Toro AERATOR HC 4000 User manual

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
FORM NO. 3318-401 GB
MODEL NO. 09600—60001 & UP


HC 4000 AERATOR®
®
© The TORO Company 1995
To understand this product, and for safety and optimum performance, read this manual before starting operation.
Pay special attention to SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS highlighted by this symbol.

2
Foreword
The HC 4000 Aerator has advanced concepts in engineering and design, and if properly maintained, will provide excellent service.
Since the Aerator is a high quality product, TORO is concerned about its future use and safety of the user. Therefore, anyone
involved with the product, including the operator, should read and understand this manual. Major sections are.
- Safety Instructions
- Specifications
- Before Operating
- Operating Instructions
- Lubrication
- Maintenance
This manual emphasizes safety, mechanical and general product information. DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION identify safe-
ty messages. Whenever the triangular safety alert symbol appears, understand the safety message that follows. For complete safety
instructions, read page 3. IMPORTANT highlights special mechanical information and NOTE emphasizes general product informa-
tion worthy of special attention.
If help concerning set-up, operation, maintenance or safety is ever needed, contact the local Authorized TORO Distributor. In addi-
tion to genuine TORO replacement parts, the distributor also has optional equipment for the complete line of TORO turf care
equipment. Keep your Toro all TORO. Buy genuine TORO replacement parts and accessories.
Page
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 3
SAFETY AND INSTRUCTION DECALS 4
SPECIFICATIONS 5
BEFORE OPERATING 13
Check 90°Gear Case Oil Level 13
Check Gear Case Oil Level 13
Check Pick-off Gear Case Oil Level 13
Timing Aerator Operating Speed
To Tractor 13
OPERATION 15
Training Period 15
Before Aerating 15
Verify Timing Between Tractor
And Aerator 15
Aerating Procedures 15
Transport Operation 16
Inspection and Clean-up After Use 16
Changing Tines 16
Stomper Assemblies 16
Operating Tips.16
Table of Contents
LUBRICATION 17
Greasing Bearings And Bushings 17
Check Gear Case Oil Level 18
Check 90° Gear Case Oil Level 18
Check Pick-Off Gear Case Oil Level 19
MAINTENANCE 19
Checking Stomper Assemblies 19
General Maintenance 20
Aerator Gear Case Timing Tips 20
IDENTIFICATION AND ORDERING 21
Model And Serial Numbers 21

3
BEFORE OPERATING
1. Read and understand the contents of this manual and
tow vehicle manual before operating the machine.
Become familiar with all controls and know how to
stop quickly.
2. The power take-off drive of the aerator requires a
tractor with operating speeds of 540 rpm and output
power of 25 hp or higher. All safety shields for the
tractor drive shaft must always be in place.
3. The tractor tire tread width, tire load capacity and
brake system must have adequate capacity to allow
installation of a 2100 lb. implement operating at 2
mph (15 mph maximum transport speed). Consult
your tractor service agency if you have any ques-
tions on the safe operation of your tractor.
4. Do not allow children to operate the machine. Do
not allow adults to operate the machine without
proper instruction.
5. Remove debris or objects that might interfere with
operation. Keep bystanders away from the work
area.
6. Keep all shields and safety devices in place. If a
safety device, shield or decal malfunctions,
becomes damaged or illegible, replace it before
operation is commenced. To assure machine is in
safe operating condition, tighten loose nuts, bolts
and screws.
7. Do not operate machine while wearing sandals, ten-
nis shoes, sneakers or shorts. Also, do not wear
loose fitting clothing which could get caught in
moving parts. Always wear long pants and substan-
tial shoes. Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes, ear
protection and a helmet is advisable and required by
some local ordinances and insurance regulations.
8. The aerator attaches directly to the tow tractor.
Therefore, read your tractor operators manual or
contact the tractor service agency regarding safety
and installation for power take-off driven, semi-
mounted implements.
WHILE OPERATING
9. Using the machine demands attention. To prevent
loss of control:
A. Use only in daylight or when there is good arti-
ficial light.
B. Watch for holes or other hidden hazards.
C. Do not transport machine close to sand traps,
ditches, creeks or other hazards.
D. Operate aerator in straight lines only.
E. Reduce speed on side hills and before making
sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss of control.
F. Look behind the aerator before backing up.
G. Observe public road regulations.
10. If the tines strike a solid object or the machine
vibrates abnormally, raise aerator, disengage power
to aerator, stop prime mover, shift into neutral and
engage parking brake before leaving the operator’s
position. Lift safety/transport stops to full upright
position and lower coring head onto stops. Stop
engine and disengage power to aerator before mak-
ing repairs or adjustments. Inspect coring head and
other machine parts for damaged or malfunctioning
parts and repair or replace before resuming opera-
tion. Be sure all parts are in good condition and all
fasteners are tight.
11. Before leaving machine unattended, raise aerator to
transport position, disengage power to aerator, shift
into neutral and set parking brake. Lift safety/trans-
port stops to full upright position and lower unit
onto stops. Stop engine. Remove keys from tractor
ignition.
12. Never dismount while prime mover is in motion.
Never get on or off prime mover while engine is
running and PTO drive is engaged. Never step over
PTO shaft to reach other side of aerator - walk
around the machine.
13. Before transporting machine from one area to anoth-
er, raise aerator to transport position, disengage
Safety

