MTD DA528 Foreword, Safety Instructions, Preparation And Assembly, To Start The Aerator

1. FOREWORD

Your Aerator should only be operated and maintained by thoroughly trained individuals. The machine can cause serious injury to anyone who misuses the machine or does not understand its operation. All operators and maintenance personnel must read this entire manual for their personal safety.

Note: Safety goggles should be worn when operating or maintaining this machine.

2.SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1.The operator should have access to this manual at all times.

2.Do not operate this machine until you have read this entire manual thoroughly.

3.Make sure all guards are in place before starting this machine.

4.Never put hands or feet under the machine housing, except for maintenance. Always use handles when lifting.

5.Make certain the belt tensioner is not engaged when starting the engine.

6.Never stand in front of the machine while the engine is running.

7.CAUTION: The machine may start suddenly when the belt tensioner is engaged. Start machine at low throttle and gradually increase to desired operating speed.

8.If a breakdown occurs, shut off the machine immediately and do not restart until repairs are made.

9.Do not adjust the machine or perform any maintenance functions while the engine is running.

10.Never run the engine in an area without proper ventilation.

11.Gasoline is extremely dangerous and flammable. Do not permit open flames or sparks near the engine at any time.

12.Remove all foreign objects in the path of the aerator.

13.Do not run the aerator under low hanging limbs which will interfere with the operator.

14.When transporting the unit, always push the unit from behind.

15.When parking the aerator a slope, shut off engine, lower tines, and engage the belt tensioner. Never leave the aerator on a slope in the transport mode.

16.CAUTION: Do not exceed manufacturer's recommended tire pressure. Failure to comply may cause tire to explode.

17.Altering this machine in any way may cause injury to the operator or bystanders.

3.PREPARATION AND ASSEMBLY

1.Install the spoons using two 3/8"-16 x 1-3/4" capscrews, 3/8" lockwashers, and 3/8" hex nuts per spoon. This hardware is provided.

2.Mount the handle using the 3/8"-16 x I" capscrews, 3/ 8" lockwashers, and 3/8" hex nuts provided.

3.Mount the front support assembly using the spring pins provided.

4.Mount the tensioner rod as follows. Attach the tensioner rod yoke (Ref. No. 16) to the center hold of the belt tensioner (Ref. No. 20) using the clevis pin (Ref. No. 17) and cotter pin (Ref. No. 13). Standing behind the aerator in the operating position, fit the end of the tensioner rod (Ref. No. 14) through the hole in the belt tensioner handle (Ref. No. 11) from left to right. Pull handle toward you and you should feel firm pressure as the tensioner pulley contacts the V-belt and the handle pulls the tensioner rod over center to lock. If you don't feel firm

pressure or if there is too much pressure, remove the rod from the handle and loosen the nut (Ref. No. 15). Turn the rod clockwise to increase the pressure or counterclockwise to decrease the pressure. Retighten the nut (Ref. No. 15) and again fit the rod through the hole in the handle. Further adjustments can be made by moving the tensioner rod yoke (Ref. No. 16) to the upper or lower hole in the belt tensioner (Ref. No. 20). When the adjustments are complete, place a cotter pin (Ref. No.

13)through the hole in the end of the tensioner rod that fits through the hole in the belt tensioner handle (Ref. No.

5.Mount the throttle cables as follows. The throttle lever is bolted to a bracket on the right side of the aerator handle. The lever should be mounted on the inside of the handle so that when the lever is pushed down, it pulls on the throttle wire. Two 10-24 x 1/2" round head machine screws with locknuts are used to mount the throttle lever. The other end of the throttle wire is bent in an "S" shape. It should be hooked into the speed control lever on the engine under the gas tank. The speed control lever pivots in a quarter moon-shaped slot and when moved all the way to the left, is on idle and when moved to the right, increases engine speed. To mount, the throttle lever should be all the way up and the speed control lever moved all the way to the left. Then the throttle wire casing should be clamped to the right side of the speed control frame using the screw and clamp provided on the engine.

6.Check the engine oil and gear reduction oil levels. Always adjust the aerator so that the engine is sitting level when checking oil levels. Add oil if necessary. Refer to the engine manual for proper engine maintenance.

7.Fill the gas tank with regular, lead-free gasoline.

4.OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO EACH DAY'S USE

1.Check engine oil and gear reduction oil levels.

2.Lubricate all grease fittings (4 wheels, 2 caster wheel yokes, spoon disc and shaft assembly and jackshaft bracket).

3.Check belt and chain tension.

4.Check and tighten all nuts and bolts as necessary.

5.Consult engine owners manual for proper oil change and air filter maintenance schedule.

5.TO START THE AERATOR

1.Disengage the belt tensioner.

2.Turn the engine switch to "on" and start the engine.

3.Adjust the throttle to a low RPM, firmly grip the handle and engage the belt tensioner.

4.To shut off the machine, disengage the belt tensioner and turn the engine switch to "off'.

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