Operator's Manual

3
Warning signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or
death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
Caution signals a hazard that may cause minor or
moderate injury if you do not follow the recommended
precautions.
This manual uses two other words to highlight
information.
Important calls attention to special
mechanical information and Note: emphasizes general
information worthy of special attention.
Safety
Improper use or maintenance by the operator or owner
can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury,
comply with these safety instructions and always pay
attention to the safety alert symbol, which means
CAUTION, WARNING, or DANGER—“personal
safety instruction.” Failure to comply with the
instruction may result in personal injury or death.
Safe Operating Practices
Before Operating
• Owners of this Aerator must give operators and
employees full operation and safety instructions before
allowing them to operate this machine and at least
annually thereafter. An operator who has not read and
fully understood all operating and safety instructions is
not qualified to operate this machine. Become
familiar with all controls and know how to stop
quickly.
• Do not allow children to operate the machine. Do not
allow adults to operate the machine without proper
instruction.
• Remove all debris or other objects that might interfere
with operation. Keep all bystanders away from the
work area.
• Locate and mark all under ground obstructions such as
irrigation components, electrical or telephone lines.
• Make sure tractor is in neutral and hand brake applied
before starting. Refer to Tractor Operator’s Manual for
safe starting procedures.
• To maintain full steering control, add front end
weights to tractor. Refer to Tractor Operator’s Manual
for weight requirements.
• Keep all shields and safety devices in place. If a
shield, safety device or decal is damaged, repair or
replace it before operation is commenced. Also tighten
any loose nuts, bolts and screws to ensure machine is
in safe operating condition.
• Do not operate machine while wearing sandals, tennis
shoes, sneakers or shorts. Also, do not wear loose
fitting clothing which could get caught in moving
parts. Always wear long pants and substantial shoes.
Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes, ear protection
and a helmet is advisable and may be required by
some local ordinances and insurance regulations.
While Operating
• Keep all bystanders and pets away from the work
area.
• Using the machine demands attention, and to prevent
loss of control:
– Use only in daylight or when there is good
artificial light.
– Watch for holes or other hidden hazards.
– Do not transport machine close to a sand trap,
ditch, creek or other hazard.
– Reduce speed on side hills and before making
sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss of control.
– Look behind the aerator before backing up.
• If the tines strike a solid object or the machine vibrates
abnormally, disengage the PTO, shut the engine off.
Remove key from ignition switch. Check aerator and
traction unit for damage. Repair any damage before
restarting the engine and operating the tines. Be sure
tines are in good condition and all bolts are tight.
• Before leaving machine unattended, disengage power
to aerator, lower aerator and set parking brake. Stop
engine.
• Never dismount while tractor is in motion. Never get
on or off tractor while engine is running and PTO drive
shaft is engaged. Never step over PTO shaft to reach
other side of aerator – walk around the machine.
• Park aerator on a hard, level surface, install rear
support/safety stand and chock roller before
disconnecting from tractor.
• If it is necessary to probe below the soil surface, use a
non conductive material to prevent electrical shock in
case electrical wires are present.
Transporting
• Be sure you are in compliance with all regulations
regarding transporting equipment on the public roads
and highways.
• Ensure that all reflectors and lights required are in
place and are clean and visible by overtaking and
oncoming traffic.
• Never allow anyone to ride on the machine during
transport.