4
power to aerator, stop prime mover, shift into neutral
and set parking brake. Lift safety/transport stops to
full upright position and lower unit onto stops.
MAINTENANCE
14. Before servicing machine, raise aerator, disengage
power to aerator, shift prime mover into neutral and
set parking brake. Lift safety/transport stops to full
upright position and lower unit onto stops. Stop
engine. Disconnect PTO shaft and hydraulic hose
connection.
15. Ensure machine is in safe operating condition. Keep
nuts, bolts and screws tight. Check tine mounting
nuts and studs frequently to insure they are tightened
to specification.
16. Before applying hydraulic pressure to the system, be
sure all hydraulic line connectors are tight and
hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition.
17. Keep body and hands away from pin hole leaks or
nozzles that eject hydraulic fluid under high pres-
sure. Use paper or cardboard, not hands, to search
for leaks. Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure
can have sufficient force to penetrate skin and do
serious damage. If fluid is injected into the skin it
must be surgically removed within a few hours by a
doctor familiar with this form of injury or gangrene
may result.
18. When aerator is removed from tow tractor, always
store it on storage stand, positioned on a level sur-
face.
19. To be sure of optimum performance and safety,
always purchase genuine TORO replacement parts
and accessories. Replacement parts and accessories
made by other manufacturers could be dangerous.
Such use could void the product warranty of The
Toro Company.
.

5
Symbol Glossary
SAFETY ALERT 
SYMBOL GENERAL HAZARD SAFETY ALERT CRUSHING OF  WHOLE BODY, 
APPLIED FROM 
ABOVE
CRUSHING OF 
FINGERS OR HAND, 
FORCE APPLIED 
FROM SIDE
CUTTING OF 
FINGERS OR HAND CUTTING OF FOOT CRUSHING OR  PUNCTURE OF FOOT, 
CORING HEAD
WHOLE BODY ENTANGLEMENT, 
IMPLEMENT INPUT DRIVE LINE FINGERS OR HAND ENTANGLEMENT, 
CHAIN DRIVE
THROWN OR FLYING 
OBJECTS, WHOLE 
BODY EXPOSURE
RUNOVER/BACKOVER,
GREENS AERATOR RUNOVER/BACKOVER, HC 4000 AERATOR SECURE LIFTING CYLINDER WITH 
LOCKING DEVICE BEFORE 
GETTING IN HAZARDOUS AREA
INSERT SAFETY LOCK 
BEFORE GETTING IN 
HAZARDOUS AREA
STAY A SAFE DISTANCE FROM MACHINE, 
GREENS AERATOR STAY A SAFE DISTANCE FROM MACHINE,  HC 4000 AERATOR
STAY CLEAR OF ARTICULATION 
AREA WHILE ENFINE IS RUNNING, 
GREENS AERATOR
DO NOT OPEN OR REMOVE 
SAFETY SHIELDS WHILE 
ENGINE IS RUNNING
SHUT OFF ENGINE & REMOVE 
KEY BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR 
POSITION, GREENS AERATOR
CONSULT TECHNICAL MANUAL 
FOR PROPER SERVICE 
PROCEDURES
READ OPERATOR’S
MANUAL HEARING PROTECTION MUST BE WORN BRAKE SYSTEM ENGAGE DISENGAGE

