Turf Equipment Z-AERATE User manual

Z-AERATE™
30INCHMODEL
ForSerialNos.
408,644,346&Higher
PartNo.4505-292Rev.A

WARNING
CALIFORNIA
Proposition65Warning
Theengineexhaustfromthisproduct
containschemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,
orotherreproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,andrelated
accessoriescontainleadandlead
compounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancerandreproductive
harm.Washhandsafterhandling.
Useofthisproductmaycauseexposure
tochemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,
orotherreproductiveharm.
Important:ItisaviolationofCaliforniaPublic
ResourceCodeSection4442or4443touse
oroperatetheengineonanyforest-covered,
brush-covered,orgrass-coveredlandunlessthe
engineisequippedwithasparkarrester,as
denedinSection4442,maintainedineffective
workingorderortheengineisconstructed,
equipped,andmaintainedforthepreventionof
re.
Toacquireasparkarresterforyourmachine,seeyour
EngineServiceDealer.
ForallmodelsthatdonothaveExmarkengines,
pleaserefertotheenginemanufacturer's
informationincludedwiththemachine.
FormodelswithExmarkengines,refertothis
manualforinformation.
Thegrossornethorsepower(ortorque)of
thisenginewaslaboratoryratedbytheengine
manufacturerinaccordancewiththeSociety
ofAutomotiveEngineers(SAE)J1940orJ2723.
Asconguredtomeetsafety,emission,and
operatingrequirements,theactualengine
horsepower(ortorque)onthisclassofmachine
willbesignicantlylower.
©2020ZTurfEquipmentispartofthe
Exmark®familyofproducts
415IndustrialRow
Beatrice,NE683102
Contactusatwww.zturfequipment.com.
PrintedintheUSA
AllRightsReserved

Introduction
CONGRATULATIONSonthepurchaseofyour
Z-Aerate.Thisproducthasbeencarefullydesigned
andmanufacturedtogiveyouamaximumamountof
dependabilityandyearsoftrouble-freeoperation.
Thismanualcontainsoperating,maintenance,
adjustment,andsafetyinstructionsforyourZ-Aerate.
BEFOREOPERATINGYOURZ-AERATE,
CAREFULLYREADTHISMANUALINITS
ENTIRETY.
Byfollowingtheoperating,maintenance,andsafety
instructions,youwillprolongthelifeofyourmachine,
maintainitsmaximumefciency,andpromotesafe
operation.
Tomaximizesafety,performance,andproper
operationofthismachine,itisessentialthatall
operatorscarefullyreadandfullyunderstandthe
contentsoftheOperator’smanualprovidedwith
theproduct.Failuretocomplywiththeoperating
instructionsorreceivepropertrainingmayresultin
injury.Gotohttps://www.zturfequipment.comfor
additionalsafeoperationinformation,suchassafety
tips,trainingmaterials,andOperator’smanuals.
Ifadditionalinformationisneeded,orshould
yourequiretrainedmechanicservice,contactyour
authorizedZTurfEquipmentdealerordistributor.
AllZTurfEquipmentdealersanddistributorsare
keptinformedofthelatestmethodsofservicing
andareequippedtoprovidepromptandefcient
serviceintheeldorattheirservicestations.They
carryamplestockofservicepartsorcansecurethem
promptlyforyoufromthefactory.
AllZTurfEquipmentpartsarethoroughlytested
andinspectedbeforeleavingthefactory,however,
attentionisrequiredonyourpartifyouaretoobtain
thefullestmeasureofsatisfactionandperformance.
Wheneveryouneedservice,genuineZTurf
Equipmentparts,oradditionalinformation,contact
anAuthorizedServiceDealerorZTurfEquipment
CustomerServiceandhavethemodelandserial
numbersofyourproductready.
g020219
Figure1
1.Modelandserialnumberlocation
ModelNo.
SerialNo.
Forcompletewarrantydetails,see
https://www.zturfequipment.com.Youmay
alsocallus402-223-6375torequestawrittencopy
oftheproduct’swarranty.
3

Contents
Introduction...........................................................3
Safety.....................................................................5
SafetyAlertSymbol.........................................5
GeneralSafety.................................................5
SafetyandInstructionalDecals.......................6
Specications........................................................10
Systems..........................................................10
Dimensions....................................................11
TorqueRequirements.....................................11
ProductOverview.................................................12
Operation..............................................................12
Controls.........................................................12
BeforeOperation...........................................16
OperatingInstructions...................................17
DuringOperationSafety.................................17
AfterOperation..............................................22
Transporting..................................................23
Maintenance..........................................................24
MaintenanceSafety.............................................24
RecommendedMaintenanceSchedule(s)............25
PeriodicMaintenance........................................25
EngineMaintenance.......................................25
EngineSafety.................................................26
CheckEngineOilLevel..................................26
CheckBatteryCharge.....................................26
CheckTines...................................................28
ChecktheSafetyInterlock..............................29
CheckforLooseHardware.............................30
ServiceAirCleaner.........................................30
ChangeEngineOil.........................................30
CheckAuxiliaryHydraulicOilLevel................30
CheckHydraulicTransmissionOil
Level..........................................................30
CheckTirePressures......................................31
CheckConditionandTensionOf
Belts...........................................................31
CheckConditionOfChains............................31
CheckConditionOfSprockets.......................31
LubricateChains............................................31
LubricateGreaseFittings................................31
CheckSparkPlug...........................................32
ChangeAuxiliaryHydraulicReservoirFluid
andFilter....................................................32
ChangeHydraulicTransmissionFiltersand
Fluid..........................................................32
CheckTransmissionOutputShaftNut
TorqueSpecication...................................33
CheckWheelHubNutsTorque
Specication...............................................33
CheckWheelLugNutsTorque
Specication...............................................33
CheckSparkArrester(ifequipped)..................33
ThreadLockingAdhesives..............................34
Adjustments......................................................35
AuxiliaryPumpDriveBeltAdjustment...........35
TransmissionDriveBeltTension....................35
JackshaftDriveChainTension
Adjustment................................................35
TineDriveChainAdjustment.........................35
AdjustingtheParkingBrake............................36
AdjustingtheBrakeSwitch.............................36
MotionControlLinkageAdjustment..............36
CasterPivotBearingsPre-Load
Adjustment................................................37
Cleaning............................................................38
CleaningandStoringSafety.............................38
CleanEngineandExhaustSystem
Area...........................................................38
RemoveEngineShroudsandClean
CoolingFins...............................................38
CleanDebrisFromMachine...........................38
WasteDisposal...............................................38
Troubleshooting....................................................40
Schematics............................................................42
CaliforniaProposition65Warning
Information...............................................44
4

