Lesco PLV180L User manual

1
PLV180L
Aerator
5109840
Aerator Owner's Manual
PLV180L
Original Instructions
IMPORTANT- READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE AND KEEP FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE
NOT FOR REPRODUCTION

2
Table of Contents
Specications
Intended Use
Labels
Throttle Controls
Packing Checklist
Initial Set-Up Assembly
Operation
Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Spare Parts List
Part Illustrations and Lists
3
3
4
5
5
6
6-7
7-17
18
19
20-33
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Specications
Engine: B&S VANGUARD 6.5HP w/6:1
Engine Model No. 12V3520006F1
Engine Fuel Capacity 3.7 qt. (3.1 L)
Engine Oil Capacity 0.63 qt. (0.59 L)
Total Unit Weight 242 lb (109.8 kg)
Length 57” (1.45 m)
Width 24”( .61 m)
Height 40” (1 m)
Maximum Operating Slope 15o
Intended Use
PLV180L
AERATOR
This machine is designed for aerating established lawns and large grass covered areas. The machine should
not be used for any other purpose than that stated above.
DO NOT OPERATE IF EXCESSIVE VIBRATION OCCURS!
If excessive vibration occurs, shut engine off immediately and check for damaged or worn reel, loose reel
bearing, loose engine or lodged debris. To remove debris from the machine, see the machine specic trouble
shooting section. Note: See parts list for proper bolt torque specications.
HANDLING & TRANSPORTING
Always use two or more people to lift these machines. Lift holding on either side of the machine, using the han-
dles and the frame. Secure in place during transportation. See specications for unit weight.
For safety, use gloves when lifting.
Never lift any machine while the engine is running.
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Warning Labels
The labels shown below were installed on your Aerator. If any labels are damaged or missing, replace them
before operating this equipment. Item numbers from the Illustrated Parts List and part numbers are provided
for convenience in ordering replacement labels. The correct position for each label may be determined by
referring to the Figure and Item numbers shown.
Fig. 1
DANGER KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
P/N 440424
DANGER
PINCH
POINT
100355
Fig. 2
LABEL PINCH POINT PLP/N
100355
Fig. 3
DECAL, WARNING, HAND IN BELT,
ENG. ONLY P/N 5103184
CHECK OIL BEFORE EACH USE.
GREASE ALL FITTINGS EVERY 10 HOURS OF OPERATION.
WE RECOMMEND ALMAGARD #3752 GREASE FROM
LUBRICATION ENGINEERS INC.
TO AERATE
1. Retract Tines With Center Control Lever.
2. Begin Forward Motion of Aerator Manually.
3. Engage Drive Lever With Aerator Already in Motion.
R
R
100354
Fig. 4
LABEL AERATING INST PL
Instruction Labels
PULL TO ENGAGE TINES
JALE HACIA ARRIBA PARA ENGRANAR LOS DIENTES
100356
Fig. 5
LABEL TINE ENGAGE PL
FORWARD TO LOWER TINES
BACK TO RAISE TINES
AVANCE PARA BAJAR LOS DIENTES
100357
Fig. 6
LABEL LOWER TINES PL
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Throttle Controls- Vanguard
RUNCHOKE
STOP
Set lever to choke when starting cold.
Set lever to dictate engine speed. To stop
the engine, move the lever completely to
the left.
Packing Checklist
Your aerator is shipped from the factory in one carton, completely assembled with the cables de-tached.
READ all safety instructions before assembling unit.
TAKE CAUTION when removing the unit from its box or crate.
PUT OIL IN ENGINE BEFORE STARTING.
Boxing Parts Checklist
Operator’s Manual
(5109840)
Engine Manual (Briggs and
Stratton)
A
B
C
D
G
B
E
F
Figure A
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Operation
Initial Set-Up Assembly
Refer to Figure A in the Packing Checklist section to identify parts in Initial Set-Up Assembly.