6
P
1 INCH (25mm)
P
ON/START OFF/STOP FAST SLOW CONTINUOUS 
VARIABLE, 
LINEAR
ENGINE START ENGINE STOP
PARK UNLEADED FUEL FUEL TANK FILL 
LINE LOCK UNLOCK CORING HEAD
ALWAYS HAVE CORING HEAD 
FULLY UP FOR TRANSPORT & 
FULLY DOWN FOR CORING
TRACTION DRIVE MANUAL CHOCK WHEELS IN PARKED POSITION, 
ALWAYS PARK ON LEVEL SURFACE,
FAIRWAY AERATOR
ALWAYS FORK FROM FRONT OR REAR 
OF MACHINE, HC 4000 AERATOR LEVER OPERATION

Type: Semi-mounted tow-behind, PTO-driven, deep coring
mechanical turf/fairway aerator.
Tractor Requirements: 18.6–33.6 KW (25–45 hp) @ 540
PTO rpm, category 1, three-point hitch with snubber chains
to restrain side movement and a hydraulic system with
“Lift” and “Float” control provisions. The tractor should
also have provisions for a hydraulic control valve and sys-
tem pressure relief valve to operate two remote single acting
hydraulic cylinders. System pressure should be between
6,895–13,790 kPA (1000 p.s.i. and 2000 p.s.i.)
The hydraulic cylinders, hoses and quick connection coupler
are supplied with aerator. The aerator attaches directly to
the tow tractor. Therefore, read your tractor operators manu-
al or contact the tractor service agency regarding installation
for power take-off driven, semi-mounted implements.
Tractor Attachment: Two pins are provided provided for
attaching the lower links of the tractor, and three-point
hitch to the aerator . Clamps are provided for rigid mount-
ing. The upper link of the hitch is not used or required. The
tractor hydraulic system provides the power to raise the aer-
ator for transport, and provides the “Float” control so the
aerator will follow the ground contour. A rack- and- pinion
gear, along with a screw-adjustable link maintain attitude
control for the aerator. Two caster wheels, out board from
the aerator, partially support the weight of the unit. The
remaining weight is transferred to the tractor.
Speed: 2.9–3.5 kmh (1.8 to 2.2 mph)—Aerating. 24 kmh
(15 mph) maximum—Transport. Transport speed should
vary with tractor and terrain.
Maximum PTO Speed: 540 rpm, 1-3⁄8” six-spline drive
shaft.
Maximum Top Crankshaft Speed: 400 rpm.
Frame Construction: Welded tubular and structural steel.
Coring Head Construction: Welded structural steel bar
and plate.
Tires: 16.5 x 6.5-8 ,6 ply, two wheels mounted on caster
forks, out board of frame.
7
Specifications
Tire Scrapers: Removes soil build up from each
wheel. Adjustable for desired clearance.
Drive Line: Ag-type, telescoping drive shaft with safe-
ty shields. Two cardan-type universal joints with ratch-
et type torque limiting clutch. Quick-lock, toolless cou-
pling, provided at both ends. Grease fittings for lubri-
cation.
Gear Power Train: Spur gear type gear box with pro-
visions for selecting the correct gear ratio to time the
aerator’s operating speed with the ground speed of the
tractor. Two timing gears are required (not included)
and must be selected for each individual application.
Drive line drivesare completely sealed. All compo-
nents operate in oil with anti-friction bearing provided.
Right angle gear box with two output shafts, coupled
and driven from the gear box. Gear box is fully sealed
with all components operating in oil. Hardened and
tempered bevel gears with anti-friction bearings.
Two integral gear boxes within the aerator frame drive
the flywheel and plungers for the coring tines. Gear
boxes are fully sealed with anti-friction bearings and
hardened and tempered spur gears operating in oil.
These gear boxes are coupled and driven from the right
angle gear box previously listed.
Lubrication: All gear boxes are filled at the factory
with SAE 80w/90 multi-viscosity gear oil. Each gear
case has provisions for checking oil level and drain
plugs for servicing its components. A breather is pro-
vided to prevent excess pressure for each gear case.
Grease fitting are provided to lubricate bearings and
suspension components.
Hydraulic System: Two, single-acting hydraulic
cylinders provide operation for raising and lowering the
aerator. Hydraulic hoses with quick coupler fittings
attach to the tractor hydraulic system.
Plungers: Fabricated structural steel tubing, coupled to
two flywheel crankshafts to provide controlled entrance
and exit of the coring tines into the turf grass. Anti-
friction bearings provided. The standard tine holder
has provisions for six tines and a optional tine holder

