric scarifier. When you consider that it replaces a dethatching rake, a leaf rake, and a scarifier, the value proposition becomes clear. You are paying for a specialized tool that does one job exceptionally well and several other jobs adequately. For the homeowner who wants to maintain a healthy lawn without investing in expensive, noisy, and heavy machinery, this tool is a fantastic value. It will pay for itself in the first season by saving you the cost of renting a power dethatcher or hiring a lawn service.

Who Should Buy It (And Who Should Not)

Ideal Users

• The Suburban Homeowner: If you have a lawn between 1,000 and 5,000 square feet, this tool is perfect. It is the right size for a manageable weekend project.
• The Ergonomic Seeker: If you have back or hand issues and have given up on manual raking, the D-grip handle and efficient cutting action will make dethatching possible again.
• The Precision Gardener: If you like to work carefully around plants, trees, and garden beds, the control offered by this tool is unmatched by a powered dethatcher.
• The Budget-Minded Landowner: If you want to avoid the cost and maintenance of a power tool, this is a one-time purchase that will last for years with basic care.
• The Organic Lawn Care Enthusiast: If you prefer manual methods and physical work, this tool aligns perfectly with a hands-on approach to lawn health.

Users Who Might Be Disappointed

• The Large Property Owner: If your lawn is over 10,000 square feet, this tool will be too slow. You need a tow-behind dethatcher or a walk-behind power rake.
• The “Set It and Forget It” User: If you do not want to sharpen a blade or perform any maintenance, you might be frustrated by the dulling over time.
• The Extremely Thick Thatch Sufferer: If your thatch layer is over two inches thick, you may need to scalp the lawn first with a power rake, then use this tool for cleanup.
• The Person with Physical Limitations: While the D-grip helps, this is still a manual tool that requires some bending and pushing. It is not a zero-effort solution.

My Verdict: A Staple for the Thoughtful Lawn Keeper

After months of testing, I have come to rely on the Ames True Temper 1943400 ActionHoe II. It is not a magic wand that will transform your lawn in five minutes. It is a well-engineered, ergonomic tool that respects the user’s time and body. The sharp serrated blade genuinely cuts through thatch instead of just pulling at it. The adjustable angle gives you real versatility, allowing you to switch from dethatching to collecting debris in seconds. The D-grip handle is a genuine comfort innovation that makes an hour of raking feel like twenty minutes. Yes, the blade will need occasional sharpening, and it is not the right tool for a massive lawn. But for the vast majority of homeowners with a modest yard, this is the best manual dethatching tool I have ever used. It has earned a permanent place in my shed, right next to my shovel and my pruners. If you care about your lawn and your back, I recommend you give it a try.