Craftsman 486.24326 User manual

Owner's Manual
40" PLUG AERATOR
IVlodel No. 486.24326 DO NOT RETURN TO STORE
For Missing Parts or Assembly
Questions Call 1-868-576-8388
CAUTION:
Before using this product, read
this manual and follow all Safety
Rules and Operating Instructions.
*Safety
*Assembly
*Operation
*Maintenance
*Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www.sears com/cra ftsma n
PRINTED JNUSA FORM NO.40016 (1/06)

SAFETYRULES..............................................................2
FULLSIZEHARDWARECHART....................................3
CARTONCONTENTS.....................................................4
ASSEMBLY......................................................................4
OPERATION....................................................................8
MAINTENANCE............................................................10
STORAGE.....................................................................10
REPAIRPARTSILLUSTRATION..................................12
REPAIRPARTSLIST....................................................13
PARTSORDERING/SERVICE.......................BackCover
ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY
When operated and maintained according to the instructions supplied with it, ifthis Plug Aerator fails due to a defect in
material or workmanship within one year from the date of purchase, carl 1-8OO-4-MY-HOME® to arrange for free repair (or
replacement if repair proves impossible).
If this product is used for commercial or rental purpose& this warranty appNes for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
The model number and serial numbers will be found on a MODEL NUMBER: 48624326
decal attached to the aerator. SERIAL NUMBER:
You should record both the serial number and the date of DATE OF PURCHASE:
purchase and keep in a safe place for future reference.
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
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
• Read the vehic_e owners manual and vehicle safety
rules, and know how to operate the vehicle before
using this equipment.
• Never allow children to operate the tractor or plug
aerator attachment, and do not allow adults to operate
without proper instructions.
This aerator attachment has sharp knife points
Always handle with care and wear substantial foot
wear when operating this aerator
• Do not allow anyone to ride or sit on plug aerator
attachment frame or on towing vehicle
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children, and also pets.
• Always begin with the transmission in first (low) gear
and engine at low speed, and gradually increase
speed as conditions permit
The vehicle braking and stability may be affected
with the attachment of this equipment Be aware of
changing conditions on slopes. Refer to safety ru{es in
the vehicle owner's manual concerning safe operation
on slopes. STAY OFF OF STEEP SLOPES
• Always operate up and down a slope, never across
the face of a slope
• 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.
• Do not tow this equipment on a highway or any other
public thoroughfare
• Follow the maintenance instructions as outEined in this
owners manual.
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means -- Attention!!
Become alert!! Your safety is involved.

A i .B
SHOWN FULL SIZE
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/
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NOT SHOWN FULL SIZE
i
HARDWARE PACKAGE CONTENTS
Key
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
Oty,
2
4
1
8
8
1
1
2
8
8
8
2
Description
Hex Bolt, 1/2" x 3-1/2" Lg
Hex Bolt, 1/4" x 1-3/4" Lg
Hex Bolt, 1/2" x 1-1/4" Lg
Hex Bolt, 3/8" x 1" Lg.
Hex Bolt, 5/16" × 3/4" Lg.
Hair Cotter Pin_ Large
Hitch Pin
Nylock Jam Nut, 1/2"
Nylock Nut, 3/8"
Nylock Nut, 5/16"
Nylock Nut, 1/4"
Jam Nut, 1/2"
Key
M
N
O
P
O
R
S
T
U
V
W
Qty. Description
1 Nylock Nut, 1/2"
4 Flat Washer, 3/4"
4 Hex Bolt, 1/4" x 3/4"
1 Clevis Pin
1 Hair Cotter Pin, Small
1 Spacer Tube, 3.70" Long
1 SpacerTube, 1" Long
4 SpacerTube, 1.33" Long
2 Stop Bracket
1 Handle Grip
8 Split Plastic Bearing