8
for provisions for two tines.
Turf Guards: Semi-rigid, mounted with compression spring
floatation. Rear mounted roller, provides independent floatation and
allows turf guard to follow turf grass contour. Adjustable roller
scraper removes soil from roller.
Cover: High-density polyethylene material mounted to unit with
flexible draw latches to provide a shield from rotating components.
Safety/Transport Stops: Swing-up safety/transport stops prevent
accidental lowering of coring head during service or during trans-
port operation.
Storage Stand: Provides support for aerator when removed from
tractor and allows quick installation.
Standard Coring Tines: The aerator is assembled with (4) tine
holders for (6) tines and matching turf guards. 24 tines are required
(not included). Order tines from your Authorized Toro Distributor.
Required Optional Equipment: The aerator is shipped without
timing gears due to various tractor tire sizes and ground speed
ratio’s. The correct timing gears must be determined and selected
per the instructions in the Operator’s Manual. Order gears from
your Authorized Toro Distributor.
Coring Capacity (theoretical) at 2 mph
*(Assumes no reduction in total area due to overlap)
Coring pattern: 6 Tines—1.9cm (3⁄4”)
Effective Coring Width : 106 cm.
Total Tine Quantity: 2 rows of 12 = 24
Hole Pattern :8.9 cm “ wide x 7.6 cm long
Depth: Up to 10.6 in.
*Sq ft/hr: 11,265 meter2/hr
Optional Coring pattern: 2 Tines 2.22 cm (7⁄8”)
Effective Coring Width: 106 cm.
Total Tine Quantity: 1 row of 8 tines
Hole Pattern: 13.3 cm wide x 15.24 cm long
Depth: Up to 5 in.
*Sq ft/hr: 2,121 meter2/hr
Dimensions:
Length: 121.9 cm
Width: 190.5
Height: 88.9 cm
Weight: 671.8 kg

Figure 1
1. Oil fill/dipstick & vent
Figure 2
1. Reservoir fill plug (2)
Figure 3
1. Pick-off gear case cover
CHECK 90° GEAR CASE OIL LEVEL
1. With machine on level surface, remove oil fill/dipstick plug
from gear case (Fig. 1).
2. Oil level should be to mark indicated on dipstick. If oil is
required, add SAE 80-90 (ISO 150/220) gear oil.
3. Install fill plug.
CHECK GEAR CASE OIL LEVEL
1. At front of aerator, remove (2) plugs from case ports (Fig. 2).
2. Oil level should be to top of each port. If oil is required, add
SAE 80–90 (ISO 150/220) gear oil.
3. Install plugs into ports.
CHECK PICK-OFF GEAR CASE OIL
LEVEL
1. Remove cover from pick-off gear case (Fig. 3).
2. Oil level should be at midway point of lower gear shaft. Should
oil be needed, add SAE 80-90 (ISO 150/220) gear oil.
3. Replace gear case cover.
TIMINGTHE AERATOR OPERATING
SPEEDTOTHETRACTOR
Tractor Preparation
To operate the aerator, the tractor must meet the following:
1. PTO rpm must be 540. It is desirable to have a tachometer on
tractor to record speed.
2. With PTO operating at 540 rpm, a transmission gear must be
selected that allows tractor to travel 30.48 meters within 30–38
seconds.
9
Before Operating

