Craftsman 486.24350 User manual

Operator's IVlanuai
CRRFr. MRN°
48" PLUG AERATOR
Model No. 486.24350
DO NOT RETURN TO STORE
For Missing Parts or Assembly
Questions Call 1-866-576-8388
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/craftsman
FORM NO. 42130 (10/01/08)

WARRANTY .................................................................... 2
SAFETY ........................................................................... 3
CARTON CONTENTS ..................................................... 3
FULL SIZE HARDWARE CHART .................................... 4
ASSEMBLY ...................................................................... 5
OPERATION .................................................................... 9
MAINTENANCE .............................................................. 9
SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS .......................................... 9
REPAIR PARTS ILLUSTRATION ................................... 10
REPAIR PARTS LIST ..................................................... 11
PARTS ORDER/SERVICE ............................ BACK PAGE
ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY
When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, if this Craftsman product fails due to a defect in
material or workmanship within one year from the date of purchase, return it to any Sears store or other Craftsman outlet in
the United States for free replacement.
This warranty applies for only 90 days if this product is ever used for commercial or rental purposes.
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
decal attached to the 48" Plug Aerator.
You should record both the serial number and the date of
purchase and keep in a safe place for future reference.
MODEL NUMBER:
SERIAL NUMBER:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
486.24350
2 Call 1-866-576-8388 for missing parts or assembly help
DO NOT RETURN TO STORE

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 vehicle 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 rules 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 outlined in this owners manual.
1. Tray 7. Hitch Bracket
2. Wheels (2) 8. Shaft
3. Wheel Brackets (3) 9. Middle Brace
4. Tongue 10. Knives (32)
5. End Plates (2) 11. Double Spool Assemblies (4)
6. Lift Handle Hardware Pack (Shown next page)
15
11
Call 1-866-576-8388 for missing parts or assembly help 3
DO NOT RETURN TO STORE

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REF
A
B
C
D
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F
G
H
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K
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QTY
2
3
6
6
8
32
1
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DESCRIPTION
Hex Bolt, 1/2" x 3-1/2" Lg.
Hex Bolt, 1/4" x 1-3/4" Lg.
Hex Bolt, 3/8" x 1-1/4" Lg.
Hex Bolt, 3/8" x 1" Lg.
Hex Bolt, 5/16"x 3/4" Lg.
Carriage Bolt, 5/16" x 3/4"
Hitch Pin
Hair Cotter Pin
Nylock Jam Nut, 1/2"
Nylock Nut, 3/8"
Nylock Nut, 5/16"
Nylock Nut, 1/4"
REF QTY
M 2
N 32
O 8
P 8
Q 1
R 2
S 1
T 2
U 1
V 1
W 8
DESCRIPTION
Jam Nut, 1/2"
Lock Washer, 5/16"
Flat Washer, 3/4" (2 for shims)
Spacer, 1/4" Long
Spacer Tube, 3.90" Long
Spacer Tube, 1.00" Long
Spacer Tube, 2.38" Long
Spacer Tube, 5.29" Long
Shoulder Spacer
Handle Grip
Split Plastic Bearing
4 Call 1-866-578-8388 for missing parts or assembly help
DO NOT RETURN TO STORE