CARTON CONTENTS
1. Tray
2 WheelBrackets(2)
3 MiddleBrace
4 HitchBracket
5 Tongue
6 EndPlates(2)
7 LiftHandle
8 LiftLeverAssembly
9. SingleSpoolAssemblies(2)
10.Shaft
1t. DoubleSpoolAssemblies(2)
12.Wheels(2)
10
11
X
12
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(2) 7/t6" wrenches
(2) 1/2" wrenches
(2) 9/16" wrenches
(2) 3/4" wrenches or adjustable wrenches
*Attach the lift lever assembly to the two holes in the
middle of the shaft using two 1/4" x 1-3/4" hex bolts
(B) and a 1/4" nyiock nuts (K). Tighten• See figure 1.
LIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY
1/4" NYLOCK
NUT (K)
1/4" x 1-3/4"
HEX BOLT (B)
FIGURE 1
CAUTION: Points of aerator knives
are sharp! Exercise caution at all times
while assembling and using the aerator
• Push split plastic bearings (Y) into both ends of all
single and double spool assemblies. See figure 2
SPLIT
BEARING (Y)
JSPLIT
BEARING (Y)
SPLIT [
BEARING (Y) ;_
/ /
\,
T
SPLIT
BEARING (Y)
FIGURE 2
4

• Identify the short end of the shaft• Assemble a 1" long
spacer (S), a single spool assembly, a 133" long
spacer (T), a double spool assembly, another 1.33"
long spacer (T) and a 3/4" flat washer (N) onto the
short end of the shaft• See figure 3
1.33" LONG
3/4" FLAT SPACER (T)
WASHER (N)
1.33" LONG
SPACER (T)
/
DOUBLE SPOOL
ASSEMBLY /
SINGLE SPOOL
ASSEMBLY
1" LONG
SPACER (S)
SHORT END
OF SHAFT
FIGURE 3
• Assemble the end plates to the ends of the tray using
four 5/18" x 3/4" hex bolts (E) and four 5/16" nylock
nuts (J) for each end plate. Do not tighten until final
step. See figure 5.
,5/16" x 3/4"
'_, HEX BOLT (E)
5/16" NYLOCK \
NUT (J)
/
FIGURE 8
\
• Assemble the middle brace onto the long end of
the shaft with the bent end of the brace facing the lift
lever Next assemble a 370" long spacer (R), a single
spool assembly, a 133" long spacer (T), a double
spool assembly, a 133" long spacer (T) and a 3/4" flat
washer (N) onto the long end of the shaft• See figure
4
LIFT MIDDLE
LEVER BRACE
3.70" LONG
SPACER(R)
133" LONG
SPACER (T)
/
SINGLE SPOOL
ASSEMBLY
DOUBLE SPOOL
ASSEMBLY 1.33" LONG
SPACER (T)
• Assemble the tongue to the tray using four 3/8" x 1"
hex bolts (D) and 3/8" nylock nuts (I) as shown in
figure 6. Tighten.
Assemble the two stop brackets (U) to the tongue
using four 1/4" x 3/4" hex bolts (O) and 1/4" nylock
nuts (K). Tighten. See figure 6
STOP
BRACKET
/
/
1/4" x 3/4'
HEX BOLT (O) \3/8" NYLOCK
NUT(I)
1/4" NYLOCK
NUT (K)
3/4" FLAT
WASHER (N)
FIGURE 4REAR VIEW FIGURE 8
5

• Assemble the hitch bracket to the tongue using two
3/8" x 1" hex bolts (D), and two 3/8" nylock nuts (l)
Tighten. See figure 7
• Assemble the hitch pin (G) through the hitch bracket
and the tongue Secure the hitch pin with the large
hairpin cotter (F). See figure 7.
HITCH
PIN (G) 3/8" x 1"
HEX BOLT(D)
// //
;:: _ 3/8 NYLOCK
NUT(I)
HITCH -- LARGE HAIRPIN
BRACKET COTTER (F)
FIGURE 7
• Assemble a whee{ to a wheel bracket as shown in
figure 9. Use a 1/2" x 3-1/2" hex bolt (A), one 1/2"
hex iam nut (L), and one 1/2" ny]ock jam nut (H).
Adjust the nuts so that the wheel is held securely with
minimum end play but will spin freely. Repeat on other
side• See figure 9.
1/2" NYLOCK
JAM NUT (H)
1/2" JAM NUT (L)
FIGURE 9UPSIDE DOWN ViEW
• Turn the tray upside down Standing behind the tray,
place the long end of the shaft through the end plate
on your dght as shown in figure 8. Place the other end
of the shaft through the end plate on your left. Make
sure the bent end of the middle brace rests flat inside
the tongue.
• Assemble a 3/4" flat washer (N) and a wheel bracket
onto each end of the shaft. Turn each wheel bracket
to point in the opposite direction from the lift lever
Secure each wheel bracket with a 1/4" x 1-3/4" hex
bolt (B) and 1/4" nylock nut (K). Tighten See figure 8.
NUT (K)
LIFT LEVER
FIGURE 8
3/4" FLAT
WASHER (N)
1/4" x 1-3/4"
/
_ HEX BOLT (B)
UPSIDE DOWN VIEW
Tip the aerator onto the back edge of the tray Fasten
the middle brace to the bottom of the tongue using
two 3/8" x 1" hex bolts (D) and 3/8" nylock nuts (I). Do
not tighten until final step• See figure 10.
_g JJ
MIDDLE
BRACE
FIGURE 10

