Ventrac AERA-vator EA600 User manual

Revised 06/15/12
09.10002
AERA-vator
Model EA600
OWNER/OPERATOR’S
MANUAL & PARTS LIST

ii
TO THE OWNER
Venture Products Inc. reserves the right to make changes
in design or specifications without obligation to make like
changes on previously manufactured products.
Orrville, OH
www.ventrac.com
Model # (A): _______________________
Serial # (B): ________________________
Affix Part/Serial Number label here
Product Identification
If you need to contact an Authorized Ventrac Dealer for information on servicing your product,
always provide the Product Model and Serial numbers.
Please fill in the following information for future reference. See picture below to find the loca-
tion of the identification number. Record them in the spaces provided below.
Date of Purchase: Month _________________ Day ___________ Year ___________________
Dealer: _______________________________________________________________________
Dealer Address: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Dealer Phone Number: __________________________________________________________
Dealer FAX Number: ____________________________________________________________

INTRODUCTION SECTION A
Description & Specifications ..................................A-1
SAFETY SECTION B
Safety Symbols ........................................B-1
Decals .............................................B-2
General Safety Procedures ..................................B-3
Safety Operation & Techniques ................................B-4
OPERATION SECTION C
Attaching ...........................................C-1
Detaching ...........................................C-1
Operating Techniques & Tips .................................C-1
MAINTENANCE/ADJUSTMENTS SECTION D
Bearing & UV Joint Lubrication ................................D-1
Gearbox Oil ..........................................D-1
Storage ............................................D-1
Rotor Shaft Removal ...................................D-1&2
Rotor Shaft Disassembly ...................................D-2
Rotor Hub Disassembly ..................................D-2&3
Rotor Hub Reassembly ....................................D-3
Rotor Shaft Reassembly .................................D-3&4
Rotor Shaft Installation ....................................D-5
Tine Replacement .......................................D-5
PARTS & ILLUSTRATED DRAWINGS SECTION E
Main Frame & Shields...................................E-1&2
Drive System .......................................E-3&4
Drive Clutch ........................................E-5&6
Rotor Shaft Assembly, 16 tine (serial # 1001-1139) ....................E-7&8
Rotor Shaft Assembly, 24 tine (serial # 1140- ) .....................E-9&10
PARTS/OPTIONS SECTION F
Optional Roller (Kit # 70.8014) ..............................F-1&2
WARRANTY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
iii

Product Description
EA600 AERA-vator
The EA600 AERA-vator is designed to stir and loosen the soil beneath the sod without destroying the
turf. The AERA-vator creates a core hole without bringing a core plug to the surface, leaving the turf
ready for use immediately after treatment.
The AERA-vator works best in dry unirrigated ground. It improves seed germination with better seed
to soil contact, as well as infiltration of air, nutrients, and water into the soil.
Optional accessories available for the AERA-vator include a rear roller kit (Kit # 70.8014), a seeder
kit* (Kit # 70.8015) that mounts to the AERA-vator's weight mounting bar, and additional weights** for
use in heavily compacted areas or hard clay soil.
* Tractor must be equipped with 12 Volt Switch & Plug Kit.
** A maximum of eight Ventrac weights or 340 pounds may be used. Weights can not be used if
seeder attachment is installed.
A-1
INTRODUCTION
Ventrac EA600 Specifications
Overall Height ......................................22inches
Overall Length .....................................33inches
Overall Width ......................................66inches
Working Width .....................................60inches
Weight ........................................350pounds
Tines .....................................9/16 x 3-1/2 inches
Vibration Depth....................................3-3/4 inches
Aeration Density - 16 Tine Model .........................6holes per Ft.2
Aeration Density - 24 Tine Model .........................8holes per Ft.2
Shaft Speed ................................800cycles per minute
Optimal Engine Speed .................................3200 RPM
Venture Products, Inc. reserves the right to change these specifications without notice.