Safety
Safety
SafetyAlertSymbol
ThisSafetyAlertSymbol(Figure2)isusedbothin
thismanualandonthemachinetoidentifyimportant
safetymessageswhichmustbefollowedtoavoid
accidents.
Thissymbolmeans:ATTENTION!BECOME
ALERT!YOURSAFETYISINVOLVED!
g000502
Figure2
SafetyAlertSymbol
Thesafetyalertsymbolappearsaboveinformation
whichalertsyoutounsafeactionsorsituations
andwillbefollowedbythewordDANGER,
WARNING,orCAUTION.
DANGER:Indicatesanimminentlyhazardous
situationwhich,ifnotavoided,Willresultindeathor
seriousinjury.
WARNING:Indicatesapotentiallyhazardous
situationwhich,ifnotavoided,Couldresultindeath
orseriousinjury.
CAUTION:Indicatesapotentiallyhazardous
situationwhich,ifnotavoided,Mayresultinminor
ormoderateinjury.
Thismanualusestwootherwordstohighlight
information.Importantcallsattentiontospecial
mechanicalinformationandNoteemphasizes
generalinformationworthyofspecialattention.
GeneralSafety
Thismachineiscapableofamputatinghandsand
feetandofthrowingobjects.Alwaysfollowallsafety
instructionstoavoidseriouspersonalinjury.
•Read,understand,andfollowallinstructions
andwarningsintheOperator’sManualand
onthemachine,engine,andattachments.All
operatorsandmechanicsshouldbetrained.If
theoperator(s)ormechanic(s)cannotreadthis
manual,itistheowner’sresponsibilitytoexplain
thismaterialtothem;otherlanguagesmaybe
availableonourwebsite.
•Onlyallowtrained,responsible,andphysically
capableoperatorsthatarefamiliarwiththesafe
operation,operatorcontrols,andsafetysignsand
instructionstooperatethemachine.Neverlet
childrenoruntrainedpeopleoperateorservice
theequipment.Localregulationsmayrestrictthe
ageoftheoperator.
•DoNotoperatethemachineneardrop-offs,
ditches,embankments,water,orotherhazards.
•Keepbystandersandchildrenoutoftheoperating
area.
•DoNotputyourhandsorfeetnearmovingparts.
•DoNotoperatethemachinewithoutallsafety
shields,guards,switches,andotherdevicesin
placeandinproperworkingcondition.
•Parkmachineonlevelground,disengagedrives,
setparkingbrake,stopengine,removekey,or
disconnectsparkplugwire.Waitforallmoving
partstostopbeforeleavingtheoperator’s
position.Allowthemachinetocoolbefore
servicing,adjusting,fueling,cleaning,orstoring.
5

Safety
SafetyandInstructionalDecals
•Keepallsafetysignslegible.Removeallgrease,
dirtanddebrisfromsafetysignsandinstructional
labels.
•Replaceallworn,damaged,ormissingsafety
signs.
•Whenreplacementcomponentsareinstalled,be
surethatcurrentsafetysignsareafxedtothe
replacedcomponents.
•Ifanattachmentoraccessoryhasbeeninstalled,
makesurecurrentsafetysignsarevisible.
•Newsafetysignsmaybeobtainedfrom
yourauthorizedZTurfEquipmentdealeror
distributor.
•Safetysignsmaybeafxedbypeelingoffthe
backingtoexposetheadhesivesurface.Apply
onlytoaclean,drysurface.Smoothtoremove
anyairbubbles.
•Familiarizeyourselfwiththefollowingsafetysigns
andinstructionlabels.Theyarecriticaltothesafe
operationofyourZTurfEquipmentcommercial
aerator.
decal93-6686
93–6686
1.Hydraulicoil2.ReadtheOperator's
Manual.
decal115-2047
115-2047
1.Warning—donottouchthehotsurface.
decal116-9391
116-9391
decal120-9570
120-9570
1.Warning—stayawayfrommovingparts,keepallguards
andshieldsinplace.
decal121-6150
121-6150
1.Cuttinghazardofhandandfoot–stayawayfrommoving
parts.
decal121-6161
121–6161
1.Entanglementhazard,belt—stayawayfrommoving
parts;keepallguardsinplace.
6

