OPERATION
HOW TO USE YOUR SPIKER/SPREADER
1.Refer to the instruction label on the material package and to the instruction decal on your spreader to help determine the proper spreader setting and application rate.Also see the Setting Chart on this page for a general range of settings for commonly used materials.
2.Loosen the knob and adjust the flow control gauge to the recommended setting. Retighten the knob. See figure 10.
3.Determine the approximate square footage of the area to be covered and estimate the amount of fertilizer or seed required.
4.Move the spiker/spreader to the area where application is to begin.
5.Making sure the flow control arm is in the "OFF" position, fill the hopper, breaking up any lumps.
6.Lower the aerator spikes to the operating position.
7.Start the spreader in motion and then pull the flow control arm forward to the "ON" position as you travel across your lawn. The recommended towing speed is 3 m.p.h.
8.Do not make sharp turns with spikes in the ground.
9.Raise aerator spikes to transport position when crossing over concrete or other hard surfaces.
10.Do not aerate if the ground is extremely hard or dry. If ground is too dry, sprinkle or water for one to two hours prior to use.
11.Do not aerate if the ground is too wet (muddy).
IMPORTANT: Always move flow control arm to "OFF" position to prevent excessive release of fertilizer when stopping, turning or filling the spreader.
FIGURE 10
SETTING CHART
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MATERIAL | TYPE | At 3 M.P.H. | ||
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Fertilizer | Granular / Pelleted | / | ||
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Grass Seed | Fine / Coarse | / | ||
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3 M.P.H. is equivalent to traveling 100 feet in 23 seconds.
APPLICATION TIPS
1.To help prevent compacting and clogging when using granular material, avoid unnecessary towing while hopper is filled.
2.Reduce the flow setting for speeds slower than
3 M.P.H. and increase the setting for higher speeds.
3.To avoid misses or striping, overlap the previous pass slightly. Spread width is approximately 40".
4.For easiest application, first apply material across both ends of the area. Two or three passes on each end are sufficient.Then apply material back and forth as shown. Use the end areas for turning around, shutting off the spreader as you enter the end areas and turning the spreader on again as your leave the end areas for your next pass. See figure 11.
5.If lawn is odd shaped, spread a border around the edges and then spread between the border.
6.Be careful when spreading around ornamental plants because weed control chemicals can damage these plants.
FIGURE 11
Spikepointsaresharp.Exercisecautionwhen working with hands near spike disks.
MAINTENANCE
1.Check nuts and bolts for tightness before each use.
2.Always empty hopper after each use, storing leftover material in it's original bag.
3.Wash and dry thoroughly after each use.
4.Apply a light coat of oil on exposed metal parts to help prevent rust.
5.At least once a year, apply a few drops of oil to wheels and to plastic bearings in spike disks, at ends of aerator shaft and at ends of hopper shaft.
6.Clean and oil drive chain once a year.
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