Craftsman CRAFTSMAN 757.243481 User manual

CRRFTSMRN.
OWNERS
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
757.243481
Caution:
Read Rules for
Safe Operation
and Instructions
Carefully
CRRFTSMRNo
LAWN AERATOR
(PLUG-TYPE)
FOR USE WITH RIDERS
AND LAWN/GARDEN TRACTORS
•Assembly
• Installation
• Operation
• Repair Parts
L-15:90=SC-2 Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U. S. A.

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON AERATOR
For 2 years from the date of purchase, when this Aerator is maintained
and lubricated according to the operating and maintenance instructions in
the owner's manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defect in material
or workmanship.
This warranty does not cover:
---repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence including the
failure to maintain the equipment according to instructions contained in
the owner's manual; and Aerator used for commercial or rental
purposes.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. This
warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legai rights and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Craftsman Aerator. It has been designed,
engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problem you can not easily remedy, please contact your nearest
Sears Service Center/Department. We have competent, well trained technicians and the proper
tools to service or repair, your Aerator.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain
your Aerator properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
• THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON A DECAL ATrACHED TO THE FRONT
CORNER OF THE TRAY.
• YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A
SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
MODEL
NUMBER
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
PURCHASE
757.243481
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the "SAFETY RULES".
•Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring
for and using your Coring Aerator.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY ................................................. 2
SAFETY RULES .......................................... 3
CARTON CONTENTS ................................. 3&4
ASSEMBLY ........................................... 5 & 6
OPERATION .......................... •.......................... 7
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY ..................... 7
REPAIR PARTS............................................... 8

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
• Know controls and how to stop quickly, READ THE • Keep the vehicle and attachment in good operating
OWNER'S MANUAL.
• Do not allow children to operate the vehicle, do
not allow adults to operate without proper
instruction and without having read the owner's
manual.
•Do not carry passengers. Keep children and pets
a safe distance away.
•Always wear substantial footwear. Do not wear
loose fitting clothing that can get caught in
moving parts.
•Keep your eyes and mind on your tract•r/attach-
ment and area being covered. Don't let other
interests distract you.
•Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other
hidden hazards.
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. The damage should be repaired before
restarting and operating the equipment.
•See tractor equipment owner's manual for safe
operation of the equipment.
• Do not drive close to creeks, ditches and public
highways.
•Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
•When using any attachment , don't allow anyone
near the vehicle while in operation.
A
IT• avoid damage to Spoons, always engage
transport wheels to raise the Spoons when crossing
concrete or asphalt w_ks, drives, or roads.
• Use the Aerator only on an established
lawn, never on newly laid sod.
a To avoid possible personal injury and/or equipment
never exceed the recommended operating speed
range of 3 to 5 MPH.
CAUTION
• Only tow your Aerator behind vehicles for
which it was designed, lawn/garden tractors.
•Do not stand/ride on Aerator, bodily injury
could result.
• Never exceed the Weight Tray capacity of 150 pounds
• Do not attempt to disconnect Aerator from
tractor with weight in Hopper.
• When backing, carefully back straight to avoid Jack-
knifing, which could result in damage to equipment.
I_ LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT i
SAFETYPRECAUTIONS.IT MEANS- ATTENTION! I
BECOMEALERT! YOUR SAFETYIS INVOLVED.
CONTENTS OF SHIPPING CARTON
No A L-1590-$0-2
Owners Manual No. B Z-1530 No C Z-1531
1Used Hardware Bag Hardware Bag
Plugging (Spoon) Tines 1Used
1Used
No. DZ-1_531-A
Hardware Bag
Nylon Bearings
No, 13 B-5309-10 1 Used
Outer Tube Assembly
2 Used
No. 12 B-4859-10
Lift Handle Assembly
1 Used
No. 14 B-5311-10
Center Tube Assembly
1Used
No 9 B-5427-10
Frame Angle
2 Used
No. 7 B-5426-10
Tray
1 Used
:_No. 11 B-5307-10
Axle Assembly
1Used
No. 6 B-4851-10
Side Plate
2Used
®
No. 18 13-4869
Transport Wheel
2 Used