Turnthelifthandleasshowninfigure11andattachit
tothesideoftheliftleverthatisindicated.Usea1/2"
x1-1/4"hexbolt(C)and1/2"nylocknut(M)inthe
bottomholeandtheclevispinandsmallhairpincotter
inthetopholeTighter,theboltandnut.Seefigure11
* Pushthegrip(V)ontothelifthandle.Seefigure11.
• Performthefollowingstepsinsequencetotightenthe
boltsandnutsthatremainloose.Refertofigure12
a Turntheaeratorupright,thenlockthelifthandle
intothetransportposition
b Tightentheeightboltsatthecornersofthetray.
c Tightenthetwoboltswhicbfastenthemiddle
bracetothebottomofthetray.
/y:::: .
CLEVIS PIN
1/2" × 1-1/4"
HEX BOLT (C)
FIGURE 11
\
FIGURE 12
iiJ

KNOWYOUR PLUG AERATOR
Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your plug aerator.
Compare the illustration below with your aerato_ to familiarize yourself wkh the various controls and their locations.
LIFT HANDLE
/
STOP BRACKETS
LIFT HANDLE Raises the aerator to the transport position and lowers it to the operating position
STOP BRACKETS Locks the lift handle in the transport position (upper bracket) or operating position (lower bracket).
BEFORE STARTING HOW TO USE YOUR PLUG AERATOR
,Mow the lawn and remove loose clippings prior to use
of the aerator
If the soil is extremely hard and dry, it is
recommended that it be sprinkled or watered down for
one or two hours prior to aerating
CAUTION: Points of aerator knives are
sharp! Exercise caution at all times while
using the aerator
CAUTION: Vehicle braking and stability
may be affected by the addition of an
accessory or attachment Be aware of
changing conditions on slopes
Aerating means pulling small soil plugs, ranging up
to three inches in length, from the soil to create small
reservoirs that will bring oxygen, fertilizer and water
down into the roots. For best aerator performance, the
following lawn preparations and operating procedures are
recommended
• Start tractor engine with controls in neutral and place
throttle at slow engine speed.
• Engage shift lever at lowest possible forward speed
and lower aerator, allowing plugger points to enter the
ground. Increase speed as conditions permit.
•Aerate in the straightest line possible, making
overlapping passes to increase the plugger point
pattern
•Avoid extremely sharp turns with plugger points
engaged in ground to prevent damage to lawn
• DO NOT cross over walks or drives without first
raising the aerator to the transport position.
•On sloped lawns, always aerate in an up and down
direction. DO NOT attempt to follow the contour of the
ground.