To CheckTractor Ground Speed:
1. Find a test area and measure and mark off 30.5 meters.
2. Operate tractor engine at PTO speed of 540 rpm. Select a
transmission gear and operate the tractor over the test area
(with or without aerator). Record the time necessary to travel
30.5 m.
Note: If tractor lacks a tachometer, measure PTO shaft rpm
with a hand tachometer.
3. Make three passes and record the time intervals. Average oper-
ating time over 30.5 should be between 30–38 seconds. If the
time average is not within 30-38 seconds, select another trans-
mission gear and recheck until the average falls within time
limits.
IMPORTANT: Use the same tractor transmission gear and PTO
rpm settings whenever operating the aerator. Never operate
aerator in any other gear except the one the tractor was timed
in.
Preparing the Aerator:
Select the proper timing gears for the aerator pick-off gear case.
(Gears must be obtained from your Authorized Toro Distributor.)
Use the following chart to determine which gears to use:
Gears
Sec./30.5 m. Driver Driven
IMPORTANT: Selected num-
ber of gear teeth for the driver and driven gears must add up to
70.
Gear Installation:
1. Remove pick-off gear case cover (Fig. 21).
10
42.3 30 40
39.9 31 39
37.7 32 38
35.5 33 37
33.6 34 36
31.7 35 35
30.0 36 34
28.3 37 33
26.7 38 32
25.2 39 31
23.8 40 30
Increasing Hole Spacing
Decreasing Hole Spacing

11
2. Remove the lynch pins used to secure the driver and
driven gears.
3. Install driver and driven gears matching indicated
chart time and secure with lynch pin.
CAUTION: Do not leave machine unattended and
to avoid personal injury do not work on machine
while it is running.
VERIFYTIMING BETWEENTHE
TRACTOR AND AERATOR
1. Raise aerator, set parking brake, stop engine and
lower safety/transport stops.
2. With transmission in correct gear selection,
lower and operate the aerator a short distance,
then raise aerator, disengage PTO and stop trac-
tor. Set parking brake.
IMPORTANT: Never operate the tractor
PTO in excess of 540 rpm or damage to the
aerator could occur.
3. In direction of machine travel, measure the dis-
tance between tine holes (one tine penetration
stroke to another). Depending on tine selection,
the distance should be:
2.2 cm tines–14.6 to 15.2 cm.
7.3 cm tines–7.3 to 7.62 cm
Note: Condition of the turf around the holes can
also indicate how well the tractor speed is
matched to the aerator. If the rear of the tine
holes are torn, the tractor speed is too slow. If
the front of the tine holes are torn, the tractor
speed is too fast.
4. If the spacing is too short (coring speed too
fast), increase the hole spacing; substitute the
driver gear with a gear having less teeth and the
driven gear with one having more teeth. If hole
spacing is too long (coring speed too slow), dri-
Operation
Note: Number of gear teeth is stamped on the
gear.
4. Install gear case cover and lower aerator cover.
Verify timing of the aerator/tractor.
TRAINING PERIOD
Before using the aerator, find a clear area to practice using
the machine. Operate the tractor at recommended gear set-
ting and PTO speed and become thoroughly familiar with
machine handling. Practice stopping and starting, raising
and lowering the aerator, disengaging the PTO and aligning
the machine with previous passes. A practice session
assures confidence in the performance of the aerator and
helps ensure use of proper operating techniques wherever
the machine is operated.
To prevent turf damage, always make sure tractor is moving
and PTO is engaged when raising or lowering the aerator.
When aerating, three point lift system to be in “FLOAT”
position.
BEFORE AERATING
Make sure the hydraulic hose is clear of tractor and
machine components to avoid damage, and all safety shields
are secured in place. Inspect the area of operation for haz-
ards that could damage the machine and remove them, if
possible, or plan how to avoid them. Carry replacement
tines and tools to effect repairs should tines contact foreign
materials.
To avoid personal injury, never leave the tractor seat
without first setting the parking brake and disengaging
the PTO. Nver perform aerator repairs without first low-
ering the aerator onto transport/safety stops. Be sure all
safety devices are secured in the correct place before
resuming operation.
CAUTION