No.5 B-4786
lock Nut,5116.
17 Used
%
No.15 B-4867
HandleGrip
1/4"x 1-1/2"
1 Used
Z-1531 HARDWARE BAG
Lock Washer, 1/2" No, 9 R-618 NO28 45M1717P
2 Used Heavy Wesher- 5/16" Flat washer, 1/2"
4Used 4 Used
No. 2 B-3034-10
Orawbar Clevis
1 Used
NO. 29 B-676P
Rat Wuher, 3/4"
3 Used
NO. 19 B-4870-01
Drswt)ar_in
1/2" x 3-1/2"
1 Used
NO 24 30M10GOP
Hex Nut 5/16"
2Used
NO. 17 B-4868
Flex Head Bolt
5/16' x 2-1/2"
2Used
tNo.31 B-3307-S
Tram_oort Lo_
Pin No. 27 45M1111P
1 Used Flat washer, 5/16"
8 Used
5/1_'x 1-1/2"
1Used No. 25 30M1600P
Flex Nut, 1/2"
_ _ No. 22 2M1012P
Hex Head Bolt
____ __---- _ -- ] 5/16"x3/4"
13 Used
No.20 O-14_P
I-_q_nCotter,1/6.
1Used
No,23 2M1660P
HexHeed Bolt
1/2. x3-3/4"
2Used
Z-1530 HARDWARE BAG
PLUGGING SPOON
NO,32 B-1674P
Hex LoOk Nut, 5/16"
25 Used
_o. 22 2M1012P
Hex Head Bolt
5/16" x 3/4"
25 Used
HARDWARE BAG
0
©No. 10 B-4855-10
Plugging (Spoon) Tine
24 Used ©NO. 16 B-4866
Nylon Besrlng, 3/4" I.D.
6Used

ASSEMBLY
It is recommended that you carefully read this Owner's
Manual BEFORE starting assembly of this unit.
Fold out the carton for use as a pad during assembly
and arrange each kind of hardware into a group to ease
assembly.
All reference to Right Hand and Left Hand are made
while standing behind unit facing forward,
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
1- Pair Pliers
2 - 1/2" Wrenches
2 - 3/4" Wrenches
OR
2 - 10" Adjustable wrenches
FRAME ASSEMBLY
Refer to Fig. t
•Sit the Tray (7) on the pad with flanges facing up. Fig. 1
• Attach the Side Plates (6) to Tray as shown using
eight 5/16"x3/4" Hex Bolts (22- from INSIDE of
Tray), Flat Washers (27- next to Bolt heads) and
Lock Nuts (5). Tighten _11Bolts while maintaining
41" to 41-1/4" inside the Side Plates (6).
Refer to Figs. 1 &2
• Assemble the Transport Lock Pin (31) into the
front hole at Left Hand Side Plate (6) from the
outside. Secure with 5/16" Lock Nut (5) holding
Pin with Pliers as you tighten. This Pin is used to
lock the Wheels in Transport.
Refer to Fig.2
• Attach the two Frame Angles (8) to underside of
Tray (7) using four 5/16" x 3/4" Hex Bolts (22),
Heavy Flat Washers (9) next to Frame Angle holes, and
Nylon Insert Nuts (5). Do not tighten at this time.
•Align the front holes of Angles and fasten at two
smaller holes using two 5/16"x2-1/2" full threaded
Hex Bolts (17). Bolts extend inside legs of Angles
and secure with 5/16" Hex (regular) Nuts (24). See
Inset "A". Tighten these and Tray Bolts (22)
securely.
eAssemble the Drawbar Clevis (2) to Full Threaded
Bolts extending from Frame Angles, securing with
two 5/16" Lock Nuts (5).
PLUGGING SPOON PRE-ASSEMBLY
Refer to Fig. 3.
(Center Tube[ 14]shown)
• Assemble Plugging Spoons (10) tO each welded
plate (SIDES OPPOSITE WELDS) of the three Tube
Assemblies (13 & 14) using 5/16"x3/4" Hex Bolts
(22) and Lock Nuts (32). Rounded part of Spoon fits
against tube to lock in place. Tighten all 24
securely.
Left Hand
|7
oO
REAR
Fig. 2
22
32
Right Hand
• Insert a 3/4" Nylon Bearing (16) into each end of
Tube Assemblies. 5 Fig. 3