• DONOTattempttoaerateifgroundistoowet,or
muddy.
•Due to possible small rocks and gravel which can be
present in aerated soil plugs, it is recommended that
the plugs be raked; otherwise damage to the lawn
mower blades may arise, especially when reel type
mowers are used.
• To increase the depth of plugger point penetration,
up to 140 Ibs. of weight, such as bags of sand or (4)
concrete block& may be added to the tray.The weight
can be secured to the tray with ties or straps fastened
to the front and rear of the tray Fasten so that the ties
or straps cannot become entangled on rotating parts.
See figure 13
CAUTION: To prevent injury, dismount
from the tractor to raise or lower
aerator containing added weight
FIGURE 13
1!,
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
*Read and follow the maintenance schedule and the maintenance procedures listed in this section.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Fill in dates as you
complete regular service
Check for loose fasteners
Cleaning
Lubrication
CHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS
• Before each use make a thorough visual check of the
plug aerator for any bolts and nuts which may have
loosened Retighten any loose bolts and nuts
xxx
LUBRICATION
•Lubricate wheels as needed.
, Oil the spool assemblies and shaft as needed.
CLEANING
•Clean dirt off of aerator knives after each use BE
CAREFUL OF SHARP EDGES WREN CLEANING.
• Plugger points can periodically be sharpened with a
small grinder to maintain good penetration. Points
should be removed to sharpen. Follow original angle
and contour of points when grinding.
° Clean the aerator and store in a dry area Coat
exposed metal with light oil to prevent rust 9

REPAIR PARTS FOR PLUG AERATOR MODEL 486.24328
8922
13
13 1
/
3
29 13 36
10
37
25
33
34
33
23 27 A
33
2
/
.33
22 24
17
38
15
3
/'
/
/
22 19
9
34 8
2O
12 14
_34
/26
25
23 23
11
17 35
31 _32
10

RER
NO.
REPAIR PARTS FOR 40" PLUG AERATOR MODEL 486.24326
PART iQTY. DESCRIPTION REF. PART QTY. DESCRIPTION
NO NO NO.
1 25853 1 Tray 21 43019 2 Hex Jam Nut, 1/2-13 Thd
2 24823 1 Middle Brace 22 43009 4 Flat Washer, 3/4"
3 24619 2 End Plate 23 741-0493A 8 Split Bearing, 3/4"
4 25864 1 Lift Handle 24 45151 1 Spacer, 3.70" Long
5 25800 1 Tongue 25 44494 4 Spacer, 1.33" Long
6 25801 1 Shaft 26 712-3083 1 Hex Nylock Nut 1/2"
7 23687 1 Hitch Bracket 27 44500 1 Spacer, 1.00" Long
8 46503 2 Wheel 28 43943 1 Grip
9 63931 2 Wheel Bracket Assembly 29 47623 1 Hitch Pin, 3/8" Flat Head
10 63929 2 Spool Assembly (Double) 30 43343 1 Hair Cotter Pin, 3/32"
11 63930 2 Spool Assembly (Single) 31 24924 24 Knife, Aerator
12 65336 1 Lift Bracket Assembly 32 43080 24 Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 x 3/4"
13 43001 8 Hex Bolt, 3/8-18 x 1" Long 33 HA21362 8 Hex Nylock Nut 3/8"
14 43055 1 Hairpin, 3/32 x 18 34 47189 8 Hex Nylock Nut 1/4"
15 43351 1 Hex Bolt, 1/2-13 x 1-1/4" Long 35 43088 24 Lockwasher 5/16"
16 43182 8 Hex Bolt, 5/16-18 x 3/4" Long 36 43012 4 Hex Bolt, 1/4-20 x 3/4" Long
17 47810 32 Hex Nylock Nut 5/16" 37 25665 2 Lift Stop Bracket
18 48115 2 Hex Nylock Jam Nut 1/2" 38 44056 1 Clevis Pin
19 1509-69 4 Hex Bolt, 1/4-20 x 1-3/4" Long 40016 1 Owners Manual
20 46528 2 Hex Bolt, 1/2-13 x 3-1/2" Long
11

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Call anytime, day or night (U.S.A. and Canada)
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For repair of carry-in items like vacuums, lawn equipment,
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Sears Parts & Repair Center.
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Call anytime, day or night (U.S.A. only)
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To purchase a protection agreement (U.S.A,)
or maintenance agreement (Canada) on a product serviced by Sears:
t-800-827-6655 (U.S.A.) 1-800-361-6665 (Canada)
Para pedir servicio de reparaci6n
a domicilio, y para ordenar piezas:
1-888-SU-HOGAR ®
(1-888-784-6427)
Au Canada pour service en frangais:
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(1-680-533-8937)
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