YTL YTL31102 Assembly instructions

REV072114
YTL31102
48”PLUG AERATOR
Instruction & Assembly
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

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Table of Contents
General Warnings and Rules………………………………………………………3
Hazard Signal Word Definitions……………………………………………………4
Controls and Features Identification………………………………………………5
Component & Hardware…………………………………………………………6, 7
Assembly Instructions…………………………………………...8, 9 10, 11, 12, 13
Operation Instructions…………………………………………………………….14
Maintenance and Storage………………………………………………………...15
Specification………………………………………………………………………..16
Parts Drawing & Parts List……………………………………………………17, 18
Limited Warranty…………………………………………………………………..19

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GENERAL WARNINGS
READ and UNDERSTAND this manual completely before using 48” Plug Aerator.
Operator must read and understand all safety and warning information, operating instructions,
maintenance and storage instructions before operating this equipment. Failure to properly operate and
maintain the plug aerator could result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
Operation Warnings
Do not at any time carry passengers, sit or stand on the aerator.
Do not allow children to play on, stand upon or climb on the aerator.
Always inspect the aerator before using to assure it is in good working condition.
Replace or repair damaged or worn parts immediately.
Always check and tighten hardware and assembled parts before operation.
Do not exceed equipment maximum tray load capacity of 140lb.
Avoid large holes and ditches when operating the equipment.
Be careful when operating the aerator on steep grades (hill).
ALWAYS operate at reduce speed in rough terrain, along creeks, ditches and on hillsides.
Do not operate close to creeks, ditches and public highways.
To avoid personal injury and/or equipment damage DO NOT EXCEED 5MPH.
Always use caution when loading and unloading extra weight on the tray.
Only tow with recommended vehicles (Lawn/Garden Tractors andATVs).
Always refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for proper towing.
Aerator is not designed to be used with zero-turn mowers.
Always secure and lock plug aerator to the vehicle hitch before operating.
.
Crush and Cut Hazards
Always keep hands and feet clear from moving parts while operating the equipment.
Always clear and keep work area clean when operating.
Always wear safety gear, eye protection, gloves and work boots when operating the aerator.
.
WARNING
The warnings, cautions, and instructions outlined in this instruction manual cannot cover all
possible conditions or situations that may occur. It must be understood by the operator that
common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into this product and must be
supplied by the operator.
PROP 65 WARNING
This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.
Assembly Is Required
This product requires assembly before use. See “Assembly”section for instructions. Because of the
weight and/or size of the 48” plug aerator, it is recommended that another adult be present to assist with
the assembly. INSPECT ALL COMPONENTS closely upon receipt to make sure no components are
missing or damaged.
.

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Hazard Signal Word Definitions
ABOUT YOUR 48” PLUG AERATOR
This 48” plug aerator has a roughed steel construction and is designed to remove soil plugs up to 3” long,
allowing for compact soil to be loosen. Plug aerators promote a health lawn by opening up the ground to
allow water, air and nutrients to reach your lawns root system. It is ideal for heavy-traffic areas
(playgrounds and sports fields) and burned out, drought-damaged lawns. A plug aerator effects will last
longer than a spike aerator because of size of hole it creates. The 48” plug aerator features a fully
enclosed weight tray to increase the penetration depth. Never exceed the tray’s rated loaded capacity of
140lbs when operating the aerator.
Technical specifications on the 48” plug aerator are provided in the “Specifications”section of this
manual.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert
you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all
safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid
possible injury or death.
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will result in death
or serious injury.
DANGER
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, may result in property damage.
CAUTION

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Read this owner’s manual before operating the equipment. Familiarize yourself with the location and
function of the controls and features. Save this manual for future reference.
1) Aerator Tray –Do not exceed maximum load capacity 140lb.
2) Lift Handle –Positions plug spikes up or down.
3) Tires / Wheel –Do not exceed the recommended rate 25 PSI.
4) Hitch –Pin-type design use only with approve vehicles.
5) Plug Spikes –Pulls small soil plugs from the ground.
.
Controls and Features Identification
1
2
3
4
5