Safety
decal121-6162
121–6162
1.Cutting/dismembermenthazardofhandorfoot,
tines—lowerthetinestotheground;readtheOperator’s
Manualfordisassemblyprocedure.
decal121-6163
121–6163
1.Presstolowerthetines.2.Releasetoraisethe
tines.
decal126-2054
126-2054
1.Wheellugnuttorque95ft-lb(129N-m)(4x)
2.Wheelhubnuttorque235ft-lb(319N-m)
3.ReadandunderstandtheOperator’smanualbefore
performinganymaintenance,checktorqueevery100
hours.
decal133-8062
133-8062
g211619
HourMeter/TineEngagementDisplay
1.Parkingbrake4.Depthsettinglock
2.Tinegroundengagement
footswitchlockout
5.SeeOperator’smanual
foroperatingconditions
code
3.Tinedownposition
7

Safety
decal116-9392
116-9392
1.Readandunderstandtheoperator’smanualbefore
servicingthismachine.
9.Checkauxiliaryhydraulictank(OnlyuseAW-32hydrooil)
every50hours
2.Greasefrontcasterpivots(2x)every100hours10.Greasewheelbearings(2x)every25hours
3.Seeengineowner’smanualforservice11.Greasetineassemblyidlers(2x)every25hours
4.Checkauxiliarypumpdrivebelttensionevery50hours12.Greasetineshaftbearings(4x)every25hours
5.Greasefrontcasterwheelbearings(2x)every100hours13.Checktirepressure-13psi(2x)every50hours
6.Greasecontrolpivots(4x)every50hours14.Cleanandoilchainsandcheckchaintension(2x)every8
hours
7.Greasejackshaftbearings(8x)every25hours15.Greasebeltidlerpivotevery100hours
8.Checkhydraulicoillevel(2x)(Onlyuserecommended
hydrooil)every50hours
8

Safety
decal121-6164
121-6164
1.Fast6.Wheelsandtinesrotatewhen
movingbackward
11.Warning—keepbystandersaway.
2.Slow7.Continuousvariablesetting12.Warning—donotoperatethe
machineunlessyouaretrained.
3.Neutral8.Choke—on13.Thrownobjecthazard—pickup
debrisbeforeoperatingthemachine.
4.Reverse9.Choke—off14.Warning—stayawayfrommoving
parts;keepallguardsinplace.
5.Wheelsandtinesrotatewhen
movingforward
10.Warning—readtheOperator’s
Manual.
15.Warning—shutofftheengine,
engagetheparkingbrake,and
removethekeybeforeleavingthe
machine.
decal135-5948
135-5948
1.Rotatecounterclockwisetodecreasepressure.8.Tippinghazard—Donotturnsharplywhiletravelingfast;
slowdownandturngradually.Donotoperatethemachine
neardrop-offs.Donotusesplitramps;usefullwidth
rampstoloadamachinefortransport.
2.Rotateclockwisetoincreasepressure.9.Engine—Off
3.Pressandholdfor1secondtoturnon—tineground
engagementfootswitchunlock
10.Engine—On
4.Electronictinedepth—decrease11.Engine—Start
5.Electronictinedepth—increase12.Parkingbrake—disengage
6.Pressandholdfor1secondtoturnoff—tineground
engagementfootswitchlock
13.Parkingbrake—engage
7.Cutting/dismembermenthazardofhandorfoot,tines–stay
awayfrommovingparts;keepallguardsinplace.
9

Specications
Specications
Systems
Engine
•EngineSpecications:SeeyourEngineOwner’s
Manual
•EngineOilType:Exmark4–CyclePremium
EngineOil
•RPM:FullSpeed:3600±100RPM(NoLoad)
FuelSystem
•Capacity:5.0gal.(18.9L)
•FuelRecommendations:
–Forbestresults,useonlyclean,fresh,unleaded
gasolinewithanoctaneratingof87orhigher
((R+M)/2ratingmethod).
–Oxygenatedfuelwithupto10%ethanolor
15%MTBEbyvolumeisacceptable.
–DoNotuseethanolblendsofgasoline(such
asE15orE85)withmorethan10%ethanol
byvolume.Performanceproblemsand/or
enginedamagemayresultwhichmaynotbe
coveredunderwarranty.
–DoNotusegasolinecontainingmethanol.
–DoNotstorefueleitherinthefueltankor
fuelcontainersoverthewinterunlessafuel
stabilizerisused.
–DoNotaddoiltogasoline.
•FuelFilter:ReplaceableIn-line
•FuelShut-OffValve:1/4turn
ElectricalSystem(ElectricStart)
•ChargingSystem:FlywheelAlternator
•ChargingCapacity:Kawasaki:15amps
•BatteryType:BCIGroupU1
•BatteryVoltage:12Volt
•Polarity:NegativeGround
•Fuse:30ampmainfuse
SafetyInterlockSystem
Enginewillnotstartunlesstheparkbrakeisengaged.
OperatorControls
•SteeringandMotionControl
–Separatelevers,oneachsideoftheconsole,
controlspeedanddirectionoftravelofthe
respectivedrivewheels.
–Steeringiscontrolledbyvaryingtheposition
oftheleversrelativetoeachother.
•TineGroundEngagement:Engagesthetines
withtheground.
•ParkingBrakeKnob:Engagestheparkingbrake.
•TineDownPressureControl:Adjuststinedown
pressure.
•ElectronicDepthControl:Adjustsactualtine
depthelectronically.
Transmission
•Twointegratedhydrostatictransmissions:Hydro
GearZT3100.
•HydraulicOilCapacity:78oz.(2.3L)per
transmission
•HydraulicFilterisreplaceablecartridgetype
•Speeds:
–0-7.0mph(11.3km/hr)forward.
–0-2.0mph(3.2km/hr)reverse.
WheelandTineDriveSystem
Drivewheelsandtheoutsideaerationtinesare
driventhroughrollerchainsbythetwohydrostatic
transmissions.
10

