Agri-Fab Spike Aerator 45-0369 User manual

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OWNERS MANUAL
MANUAL DEL USUARIO
NOTICE D'UTILISATION
Model No.
Modelo No.
Modele No.
45-0369
CAUTION:
Read Rules for
Safe Operation
and Instructions
Carefully
PRECAUCION:
Lea cuidadosamente
los Procedimientos e
Instrucciones para la
Operaci6n Segura de la
M_tquina.
ATTENTION:
Lire et suivre attentivement
tes instructions et
consignes de securite de
cette notice.
40" CURVED SPIKE AERATOR
O
O
O
O
O
Safety
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance
Parts
O
O
O
O
O
Seguridad
Montaje
Operaci6n
Mantenimiento
Piezas de Repuesto
O
O
O
O
O
Securite
Assemblage
Fonctionnement
Maintenance
Pieces de Rechange
PRINTED IN USA FORM NO. 49469 rev. (10/26/12)

CARTONCONTENTS(LoosePartsinCarton)
CONTENIDODELACAJA(PartesSueltasenlaCaja)
CONTENUDUCARTON(PiecesenVracDansleCarton)
\\\\\/-
4
J
5
J
3
6
J
f7 _10
1
1. Tray
2. Axle
3. Spike Disks (12)
4. End Plates (2)
5. Axle Support Bracket
6. Hitch Arm Mount Brackets (3)
7. Lift Handle
8. Wheels (2)
9. Wheel Mount Bracket
10. Hitch Brackets (2)
11. Hitch Arms (2)
1. Bandeja
2. Eje
3. Discos de espigas (12)
4. Ptacas de los extremos (2)
5. Brazo de soporte det eje
6. Soportes de montaje det brazo
de enganche (3)
7. Asa etevadora
8. Ruedas (2)
9. Brazo de montaje de la rueda
10. Soportes det enganche (2)
11. Brazos det enganche (2)
1
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Plateau
Essieu
Disques & crampons (12)
Plaques d'extremite (2)
Attache de support d'essieu
Supports de montage de bras
d'attetage (3)
Manette de soutevement
Roues (2)
Support de montage de roue
Supports d'attelage (2)
Bras d'attelage (2)
2

AB
SHOWN FULL SIZE
CDE
J
JG
\\\\ J
H
IJ
J
K
NOT SHOWN FULL SIZE
M
Q
HARDWARE PACK
Key Qty. Description Key Qty. Description
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
2
2
2
23
4
31
2
10
1
Shoulder Bolt, 2"x 2-5/16" Lg.
Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 2" Lg.
Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 1-1/4" Lg.
Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 1" Lg.
Carriage Bolt, 5/16"x 1"Lg.
Nylock Nut, 5/16"
Nylock Nut, 3/8"
Flat Washer (6 pcs. extra)
Hair Cotter Pin
J
K
L
M
N
0
P
Q
1
2
12
9
10
4
1
1
Hitch Pin
Cotter Pin
Disk Hub
Spacer, Long
Spacer, Short
Angle Bracket
Lift Plate
Grip
3

SAFETY RULES
Remember, any power equipment can cause injury if operated improperly or if the user does not understand how to operate
the equipment. Exercise caution at all times when using power equipment.
Look for this symbol to point out important
safety precautions. It means - Attention!
Become alert! Your safety is involved.
1
CAUTION: Vehicle braking and stability_
may be affected with the addition of an_
accessory or an attachment. Be aware of_
changing conditions on slopes. I
1
1. Read this owners manual carefully for operating and service instructions before attempting to assemble or operate this
equipment. Be thoroughly familiar with the proper use of this equipment.
2. Read the vehicle owners manual and vehicle safety rules, and know how to operate the vehicle before using this
equipment.
3. Never allow children to operate the tractor or aerator attachment, and do not allow adults to operate without proper
instructions.
4. This aerator attachment has sharp points. Always handle with care and wear substantial foot wear when operating this
de-thatcher.
5. Do not allow anyone to ride or sit on aerator attachment frame or on towing vehicle.
6. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children, and also pets.
7. Always begin with the transmission in first (low) gear and engine at low speed, and gradually increase speed as conditions
permit.
8. Vehicle braking and stability may be affected with the attachment of this equipment. Be aware of changing conditions on
slopes. Refer to safety rules in the vehicle owner's manual concerning safe operation on slopes. STAY OFF OF STEEP
SLOPES.
9. Always operate up and down a slope, never across the face of a slope
10. This equipment should be operated at reduced speed on rough terrain, along creeks and ditches and on hillsides, to
prevent tipping and loss of control. Do not drive too close to a creek or a ditch.
11. Do not tow this equipment on a highway' or any other public thoroughfare.
12. Follow the maintenance instructions as outlined in this owners manual.
4

