CERTIFIED TA500CT User manual

Owner’s Manual Model Number 060-0197-8 Spike Aerator
Your New Spike Aerator
Congratulations on your purchase of a new Certified
TM
Spike Aerator. Your aerator has been engineered and
built to give you the most dependable and best
performing product possible.
If you experience any problem you can not easily resolve,
please feel free to contact our knowledgeable and helpful
customer service department toll-free at 1 [phone].
Manual Contents
Safety Instructions 2
Carton Contents 2
Assembly 4
Operation and Maintenance 13
Parts List and Support 14
Warranty 16
Caution: Carefully read all rules and
instructions for safe operation. Retain
this manual for reference.

2
Safety Instructions
All power equipment can cause injury or property damage if operated improperly.
Please read and observe the following safety rules and exercise caution at all
times when operating equipment.
• Read and understand your tractor owner’s manual and towing safety rules.
Know how to operate your tractor before using any attachment.
• Never allow children to operate the towing vehicle. Do not allow adults to operate the
vehicle without having read the owner’s manual or receiving proper instruction.
• Do not allow anyone to ride or sit on tow-behind equipment during operation.
• Keep people, children and animals at a safe distance.
• Always wear substantial footwear. Do not wear loose tting clothing that may get
caught in moving parts.
• This unit may have sharp points. Handle with care.
• Keep your eyes and mind on your vehicle/attachment and area being covered.
Do not let yourself be distracted.
• Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.
• Tractor braking and stability may be aected with the attachment of this unit.
Be aware of changing conditions on slopes. Refer to safety rules in your tractor
owner’s manual concerning safe operation on slopes. Stay O Steep Slopes.
• Always operate up and down a slope, never across the face of a slope.
• This equipment should be operated at reduced speed(s) on rough terrain, along creeks
and ditches and on hillsides, to prevent tipping or loss of control.
• Do not operate close to creeks, ditches or public highways.
• Always begin with the transmission in rst (low) gear and engine at low speed, and
gradually increase speed as conditions permit.
• Keep the vehicle and attachment in good operating condition and keep safety devices
in place.
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• The vehicle and attachment should be stopped and inspected for damage after striking
a foreign object. Any damage should be repaired before restarting and operating the
equipment.
• Follow the maintenance instructions as outlined in this owner’s manual.
• Should not be towed at more than 4 MPH (6.4 km/h).
!
Model Number 060-0197-8 Spike Aerator
1 5 2 4
6 9 10
3
12
1187
1413 1615
Carton
Contents

3
Carton Contents
Ref No. Qty. Description
1 1 Base Plate
2 1 Tow Bar
3 1 Axle
4 1 Handle
5 2 Wheel Brackets
6 1 Centre Plate
7 2 End Plate
8 1 Handle Brace
9 1 Lever Link
10 1 Linkage Bar
11 1 Clevis Plate
12 11 Aerator Blade
13 2 Wheel
14 1 Handle Grip
15 9 1 x 3” Spacer
16 1 1 x 2” Spacer
17 2 1/2 x 3” Hex Head Bolt
18 1 1/2 x 1 1/2” Hex Head Bolt
19 9 5/16 x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt
20 2 5/16 x 1” Hex Head Bolt
21 1 5/16 x 1 1/4” Hex Head Bolt
22 2 5/16 x 1 1/2” Hex Head Bolt
Ref No. Qty. Description
23 1 5/16 x 1 3/4” Hex Head Bolt
24 1 5/16 x 2 1/4” Hex Head Bolt
2 5 1 1/2 x 1 3/4” Shoulder Bolt
26 1 1/2 x 1 3/4” Clevis Pin
27 26 3/4” Flat Washer
28 5 1/2” Flat Washer
29 1 3/8” Flat Washer
30 2 5/16” Flat Washer
31 9 5/16” Lock Washer
32 1 #14 Hitch Pin Clip
33 2 1/2” Nylon Washer
34 7 5/16” Nylock Nut
35 4 1/2” Nylock Nut
36 9 5/16” Hex Head Nut
37 2 1/2” Jam Nut
38 2 5/16” Nylock Nut (thin) Jam
39 1 3/8” Nylock Nut (thin) Jam
40 1 Compression Spring
41 2 Spring
42 3 Bushing
43 2 1 x 3/4” Spacer (Not Shown)
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25 26
27
33
34
35 36
38
40
37 39
41
42
29
28
30 31
32
Shown
Full Size