Specications
TiresandWheels
DriveFrontCaster
Pneumatic
(Air-Filled)
Semi-Pneumatic
Quantity22
TreadSuperTurfSmooth
Size16x6.50-813x5.00-6
PlyRating4
Pressure13psi
(90kPa)
Aeration
AerationWidth:30inches(76.2cm)
Tines:Qty:48
TineDownPressure:0-1200lbs
CoreDepth:2-5inches(5.1-12.7cm)
Holespersquarefoot:4.6
Dimensions
OverallWidth:
47.75inches(121.3cm)
OverallLength:
69.8inches(177.3cm)
OverallHeight:
52inches(132.1cm)
TreadWidth:(OutsidetoOutsideof
Tires,Widthwise)
47.75inches(121.3cm)
CurbWeight:
1015lb(460kg)
TorqueRequirements
BoltLocationTorque
EngineMountingBolts17-23ft-lb(23-31N-m)
WheelLugNuts85-105ft-lb(115-142
N-m)
WheelHubNuts211-260ft-lb
(286-352N-m)
TransmissionOutput
ShaftNuts
211-260ft-lb
(286-352N-m)
11

Operation
ProductOverview
g327513
Figure3
1.Platform4.Enginecontrols
2.Parkbrakeknob5.Fuelcap
3.Motioncontrollevers
Operation
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthe
machinefromthenormaloperatingposition.
Controls
Becomefamiliarwithallthecontrolsbeforestarting
theengineandoperatingthemachine.
MotionControlLevers
Themotioncontrollevers,locatedoneachsideofthe
topconsole,controltheforwardandreversemotion
ofthemachine.
Movingtheleversforwardorbackwardturns
thewheelonthesamesideforwardorreverse
respectively.Wheelspeedisproportionaltothe
amounttheleverismoved.
Important:Thetinesarerotatingwhenthe
motioncontrolleversaremovedoutofthe
neutralposition.
g267503
Figure4
1.LHMotioncontrollever5.Forward
2.RHMotioncontrollever6.Neutral
3.Frontreferencebar7.Reverse
4.Frontofunit
ChokeControl
Locatedonthecontrolconsole(blacklever)(see
Figure5).
Thechokeisusedtoaidinstartingacoldengine.
Movingthechokeleverforwardwillputthechokein
the“ON”positionandmovingthechokelevertothe
rear,tothedetent,willputthechokeinthe“OFF”
position.DoNotrunawarmenginewithchokein
the“ON”position.
12

Operation
g267524
Figure5
1.HourMeter/Tine
EngagementDisplay
7.Choke
2.Operatorweight
adjustmentcontrol
8.RHMotioncontrollever
3.Multi-functionswitch9.Ignitionswitch
4.LHMotioncontrollever10.Parkbrake
5.Frontreferencebar11.Tinegroundengagement
footswitch
6.Throttle
ThrottleControl
Locatedonthecontrolconsole(redlever)(see
Figure5).
Thethrottleisusedtocontrolenginespeed.Moving
thethrottleleverforwardwillincreaseenginespeed
andmovingthethrottlelevertotherearwilldecrease
enginespeed.Movingthethrottleforwardintothe
detentisfullthrottle.
ParkBrakeHandle
Locatedontherightsideoftheignitionswitchon
thecontrolconsole(seeFigure5).
Thebrakehandleengagesaparkingbrakeinthe
transmissions.
Toengagethebrake,pullhandleoutandslide
rearward.
Torelease,pushthehandleforwardintothedetent.
Whenparkingonasteepslope,thewheelsmustbe
chockedorblockedinadditiontothebrakebeing
engaged.Theunitmustbetieddownandbrake
engagedwhentransporting.
IgnitionSwitch
Locatedontherightsideofthecontrolconsole.
Theignitionswitchisusedtostartandstopthe
engine.Theswitchhasthreepositions“OFF”,“ON”
and“START”.Insertkeyintoswitchandrotate
clockwisetothe“ON”position.Rotateclockwiseto
thenextpositiontoengagethestarter(keymustbe
heldagainstspringpressureinthisposition).Allow
thekeytoreturntothe“ON”positionimmediately
aftertheenginestarts.
g008610
Figure6
1.Off3.Start
2.On
Note:Tostarttheengine,theparkingbrakemust
beengaged.(Itisnotnecessaryfortheoperatorto
beontheplatform.)
HourMeter/TineEngagementDisplay
Locatedtotheleftoftheignitionswitchonthe
controlconsole.
•Thehourmetermonitorsanddisplaysengine
hours.
13