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
7/16" wrenches
1/2" wrenches
9/16" wrenches
3/4" wrenches or adjustable wrenches
CAUTION: POINTS OF AERATOR
KNIVES ARE SHARP! EXERCISE
CAUTION AT ALL TIMES WHILE
ASSEMBLING AND USING THE
AERATOR.
STEP 1: (SEE FIGURE 1)
*Assemble eight aerator knives on the outside of each
double spool assembly. Rotate each knife to insert
the locking tab into the spool plate, then align the
square holes and secure with a 5/16" × 3/4" carriage
bolt, a 5/16" Iockwasher, and a 5/16" nylock nut.
*Push split plastic bearings into both ends of each
double spool tube.
5116" x 314"
CARRIAGE BOLT
SPLIT \
BEARING
5116" LOCK
WASHER
5116"
NYLOCK NUT
/
FIGURE 1
SPLIT
BEARING
STEP 2: (SEE FIGURE 2)
*Assemble a wheel bracket to the middle hole in the
shaft so that the hub of the bracket faces the short
end of the shaft. Fasten the bracket to the shaft
using a 1/4" x 1-3/4" hex bolt and a 1/4" nylock nut.
Tighten.
*Pre-assemble a 3/8" x 1-1/4" he× bolt and a 3/8"
nylock nut to the smaller hole in the wheel bracket.
insert the bolt from the hub side of the bracket. Do
not tighten till step 12.
SHORT END
OF SHAFT 318" x 1-114"
HEX BOLT
1/4"
NYLOCK NUT
!
114"x1-314"
HEX BOLT
NYLOCK NUT
FIGURE 2
STEP 3: (SEE FIGURE 3)
*Assemble a double spool assembly, a 5.29" long
spacer, another double spool assembly, a 1.00" long
spacer and a 3/4" fiat washer onto the short end of
the shaft.
3/4" FLAT
WASHER
1.OO"LONG
SPACER
5.29" LONG
SPACER
SHORT END
FIGURE 3
Call 1-866-576-8388 for missing parts or assembly help 5
DO NOT RETURN TO STORE

STEP 4: (SEE FIGURE 4)
*Assemble a 2.38" long spacer, a 3/4" flat washer,
the middle brace, a 3/4" flat washer and a 3.90" long
spacer onto the long end of the shaft. The bent lip of
the middle brace must face the short end of the shaft.
Next assemble a double spool assembly, a 5.29" long
spacer, another double spool assembly, a 1.00" long
spacer and a 3/4" flat washer onto the shaft.
2.38" LONG MIDDLE
SPACER BRACE
3.90" LONG
SPACER
LONG END
OF SHAFT
3/4" FLAT
WASHER
3/4" FLAT
WASHER
5.29" LONG
SPACER
FIGURE 4
1.00" LONG
SPACER
STEP 5: (SEE FIGURE 5)
*Rotate the wheel bracket fastened to the middle of
the shaft so that it is pointing upward. Assemble an
end plate, a 3/4" flat washer and a second wheel
bracket onto the long end of the shaft. Point this
wheel bracket as shown in figure 5. Secure it to the
shaft using a 1/4" x 1-3/4" hex bolt and 1/4" nylock
nut. Tighten. Repeat on short end of shaft.
MIDDLE WHEEL BRACKET
POINTING UP
1/4" x1-3/4"
HEX BOLT
FIGURE 5
6
3/4" FLAT
WASHER I_"NYLOCK NUT
STEP 6: (SEE FIGURE 6)
*Assemble a wheel to a wheel bracket using a 1/2" x
3-1/2" hex bolt, a 1/2" jam nut and al/2" nylock jam
nut. Adjust the nuts so that the wheel is held securely
but will spin freely. Repeat on other side.
1/2" NYLOCK JAM NUT
FIGURE 6
1/2"JAM NUT
1/2" x 3-1/2"
HEX BOLT
STEP 7: (SEE FIGURE 7)
*Assemble the hitch bracket to the tongue using two
3/8" x 1" hex bolts and 3/8" nylock nuts. Tighten.
*Assemble the hitch pin through the hitch bracket and
the tongue. Secure it with the hair cotter pin.
HITCH
PIN \
318"x 1"
HEX BOLT
/
i
i
I'
S__3_"NYLOCK NUT
HAIR COTTER PIN
FIGURE 7
Cal11-866-576-8388formissing partsorassemblyhelp
DO NOT RETURN TO STORE