4
Assembly Instructions
Model Number 060-0197-8 Spike Aerator
Tools Needed For Cart Assembly
Minimum —
(2) Adjustable Wrenches
(1) Hex Wrench
Remove from Carton
Remove and lay out all parts and hardware packages from the carton. Identify them using
the illustrations on pages 2 and 3.
Assembly Tip:
Loosely tighten all nuts and bolts at rst. Fully tighten when the unit is completely assembled.
1. Place the Base Plate on a at surface. Insert a 5/16 x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt into the top right hole,
then insert the bolt into the corresponding hole of the Tow Bar. Place a 5/16” Lock Washer onto
the bolt and secure with a 5/16” Hex Head Nut. Next align the Centre Plate with the two remaining
holes. Insert 5/16 x 3/4” Hex Head bolts through the holes in the Base Plate and the corresponding
holes of the Tow Bar and Centre Plate. Place a 5/16” Lock Washer onto each bolt and secure with
5/16” Hex Head Nuts. Insert a 3/4” Axle Bushing into the Centre Plate. See Figure 1.
Figure 1.
5/16” Hex Head Bolt
Base Plate
Tow Bar
3/4” Axle Bushing
5/16” Lock Washer
5/16” Hex Head Nut
Centre Plate

5
Assembly Instructions
2. Place the 1 x 2” Spacer onto the Long End of the Axle, followed by a 3/4” Flat Washer.
Insert the Long End of the Axle into the 3/4” Axle Bushing of the Centre Plate.
See Figure 2.
Figure 2 3/4” Flat Washer
x 2” Spacer
Axle
3/4” Axle Bushing
Centre Plate
1

6
Assembly Instructions
Model Number 060-0197-8 Spike Aerator
3.On the short side of the Axle, place two 3/4” Flat Washers onto the Axle, followed by an Axle
Spring and then another 3/4” Flat Washer, followed by an Aerator Star and then another 3/4”
Flat Washer. Place a 1 x 3” Spacer onto the Axle, a 3/4” Flat Washer, another Aerator Star and
another 3/4” Flat Washer. Repeat this process three more times. Now place 2 1 x 3/4” Spacers
onto the Axle followed by another 3/4” Flat Washer. See Figure 3.
Figure 3
Spacer
3/4” Flat Washer
x3” Spacer
Aerator Star
Spring
3/4” Flat Washer
Axle
Aerator Star
1
1 x 3/4”

7
Assembly Instructions
4. Insert a 3/4” Axle Bushing into the End Plate and place the Bushing and End Plate onto the
Axle. Insert a 5/16 x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt into one of the end holes in the Base Plate. Then insert the
bolt into the holes in the End Plate. Place a 5/16” Lock Washer onto the bolt, loosely attach a 5/16”
Hex Head Nut onto the bolt at this time. Repeat this process on the other side. Now alternating
back and forth between the two bolts, tighten the nuts. This will slowly increase the tension on
the Axle Spring, until this side is tight and properly aligned. See Figure 4.
Figure 4
x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt
5/16” Hex Head Nut
5/16” Lock Washer
End Plate
3/4” Axle Bushing
Axle
5/16

Assembly Instructions
8
Model Number 060-0197-8 Spike Aerator
5. On the long side of the Axle place a 3/4” Flat Washer followed by an Axle Spring and then
another 3/4” Flat Washer. Follow with a 3/4” Flat Washer, an Aerator Star, another 3/4” Flat
Washer and a 1 x 3” Spacer. Repeat the process ve more times. See Figure 5.
Figure 5
Axle
Aerator Star
Spring
3/4” Flat Washer
Spacer
3/4” Flat Washer
Aerator Star
1 x 3”

Assembly Instructions
9
6. Insert a 3/4” Axle Bushing into the End Plate and place the Bushing and End Plate onto
the Axle. Insert a 5/16 x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt into one of the end holes in the Base Plate.
Then insert the bolt into the holes in the End Plate, place a 5/16” Lock Washer onto the
bolt, and loosely attach a 5/16” Hex Head Nut onto the bolt at this time. Repeat this process
on the other side. Now alternating back and forth between the two bolts, tighten the nuts.
This will slowly increase the tension on the Axle Spring, until this side is tight and properly
aligned. See Figure 6.
Figure 6
5/16” x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt
Axle
5/16” Hex Head Nut
5/16” Lock Washer
End Plate
3/4” Axle Bushing
5/16

