Instructions / Assembly

Operating - Plug Aerator - 9
OPERATING - PLUG AERATOR
Operating - Plug Aerator
When to Use the Plug Aerator
The plug aerator will remove plugs of soil up to 76 mm (3
in.) deep, allowing penetration of water and nutrients for a
healthier lawn. It also helps reduce compaction of soil.
Use the plug aerator only on an established lawn, never on
newly laid sod. The plug aerator should not be used when
lawn conditions are too wet or too dry. To determine
condition, dig a small amount of your soil, about 76 mm (3
in.) deep:
• If soil appears powdery and brittle, it is too dry. Wait until
a later date, after a rainfall. If soil is too dry, the plugging
spoons will not penetrate properly.
• If soil appears damp, attempt to roll a small amount into
a ball in the palm of your hand. If it forms a ball, the soil is
too wet. Ideally, the soil should fall apart. Wait until the soil
is more dry. If the soil is too wet, the plugging spoons will
stop up and your tractor could lose traction and damage the
lawn.
Selecting the Operating Positions
1. Park tractor safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY
section.)
2. Install plug aerator to tractor.
3. Push lift handle (A) toward right side of machine, away
from side plate (B).
4. Move handle forward or rearward to engage lock pin into
desired position:
• TRANSPORT (C) - Use top lock pin to raise tines so
unit can be towed without plugging spoons contacting
the ground.
• OPERATE HIGH (D) - Use middle lock pin for
minimum plugging spoon penetration.
• OPERATE LOW (E) - Use lowest lock pin for
maximum plugging spoon penetration.
Using the Weight Tray
1. Install plug aerator to tractor.
2. Place lift handle in top hole for transport position.
3. Add sand bags, concrete blocks, or other type of weight
to weight tray (A). Do not exceed 79.4 kg (175 lb) of weight
in 40 in. models, 113.4 kg (250 lb) in 48 in. models.
Distribute weight evenly across tray to ensure equal
pressure on plugging spoons.
4. If necessary, secure weight in tray using straps.
Checking the Plugging Spoon Operation
Operation of the plugging spoons will vary with soil type,
condition, and amount of weight in weight tray. Make sure
soil conditions are appropriate for operation. Do not exceed
the weight tray capacity to try and improve penetration in
overly dry conditions.
Test operation of the plugging spoons by driving the tractor
forward about 3 m (10 ft). Observe the operation. A Plug
c
CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not operate lift
handle unless attachment is installed to
tractor.
Lift handle is under tension when using ballast
in weight tray. Use caution when moving
handle into different positions.
Keep hands and feet away from plugging
spoons when lowering to the ground.
M78717
A
C
D
E
B
c
CAUTION: Avoid injury! Never add weight to
tray unless attachment is installed to tractor.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Never exceed the
weight tray capacity of 79 kg (175 lb) for 40 in.
model, 113 kg (250 lb) for 48 in. model.
A