Operation
g211730
Figure7
HourMeterDisplay
1.LCDIndicators/Informationscreen
2.Hourdisplay
3.LEDstatuslight
Hoursaredisplayedwhenthekeyisofforwhen
themachineisrunning.Hoursarenotdisplayed
whenthemachineisaerating.
Note:TheLCDindicatorwillappearinthepark
brakesettingwhenitmeetsthe“safetostart”
mode(parkbrakeengaged).
•Thetineengagementdisplaymonitorsand
displaystheelectronictinedepthsetting.
g211731
Figure8
TineEngagementDisplay
1.LCDIndicators/Informationscreen
2.Tinedepthstatusbar
3.Tinedepthsettingindicator
4.LEDstatuslight
Therearetwowaystoactivatethedisplay.
1.Tapthemulti-functionswitcheitherupordown
todisplaythetineengagementmeter.
2.Steponthetinegroundengagementfootswitch.
Ahighernumberonthestatusbarincreasesthe
lengthoftheaerationplugandalowernumber
decreasesit.
Note:Ifthepluglengthisnotdesiredlength,the
machinemayneedtobeadjustedtoaccommodate
fortheweightoftheoperator(refertotheOperator
WeightAdjustmentControlsectionformore
information).
Note:RefertotheHourMeter/TineEngagement
User’sGuidefordetailedinformationexplaining
theOperatorinterfaceallowinguserstoaccess
information,resetcounters,modifysystemsettings,
andtroubleshoottheequipment.
LEDStatusLights
Locatedontherightsideofthehourmeter/tine
engagementdisplay.
TheLEDismulti-coloredtoindicatethesystem
statusandislocatedontherightsideofthepanel.
•SolidGreen—indicatesnormaloperating
activity.
•BlinkingRed—indicatesafaultisactive.
•SolidRed—indicatesmaintenanceisrequired.
Note:RefertotheHourMeter/TineEngagement
User’sGuideformoreinformation.
Multi-FunctionSwitch
Locatedtotheleftofthehourmeter/tineengagement
display.
Thisswitchallowstheoperatorto:
•increase/decreasethedepthofaerationplug.
•lockorunlockthetinedepthsetting.
•lockorunlocktheTineGroundEngagement
FootSwitch.
FuelShut-OffValve
Locatedunderthefueltank.
Thefuelshut-offvalveisusedtoshutoffthefuel
whenthemachinewillnotbeusedforafewdays,
14

Operation
duringtransporttoandfromthejobsite,andwhen
parkedinsideabuilding.
Alignvalvehandlewiththefuellinetoopen.Rotate
90°toclose.
DriveWheelReleaseValves
WARNING
Handsmaybecomeentangledintherotating
drivecomponentsbelowtheenginedeck,which
couldresultinseriousinjuryordeath.
Stopengine,removekey,allowallthemoving
partstostopbeforeaccessingthedrivewheel
releasevalves.
WARNING
Theengineandhydraulicdriveunitscanbecome
veryhot.Touchingahotengineorhydraulic
driveunitscancausesevereburns.
Allowtheengineandhydraulicdriveunitsto
coolcompletelybeforeaccessingthedrivewheel
releasevalves.
Locatedontheleftandrightsidesunderneaththe
frontoftheunit.
Duringnormaloperatingconditions,thewasher
ontheleverispositionedoutsidetheslots.Ifthe
machinehastobepushedbyhand,thevalvesmust
beinthe“released”position(seeFigure9).
g223057
Figure9
1.Leverpositionfor
operatingthemachine
3.Leverpositiontopush
themachine
2.Washeroutsideofslot4.Washerinsideslot
Toreleasethedrivewheels,movethelevertothe
largeropeningoftheslot,pushitinuntilthewasher
isinsidetheframe,thenmovetheleverbacktothe
narrowportionoftheslot.Repeatthisoneachside
ofthemachine.
Releasetheparkingbrake.Themachineisnowable
tobepushedbyhand.
DoNottowmachine.
Toresetthedrivesystembacktotheoperating
position:movethelevertothelargeropeningof
theslot,pulloutwarduntilthewasherisoutside
theframe,thenmovetheleverbacktothenarrow
portionoftheslot.Repeatthisoneachsideofthe
machine.
TinesGroundEngagementFoot
Switch
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthetines.Ensure
thatthetinesareaisclearofanyobstructions
beforeloweringit.
Theswitchislocatedontheoperatorplatform(see
Figure5).
Tolowerthetinesintotheground,standonthetine
groundengagementswitch.TheLEDilluminates
inthehourmeter/tineengagementdisplaywhen
thetineengagementisactivated.Toraisethetines,
removeyourfootfromtheswitch.
15