Assembly Instructions
10
Model Number 060-0197-8 Spike Aerator
7. Align the hole of the Wheel Bracket with the hole in the Axle. Insert a 5/16 x 1 1/2” Hex Head
Bolt into the hole in the Wheel Bracket and Axle. Secure with a 5/16” Nylock Nut. Repeat process
on the other side. Place a 1/2” Flat Washer onto a 1/2 x 3” Hex Head Bolt, followed by a Wheel and then
another 1/2” Flat Washer and secure with a 1/2” Jam Nut (do not over tighten or the Wheel will not
turn). Insert this assembly into the hole in the Wheel Bracket, and secure with a
1/2” Nylock Nut. Repeat the process on the other side. See Figure 7.
Figure 7
5/16” Nylock Nut
5/16” x 1-1/2”
Hex Head Bolt
Wheel Bracket
1/2” x 3” Hex Head Bolt
1/2” Flat Washer
Wheel
Axle
1/2” Jam Nut
1/2” Nylock Nut
1/2
5/16 x 1 1/2”

Assembly Instructions
11
8. Align the two holes of the Tow Bar and Handle Brace as shown. Insert a 5/16 x 1” Hex Head
Bolt into one of the holes in the Handle Brace and then through the corresponding hole in the Tow
Bar. Place a 5/16” Flat Washer onto the bolt, and secure with a 5/16” Nylock Nut. Repeat process
on the next hole. Insert a 5/16 x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt into one of the two smaller holes on the
Clevis Plate and then into the corresponding hole in the Tow Bar. Place a 5/16” Lock Washer onto
the bolt and secure with a 5/16” Hex Head Nut. Repeat process on the next hole. Insert the Clevis
Pin through the larger front hole of the Clevis Plate and through the hole in the Tow Bar and secure
with the Hitch Pin Clip. Screw the 5/16” Nylock Jam Nut onto the 5/16 x 1 1/4 Hex Head Bolt,
leaving enough room for the Lever Link to fit between the head and the nut. Insert the bolt into
the hole in the side of the Tow Bar and secure with a 5/16” Nylock Nut. See Figure 8.
Figure 8
Handle Brace
5/16” Nylock Nut
5/16” Flat Washer
Clevis Pin
Clevis Plate
5/16” x 1” Hex Head Bolt
5/16” x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt
Hitch Pin Clip
5/16” Hex Head Nut
5/16” Lock Washer
Tow Bar
5/16
5/16

Assembly Instructions
12
Model Number 060-0197-8 Spike Aerator
7. Place a 1/2” Flat Washer onto the 1/2 x 1 3/4” Shoulder Bolt, followed by the Compression
Spring. Insert it into the 1/2” hole in the centre of the Lever Link and into the Handle Brace,
through a 3/8” Flat Washer and secure with a 3/8” Nylock Jam Nut. Place a 1/2” Nylon Washer onto
the threaded stud on the bottom of the Leverage Bar, followed by the Linkage Bar, and secure with
a 1/2” Nylock Nut (when nut is snug, back-o one half turn). Insert the 1/2 x 1 1/2” Hex Head Bolt
into the other end of the Linkage Bar, followed by a 1/2” Nylon Washer, then into the hole in the
Axle Link and secure with a 1/2” Nylock Nut. Place the Handle Grip onto the Handle. Put the 5/16”
Nylock Jam Nut onto the 5/16 x 2 1/4” Hex Head Bolt leaving about 1/2” space between the
Head of the bolt and the top of the nut. Insert the bolt into the second hole from the top on the
Linkage Bar, then into the corresponding hole of the Handle and secure with a 5/16” Nylock Nut.
Insert a 5/16 x 1 3/4” Hex Head Bolt into the top hole of the Linkage Bar, through the corresponding
hole in the Handle and secure with a 5/16” Nylock Nut. See Figure 9.
Figure 9
5/16” Nylock Nut
Hex Head Bolt
5/16” Nylock Nut
Linkage Bar
Compression Spring
Hex Head Bolt
Handle
Handle Grip
3/8” Nylock Jam Nut
5/16” Nylock Jam Nut
Handle Brace
1/2” Nylon Washer
Shoulder Bolt
1/2” Nylock Nut
Tow Bar
Lever Link
Axle
3/8” Flat Washer
5/16 x 1 3/4”
5/16 x 2 1/4”
1/2 x 1 3/4”
1/2 x 1 1/2” Hex Head Bolt