ASSEMBLY iNSTRUCTiONS
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(2) 1/2" wrenches
(1) 9/16" wrenches
(1) 3/4" wrench or adjustable wrench
(1) Pliers
Before assembling the aerator, lay out all of the parts and
hardware as shown on the previous pages.
Spike points are sharp. Exercise caution when
handling and working near spike disks.
IMPORTANT: The points of the spike disks must be turned
in the direction shown in the assembly drawings.The aerator
will not perform properly if the spike disks are assembled
backwards.
1. Assemble the end plates to the inside slots at each end
of the tray using two 5/16" x 1" hex bolts (D) and 5/16"
nylock nuts (G) per end plate. Do not tighten yet. See
figure 1.
2. Assemble the lift plate (S) and the axle support bracket
to the tray using four 5/16" x 1" hex bolts (D) and 5/16"
nylock nuts (G). Do not tighten yet. See figure 1.
(D) 5116"x 1"
HEX BOLT
\
(P) LIFT PLATE "_
(D) 5116" x 1"
HEX BOLT
AXLE
SUPPORT
BRACKET
(G) 5/16" NYLOCK NUT
/
FIGURE 1 FRONT ViEW
.Turn the tray upside down as shown infigure 2 so that
the rear of the tray (four holes in the bottom) is facing
you. Assemble two hitch arm mount brackets and two
angle brackets (O) to the bottom of the tray using four
5/16" x 1" hex bolts (D) and 5/16" nylock nuts (G). Do
not tighten completely. See figure 2.
(G) 5/16"
NYLOCK
NUT _
HITCH ARM
MOUNT
BRACKET
(O) ANGLE
BRACKET
REAR OF TRAY
(D) 5/16" x 1"
HEX BOLT
FIGURE 2 REAR ViEW
IMPORTANT: Be sure the rear of the tray faces toward you
and the spike disks point in the direction shown.
4. Pivot the end plate on your right down out of the way.
Place the long end of the axle into the other pivot plate.
(Measure from the blind hole in the middle of the axle. If
there are two blind holes, use the hole that isin alignment
with the end holes.) Fit the middle hole in the axle down
onto the tab on the axle support bracket. See figure 3.
5. Assemble the following parts in sequence onto the short
end of the axle (as shown in figure 3):
a. A flat washer (H), short spacer (N), disk hub (L)
and spike disk
b. A long spacer (M), disk hub (L) and spike disk.
c. A long spacer (M), disk hub (L) and spike disk.
d. A long spacer (M), disk hub (L) and spike disk.
e. A long spacer (M), disk hub (L) and spike disk.
f. Two short spacers (N), a disk hub (L) and spike disk.
g. A short spacer (Q).
(H) FLAT (L) DISK (N) SHORT
WASHER HUB (M) LONG SPACER
SPACER
SHORT
I
REAR OF TRAY
HOLE TAB ON AXLE SUPPORT BRACKET
FIGURE 3
5REAR ViEW