Operation
Thisswitchcanbelockedout(disabled)withthe
multi-functionswitch.
•Tapandholdthebottomoftheswitchtooverride
andlockout(disable)thefootswitch.TheLED
illuminatesinthehourmeter/tineengagement
display.Usethisfeaturewhentransportingthe
aerator.
•Tounlock,tapandholdthetopofthe
multi-functionswitchuntiltheLEDlight
disappears.
Note:Thelockoutfeatureisengagedeachtimethe
engineisswitchedoff.
OperatorWeightAdjustmentControl
Locatedontheleftsideofthecontrolconsole(see
Figure5).
Thisfeaturetakesintoaccounttheweightofthe
operatorsothatthecorrectaeratingpressureandplug
lengthisachievedandtomaximizelateralmachine
stability.Rotatingthecontrolcounterclockwise
decreasesthepressureandrotatingitclockwise
increasesit(SeeAdjustingtheOperatorWeight
ControlSetting).
Note:Eachoperatormustadjustthesystempressure
sothatthedrivetireslightlytouchtheground.
Important:Keepthedrivetiresonthegroundat
alltimestomaximizelateralmachinestability.
BeforeOperation
BeforeOperationSafety
•Evaluatetheterraintodeterminewhataccessories
andattachmentsareneededtoproperlyand
safelyperformthejob.Onlyuseaccessoriesand
attachmentsapprovedbyZTurfEquipment.
•Inspecttheareawherethemachineistobeused
andremoveallrocks,toys,sticks,wires,bones,
andotherforeignobjects.Thesecanbethrown
orinterferewiththeoperationofthemachine
andmaycausepersonalinjurytotheoperatoror
bystanders.
•Markandavoidhiddenobjectssuchassprinkler
heads,undergroundwires/cables,invisiblefences,
etc.topreventdamagetothesesystemswhen
aerating.
•Thismachinewasdesignedforoneoperatoronly.
DoNotcarrypassengers.
•Wearappropriatepersonalprotectiveequipment
suchassafetyglasses,longpants,substantial
slip-resistantfootwear,andhearingprotection.
Tiebacklonghairandavoidlooseclothingand
loosejewelrywhichmaygettangledinmoving
parts.
•Thismachineproducessoundlevelsinexcessof
85dBAattheoperator’searandcancausehearing
lossthroughextendedperiodsofexposure.Wear
hearingprotectionwhenoperatingthismachine.
•Checkthatthefollowingitemsareinplaceandin
properworkingcondition:theoperatorpresence
controls,safetyswitches,guards,andshields.Do
Notoperatethemachineunlesstheyareinproper
workingcondition.Replacewornordeteriorated
partswithgenuineZTurfEquipmentpartswhen
necessary.
DANGER
Itisessentialthatoperatorsafetymechanisms
beconnectedandinproperoperating
conditionpriortouse.Contactingthetines
canresultinseriouspersonalinjury.
Shutofftheengine,removethekey,andwait
forallmovingpartstostopbeforeleavingthe
operatingposition.Whenthekeyisturnedto
the“OFF”position,theengineshouldshut
offandthetinesshouldstop.Ifnot,stop
usingthemachineimmediatelyandcontact
anAuthorizedServiceDealer.
•DoNotoperatethemachinewhenpeople,
especiallychildren,orpetsareinthearea.Shut
offthemachineandattachment(s)ifanyone
entersthearea.
•DoNotoperatethemachinewithoutthesafety
devicesinplaceandinproperworkingcondition.
Componentsaresubjecttowear,damageand
deterioration,whichcouldexposemovingparts
orallowobjectstobethrown.Frequentlycheck
forwornordeterioratingcomponentsandreplace
themwiththemanufacturer’srecommendedparts
whennecessary.
16

Operation
FuelSafety
DANGER
Gasolineisextremelyammableandvaporsare
explosive.
Areorexplosionfromgasolinecanburnyou,
others,andcausepropertydamage.
•Fillthefueltankoutdoorsonlevelground,
inanopenarea,whentheengineiscold.If
fuelisspilled,DoNotattempttostartthe
engine.Moveawayfromtheareaofthespill
andavoidcreatinganysourceofignitionuntil
fuelvaporshavedissipated.
•DoNotrellthefueltankordrainthe
machineindoorsorinsideanenclosedtrailer.
•Neversmokewhenhandlinggasoline,and
stayawayfromanopenameorwhere
gasolinefumesmaybeignitedbyspark.
•Addfuelbeforestartingtheengine.Never
removethecapofthefueltankoraddfuel
whenengineisrunningorwhentheengine
ishot.
•Storegasolineinanapprovedcontainerand
keepitoutofthereachofchildren.
•DoNotoperatewithoutentireexhaustsystem
inplaceandinproperworkingcondition.
•Incertainconditionsduringfueling,static
electricitycanbereleasedcausingasparkwhich
canignitegasolinevapors.
–Donotllcontainersinsideavehicleorona
truckortrailerbedwithaplasticliner.Always
placecontainersonthegroundandawayfrom
yourvehiclebeforelling.
–Whenpractical,removegas-powered
equipmentfromthetruckortrailerand
refueltheequipmentwithitswheelsonthe
ground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmentonatruckortrailerfroma
portablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasoline
dispensernozzle.
–Ifagasolinedispensernozzleisused,keepthe
nozzleincontactwiththerimofthefueltank
orcontaineropeningatalltimesuntilfueling
iscomplete.DoNotuseanozzlelockopen
device.
•DoNotoverllthefueltank.Fillthefueltankto
thebottomofthellerneck.Theemptyspacein
thetankallowsgasolinetoexpand.Overlling
mayresultinfuelleakageordamagetotheengine
oremissionsystem.
•Gasolineisharmfulorfatalifswallowed.
Long-termexposuretovaporsmaycauseserious
injuryandillness.
–Avoidprolongedbreathingofvapors.
–Keepfaceawayfromnozzleandgas
tank/containeropening.
–Keepawayfromeyesandskin.
•Tohelppreventres:
–Keepengineandengineareafreefrom
accumulationofgrass,leaves,excessivegrease
oroil,andotherdebriswhichcanaccumulate
intheseareas.
–Cleanupoilandfuelspillsandremovefuel
soakeddebris.
–Allowthemachinetocoolbeforestoringthe
machineinanyenclosure.Donotstorethe
machineorfuelcontainer,orrefuel,where
thereisanopename,spark,orpilotlight
suchasonawaterheaterorotherappliance.
OperatingInstructions
DuringOperationSafety
GeneralSafety
Theoperatormustusetheirfullattentionwhen
operatingthemachine.DoNotengageinanyactivity
thatcausesdistractions;otherwise,injuryorproperty
damagemayoccur.
WARNING
Operatingengineparts,especiallythemufer,
becomeextremelyhot.Severeburnscanoccur
oncontactanddebris,suchasleaves,grass,
brush,etc.cancatchre.
CleanthemachineasstatedintheMaintenance
section.Keepengineandengineareafreefrom
accumulationofgrass,leaves,excessivegrease
oroil,andotherdebriswhichcanaccumulate
intheseareas.
•Operatetheengineonlyinwell-ventilatedareas.
Exhaustgasescontaincarbonmonoxide,whichis
anodorlessdeadlypoison.
17