Operation and Maintenance
13
Raising/Lowering your Spike Aerator
1. Attach the unit to your tractor on a level
surface using the provided clevis pin and
clevis pin clip.
2. Once you enter the grassy surface, lower
the aerator for operation, move the handle to
the side and push back to engage the spikes.
3. When complete, pull handle forward and
lock to raise the unit and engage the wheels.
See Figure 8.
Using the Spike Aerator
Aerating involves cutting small holes into
the soil to create small reservoirs allowing
air, fertilizer, and water to reach the grass or
plant’s roots. The following lawn preparation
and aerator operation is recommended for
optimal performance.
Mow the lawn and remove grass clippings prior
to using the plug aerator. Your plug aerator
should be attached to your riding mower or
tractor on a level surface such as a driveway
or garage floor with wheels engaged.
Once you are on the grass, have the tractor in
the lowest forward speed and then disengage the
wheels by moving the handle out of the locked
position, engaging the ground. Speed can be
increased as conditions permit. On slopes,
always operate in an up and down direction
only. Overlapping passes can be done to
increase the density of the spike point pattern.
Figure 8
DO NOT make sharp turns while the plug tines
are engaged in the ground as this will damage
the lawn. Weight can be placed on the top plate
to increase the depth of plug tine’s penetration.
Weight may be needed for many applications,
but DO NOT exceed the maximum weight of
100 lb (45 kg). The plate has been designed
to hold concrete blocks. Secure the blocks with
suitable binding material such as rubber tie
down straps or wire. Not for use with Zero Turn
Radius Mowers.
Maintenance
1. Before each use, check all nuts and bolts for
tightness.
2. Clean after each use to prevent rust.
The key to years of trouble-free service is
to keep your unit clean and dry.
3. If rust should develop, sand lightly and
then paint area with enamel.
4. Periodically check all moving parts for free
movement and if necessary, lubricate with oil.
5. Your plug tines can be removed for
sharpening.
6. Sharpening plug tines will allow you to
maintain good soil penetration.
Storage
1. Be careful to store your spike aerator with
the spikes towards the floor or a wall. Plug
tines are sharp and can cause considerable
damage.
2. Always store your spike aerator in a dry
area, and coat exposed metal with light oil
when not in use.
Raising and lowering.
Lower
Raise

14
Parts List and Support
Model Number 060-0197-8 Spike Aerator
20 27 1
7
31
36
15
12
12
16
41
13
23
18
28
35 34
37
5
11
42
6
20
20
21
23
29 8
26
14
40
4
33 3
39
24
29
35
38
25
36
38
22
32
31
30
36
31
1
34
36
2
9
10
17
19

