Operating - Spiker Aerator
When to Use the Spiker Aerator
The spiker aerator will actively penetrate soil, allowing much needed air, water, and nutrients to enter the lawn. It will also relieve soil compaction.
A moderate soil moisture content is important to proper operation of the spiker aerator. Penetration will not occur in extremely dry soil, and very wet conditions will cause the unit to "bog down," possibly causing lawn damage.
Use the spiker aerator only on an established lawn, never on newly laid sod. The spiker 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 appears damp, roll a small amount into a ball in the palm of your hand, if it forms a ball, then it is too wet. Ideally, the soil should fall apart when rolled in the palm of your hand. Wait till a later date for soil to dry. If soil is too wet, the aerator tines will penetrate too deep and your tractor could lose traction, causing lawn damage. If soil is too dry, the aerator tines will not penetrate soil properly.
Selecting the Operating Positions
1. Park tractor safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Install spiker 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 rear lock pin to raise tines so unit can be towed without tines contacting the ground.
· OPERATE (D) - Use front lock pin to lower tines to ground for operation.
Using the Weight Tray
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Never add weight to tray unless attachment is installed to tractor.
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1. Install spiker aerator to tractor.
2. Place lift handle in rear hole for transport position.
3. Add sand bags, concrete blocks, or other type of weight to weight tray (A). Do not exceed 45 kg (100 lb) of weight. Distribute weight evenly across tray to ensure equal pressure on tines.
4. If necessary, secure weight in tray using straps.
Checking the Tine Operation
Operation of the tines 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 tines by driving the tractor forward about 3 m (10 ft). Observe the operation. Check for uniform hole pattern and depth.
Add, remove, or distribute the weight better to obtain proper results.
Periodically, check the tines. Remove any debris build up that might restrict or cause damage to the tines.
Checking Tractor Ground Speed
· Check ground speed in an open area.
· Measure a test area that is 30.5 m (100 ft) in length.
· Operate the tractor at wide open throttle. Operate tractor at a low speed and drive the tractor the test distance. Record the time needed to travel that distance.
· Make three passes, recording the time for each pass. The average time should be 14 to 23 seconds to achieve the recommended operating speed range:
· at 4.8 km/h (3 mph), the average time traveling the test distance should be 23 seconds.
· at 8 km/h (5 mph), the average time traveling the test distance should be 14 seconds.
· Adjust speed accordingly to achieve the recommended speed range.
Operating Spiker Aerator
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Keep hands and feet away from all moving parts. Never carry riders.
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1. Park tractor safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Install spiker aerator to tractor.
3. Place unit in transport position.
4. Add recommended weight to weight tray.
7. Place unit in operating position.
9. Tow spiker aerator at 5 to 8 km/hr (3 to 5 mph) for safe and effective operation.
10. Check for uniform hole pattern and depth. Park tractor safely before making any adjustments.