Operation
•DoNotoperatethemachinewhileill,tired,or
undertheinuenceofalcoholordrugs.
•Operatethemachineonlyingoodvisibilityand
appropriateweatherconditions.DoNotoperate
themachinewhenthereistheriskoflightning.
•Keepawayfromholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,and
otherhiddenhazards.Usecarewhenapproaching
blindcorners,shrubs,trees,tallgrassorother
objectsthatmayhideobstaclesorobscurevision.
Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.
•Starttheenginewithyourfeetwellawayfromthe
tines.
•DoNotoperatethemachinewithoutallsafety
shields,guards,switches,andotherdevicesin
placeandinproperworkingcondition.
•Keepyourhandsandfeetawayfromthemoving
parts.Keepclearofthetinesatalltimes.
•Beawareofthedischargepathanddirect
dischargeawayfromothers.Avoiddischarging
materialagainstawallorobstructionasthe
materialmayricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
Raisethetines,slowdown,andusecautionwhen
crossingsurfacesotherthangrassandwhen
transportingthemachinetoandfromthework
area.
•Bealert,slowdownandusecautionwhenmaking
turns.DoNotoperateinreverseunlessabsolutely
necessary.Alwayslookdownandbehindyou
beforemovingthemachineinreverse.
•Parkthemachineonlevelground.Stopengine,
waitforallmovingpartstostop,andremovekey.
–Beforechecking,cleaningorworkingonthe
machine.
–Afterstrikingaforeignobjectorabnormal
vibrationoccurs(inspectthemachinefor
damageandmakerepairsbeforerestarting
andoperatingthemachine).
–Beforeclearingblockages.
–Wheneveryouleavethemachine.DoNot
leavearunningmachineunattended.
•Stopengine,waitforallmovingpartstostop:
–Beforerefueling.
•Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnot
alerttothepresenceofchildren.Childrenare
oftenattractedtothemachineandtheaerating
activity.Neverassumethatchildrenwillremain
whereyoulastsawthem.
–Keepchildrenoutoftheworkingareaand
underthewatchfulcareofanotherresponsible
adult,nottheoperator.
–Bealertandturnthemachineoffifchildren
enterthearea.
–Beforeandwhilebackingorchanging
direction,lookbehind,down,andside-to-side
forsmallchildren.
–Neverallowchildrentooperatethemachine.
–DoNotcarrychildren,evenwiththetines
shutoff.Childrencouldfalloffandbe
seriouslyinjuredorinterferewiththesafe
operationofthemachine.Childrenthathave
beengivenridesinthepastcouldsuddenly
appearintheworkingareaforanotherrideand
berunoverorbackedoverbythemachine.
SlopeSafety
•Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrol
androlloveraccidents,whichcanresultinsevere
injuryordeath.Theoperatorisresponsiblefor
safeslopeoperation.Operatingthemachineon
anysloperequiresextracaution.Beforeusingthe
machineonaslope,theoperatormust:
–Reviewandunderstandtheslopeinstructions
inthemanualandonthemachine.
–Evaluatethesiteconditionsofthedayto
determineiftheslopeissafeformachine
operation.Usecommonsenseandgood
judgmentwhenperformingthisevaluation.
Changesintheterrain,suchasmoisture,can
quicklyaffecttheoperationofthemachine
onaslope.
•Operateacrossslopes,neverupanddown.Avoid
operationonexcessivelysteeporwetslopes.
•Identifyhazardsatthebaseoftheslope.Do
notoperatethemachineneardropoffs,ditches,
embankments,waterorotherhazards.The
machinecouldsuddenlyrolloverifawheelgoes
overtheedgeortheedgecollapses.Keepasafe
distance(twicethewidthofthemachine)between
themachineandanyhazard.Useawalkbehind
machineorahandheldtooltooperateinthese
areas.
18