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CAUTION
Read and follow all instructions for assembly and operation. Failure to properly assemble this
equipment could result in serious injury to the user or bystanders, or cause equipment damage.
PLUG AERATOR COMPONENT PARTS AND ASSEMBLY
Take all parts out of the shipping crate and inspect components to ensure there are no missing pieces
before starting to assemble the plug aerator follow steps 1 through 11.
TOOLS REQUIRED
Rubber or Wooden Hammer
7 /16”, 1/2” & 3 /4” Wrenches
Adjustable Wrench
Pliers
Ref#
Description
Qty
Ref#
Description
Qty
A
Hex Bolt M12x110
2
M
Flat Washer Ø8
8
B
Hex Bolt 1/4”x1-9/16”
3
N
Big Flat Washer Ø12
4
C
Hex Bolt M8x30
6
O
Hex Nut M12
2
D
Hex Bolt M8x25
6
P
Flat Washer Ø20
6
E
Hex Bolt M8x20
8
Q
Spacer 0.27”Long
8
F
Lock Pin
1
R
Spacer Tube,2.95”Long
1
G
Hair Cotter Pin
1
S
Spacer Tube,1.00”Long
2
H
Hitch Pin
1
T
Spacer Tube,2.36”Long
1
I
Hex Lock Nut M12
2
U
Spacer Tube,5.31”Long
2
K
Hex Lock Nut M8
20
V
Shoulder Spacer
1
L
Hex Lock Nut 1/4”
3
Component and Hardware Parts

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Ref#
Description
Qty
Ref#
Description
Qty
1
Tray
1
6
End Plate
2
2
Wheel Bracket
3
7
Lift Handle
1
3
Middle Brace
1
8
Shaft
1
4
Hitch Bracket
1
9
Double Spool Assembly
4
5
Tongue
1
10
Wheel
2
Note: you may have extra nuts & bolts when finished.
Component and Hardware Parts

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CAUTION
When assembling or using the aerator exercise caution at all times, the plug spikes are sharp and
may result in serious injury to the user or bystanders.
Step 1: 1. Assemble a wheel bracket to the middle hole in the shaft so that the hub faces the short
end of the shaft. Fasten the bracket to the shaft using a 1/4”x1-9/16” hex bolt and a 1/4” hex lock nut.
Tighten.
2. Pre-assemble a M8x30 hex bolt and M8 hex lock nut to the smaller hole in the wheel bracket. Insert
the bolt from the hub side of the bracket. Do not tighten yet. See Fig.1.
Step 2: Assemble a double spool assembly (knives facing in), a 5.31” long spacer, another double
spool assembly (knives facing out), a 1.00” long spacer and a Ø20 flat washer onto the short end of
the shaft. See Fig.2.
Assembly Instructions
Fig. 1
Fig. 2

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Step 3: Assemble a 2.36” long spacer, a Ø20 flat washer, the middle brace, a Ø20 flat washer, a
2.95” long spacer, a double spool assembly (knives facing in), a 5.31” long spacer, a double spool
assembly (knives facing out). a 1.00” long spacer and a Ø20 flat washer onto the long end of the
shaft, the bent lip of the middle brace must face the short end of the shaft. See Fig.3.
Step 4: Rotate the wheel bracket fastened to the middle of the shaft so that it is pointing up.
Assemble an end plate, a Ø20 flat washer and a wheel bracket onto the long end of the shaft. Point
the wheel bracket as shown in Fig.4.Fasten to the shaft using a 1/4”x1-9/16” hex bolt and 1/4” hex
lock nut. Tighten. Repeat for other end of shaft. See Fig.4
Fig. 4
Fig. 3

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Step 5: 1.Add a thick flat washer ø12 to M12x110 hex bolt (A), then Insert the bolts through the wheel
(8) , add a thick flat washer ø12.
2.Put the M12 hex nut (I) on the end and tight, then loosen the hex nut (I) a 1 /2 turn.
3.Slide wheel assembled through wheel bracket (9) and fasten with M12 lock nut (J).
4.Repeat steps 1-3 for the other side and tighten all hardware.
NOTE: Make sure the both wheels spin freely after assembly.
Step 6: 1.Assemble the hitch bracket to the tongue using two M8x25 hex bolts and M8 hex lock nuts.
Tighten. 2. Assemble the hitch pin through the hitch bracket and the tongue. Secure it with the hair cotter
pin. See Fig.6.
Lock Nut M12
Hex Nut M12
Hex Bolt M12x110
Fig. 6
Fig. 5

