Operation; Maintenance - Agri-Fab 45-0299 Owner's Manual

OPERATION

Aerating means pulling 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.
CAUTION:
KNIVES ARE SHARP! EXERCISE
CAUTION AT ALL TIMES WHILE
USING THE AERATOR.
1. Mow lawn and remove loose clippings prior to use of
lawn aerator.
2. Start tractor engine with controls in neutral and place
throttle at slow engine speed.
3. Engage shift lever at lowest possible forward speed
and lower aerator, allowing plugger points to enter the
ground. Increase speed as conditions permit.
4. Aerate in the straightest line possible, making overlapping
passes to increase the plugger point pattern.
5. Avoid extremely sharp turns with plugger points
engaged in ground to prevent damage to lawn.
6. DO NOT cross over walks or drives without first raising
the aerator to the transport position.
7. On sloped lawns, always aerate in an up and down
direction. DO NOT attempt to follow the contour of the
ground.
8. To increase the depth of plugger point penetration,
up to 140 lbs. of weight, such as bags of sand or (4)
concrete blocks, may be added to the tray. The weight
can be secured to the tray with ties or straps fastened
to the front and rear of the tray. Fasten so that the ties
or straps cannot become entangled on rotating parts.
10. If the ground is extremely hard and dry, it is recommended
that it be sprinkled or watered down for one or two hours
prior to aerating.
11. DO NOT attempt to aerate if ground is too wet,
(muddy).
12. Do to small rocks and gravel which are normally 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.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT INJURY,
DISMOUNT FROM TRACTOR TO
RAISE OR LOWER AERATOR
CONTAINING ADDED WEIGHT.
POINTS OF AERATOR

MAINTENANCE

1. Plugger points can periodically be sharpened with a small
grinder to maintain good penetration. Points should be
removed to sharpen. Follow original angle and contour
of points when grinding.
2. For storage, clean the aerator and lightly oil all exposed
metal parts to prevent rust.
LUBRICATION
1. Oil the spool assemblies and shaft as needed.
2. Oil the wheel hubs as needed.
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