Operation
g222486
Figure10
1.SafeZone—Usethemachinehere
2.DangerZone-Useawalkbehindmachineorahand
heldtoolneardropoffs,ditches,embankments,water
orotherhazards.
3.Water
4.W=widthofthemachine
5.Keepasafedistance(twicethewidthofthemachine)
betweenthemachineandanyhazard.
•Avoidstarting,stoppingorturningthemachine
onslopes.Avoidmakingsuddenchangesinspeed
ordirection;turnslowlyandgradually.
•Donotoperateamachineunderanyconditions
wheretraction,steeringorstabilityisinquestion.
Beawarethatoperatingthemachineonwetgrass,
acrossslopesordownhillmaycausethemachine
tolosetraction.Lossoftractiontothedrive
wheelsmayresultinslidingandalossofbraking
andsteering.Themachinecanslideevenifthe
drivewheelsarestopped.
•Removeormarkobstaclessuchasditches,holes,
ruts,bumps,rocksorotherhiddenhazards.Tall
grasscanhideobstacles.Uneventerraincould
overturnthemachine.
•Useextracarewhileoperatingwithaccessories
orattachments.Thesecanchangethestabilityof
themachineandcausealossofcontrol.Follow
directionsforcounterweights.
•Ifyoulosecontrolofthemachine,stepoffand
awayfromthedirectionoftravelofthemachine.
OpentheFuelShut-OffValve
Rotatethelevercounterclockwisetoopen.
StartingtheEngine
1.Leavethemotioncontrolleversinneutraland
engagetheparkingbrake.
2.Setthethrottletothe“FAST”position.
3.Onacoldengine,pullthechokeknobupward
intothe“ON”position.Onawarmengine,leave
thechokeinthe“OFF”position.
4.Turnignitionswitchtothe“START”position.
Releasetheswitchassoonastheenginestarts.
Important:DoNotcranktheengine
continuouslyformorethantensecondsata
time.Iftheenginedoesnotstart,allowa60
secondcool-downperiodbetweenstarting
attempts.Failuretofollowtheseguidelines
canburnoutthestartermotor
Enginemaybedifculttostartin
temperaturesunder30°F(-1°C).
5.Ifthechokeisinthe“ON”position,gradually
returnchoketothe“OFF”positionastheengine
warmsup.
LoweringtheTines
DANGER
Therotatingtinesundertheenginedeckare
dangerous.Tinecontactcancauseseriousinjury
ordeath.
DoNotputhandsorfeetundertheunitwhen
theengineisrunning.
1.Disengagetheparkingbrake.Setthrottleto
“FAST”position.
2.Thelockoutfeatureisengagedeachtimethe
engineisswitchedoff.Tounlock,tapandhold
thetopofthemulti-functionswitchuntilthe
LEDlightdisappears.
3.Taptheswitchoncetodisplaythetineengagement
depthsetting;adjustifnecessary.
4.Lowerthetinesbypressingonthetineground
engagementfootswitch.TheLEDindicator
shouldilluminateunderthetinedownposition
onthehourmeter.
5.Standontheswitchandmovethemotioncontrol
leversforwardtoaerate.
Note:Thefootrockerbar,locatedbehindthe
tinegroundengagementfootswitch,canbe
adjustedforoperatorcomfort.Toadjust,loosen
19

Operation
thefootrockerbarhardware,slidethebarforward
orrearward,andretightenhardware.
Locking/UnlockingtheTineDepth
Setting
Thesettingscanbelockedtoensurethetinedepth
isnotinadvertentlychangedbytheoperatororleft
unlocked.
•Toactivatethedepthlock:turntheignitionkey
from“OFF”to“ON”vetimes(stopatthe
“ON”).Usethemulti-functionswitchtoadjust
thetinedepthtothedesiredsetting.Pressand
holdthemulti-functionswitchdownforone
secondtolock.
•Toinactivatethedepthlock:turntheignition
keyfrom“OFF”to“ON”vetimes(stopatthe
“ON”).Pressandholdthemulti-functionswitch
upforonesecondtounlock.
Switchthekeytothe“OFF”or“START”position
whenyouarenished.
AdjustingtheOperatorWeight
ControlSetting
1.Withthetinesraised,drivetheaeratortoa
hard,atsurface(suchasconcrete)andstopthe
aerator,butleaveitrunning.
2.Setthrottletothe“FAST”positionanddisengage
theparkbrake.
3.Usethemulti-functionswitchtosetthetinedepth
to3.0(seeAdjustingtheTineDepthSetting
section.
4.Pressandholdthetinegroundengagementfoot
switchtolowerthetines.
•Ifthemachineraisesandthegroundtiresare
nolongertouching,rotatetheoperatorweight
adjustmentcontrolcounterclockwisetolower
themachineuntilthetirestouchtheground.
•Ifthetinesarenottouchingtheground,
rotatetheoperatorweightadjustmentcontrol
clockwiseuntilthetineslowerandtouchthe
ground(butnotraisethemachine).
Important:Keepthedrivetiresonthe
groundatalltimestomaximizelateral
machinestabilityandaerationquality.
5.Releasethetinegroundengagementfootswitch.
AdjustingtheTineDepthSetting
Tapthemulti-functionswitchupordowntosetthe
aerationdepth.Tapthebottomofthemulti-function
switchtoincreasethetinedepthtoremovealonger
plug.Tapthetopoftheswitchtodecreasethetine
depthtoremoveashorterplug.
Note:Tinedepthadjustmentscannowbemade
withthemulti-functionswitchonly.Theidealplug
depthis2.5–3inches(6.4–7.6cm).Adjustcontrolsto
adapttothesoilconditions.
RaisingtheTines
Toraisethetines:
•Removeyourfootfromthetineground
engagementfootswitch
•Theignitionkeyisswitchedfromthe“ON”
positiontothe“OFF”position.
Important:Thetinesarerotatingwhenthe
motioncontrolleverismovedoutoftheneutral
position.
StoppingtheEngine
1.Movethemotioncontrolleversbacktothe
neutralpositionandbringthemachinetoafull
stop.
2.Liftyourfootoffofthetinegroundengagement
footswitchcontroltoraisethetines.
3.Activatethetineengagementfootswitchlockout.
4.Placethethrottlemidwaybetweenthe“SLOW”
and“FAST”positions.
5.Allowtheenginetorunforaminimumof15
seconds,thenturntheignitionswitchtothe
“OFF”positiontostoptheengine.
6.Engagetheparkingbrake.
7.Removethekeytopreventchildrenorother
unauthorizedpersonsfromstartingtheengine.
8.Closethefuelshut-offvalvewhenthemachine
willnotbeinuseforafewdays,when
transporting,orwhentheunitisparkedinside
abuilding.
20