BEFORE STARTING
•Mow the lawn and remove all loose clippings prior to use of the aerator.
•If the soil is extremely hard and dry, it is recommended that it be sprinkled or watered down for one or two hours prior to aerating.
CAUTION: points of aerator knives are sharp! exercise caution at all times while using the aerating.
CAUTION: vehicle braking and stability may be affected by the addition of an accessory or attachment.be aware of changing conditions on slopes.
HOW TO USE YOUR PLUG AERATOR
Aerating pulls 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. For best aerator performance, the following lawn preparations and operating procedures are recommended.
•Start vehicle in low gear and more forward at slow speed and then lower aerator. Increase speed only as conditions permit.
•Aerateinthestraightestlinepossible,makingoverlapping passes to increase the plugger point pattern.
•Avoid extremely sharp turns with plugger points engaged in ground to prevent damage to lawn.
•DO NOT cross over walks or drives without first raising the aerator to the transport position.
•On sloped lawns, always aerate in an up and down direction. DO NOT attempt to follow the contour of the ground.
•DO NOT attempt to aerate if ground is too wet, or muddy.
•Due to possible small rocks and gravel which can be 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.
•To increase the depth of plugger point penetration, up to 160 lbs. of weight may be added to the tray. Suitcase type weights (1) can be attached to the center weight bracket, or concrete blocks (2) or other weights may be tied or strapped to the top of the tray. Before adding weight, the plugger should be attached to tow vehicle and lowered to the ground. See figure 8.
NOTE: Weights must be purchased separately.
8
1
2
MAINTENANCE•Check for and tighten any loose hardware before each use.
•Lubricate spool assemblies with grease at least once each season.
•Pluggerpointscanperiodicallybesharpenedwithasmall grinder to maintain good penetration. Points should be removed to sharpen. Follow original angle and contour of points when grinding.
•Clean aerator and store in a dry area when not in use.
•Clean off dirt and rust and coat exposed metal with light oil or touch up paint before storage.