Exmark Z-Plug Operator's Manual page 17

tine head can maneuver around trees and beds while
engaged. The 2,000 lb hydraulic cylinder picks up
the head in less than 2.5 seconds for turning around
or getting headup in the transport position. Forced
in the opposite direction, the hydraulic cylinder puts
down force on the head adding weight to the tine
head for deeper soil penetration. Ball Swivel and pin
attach points allow 30 degrees of pivot left to right
for better steering in the down position. The Ball
Swivel and pin attach points also allow for easy attach
and disassemble of the Aerator head (or any other
attachment designed for the Z-Plug).
Operations
Upon turning the key on to start the unit, apply full
choke. Once unit has started, release (push down or
pull down) first the choke and then the brake lever.
Bring unit up to a comfortable speed with the Control
Lever. When you arrive to desired aerating area, use
the Thumb Switch to lower aerator tines into the turf
(aerator head can float up to 30 degrees and make
gradual turns around beds and trees).
Once you have come to a designated turnaround
location, use the hydraulic Thumb Switch to lift tine
head to transport position. Make designated turn and
repeat process of lowering tine head into turf and
resume aeration.
Figure 6
1. RH motion control thumb
switch raises tines
If aerating on hillsides, the Locking Caster System
allows the operator to lock the front caster wheels
in the forward position to create more side hill
stability. The Locking Caster System is applied when
the operator compresses the Locking Caster System
foot pedal located on the right side of the foot
plate. When compressing the foot pedal, locking
mechanism slides over the caster pin locking the
g286617
2. LH motion control thumb
switch lowers tines
wheel in the forward/straight position. This system is
spring loaded, so by releasing this pedal it will release
the lock on the front caster wheels..
Aerator Tine Head Removal
The aerator tine head is removable for service,
cleaning and removing from traction unit to install
other attachments. To remove the tine head from the
traction unit, first adjust the hydraulic cylinder so that
the tine head starts to make contact with the ground
(taking weight off of the head). Pull pin disconnecting
the ball swivel linkage to the aerator head. Lower
cylinder releasing tension on the chains and remove
the 2 ball swivel chains connected to the outer frame
section (welded to chain and spring supports).
Pull the pin from the aerator front frame neck (it will
be attached to the front frame of the traction unit)
and dismount the ball swivel from the pin (pull neck
downward). Lower front neck of the aerator head
and position yourself back on the traction unit. Drive
away from the aerator head by turning either left or
right (turning to the right of the head — reference
Figure 7) by turning the front of the traction unit in
either direction. To install head back on the unit,
reverse the unit along the back of the tines. Once the
rear inside tire lines up to the center of the aerator
head, slowly start turning unit over the aerator head
(make sure that you line up the ball swivel in the neck
of the aerator and the pull pin beneath the nose of
the traction unit to make it easy for mounting).
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Operation