12
ver gear teeth quantity should be increased and driven gear
teeth decreased; see gear selection chart.
5. Operate the machine again and repeat steps 1–4.
IMPORTANT: Timing can sometimes be fine tuned by gradu-
ally regulating tractor tire pressure. Lowering tire pressure
will provide closer spacing and raising tire pressure will
increase the spacing.
CAUTION: Do not exceed the maximum or minimum inflation
pressures as recommended by tire manufacturer.
AERATING PROCEDURES
When the tractor reaches proper ground speed, lower the aerator.
The aerator can be operated in slight curves, but for best results
operate in a straight line. If the machine must be turned sharply,
raise the aerator and disengage the PTO. Otherwise, severe turf
damage will result and the machine may also be damaged.
Look behind frequently to ensure the machine is operating proper-
ly and alignment is maintained with previous passes.
Should the driveline ratchet during operation:
1. Raise the aerator, disengage the PTO and stop immediately.
2. Set the parking brake, lower aerator onto safety/transport
stops.
3. Inspect the turf to determine the reason for the ratcheting or
tine breakage. Locate where the problem occurred and insert a
non-conductive probe into the aerator holes. If foreign materi-
al beneath the turf caused the damage, mark the location so
the material can be either removed or avoided in future. If the
ratcheting occurred because turf was too hard to penetrate,
raise depth of penetration and try aerating the area again. Be
sure all machine damage has been corrected before resuming
operation; refer to step 5.
4. Always clear the area of all damaged machine parts, such as
broken tines, etc., to prevent their being picked up by mowers
or other turf maintenance equipment.
5. Replace broken tines, and inspect and correct damage to those
still useable. Repair any other machine damage before com-
mencing operation.

TRANSPORT OPERATION
To begin transport operation, raise the aerator, disengage the PTO
and set the parking brake. Raise safety/transport stops and lower
aerator onto stops. To avoid loss of control, traverse steep inclines
slowly, approach rough areas at reduced speed and cross severe
undulations carefully.
Important: Do not exceed transport speeds of 24 kmh on
smooth level terrain. use slower speed for more adverse condi-
tions.
INSPECTION AND CLEAN-UP AFTER
USE
After each use, thoroughly wash the machine with a garden hose
without a nozzle so contamination and seal and bearing damage due
to excessive water pressure will be avoided. A brush may be used to
remove caked—on material. Use a mild detergent soap to clean the
cover. After cleaning, inspect for machine damage, gear oil leakage,
component and tine wear.
CHANGINGTINES
1. Raise aerator, disengage the PTO and set the parking brake.
Raise safety/transport stops and lower aerator onto stops.
2. Loosen locknuts securing tines and remove tines (Fig.4 ).
3. Install replacement tines and tighten the locknuts to secure the
tines in position.
4. If slotted tines are used, slots should face forward for front row
of tines and rearward for rear row of tines. The cores from
these tines are ejected thru the slots, not thru the holes in the
tine holders
STOMPER ASSEMBLIES
IMPORTANT: Within the first five hours of initial machine opera-
tion and every 25 hours operation thereafter, all stomper assemblies
must be checked for excessive lateral play. This must be done or
major machine component failure may result. Refer to Checking
Stomper Assemblies.
13
Figure 4
1. Tine block
2. Time

