Operator's Manual

26
1
Figure 35
1. Tie down
Loading Aerator
Use extreme caution when loading the aerator on a trailer
or truck. One full width ramp that is wide enough to
extend beyond the rear tires is required.
The ramp should be long enough so that the angles do not
exceed 16 degrees. A steeper angle may cause aerator
components to get caught as the unit moves from ramp to
trailer or truck. Steeper angles may also cause the unit to
tip backward. If loading on or near a slope, position the
trailer or truck so it is on the down side of the slope and
the ramp extends up the slope. This will minimize the
ramp angle. The trailer or truck should be as level as
possible. Load aerator with the coring head going up the
ramp first.
Important Do Not attempt to turn the unit while on
the ramp; you may lose control and drive off the side.
Avoid sudden acceleration when driving up a ramp and
sudden deceleration when backing down a ramp. Both
maneuvers can cause the unit to tip backward.
Operating Tips
General
Make very gradual turns when aerating. Never make sharp
turns with the coring head engaged. Plan your aeration
path before lowering the aerator.
Look behind frequently to ensure the machine is operating
properly and alignment is maintained with previous
passes.
Always clear the area of all damaged machine parts, such
as broken tines, etc., to prevent their being picked up by
mowers or other turf maintenance equipment.
Replace broken tines, inspect and correct damage to those
still useable. Repair any other machine damage before
commencing operation.
The ProCore 648 will aerate deeper than most greens
aerators. On native or modified push–up greens & tees,
the deeper depth and longer hollow tines may have
difficulty ejecting the complete core. This is due to harder
native soil that sticks in the end of the tine. Side–eject
greens/tees tines from Toro will stay cleaner and reduce
the time required to clean the tines out. This condition is
eventually eliminated with continued aeration and
top–dressing programs.
Hard Ground
If the ground is too firm to obtain the desired coring
depth, the coring head can get into a “bouncing” rhythm.
This is due to the hard pan the tines are attempting to
penetrate. This condition can be corrected by attempting
the following:
• Do not aerate if ground is too hard or dry, best results
are obtained after a rain or when turf has been watered
the previous day.
• Change to a 3–tine head, if attempting to use the
4–tine head or reduce the number of tines per stomper
arm. Attempt to maintain a symmetrical tine
configuration to evenly load the stomper arms.
• Reduce aerator penetration (depth setting), if ground is
hard packed. Clean up cores, water turf, and re–aerate
at a deeper penetration.
Aeration of soil types built on top of hard sub–soils
(i.e. soil/sand placed over rocky soil) can cause undesired
hole quality. This is caused when the aeration depth is
greater than the built up soil and the sub–soil is too hard
to penetrate. When the tines contact this harder sub soil
the aerator may lift and cause the top of the holes to
become elongated. Reduce the aerating depth sufficiently
to avoid penetration into the hard sub–soil.
Entrance/Exit
If the entrance/exit hole quality is deteriorating, the clutch
may not be engaging soon enough. Check the following:
• The no. 3 switch location on H–Frame
• Clutch wear/slippage
If the hole quality upon entrance is slotted (pulled
forward) or the coring head fails to engage before
contacting the turf, the engagement position switch may
require adjustment.
• Verify that the switch assembly along side the
H–Frame is no more than .06 inches from the target
plate
• Verify that the #3 switch is functioning properly