SAFETY
B-1
ATTENTION:
This symbol identifies potential health and
safety hazards. It marks safety precautions.
Your safety and the safety of others is involved.
SIGNAL WORD DEFINITIONS
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury and/or property dam-
age. It may also be used to alert against
unsafe practices.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situa-
tion which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury. This signal word is
limited to the most extreme cases.

The following decals must be maintained on your Ventrac Attachment. If any decals
are faded or missing, contact your dealer promptly for replacements.
B-2
SAFETY
A
Decal Page & Location Description Part Number
AE-1, # 7 (2) Danger - Shield Missing 00.0102
BE-1, # 37 Warning - Read Owner's Manual 00.0217
CE-1, # 24 Notice, Clutch Drive Release Pin 00.0205
B
C

General Safety Procedures
for Ventrac Tractors, Attachments, & Accessories
Read and understand the operator’s manual before operating this equipment.
Observe and follow all safety decals.
DO NOT let children or any untrained person operate the tractor or attachment. Make sure that all
operators of this equipment are thoroughly trained in using it safely.
Never allow additional riders on the tractor or attachments.
DO NOT operate tractor or attachments if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication
that may impair judgment or cause drowsiness, or if you are not feeling well.
Operate all controls from the operator’s seat only.
Before operating equipment, make sure all shields are in place and fastened.
Ensure the attachment or accessory is locked or fastened securely to the tractor before
operating. See tractor manual for locking procedure.
Ensure that all bystanders are clear of the tractor and attachment before operating. Be especially
careful and observant if other people are present. Never assume that bystanders will remain where
you last saw them.
Always look in the direction the tractor is moving.
Never direct the discharge of any attachment in the direction of people, animals, buildings, vehicles,
or objects of value.
Stop operation immediately at any sign of equipment failure and correct the problem before
continuing to operate. An unusual noise can be a warning of equipment failure or a sign that
maintenance is required.
Before adjusting, cleaning, lubricating, or changing parts on the tractor or attachment, engage the
parking brake, lower the attachment to the ground, stop the engine, and remove the ignition key.
To prevent the risk of uncontrolled equipment movement on tractors equipped with 2 speed axles,
always shift the transaxle range with the tractor stationary on level ground and with the parking brake
engaged.
If equipment is to be left unattended, engage the parking brake, lower the attachment to the ground,
stop the engine, and remove the ignition key.
B-3
SAFETY

EA600 Safety Procedures
Before operating AERA-vator on hilly or undulating areas, shift tractor transaxle to low range.
SAFETY
B-4
Before making any repairs or adjustments, engage
the parking brake, lower attachment to the ground,
shut the engine off, and remove the key.
Read and understand the operator’s manual before
operating this equipment.

Attaching
1. Drive the tractor slowly forward into the hitch arms on the AERA-vator. Align the lift arms of the
tractor with the AERA-vator hitch arms by raising or lowering the front hitch and complete the
engagement.
2. Once completely engaged, close the front hitch locking lever.*
3. Engage the parking brake* and shut off engine.
4. Place the attachment belt over the outside groove of the PTO drive pulley on the tractor. Ensure
the belt is properly seated in each pulley.
5. Engage the PTO spring tension lever.*
6. Raise the AERA-vator and move the stand up to the operating position
7. Remove the safety snap pin securing the clutch release, and move it to the upper frame hole for
storage during operation.
Detaching
1. Park the tractor on a level surface and set the parking brake.*
2. Shut off tractor engine.
3. Remove the safety snap pin from its storage hole and install it through the clutch release handle
and main frame.
4. Lower the AERA-vator to the ground and move the stand down to the storage position.
5. Disengage the PTO spring tension lever.*
6. Remove the attachment belt from the PTO drive pulley of the tractor.
7. Disengage the hitch locking lever.*
8. Restart tractor and slowly back away from the AERA-vator.
* Refer to tractor manual for operation of controls.
Operating Techniques and Tips:
Before aerating, disable the tractor’s weight transfer system.
To begin aerating, engage the PTO drive on the tractor. Start moving the tractor forward, while
lowering the front hitch into the float position. As the attachment contacts the ground, the clutch will
engage and the tine action will begin.
When completing a pass, begin raising the AERA-vator before stopping the tractor movement. When
the AERA-vator is raised, the clutch will disengage and stop the tine action.
Optimum engine speed is 3200 RPM. Controlling the ground speed of the tractor will determine how
aggressive the tine action is. Going slow will give the most action for loosening soil.
In heavily compacted areas or hard clay soil, additional weights may need to be added to the
AERA-vator. This can be done by purchasing additional weights and installing them on the mounting
bars provided on the AERA-vator.
A maximum of eight Ventrac weights or 340 pounds may be used.
NOTE: Weights can not be used if seeder attachment is installed.
OPERATION
C-1