Figure 5
OPERATINGTIPS
1. Gradually engage PTO at low engine speed and throttle up to
540 PTO RPM before lowering aerator.
2. Make very gradual turns when aerating. Never make sharp
turns.
3. If tractor “bogs” down when operating on hard ground or going
uphill, raise aerator slightly until speed is regained, then lower
again.
4. Do not aerate if ground is too hard or dry. Best results are
obtained after a rain or when turf has been watered the previ-
ous day.
5. Raise coring head penetration, if ground is hard packed. Clean-
up cores and re-aerate at deeper penetration, preferably after
watering.
6. Store aerator on stand provided whenever it is removed from
tractor.
GREASING BEARINGS AND BUSHINGS
The HC 4000 Aerator has grease fittings that must be lubricated
regularly with No. 2 General Purpose Lithium Base Grease. If
machine is operated under normal conditions, lubricate bearings and
bushings after every 25 hours of operation or prior to storage.
Grease stomper arm bearings daily.
The lubrication points are: Cylinder pivot-upper (2) (Fig. 5);
Cylinder pivot-lower (2), stabilizer bar (4), trailing arm (4), finger
plate pivot linkage (4) (Fig. 6); Gear box support tube (1), stomper
assy. (4), gear box couplings (2) (Fig. 7); castor wheel bearings and
pivot shaft mount (4), trailing arm (2), roller (2) (Fig. 8); Trunnion
adjuster (2) (Fig. 9) and Drive line (5) (Fig. 10).
1. Wipe grease fitting clean so foreign matter cannot be forced
into the bearing or bushing.
2. Pump grease into the bearing or bushing.
3. Wipe up excess grease.
14
Lubrication

Figure 8
Figure 9
15
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 10

Note: It is a good practice to lubricate grease fittings after
washing machine.
4. To lubricate the center grease fitting on drive shaft assembly,
the aerator must be in the raised (transport) position, to gain
access thru slots in shields.
CHECK GEAR CASE OIL LEVEL
Every 25 hours operation, or seasonally, whichever comes first,
check oil level in each gear case.
1. At front of aerator, remove (2) plugs from gear case ports (Fig.
11).
2. Oil level should be to the top of each port. If oil is required,
add SAE 80-90 (ISO 150/220) gear oil.
Note: Under normal conditions the gear case oil level should
not drop. If oil level is low, check for signs of leakage and cor-
rect, as necessary. Should major failure of gearbox components
occur, drain the gear oil, flush the gear cases and install fresh
oil. The oil drain plug is located on bottom of each gear case.
3. Make sure end of gear case vent tube is open and clean
(Fig. 12).
CHECK 90° GEAR CASE OIL LEVEL
1. With the machine on a level surface, remove the oil fill/dipstick
plug (Fig. 13).
2. Add SAE 80-90 (ISO 150/220) gear oil, if needed, and install
the fill plug.
Note: Under normal conditions the gear case oil level should
not drop. If oil level is low, check for signs of leakage and cor-
rect, as necessary. Should major failure of gearbox components
occur, drain the gear oil, flush the gear case and install fresh
oil. The oil drain plug is located on bottom of gear case (Fig.
14).
3. Make sure vent hole in oil fill/dipstick plug is open and clean.
16
Figure 11
1. Reservoir fill plug (2)
Figure 12
1. Vent tube
Figure 13
1. Oil fill/dipstick

Figure 14
1. Gear case drain plug
Figure 15
1. Gear case cover
2. Gear case drain plug
Figure 16
1. Stomper assembly
2. Move laterally—both directions
17
CHECK PICK-OFF GEAR CASE OIL
LEVEL
Every 25 hours operation, or seasonally, whichever comes first,
check oil level in the pick-off gear case.
1. With the machine on a level surface, remove the gear case
cover (Fig. 15).
2. The oil level should be to the center of the lower gear shaft. If
the level is low, add SAE 80–90 (ISO 150/220) gear oil and
install the cover.
Note: Should major failure of pick-off gear case components
occur, the gear oil will be contaminated and should be drained.
Flush the gear case and add fresh oil. The gear case oil drain
plug is located below cover on front of case (Fig. 16).
3. Make sure end of gear case vent tube is open and clean (Fig.
17).