PLUGGING UNIT ASSEMBLY
Refer to Fig. 4
• Identify the two Outer Tube Assemblies (13- has
one plate welded close to end of tube) and the
Center Tube Assembly (14- has both plates welded
close to end of tube).
• Insert the Axle Assembly (11) partially through
hole in Side Plate (6) at RI.._HTSIDE.
• Install as follows:
• 3/4" Flat Washer (29),
eOuter Tube Assembly (13)- with short Hub
end next to Right Side Plate.
• 3/4" Flat Washer (29).
• Center Tube Assembly (14).
•3/4" Flat Washer (29).
• Outer Tube Assembly (13) with short Hub
end next to Left Side Plate.
• 3/4" Flat Washer (29).
_: Make sure Nylon Bearings are inside
Tube Assemblies. See Fig.3.
• Align Axle Assembly shaft end with hole in Left
Side Plate and push through as far as possible.
Slide on a 3/4" Flat Washer (29).
•Install Lift Handle Assembly (12) over Axle
Assembly Shaft- Welded Tube on Lift Handle
FACING OUT.
• Position strap on Axle Assembly (at opposite
side) in line with short end extending from Lift
Handle (with Wheel mounting holes) and align
holes in Handle Tube and Axle Shaft. Insert a
5/16"x1-1/2" Hex Bolt (21) and secure with a 5/16"
Lock Nut (1).
• Slip Handle Grip (15) over end of Lift Handle.
NOTE: Soapy water will ease this assembly.
TRANSPORT WHEELS
Refer to Fig.5
• Pre-assemble the two Transport Wheels (18)
using 1/2"x3-3/4" Hex Bolts (23) and Flat Washers
(28) next to Bolt Head through Wheel Hubs
(opposite extended Hub side).
•Install aFlat Washer (28) next to Hub and 1/2"
Hex Nut (25) threaded on as far as possible with
Bolt still free to turn.
• Install both Wheels through holes in Side Straps
(11 & 12) securing with Lock Washers (26) and Hex
Nuts (25). Tighten securely, but with Wheels free to
turn.
• Check all fasteners for tightness. Your Aerator is
now ready for use.
23
28
Fig. 4
28
Fig. 5