STEP 8: (SEE FIGURE 8)
IMPORTANT: Make sure the tray is turned so that the
locking notch is at the front.
• Assemble the tongue to the tray using two 3/8" x 1"
hex bolts, two 3/8"x 1-1/4" hex bolts, four 1/4" long
spacers, and four 3/8" nylock nuts. Tighten.
Assemble two 3/8" x 1-1/4" hex bolts, four 1/4" long
spacers and two 3/8" nylock nuts to the holes on the
other side of the slot in the tray. Tighten.
318" × 1" 318" × 1=1/4"
HEX BOLT HEX BOLT
3/8" × 1-1/4"
HEX BOLT,
LOCKING
NOTCH
1/4" LONG
SPACER
3/8" NYLOCK NUT
FIGURE 8
STEP 9: (SEE FIGURE 9)
Place the tray between the end plates. Temporarily
insert one 5/16" x 3/4" hex bolt into each back corner
and one of the front corners of the tray to hold end
plates together at three of the four corners.
Rotate the middle brace up against the tongue,
aligning it with the holes that are closest to the slot in
the tray. Fasten the brace to the tongue using two 3/8"
x 1" hex bolts and 3/8" nylock nuts. Do not tighten
till step 12.
318" x 1" 5116" x 314"
HEX BOLT HEX BOLT
_, (Temporary)
318" NYLOCK NUT
FIGURE 9
Call 1-866-576-8388 for missing parts or assembly help 7
DO NOT RETURN TO STORE

STEP 10: (SEE FIGURE 10)
*Fasten the end plates to the corners of the tray using
eight 5/16" x 3/4" hex bolts and 5/16" nylock nuts. Do
not tighten till step 12.
5116" x 314"
HEX BOLT
/
5/16" NYLOCK NUT
FIGURE 10
STEP 11: (SEE FIGURE 11)
*Place the lift handle through the slot in the tray.
Fasten the lift handle to the smaller, inner hole in the
middle wheel bracket using the bolt and nut which
you pre-assembled earlier (figure 2). Fasten the lift
handle to the larger, outer hole in the wheel bracket
using a 3/8" x 1-1/4" hex bolt, the shoulder spacer,
and a 3/8" nylock nut. Tighten both nylock nuts.
*Push the grip onto the lift handle.
318" x 1-114"
HEX BOLT
/
GRIP
3_"NYLOCK NUT
PRE-ASSEMBLED
NUT AND HEX BOLT
FIGURE 11
8
STEP 12: (SEE FIGURE 12)
*Perform the following steps in sequence to assure
secure locking of the lift handle.
a. Turn the aerator upright, then place the lift handle
into the transport locking notch at the front end of
the slot in the tray.
b. Stand on the right side of the aerator and push
against the tray, which will force the lift handle over
to the right side of the notch.
c. Keep the tray and lift handle in this alignment and
tighten the eight bolts at the corners of the tray.
d. Tighten the two bolts which fasten the middle
brace to the tray.
e. After performing these steps, some effort should
be required to shift the lift handle from the trans-
port locking notch over into the slot to lower the
aerator. When the aerator is raised, the lift handle
should spring back over into the transport locking
notch.
PUSH AGAINST
THIS SIDE
FIGURE 12
Call 1-866-576-8388 for missing parts or assembly help
DO NOT RETURN TO STORE

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.
CAUTION: POINTS OF AERATOR
KNIVES ARE SHARP! EXERCISE
CAUTION AT ALL TIMES WHILE
USING THE AERATOR.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT INJURY,
DISMOUNT FROM TRACTOR TO
RAISE OR LOWER AERATOR
CONTAiNiNG ADDED WEIGHT.
• Mow lawn and remove loose clippings prior to use of
lawn aerator.
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.
To increase the depth of plugger point penetration,
up to 140 Ibs. of weight, such as bags of sand or (4)
concrete blocks, 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.
If the ground is extremely hard and dry, it is
recommended that it be sprinkled or watered down
for one or two hours prior to aerating.
DO NOT attempt to aerate if ground is too wet,
(muddy).
Do to small rocks and gravel which are normally
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.
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.
For storage, clean the aerator and lightly oil all
exposed metal parts to prevent rust.
Oil the spool assemblies and shaft as needed.
Oil the wheel hubs as needed.
Call 1-866-576-8388 for missing parts or assembly help 9
DO NOT RETURN TO STORE

48" PLUG AERATOR MODEL NO. 486.24350
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Call 1-868-578-8388 for missing parts or assembly help
DO NOT RETURN TO STORE