Grease the drive shaft bearing and the universal joint every 25 hours. Do not over grease. Usually,
one pump is sufficient.
Check gearbox oil every 100 hours or seasonally. If necessary, replenish with 80-90 weight gear oil.
For seasonal storage, set AERA-vator on concrete or on wood blocks.
EA600 ROTOR SHAFT SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS
Clean machine thoroughly with a pressure washer before servicing.
Rotor Shaft Removal:
For safety reasons, only lift AERA-vator approximately two inches above the work sur-
face. Never place hands or feet between the machine and the work surface.
1. Remove the 3-belt end shield, the belt retainer, and the three drive belts.
2. Remove the 3/8" bolts holding the center bearing mount to the main frame.
3. Remove the 3/8" carriage bolts holding the end rotor shaft bearings. NOTE: carriage bolts on the
pulley end will be captive between the pulley and the bearing flange. See Figure 1.
4. Move frame slightly to the right and lift up off the rotor shaft assembly.
Rotor Shaft Disassembly:
1. Remove the 1-1/8” hex jam nut from the shaft end nearest the damaged component.
2. Only remove the rotors and spacers required to reach the damaged component. Wipe the shaft
clean before each rotor is removed. Each rotor bearing has two separate cones with a hex bore
adapter pressed in each. Each cone is held in position by an internal grease seal, which allows
the cones to be moved apartslightly. When they are moved apart, any dirt allowed inside the
MAINTENANCE
D-1
Figure 1

hex adapters can fall between the cones and contaminate the bearing. If the cones are forced
apart,the internal seals become ruined and irreplaceable. See Figure 2.
3. Clean and inspect parts as they are removed and set aside in their order of removal.
Rotor Hub Disassembly:
1. With a pry bar, remove the external seals (Figure 3) on both sides. Generally, seals are damaged
and are not reused.
MAINTENANCE
D-2
Figure 2
Figure 3

2. Remove the snap rings on both sides.
3. Press used bearing and adapter assembly out.
Rotor Hub Reassembly:
(NOTE: Keep all components clean to prevent bearing contamination.)
1. Install snap ring in one side of rotor hub. Be sure snap rings expand full depth into grooves.
2. Press new bearing and adapter assembly down tight against snap ring as shown in Figure 4. If
bearing is loose in hub, the rotor should be replaced.
3. Install snap ring in other end.
4. Apply a ribbon of general purpose grease between the snap ring ID and the bearing adapter OD
on both ends of the rotor hub.
5. With the press tool inverted to fit the external seals, press the seals in both ends of the rotor, with
the lips out. Wipe off excess grease. Be sure seals are not bent or cut and are seated firmly. If
the seals are not tight, use a hammer and punch to stake the hub faces at about 90 degree
intervals.
Rotor Shaft Reassembly:
(Read this section thoroughly before beginning.)
CAUTION: If the bearing adapters are not precisely timed 180 degrees apart in each rotor,
and aligned between rotors, serious damage will result.
1. Rotate the adapters in each rotor so the timing
marks (See Figure 5, Figure 6, & Figure 7) are
phased 180 degrees apart with hex bores
aligned.
2. Use a marker pen to assist with aligning timing
marks between rotors. Mark two rotor shaft flats
180 degrees apart next to the threaded end
(See Figure 6). The marked flats would have to
align with the timing marks on any rotors not re-
moved during servicing.
D-3
MAINTENANCE
Figure 4
Figure 5