.Pivot the end plate on your right side up onto the end 9. Pivot the end plate up onto the end of the axle. See
of the axle. See figure 4. figure 6.
7. Pivot the end plate on your left side down out of the way.
See figure 4.
REAR OF TRAY
FIGURE 4 REAR ViEW
.Assemble the following parts in sequence onto the long
end of the axle (as shown in figure 5):
A flat washer (H) and two short spacers (N).
A disk hub (L reversed), spike disk and long
a.
b.
C.
d.
e.
f.
g.
spacer (M).
A spike disk,
short spacer
A spike disk,
A spike disk,
short spacer
A spike disk,
short spacer
A spike disk,
disk hub (L), long spacer (M) and
(N).
disk hub (L) and long spacer (M).
disk hub (L), long spacer (M) and
(N).
disk hub (L), long spacer (M) and
(N).
disk hub (L) and short spacer (N).
(N) SHORT
SPACER
(M) LONG
SPACER
(L) DISK HUB (H) FLAT
WASHER
SPIKE (L) DISK HUB
DISK REVERSED
10.
11.
Assemble a flat washer(s) (H) and a cotter pin (K) to
one end of the axle. Use as many washers as needed
to eliminate any gaps between the parts on that end of
the axle. See figure 6.
Repeat the procedure for the other end of the axle. See
figure 6.
(K) COTTER PIN
(K) COTTER PIN (H) FLAT
FIGURE 6 REAR VIEW
HINT: Tip the tray over onto it's side for the following
instructions.
12. Assemble four 5/16" x 1" hex bolts (D) and 5/16" nylock
nuts (G) to the holes that were left empty at each corner
of the tray. Tighten all eight corner bolts. See figure 7.
13. Square up the axle support bracket with the tray.Tighten
the four bolts and nuts assembled in figure 1 that fasten
the axle support bracket and lift plate to the center of
the tray.
TIGHTEN (4) NUTS
(D) 5/16" x 1"
HEX BOLT
FIGURE 5REAR VIEW FIGURE 7 REAR VIEW
6

14.Assembletheaxlebrackettotheoutsideoftheangle
bracketsusingtwo5/16"x 1"hexbolts(D)and5/16"
nylocknuts(G).Theendsoftheaxlebracketmustpoint
asshowninfigure8.Tightenandthenloosenthenuts
1/4turn.
15.Tightenthenutsfasteningtheanglebracketstothe
tray.
HITCH ARMS
/
(G) 5116"
NYLOCK NUT
(D) 5/16" x 1"
HEX BOLT
HITCH ARM
MOUNT BRACKET
(G) 5/1 6" (E) 5/16" x 1"
NYLOCK NUT CARRIAGE BOLT
FIGURE 10 REAR ViEW
18. Turn the tray so that the front faces you. Assemble two
angle brackets (O) to the holes in the bottom of the tray
using two 5/16" x 1" hex bolts (D) and 5/16" nylock nuts
(G). Do not tighten yet. See figure 11.
FIGURE 8 REAR ViEW
16. Assemble the wheels to the axle bracket using ashoulder
bolt (A) and a 3/8" nylock nut (F) for each wheel. Tighten.
See figure 9.
J
(A) SHOULDER BOLT
(F) 3/8"
NYLOCK NUT
FIGURE 9 REAR VIEW
17. Assemble the hitch arms to the outside of the hitch
arm mount brackets. Use two 5/16" x 1" carriage bolts
(E) and 5/16" nylock nuts (G). Do not tighten yet. See
figure 10.
(G) 5116"
NYLOCK NUT
ANGLE
(D) 5/16" x 1"
HEX BOLT
FIGURE 11 FRONT VIEW
19. Fasten the hitch mount arms to the outside of the angle
brackets at the front of the tray using two 5/16" x 1" hex
bolts (D) and 5/16" nylock nuts (G). Tighten and then
loosen the nuts 1/4 turn. See figure 12.
7
(G) 5/16" (D) 5/16" x 1"
NYLOCK NUT HEX BOLT
FIGURE 12 FRONT VIEW