15
Parts List and Support
Not All Parts Shown
Ref No. Part No. Qty. Description
1 4020P 1 Base Plate
2 5872TB 1 Tow Bar
3 5870 1 Axle
4 5865TB 1 Handle
5 5568TB 2 Wheel Bracket
6 5869TB 1 Centre Plate
7 4019P 2 End Plates
8 5866TB 1 Handle Brace
9 4263B 1 Lever Link
10 4240B 1 Linkage Bar
11 1243P 1 Clevis Plate
12 4025P 11 Aerator Blade
13 3150CR 2 Wheel
14 3042 1 Handle Grip
15 4470 9 1 x 3” Spacer
16 4029TB 1 1 x 2” Spacer
17 4271 2 1/2 x 3” Hex Head Bolt
18 5583 1 1/2 x 1 1/2” Hex Head Bolt
19 1248 9 5/16 x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt
20 3738 2 5/16 x 1” Hex Head Bolt
21 4281 1 5/16 x 1 1/4” Hex Head Bolt
22 4014 2 5/16 x 1 1/2” Hex Head Bolt
23 2051 1 5/16 x 1 3/4” Hex Head Bolt
24 1752 1 5/16 x 2 1/4” Hex Head Bolt
25 4011 1 1/2 x 1 3/4” Shoulder Bolt
26 1840 1 1/2 x 1 3/4” Clevis Pin
27 1264 26 3/4” Flat Washer
28 1506 5 1/2” Flat Washer
29 1278 1 3/8” Flat Washer
30 1044 2 5/16” Flat Washer
31 1276 9 5/16” Lock Washer
32 1042 1 #14 Hitch Pin Clip
33 5589 2 1/2” Nylon Washer
34 1749 7 5/16” Nylock Nut
35 4327 4 1/2” Nylock
36 1275 9 5/16” Hex Head Nut
37 4324 2 1/2” Jam Nut
38 5591 2 5/16” Nylock Jam Nut (thin)
39 5590 1 3/8” Nylock Jam Nut (thin)
40 4272 1 Compression Spring
41 4024 2 Spring (Axle)
42 4051 3 Bushing 3/4” (Axle)
43 4296 2 1 x 3/4” Spacer
STOP
Parts and Support
Please do not return this product
to the store prior to contacting
Certified
TM.
At Certified
TM our goal is to deliver quality,
value and outstanding service. If for any
reason our product does not meet your
expectations, please contact us and we
will take care of any problem you may
have with this unit.
When ordering replacement parts please
have the model number, part description,
part number, inspector number and date
on carton available so that we can best
serve you.
1 [phone]
MADE IN U.S.A
TRILEAF DISTRIBUTION
TRIFEUIL TORONTO,
CANADA M4S 2B8

16
Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty
Model Number 060-0197-8 Spike Aerator
The limited warranty set forth below is given by Certified.
with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in
Canada, its possessions and territories.
Certified
warranties the product(s) listed against defects in
material and workmanship, and will at our option, repair or
replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in
materials or workmanship. This limited warranty shall only
apply if this product has been assembled, operated, and
maintained in accordance with the owner’s manual furnished
with the product, and has not been subject to misuse, abuse,
neglect, accident, improper maintenance, alteration, vandalism,
theft, fire, water, or damage because of other peril or natural
disaster.
Normal wear parts or components there of are subject to
separate terms as follows: All normal wear parts or component
failures will be covered on the product for a period of one
year. Parts found to be defective within the warranty period
will be replaced at our expense. Our obligation under this
warranty is expressly limited to the replacement or repair,
at our option, of parts found to be defective in material
and workmanship.
Contacting Service:
Warranty parts replacements are available, only with
Proof of Purchase, through our Customer Service
Department. Call 1 [phone].
This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the
following cases:
1. Routine maintenance items such as lubricants and filters.
2. Normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure.
3. Transportation and/or labour charges.
No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of
merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose, applies
after the applicable period of express written warranty
above as to the part as identified below.
No other express warranty whether written or oral, except
as mentioned above, given by any person or entity, including
a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product, shall bind
Certified
during the period of the warranty, the exclusive
remedy is repair or replacement of the product as set
forth above.
The provisions as set forth in this warranty provide the sole and
exclusive remedy arising from the purchase.
Certified will not be liable for incidental or
consequential loss or damage including, without
limitation, expenses incurred for substitute or
replacement lawn care services or for rental
expenses to temporarily replace a warranted product.
Some provinces and territories do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, or limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above exclusions or limitations may not
apply to you.
During the warranty period, the exclusive remedy is
replacement of the part. In no event shall recovery of
any kind be greater that the amount of the purchase price
of the product sold. Alteration of safety features of
the product shall void this warranty. You assume the
risk and liability for loss, damage, or injury to you and
your property and/or to others and their property arising
out of the misuse or inability to use this product.
This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other
than the original purchaser or to the person for whom it
was purchased as a gift.
Local Law to this Warranty:
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and
you may also have other rights which vary from provinces
and territories.
Warranty Period:
The warranty period stated below begins with the
Proof of Purchase. Without the proof of purchase,
the warranty period begins from the date of manufacture.
Product Warranty Period:
The warranty period for this unit is as follows:
All part are cover one year from date of sale.