16Operation
INTENDED USE: This machine is designed for aerating established lawns and large grass covered areas. The machine should not be used for any other purpose than that stated above.
DO NOT operate if excessive vibration occurs. If excessive vibration occurs, shut engine off immediately and check for damaged or worn tine reel, loose pulley bolts or set screws, loose engine or lodged foreign objects. (See trouble shooting section on page 12).
Like all mechanical tools, reasonable care must be used when operating machine.
Inspect machine work area and machine before operat- ing. Make sure that all operators of this equipment are trained in general machine use and safety.
STARTING ENGINE
ENGINE: See engine manufacturer’s instructions for type and amount of oil and gasoline used.
Engine must be level when checking and filling oil and gasoline.
GEAR REDUCTION: See engine manufacturer’s instruc- tions for type and amount of oil used. Engine must be level when checking and filling the gear reduction case. The engine is shipped from the factory with oil in the gear case. It shoudl be checked before first use.
ENGINE SPEED: Controlled by throttle lever on the upper handle. Under normal conditions, operate at the minimum throttle speed to accomplish your task.
NOTE: The unit ground speed varies with the engine speed.
FUEL VALVE: Move fuel valve to "ON" position
Honda: Located below the air cleaner on the engine.
Briggs: Located on face of the engine.
ENGINE STOP SWITCH: Move to "ON" position
Honda only: Located on side of engine. During normal operation use the remote stop switch on the operators handle.
CHOKE: Engage the choke when starting a cold engine.
Honda: Located below the air cleaner on the engine.
Briggs: Located on top of the air cleaner on the engine.
THROTTLE: Move the throttle control on the upper handle to fast position. Pull starting rope to start engine.
IF YOUR UNIT FAILS TO START:
See Troubleshooting on page 12.
NOTE: Honda engines are equiped with a low oil sensor to prevent engine damage. When it senses a low oil condition (i.e. unit is operating or sitting on a steep slope) the engine shuts down. The low oil condition must be corrected before the engine can be restarted. See the engine owners manual for more information.
TINES RAISING/LOWERING
The tines are raised or lowered into the ground by operating the tine engagement lever on the upper handle. Tine penetration is very dependent on surface preparation. READ the operation section before aerating.
TINES UP
TRANSPORT
TINES DOWN
RUNNING
AERATING OPERATION
DO NOT- Use this machine on any surface other than a lawn or similar area.
DO NOT- Use this machine on slopes in excess of 19°.
DO NOT- Allow persons unfamiliar with this equipment to operate it. DO NOT- Allow children to operate this equipment.
MOW: Mow the lawn to it's normal cut height.
WATER: For the best performance and maximum tine penetration the lawn should be thoroughly watered the day before aeration.
INSPECT lawn before begining work. Remove all rocks, wire, string, or other objects that can present a hazard during work prior to starting.
IDENTIFY and mark all fixed objects to be avoided during work, such as sprinkler heads, water valves, buried cables, or clothes line anchors, etc.
START ENGINE: See above.
SET SPEED: The ground speed of your aerator varies with the engine speed. Set the engine at approximately half throttle to start. Speed may be increased based on the turf conditions (i.e. large flat areas) and operator experience. Speed should be lowered when operating under adverse turf conditions (i.e. fenced areas, hills, or slopes).
MOVE: Be sure the tine engagement control is in the up position (tines out of the ground) and engage the wheel drive by squeezing the operators clutch bail against the handle. Transport the aerator to the work area.
Part No. 360178 | Page 5 of 12 | Form No. F121203A |
