OPERATION

Aerating means pulling small soil plugs, ranging up to three inches in length, from the soil to create small reservoirs that will bring oxygen, fertilizer and water down into the roots. Forbestaeratorperformance,thefollowinglawnpreparations and operating procedures are recommended.

CAUTION: POINTS OF AERATOR

KNIVES ARE SHARP! EXERCISE

CAUTION AT ALL TIMES WHILE

USING THE AERATOR.

1.Mow lawn and remove loose clippings prior to use of lawn aerator.

2.Start tractor engine with controls in neutral and place throttle at slow engine speed.

3.Engage shift lever at lowest possible forward speed and lower aerator, allowing plugger points to enter the ground. Increase speed as conditions permit.

4.Aerateinthestraightestlinepossible,makingoverlapping passes to increase the plugger point pattern.

5.Avoid extremely sharp turns with plugger points engaged in ground to prevent damage to lawn.

6.DO NOT cross over walks or drives without first raising the aerator to the transport position.

7.On sloped lawns, always aerate in an up and down direction. DO NOT attempt to follow the contour of the ground.

8.To increase the depth of plugger point penetration, up to 140 lbs. of weight, such as bags of sand or (4) concrete blocks, may be added to the tray. The weight can be secured to the tray with ties or straps fastened to the front and rear of the tray. Fasten so that the ties or straps cannot become entangled on rotating parts.

10.Ifthegroundisextremelyhardanddry,itisrecommended that it be sprinkled or watered down for one or two hours prior to aerating.

11.DO NOT attempt to aerate if ground is too wet, (muddy).

12.Do to small rocks and gravel which are normally present in aerated soil plugs, it is recommended that the plugs be raked;otherwise damage to the lawn mower blades may arise, especially when reel type mowers are used.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT INJURY,

DISMOUNT FROM TRACTOR TO

RAISE OR LOWER AERATOR

CONTAINING ADDED WEIGHT.

MAINTENANCE

1.Pluggerpointscanperiodicallybesharpenedwithasmall grinder to maintain good penetration. Points should be removed to sharpen. Follow original angle and contour of points when grinding.

2.For storage, clean the aerator and lightly oil all exposed metal parts to prevent rust.

LUBRICATION

1.Oil the spool assemblies and shaft as needed.

2.Oil the wheel hubs as needed.