1. UNFOLD the upper handle (A, Figure A) and slide handle lock loops (B, Figure A) into place to secure the
upper handle to the lower.
2. ATTACH the tine lift cable (C, Figure A) to the tine lever (D, Figure A) in the center of the handle by inserting
the pin into it. Then attach the bail cable (E, Figure A) to the bail (F, Figure A). Check to make sure the cables
are functioning properly before operation and not binding.
3. CHECK engine oil level and ll to proper level. Also check oil in gear reduction reservoir and ll if necessary.
See engine owner’s manual for type and amount of oil to use.
4. CONNECT spark plug wire. Set the engine stop switch (G, Figure A) to the ON position.
STARTING THE ENGINE
See engine manufacturer’s instructions for type and amount of oil and gasoline used. Engine must be level
when checking and lling oil and gasoline.
ENGINE SPEED: Controlled by lever on the engine. Under normal conditions, operate at the minimum
throttle speed to accomplish your task.
ON/OFF: Set the on/off switch to ON
FUEL VALVE: Move fuel valve to “ON” position.
CHOKE: Engage the choke when starting a cold engine.
THROTTLE: Move the throttle control lever on the engine to fast position. Pull starting rope to start engine.
If your unit fails to start, check trouble shooting section in operator’s manual and also see engine
manual.
AERATING OPERATION
Note: Never park this unit on a slope of any kind. Always keep tines in the up position when parking the unit.
TINES RAISING/LOWERING: The tines are raised or lowered into the ground by operating the tine en-
gagement lever on the upper handle. Tine penetration is very dependent on surface preparation. READ the
entire operation section before aerating.
ENGAGE TINES: With the aerator in the work area, lower the tines by releasing the center lever on the
handle. When the lever is in the forward position, pull up on the bail to engage the tines.
AERATE: Push the machine with the tines engaged. NOTE: In cold temperatures engage the tines in the
up position for two minutes to warm the cam grease. For maximum tine penetration apply downward pres-
sure on the handle.
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Operation
TURNING: At the end of an aerating run, release the bail and raise the tines out of the ground. Then repo-
sition the unit for another pass and lower the tines to begin another run.
TRANSPORT: Be sure to raise tines out of the ground (disengaging the bail and then raising the tines with
the center lever) before transporting away from the work area.
TIPS
MOW: Mow the lawn to its normal cut height.
WATER: For the best performance and maximum tine penetration the lawn should be thoroughly watered
the day before aeration.
INSPECT: Check the lawn before beginning work. Remove all rocks, wire, string, or other objects that can
present a hazard during work prior to starting.
IDENTIFY: Mark all xed objects to be avoided during work, such as sprinkler heads, water valves, buried
cables, or clothes line anchors, etc.
SLOPES: Do not operate the aerator on steep slopes (exceeding 15o). Use extreme caution when operat-
ing on any sloped surface. For lesser sloped areas operate the unit, traversing up and down at a 45o angle
to the slope rather than straight across. Extended operation on steep slopes can cause engine damage.
Maintenance
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
Periodic maintenance should be performed at the following intervals:
Maintenance Operation Every
Use
Every 10
Hrs
Every 50
Hrs
Every 100
Hrs
Inspect for loose, worn or damaged parts •
Check engine oil* •
Clean debris from unit and tines •
Grease cam bearings •
Inspect belt for wear •
Replace tine bushings •
Grease shaft bearings •
*Engine must be level when checking or lling oil. Refer to your Briggs and Stratton engine manual for proper
engine maintenance procedures.
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Maintenance
COMMON MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
Note: Refer to Figure B for tools needed for common maintenance procedures outlined in this section.
Figure B
Letter Identication Tool
AImpact Wrench
B1/2” socket
C9/16” socket
D1/2” wrench
E9/16” wrench
F1/8” Allen wrench
G1/4” curved Allen wrench
HPliers
A
B
C
F
H
G
E
D
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Maintenance
ADJUSTING BELT TENSION
1. Loosen the mounting bolts for the engine and then slide it to apply or relieve tension on the belt.
Note: Sliding the engine forward (away from the operator) increases belt tension. Sliding the engine rear-
ward (towards the operator) relieves tension. Check and adjust belt tension after the rst 10 hours of use.