3. Install the required components in the sequence shown in Figure 7, double-checking the timing
mark locations and spacer lengths (see following table) as each rotor is installed.
SPACER LENGTH PART NO.
A 3-51/64" 80.0337
B 7-1/4" 80.0338
C 3-9/16" 80.0339
D 3-19/64" 80.0340
CAUTION: Clean the rotor shaft, thoroughly removing any burrs that would keep the rotor as-
semblies from sliding on freely. If a bearing adapter jams, the internal bearing seal could be
forced out, and it is not replaceable.
MAINTENANCE
D-4
Figure 6
Figure 7

NOTE: The spacers must be fully seated in each adapter counterbore before tightening. Do
not forget to place the bearing stampings on each of the shaft bearings during reassembly.
Also, the 3/8" carriage bolts should be placed in the bearing stampings on the drive end of the
shaft before the pulley is replaced.
4. Replace the 1-1/8” hex jam nut and rotate each rotor occasionally as the nut is torqued to 350
Ft-Lbs. If any rotor locks up, the bearing adapters in the rotor are probably not phased 180 de-
grees apart or the spacers are not fully seated.
Rotor Shaft Installation:
1. Roll rotor shaft assembly into position under frame bearing holes.
2. Carefully lower unit in small increments, while keeping both bearing flanges on the side of the
frame end plates and center bearing support. See Figure 8.
NOTE: As the frame ends and center bearing
support are carefully lowered down beside each pair
of bearing flanges, it is necessary to push the unit
away from the pulley end. This allows the frame to
pass the carriage bolts sticking through both bearing
flanges next to the pulley.
3. When the frame ends align with the carriage
bolts and bearing flanges, pull the unit toward
the pulley end to assemble nut on the carriage
bolts. Hand tighten.
4. Install bolts and nuts in opposite end plate being
careful to align carriage bolt
shoulders with the square holes in the bearing
flanges. Hand tighten.
5. Tighten all bearing flange bolts 30-35 Ft-Lbs.
6. Install bolts connecting the center bearing mount
to the main frame and tighten.
7. Install the three drive belts, the belt retainer, and the end cover.
8. Run the machine and check for loose or improperly installed components.
Tine Replacement:
Assemble tines to rotor as shown in Figure 9.
Torque tines to 200 - 210 Ft. Lbs.
MAINTENANCE
Figure 8
Figure 9
D-5