20.Turntheaeratorrightsideupandassemblethefront
endsofthehitcharmstogetherusingtwo5/16"x1-1/4"
hexbolts(O)and5/16"nylocknuts(G).Donottighten
yet.Seefigure13.
21.Assemblethetwohitchbracketstothetopandbottom
ofthehitcharmsusingtwo5/16"x2"hexbolts(B)and
5/16"nylocknuts(G).Donottightenyet. See figure
13.
22. Assemble the 3/8" hitch pin (J)through the hitch brackets
and secure it with a 1/8" hair cotter pin (I). See figure
13.
25. Assemble the lift handle through the tray and attach it
to the hitch arm mount bracket assembled to the axle
bracket. Use a 5/16" x 1" hex bolt (D) and a 5/16" nylock
nut (G). Tighten. See figure 15.
26. Position the hitch arm mount bracket so that there is
side tension on the lift handle when it is locked in the
up position. Tighten the nuts. See figure 15.
27. Assemble the grip (T) onto the end of the lift handle.
See figure 15.
(B) 5/16" x 2"
HEXBOLT
'!N LOCKNUT
(c)5/16"x1-1/4"
HEX BOLT /_._.._
(G)5/16"NYLOCKNUT_--(l) 1/6"HAIR
COTTER PIN
FIGURE 13 FRONT VIEW
23. Tighten the bolts and nuts assembled instep 20.Tighten
the bolts and nuts assembled in step 21.
Tighten the bolts and nuts assembled instep 18.Tighten
the bolts and nuts assembled in step 3. Tighten the
bolts and nuts assembled in step 17.
GRIP
LIFT HANDLE
J
(G) 5/16" NYLOCK NUT
(D) 5/16" x 1"
HEX BOLT
24. Assemble a hitch arm mount bracket to the axle bracket
using two 5/16" x 1" carriage bolts (E) and 5/16" nylock
nuts (G). Do not tighten yet. See figure 14.
FIGURE 15 REAR VIEW
(E) 5116" x 1"
CARRIAGE BOLT
(G) 5116"NYLOCK NUT
FIGURE 14 REAR VIEW
8

OPERATION
Aerating involves cutting small holes in the soil to create
small reservoirs that will bring oxygen, fertilizer and water
down into the root zone. For best performance of the spike
aerator attachment, the following lawn preparation and
aerator operation is recommended.
9. To prevent damage to lawn, do not make sharp turns
while spike points are engaged in ground.
10. Aerate in an up and down direction on slopes.
11. To increase depth ofspike point penetration, add weight
to the tray as necessary. The tray holds concrete blocks
or patio blocks at approximately 35 Ibs. each. Secure
the weights with straps or wire using the holes in the
tray flange. See figure 17.
12. If the ground is extremely hard and dry', it should be
sprinkled or watered down for one to two hours prior to
use of the aerator.
13. Do not aerate if the ground is too wet (muddy).
.
Spike points are sharp. Exercise caution at all
times when spike points are rotating or when
points are being handled.
Tolevel the spike tray after the aerator is attached to the
tractor hitch, loosen the nylock nuts holding the hitch
mount arms to the brackets at the rear of the tray. Make
the tray as level as possible and then retighten the nuts.
See figure 16.
HITCH
NYLOCK NUT MOUNT
FIGURE 17
FIGURE 16
2. The spike tray may be raised to the transport position
by pushing the lift handle backward.
3. The spike tray may be lowered to the working position
by moving the lift handle forward.
4. Mow the lawn and remove loose clippings prior to use
of the aerator.
5. Start the tractor engine with controls in neutral and then
place throttle at a slow engine speed.
6. Engage the shift lever in lowest possible forward speed
and then lower the aerator, allowing spike points to enter
the ground. Increase speed as conditions permit.
7. Aerate in the straightest line possible.
8. Make overlapping passes to increase density of the
spike point pattern.
MAINTENANCE
.
2.
3.
.
.
Before each use check all nuts and bolts for tightness.
Lubricate wheels as needed.
If rust appears on shield or spikes, sand lightly and coat
with enamel paint.
Store in a dry area and coat exposed metal with light
oil when not in use.
Spike points can be periodically sharpened with a small
grinder to maintain good soil penetration. Points should
be removed for sharpening.
9

10