OPERATION
WARNING
•To avoid personal injury and/or
equipment damage, never exceed the
recommended operating speed range of
3 to 5 MPH.
WHEN TO AERATE
Your 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
three inches deep):
•If soil appears powdery and brittle- it is
too dry. Wait until a later date, after a
rainfall. If soil is too dry, the Plugging
Spoons will not penetrate properly.
• If soil appears damp, roll a small amount
into aball in the palm of your hand- if it
forms a ball, the_rit is too wet. Ideally, the
soil should fall apart when rolled in the
palm of your hand. Wait till alater date for
soil to dry. If soil is too wet, the Plugging
Spoons will stop up and your Tractor could
lose traction,causing Lawn Damage
MOUNTING AND TRANSPORTING
•Attach Aerator to your Rider using Pin and
Hairpin Cotter supplied.
•To place in Transport Position:
Pull FORWARD on Lift Handle (12) and
move to Transport Lock Pin in Side Plate.
Pull OUT and move Handle to Lock-in
position. Aerator rests on Wheels.
•To place in Operating Position:
Pull OUT on Lift Handle (releasing from
Transport Position) and move back. Aerator
rests on Plugging Spoons.
,_ CAUTION
Use the Plugging Aerator only on
established lawns, NEVER ON NEWLY
LAID SOD.
•Never exceed the Weight Tray capacity
of 150 pounds. If the Plugging Spoons
are going too deep, remove some of
the weight from the weight Tray.
•Always raise Plugging Spoons to
Transport position when crossing
asphalt or concrete.
• When backing-carefully back straight to
avoid jackknifing, which could result in
damage to equipment.
USE OF ADDITIONAL WEIGHT
The weight required to give a recommended
penetration of approximately three incheswill vary
according to soil type and conditions. Concrete
Blocks, Patio Blocks, Sand Bags, or any other type
of weight can be added to Aerator Tray as
required. Weight can be secured by using tie
downs through holes in Tray Flanges. Tie downs
are not furnished with your unit. Usually three
Concrete Blocks will be sufficient, but more or less
may be required.
•Drive your Tractor to location to be Aerated.
•Lower Aerator to Operating Position.
•Drive the Tractor FORWARD approximately ten
feet and stop.
•Observe the operation- there should a Plug hole
approximately every 10 inches to 12 inches and
not more than 3 inches deep.
•Add or remove weight to obtain this condition.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY
•Should rust appear on any other part of your
Aerator,, sand lightly to remove rust and coat lightly
with enamel.
•Apply a drop of lubricating oil to each Nylon Bearing
and the Aerator Axle before each use.
•To prevent rust on Plugging Spoons, apply a light
coat of oil on the working areas of Spoons after each
use.
• Periodically check the Spoons -remove
any debris which might build up and restrict
their action.
•After each use, service unit as described - and
store in a dry area, shielding tines to avoid injury.
7

LAWN AI RATOR Model Number 757.24348,_
$
4
16
29_ 25
10
22 _16
\
II
18
23 2t
28
Ref. Part
No. No.
1 B-5429
2 B-3034-10
3 B-3568-A
4 B-3686
5 B-4786
6 B-4851-10
7 B-54 26-10
8 B-5427-10
9 R-618
10 B-4855-10
11 B-5307-10
12 B-4859-10
13 B-5309-10
14 B-5311-10
15 B-4867
L-15gO'-SC- ?
1 21
pARTS LIS
Ref. Part
Descr}ption Qty. No. No.
16 B-4866
Model No. Decal 1 17 B-4868
Drawbar Clevis 1 18 B-4869
Caution Label 1 19 B-4670-01
Logo Decal 1 20 D-146P
Lock Nut- 5/16" 17 21 2M1024P
Side Plate 2 22 2M1012P
Tray 1 23 2M1660P
Frame Angle 2 24 30M1000P
5/16" Heavy Washer 4 25 30M1600P
Plugging Spoon 24 26 40M1600P
Axle Assembly 1 27 45M1111P
Lift Handle Assembly 1 28 45M1717P
Outer Tube Assembly 2 29 B-676P
Center Tube Assembly 1 30 L-1590-SC-2
Handle Grip 1 31 B-3307-S
3Z 19,167_
Description Qty.
3/4" Nylon Bearing 6
Flex Bolt- 5/16x2-1/2" 2
Transport Wheel 2
Drawbar Pin 1
Hair Pin Cotter 1
Hex Bolt, 5/16"x1-1/2" 1
Hex Bolt- 5/16"x3/4" 38
Hex Bolt- 1/2"x3-3/4" 2
Hex Nut- 5/16" 2
Hex Nut- 1/2" 4
Lock Washer- 1/2" 2
Flat Washer- 5/16" 8
Flat Washer- 1/2" 4
Flat Washer- 3/4" 5
Instructions 1
Transport Lock Pin 1
M_Lock Nut- 5/|0 _5