PARTS
MANUAL
EA600

ILLUSTRATED DRAWING
MAIN FRAME & SHIELDS
PARTS
E-1

MAIN FRAME & SHIELDS
Ventrac weights are an optional item.
E-2
PARTS
REF. PART NO. DESCRIPTION QTY.
1......99.SF0404-1 ..........BOLT,SF1/4-20 X 1/2 W/RUBBER .........................6
2......60.0853 .............SHIELD, 3-BELT END EA ..............................1
3......99.E0046 ............NUT,“U”1/4-20 EXTRUDED .............................4
4......90.0428 .............BOLT,1/4-20 USSX31/2..............................2
5......99.SF04 ............NUT,SF1/4-20 USS ................................24
6......60.0851 .............SHIELD, SHAFT EA .................................1
7......00.0102 .............DECAL, DANGER-PINCHING HAZARD .......................2
8......00.0189 .............DECAL, VENTRAC ORBITAL ............................1
9......60.0850 .............SHIELD, ROTOR EA .................................2
10......99.SF0406-1 ..........BOLT,SF1/4-20 X 3/4 W/RUBBER .........................3
11......90.0606 .............BOLT,3/8-16 USS X 3/4 ...............................4
12......64.1051 .............MOUNT, BEARING-CENTER EA ..........................1
13......99.SF06 ............NUT,SF3/8-16 USS .................................4
14......99.SF0405-1 ..........BOLT,SF1/4-20 X 5/8 W/RUBBER .........................6
15......02.HP0416 ...........HAIRPIN, 1/8 X 2 ...................................2
16......42.0457 .............ROD, WEIGHT RETAINER..............................2
17......90.0506 .............BOLT,5/16-18 USS X 3/4 ..............................2
18......95.05 ..............WASHER, FLAT 5/16 SAE ..............................2
19......60.0855 .............COVER, SHAFT END EA ..............................1
20......99.SF05 ............NUT,SF5/16-18 USS ................................2
21......99.SF0406-1 ..........BOLT,SF1/4-20 X 3/4 W/RUBBER .........................4
22......60.0854 .............COVER, MID EA ...................................1
23......00.0192 .............DECAL, V-DECAL DIE CUT BLUE ..........................1
24......00.0205 .............DECAL, CLUTCH DRIVE REL. PIN .........................1
25......90.0408 .............BOLT,1/4-20 USS X 1 ................................1
26......62.0957 .............STAND, PROP ....................................1
27......40.0309 .............HANDLE, LOCK FOR STAND ............................1
28......64.1054 .............RETAINER, BELT EA.................................1
29......99.SF0404-1 ..........BOLT,SF1/4-20 X 1/2 W/RUBBER .........................3
30......62.0956 .............FRAME, MAIN EA600 ................................1
31......47.0115* ............WEIGHT, SUITCASE- 42 LBS*............................8
32......60.0888 .............SHIELD, TORSION SPRING.............................1
33......00.0100 .............DECAL, MADE IN USA................................1
34......62.1027 .............JACK STAND, 11" ..................................1
35......03.0015 .............PIN, SAFETY SNAP 3/8 X 3".............................1
36......60.0887 .............SHIELD, 3 BELT ...................................1
37......00.0217 .............DECAL, WARNING READ OWNERS MAN .....................1

ILLUSTRATED DRAWING
DRIVE SYSTEM
PARTS
E-3

DRIVE SYSTEM
E-4
PARTS
REF. PART NO. DESCRIPTION QTY.
1......83.3BK3016 ..........PULLEY, 3" 1" BORE 3-GROOVE ..........................1
2......85.SS09 ............SETSCREW, 5/16" X 3/8" ..............................2
3......85.K0408 ............KEY,1/4X1.....................................4
4......80.0330 .............SHAFT, DRIVE EA ..................................1
5......90.0608 .............BOLT,3/8-16 USS X 1 ................................4
6......95.06 ..............WASHER, FLAT 3/8 SAE...............................6
7......60.0852 .............SHIELD, BELT EA ..................................1
8......87.0204 .............U-JOINT, 1" X 1" WEASLER .............................1
9......85.SS21 ............SETSCREW, 3/8-16 X 3/8 ..............................2
10......29.0093 .............PIPE, BREATHER PLUG 1/4.............................1
11......87.0189 .............GEARBOX, 1" SHAFT 2:1 CW/CCW.........................1
12......83.BK70H............PULLEY, 7" H-BUSH .................................1
13......83.H16S ............BUSHING, 1" SPLIT 1/4" KEY ............................1
14......90.0406 .............BOLT,1/4-20 USS X 3/4 ...............................2
15......81.B050.............BELT,B50 ......................................1
16......96.06 ..............WASHER, LOCK 3/8 .................................4
17......99.SF05 ............NUT,SF5/16-18 USS ................................2
18......55.FB16016-1 .........BEARING, FLANGE BLOCK 1" ...........................1
19......90.0508 .............BOLT,5/16-18 USS X 1 ...............................2
20......81.BX038 ............BELT,BX38......................................3
21......90.0606 .............BOLT,3/8-16 USS X 3/4 ...............................4
22......29.B0204G ...........PIPE, BUSHING 1/8 X 1/4 GALV...........................1
40......55.0076 .............BEARING, CUP 1.980 ................................4
41......55.0075 .............BEARING, CONE 1.000 ...............................4
42......04.0026 .............RETAINING RING, EXT 1.000 SHFT.........................1
43......89.0075 .............SEAL, OIL ......................................2
44......89.0081 .............SEAL, END CAP1.50-25 ...............................1

ILLUSTRATED DRAWING
DRIVE CLUTCH
PARTS
E-5