Toro 4500-D manual Training, Some basic tips for good aeration

Operator

Training

ProCore® Operator Video Teaches Proper Techniques

When you don’t do a particular job every- day, it’s always a good

idea to refresh your skills before jumping into the task. With that in mind, Toro recently released the Toro® ProCore® Operator Training Video (Part No. 01087SV) to help sharpen your skills.

Recorded in both English and Spanish, the video covers the initial set-up and operation of the ProCore series of aerators. These aerators cover a lot of ground so any mis- steps can slow you down. Taking the time to view this short video before aerating is useful for new operators as well as a nice refresher for sea- soned operators. The operator’s manual should also be read in its entirety to ensure safe and proper operation.

Some basic tips for good aeration:

Make sure everything is level from the start. Mount the aerator on a level surface and check the machine to see that it is level before beginning operation.

Pay close attention to the Power Take Off (PTO) shaft. The PTO cannot be too long or it will damage the shaft or gearbox. It may need to be changed by the equipment tech- nician.

Use the best settings. The aerator should be set to lift about 4 inches (10 cm) off the ground during oper- ation. Adjust the aerator to a 4- degree forward angle for the best holes. NEVER angle the aerator rearward or damage may occur to the machine or turf.

Get the right tines and set the penetration. There are a variety of tines to choose from. The depth chart in the operator’s manual has a guide to tines and proper settings. Set the tine depth the same on both

sides of the aerator. If tine depth is	aerating, lower the engine rpm, raise
changed, recheck the aerator angle	the aerator, depress the clutch on
to ensure it is still 4 degrees.	the tractor with your foot and stop
Practice using the aerator. Before	the PTO.
actually aerating the course, find a	Always stop for people. If anyone
clear area and practice stopping and	comes near the area of operation,
starting and rais-
ing and lowering
the aerator. Be
sure to mark all
obstacles on the
course to avoid
things like irriga-
tion heads and
electrical wires.
Any debris like
rocks that will
damage the aera-
tor should also be
removed.
Start correctly.
To begin aerating,
use a low tractor
engine rpm in an
appropriate gear.
Set the speed
between .6 and
2.5 miles per
hour (.97 and
4.02 kmh). As
you begin and the
tractor moves for-
ward, fully lower
the 3-point link-
age and increase the engine speed	move off the area you’re aerating and
until you reach 540 rpm on the	stop the machine until the area is
PTO. The machine must be on the	clear. Since tines are pummeling the
ground when set at 540 rpm. The	surface of the turf, a tine may break
aerator may be damaged if the tines	and fly off or debris may fly out
are not working in the turf when	from the aerator. Always be aware of
operated at full speed.	any people around you.
Use the right front tractor wheel	The new ProCore® Operator
as a site guide. The right front trac-	Training Video is available from
tor wheel should be used as a site	your local distributor. Other new
guide to maintain equal lateral hole	operator training videos available
spacing with the previous pass. This	include: the Groundsmaster® 3500
will allow you to use the offset of	(Part No. 00061SV), Groundsmaster®
the aerator to stay off the area you	4000 (Part No. 01085SV), and the
already aerated.	Greensmaster® FlexTM 21 (Part No.
Stop correctly. When finished	01086SV). Each video is $16 US.

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