Figure 17
1. Roll pin
2. Castle nut
3. Top crank
Figure 18
1. 3 o’clock position
2. 9 o’clock position
3. 12 o’clock position
4. 6 o’clock position
5. Front
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CHECKING STOMPER ASSEMBLIES
Within the first five hours of initial machine operation and after
every 25 hours of operation thereafter, all stomper assemblies must
be checked for excessive lateral play. This must be done or major
machine component failure may result.
1. Grasp each stomper assembly at the bottom and try to move
the assembly laterally in each direction (Fig. 16). Do not move
fore and aft. There should be little or no movement of the
assembly. If there is movement, proceed to step 2. If there is
little or no movement, proceed to check the next assembly.
2. Remove the roll pin securing the castle nut to the top crank-
shaft (Fig. 17). Check the castle nut for tightness with fingers.
If the nut is very loose, rotate it clockwise until it is flush
against the outer spacer and resistance is felt.
3. Using a torque wrench, rotate the nut clockwise (tighten) until
a slot in the nut aligns with the shaft hole. Do not exceed 54
Nm (40 ft—lb.). Re-install the roll pin.
Note: The shaft is cross drilled, therefore only 1⁄12 turn (max)
should be required to align roll pin hole.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
After each use of the machine and when clean-up is completed, per-
form the following:
Examine tines for damage and sharpness and repair or replace, as
necessary.
1. Inspect closely for signs of leakage, excessive component wear
or component damage. Repair or replace, as necessary.
2. Thoroughly wash the machine with a garden hose without a
nozzle so contamination and seal and bearing damage due to
excessive water pressure will be avoided. A brush may be used
to remove caked—on material. Use a mild detergent soap to
clean the cover. After cleaning, inspect for machine damage,
gear oil leakage, component and tine wear.
AERATOR GEAR CASETIMINGTIPS
If disassembly of the Aerator drive system is required for mainte-
Maintenance

nance, the unit will need to be re-timed to ensure machine balance,
equal loading of tine arms and optimum hole quality. There are two
separate procedures to properly time the aerator gear cases. Use the
following tips for each procedure when reassembling gear case.
A. Timing upper and lower crank shafts on each individual gear
case
1. The upper and lower crankshaft flywheels for each Tine
arm must be assembled so the offset shafts are located in
the same “clock” position. If upper offset shaft is posi-
tioned at 12 o’clock, then lower offset shaft must be at 12
o’clock position.
2. To achieve the proper “clock” position for each gear case,
install Timing Bar (supplied with machine) to the upper
and lower crankshaft by aligning each roll pin and secur-
ing with socket head capscrew.
B. Synchronizing gear cases
1. The tine arms are numbered 1 to 4 from left to right, as
viewed from rear of machine. Each of the two gear cases
must be connected to each other in a proper phase to
ensure only one set of tines will enter the turf at a time.
2. Rotate the number 1 tine arm to the 3 o’clock lowest posi-
tion as a starting point (Fig. ). When viewed from the left
side of the aerator, the remaining tine arms should be in
the 9 o’clock, 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions respec-
tively.
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IDENTIFICATION AND ORDERING
MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS
The HC 4000 aerator has two identification numbers: a model num-
ber and a serial number. The two numbers are stamped into a plate
which is located on the upper rear frame channel. In any correspon-
dence concerning the mower, supply the model and serial numbers
to assure that correct information and replacement parts are
obtained.
To order repIacement parts from an authorized TORO Distributor,
supply the foIlowing information:
1. Model and serial numbers of the machine.
2. Part number, description and quantity of parts desired.
Note: Do not order by reference number if a parts cataIog is being
used; use the part number.
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