REPLACING THE DRIVE BELT
1. Lower the tines on the PLV180L unit and remove its hood. Use your hands to pull down on the rubber
latches (4 latches total; 2 in the rear of machine, 1 on each side of machine). See Figure C for latched
posi-tion and Figure D for unlatched position.
Figure C Figure D
2. Locate the wave spring attached to the tineshaft and inner pillow block bearing. See Figure E. Loosen
the set screws with an 1/8” Allen wrench. Compress the wave spring by pressing against the end plate on
the tinshaft. Once the wave spring is compressed, re-tighten the set screws. This will allow you to more
easily move the tineshaft to remove the old or worn drive belt. See Figure F.
Note: If set-screws are missing, use a 0.250”-28 sized bolt.
Figure E Figure F
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Maintenance
3. Loosen the inner pillow block bearings on each side of the tineshaft. Simultaneously, use the impact
wrench tted with the 9/16” socket and the 9/16” wrench to remove the hardware from each pillow block
bearing. See Figures G-J. Note the heavy weight of the tineshaft.
Figure G Figure H
Figure I Figure J
4. Use the 1/4” curved Allen wrench to remove the top belt-guide-bolt. Do not remove the bottom belt-
guide-bolt. See Figure K. Note how the belt is positioned around the pulleys in the machine.
Figure K
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5. Remove the broken or worn belt. Lift the tineshaft to manuever the belt out compeltely. See Figure L.
Maintenance
Figure L
6. Wrap the new belt around the drive pulley on the tineshaft and re-install the tineshaft into the machine.
See Figure M. Ensure that the new belt is positioned around the pulleys correctly. See Figures N and O.
Figure M Figure N
Figure O
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Maintenance
6. Reverse steps 1-4 to reattach the top belt-guide-bolt, tineshaft, and hood.
REPLACING THE CLUTCH CABLE
1. Remove the hood of the PLV180L machine. Refer to Step 1 from the “REPLACING THE DRIVE
BELT” section.
2. Remove the clutch idler pivot bolt. Simultaneously use the 1/4” curved Allen wrench with the impact
wrench fitted with a 9/6” socket. See Figures P and Q.
Figure P Figure Q
3. Detach the broken or worn cable from the idler bracket. Use pliers to remove the rue ring from the clevis
pin holding the cable in place. Slide the cable off the clevis pin. Do not discard the clevis pin or rue ring.
You will need these to attach the new cable. See Figures R and S.
Figure R Figure S
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Maintenance
4. Slide the clutch cable out of the machine through the back and unhook the cable from the bail. See
Figures T and U.
Figure T Figure U
5. Attach the new cable to the bail and route the cable through the back of the machine. Reverse step 3
to attach and secure the new cable to the idler bracket. Reverse step 2 to secure the idler bracket to the
machine. Engage the cable to ensure proper function then put the hood back onto your PLV180L unit.
REPLACING ISO MOUNT BUSHINGS
1. Remove the hood of the PLV180L machine. Refer to Step 1 from the “REPLACING THE DRIVE
BELT” section.
2. Move the chain link handle lock up for better maneuverability. See Figure V.
Figure V
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Maintenance
3. Use the impact wrench tted with the 9/16” socket simultaneously with the 9/16” wrench to remove the
handle bolt. Do not discard the handle bolt. See Figures W and X.
Figure W Figure X
4. Use pliers to remove the rue ring and accompanying washer from the handle clevis pin. Set these items
aside to attach later. See Figures Y and Z.
Figure Y Figure Z
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5. Use the impact wrench tted with the 9/16” socket to remove the outside mount bolt and inside nut. Do
not discard. See Figure AA.
Figure AA
Maintenance
6. Pull out the handle isolation bracket and remove the old ISO mount bushing. See Figures AB and AC.
Figure AB Figure AC
7. Install the new ISO mount bushing and ensure the stud faces the inside of the machine. Reverse step 5
to secure the new bushing. Do not overtighten!
8. Reverse steps 4, 3, and 2 to secure the handle.
9. Repeat the entire procedure on the opposite side of the machine to replace both ISO mount bushings.
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Maintenance
REPLACING INDIVIDUAL TINES
1. Wait for engine to cool and disconnect spark plug.
2. Loosen the jam nut then unscrew the tine.
3. Replace the tine making sure to use the maximum amount of threads on the tine.
Note: Tines are a normal wear item and should be inspected regularly for signs of wear or damage.
REPLACING THE TINE PLATE
1. Lower the tines.
2. Use the impact wrench tted with a 1/2” socket to remove the 5/16” carriage bolts from the four corners
of the tine plate. This will detach the plate from the tine arms. See Figures AD and AE.
Figure AD Figure AE
3. Unhook the engagement cable. See Figure AF. Slowly wiggle the plate out from the tines. See Figure
AG.
Figure AF Figure AG
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Maintenance
5. Attach the new plate. Slowly feed the new plate onto the tines. Note the position of the plate. The plate
edge closest to the tine holes should face the operator. See Figure AI.
Figure AI
6. Reverse step 3 to secure the new plate to the engagement cable. Reverse step 2 to secure the new
plate to the tine arms.
4. Remove the anchor from the old plate. See the part to remove circled in Figure AH. Hold the anchor in
place with pliers and simultaneously use a 1/2” wrench to detach the bottom nut. Attach the anchor to the
new plate.
Figure AG
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Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Cause of Problem Possible Solution to Problem
Engine will not start. • Stop switch is in OFF position.
• Throttle is in OFF position.
• Engine is not in full choke
position.
• No gasoline in engine.
• Gasoline in engine has expired.
• Oil level in engine is too low.
• Air lter is dirty.
• Check stop switch, throttle, and
choke positions.
• Check engine’s gasoline level
and quality.
• Check engine’s oil level and
quality.
• Clean or replace air ler.
• Contact a qualied engine
servicer.
Machine vibrates abnormally. • Tines are damaged or missing.
• Handle bolts are loosened.
• Engine bolts are loosened.
• Stop work immediately!
• Replace damaged or missing
tines.
• Tighten all loose nuts and bolts.
Engine stalls or labors when
aerating.
• Slope is too steep for operation.
• Engine oil level is too low.
• Work at a 45o angle to the slope.
• Work up and down the slope, not
across.
• Check engine oil level and add oil
when appropriate.
Engine is locked and will not pull
over.
• Debris is locked against drive
pulleys.
• Engine is malfunctioning.
• Pull spark plug wire.
• Remove debris from drive
pulleys.
• Contact a qualied engine
servicer.
Machine does not move when the
clutch is engaged.
• Drive belt is out of adjustment.
• Drive belt is worn.
• Pulleys are loose or damaged.
• Clutch cable is damaged or
broken.
• Refer to subsection “Replacing
the Drive Belt” in the Maintenance
section of this manual to perform
the belt replacement properly.
• Contact a qualied engine
servicer.
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Spare Parts List
Part Part Number Application
Tines 382244 Aerator Tine Assembly
Tine Plate 382325 Aerator Tine Assembly
ISO Mount Bushings 373257 Handlebar Assembly
Clutch Cable 380221 Controls
Drive Belt 520006 Drive Belt
Wheels 381768 Wheel and Tire
Please refer to this list of spare parts you may need to service your Aerator. You can order these parts
through our customer service team.
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PLV180L Parts Illustrations and Lists
14
10
11
15
11
11
9
11
3
25
14
11
28
11
8
11
22
12
87
29
26
32
20
15
34
31
13
27
21
30
88
28
15
16
14
2
18
19
13
4
17
1
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