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Step 7: 1. Assemble the tongue to the tray, placing the wide end of the tray slot to the front. Use two
M8x25 hex bolts, two M8x30 hex bolts, four 0.27”long spacers, four M8 hex lock nuts are shown in Fig.7.
Tighten.
2. Assemble two M8x30 hex bolts, four 0.27”long spacers, two M8 hex lock nuts to the holes on the
right side of the slot in the tray. Tighten. See Fig 7.
Step 8: 1.Align the tray between the end plates. Use three M8x20 hex bolts to temporarily secure three
corners of the tray to the end plates. Leave one upper corner empty. See Fig.8.
2.Rotate the middle brace up against the tongue, aligning it with the holes that are closest to slot in the
tray, fasten the brace to the tongue using two M8x25 hex bots, M8 hex lock nuts. Do not tighten till final
step. See Fig.8.
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

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Step 9: Assemble both of the end plates to the tray using eight M8x20 hex bolts, Ø8 Flat washers M8
hex lock nuts. Do not tighten till final step. See Fig.9.
Step 10: Place the lift handle through the slot in the tray. Fasten the lift handle to the smaller hole in the
middle wheel bracket using the bolt and hex lock nut which you pre-assembled earlier (Fig.1). Fasten the
lift handle to the larger hole in the wheel bracket using a M8x30 hex bolt, the shoulder spacer, a M8 hex
lock nut. Tighten. See Fig.10.
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

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Step 11: Place the aerator right side up its wheels, locking the lift handle into the offset at the front of
the tray slot. Perform the following steps to assure correct alignment of the lift handle with the slot. Refer
to Fig.11.
1. Adjust the tray side to side until the lift handle rests against the right side (viewed from rear) of
the offset at the front of the slot.
2. Straighten the end plates and then tighten the eight bolts at the corners of the tray, making sure
the lift handle still rests against the right side of the slot offset.
3. Straighten the middle brace and tighten the two bolts which fasten it to the tongue.
Make sure the lift handle still rests against the right side of the slot offset. You should have to force
the handle over into alignment with the slot when lowering the aerator.
The licking device could help to prevent the handle be sliding out when the aerator in running. But if
you feel this device is not convenient, just take out the pin.

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WARNING
Before operating or using the plug aerator, review the instructions below and safety information.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in property damage or injury to the operator or
bystanders.
IMPORTANT:
Aerating is pulling small soil plugs up to three inches in length from the soil to create small
reservoirs that will bring oxygen, fertilizer and water down to the roots. For best aerating results
follow the soil/lawn preparation and operating aerator procedures.
SOIL AND LAWN PREPARATION
1. Remove large and small debris from work area.
2. If the ground is hard and dry, it is recommended the ground be sprinkled or watered for one
or two hours prior to aerating.
3. If the ground is wet or muddy DO NOT attempt to aerate.
4. Mow lawn and remove loose clippings before aerating.
USING YOUR PLUG AERATOR
1. DO NOT at any time carry passengers sit or stand on the aerator.
2. Only tow with recommended vehicles (Lawn/Garden Tractors andATVs).
3. Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for proper safety and towing instructions.
4. Always secure and lock the aerator to the vehicle hitch before operating.
5. Start vehicle engine with the controls in neutral position, put throttle at the slowest engine
speed. Put transmission in low gear first and lower the aerator, allowing plug spikes to
enter the ground. Increase the speed as work conditions permit.
6. Vehicle braking and stability may be affected with the attachment of this equipment.
7. Never exceed 5mph when towing the aerator.
8. Aerate in the straightest line as possible making overlapping passes to increase the plug
spike point pattern.
9. DO NOT make sharp turns that may cause the vehicles tires to rub against the aerator.
10. Avoid extremely sharp turns with plug spikes engaged to prevent damage to lawn.
11. DO NOT cross over walks or drives without raising the aerator to the transport position.
12. On sloped lawns, always aerate in an up and down direction. DO NOT attempt to aerate
across the slope always go in an up and down direction.
13. Always use caution when backing the aerator to avoid “jack-knifing”. Always back up in a
straight line.
14. DO NOT exceed tray load capacity of 140lbs.
15. To increase the depth of plug spike penetration extra weight may be add to the tray (Max.
100lb) use either bags of sand or concrete blocks. Always secured the weight to tray with
ties or straps fastened to the front and rear of the tray. The ties or straps cannot become
entangled on rotating parts.
CAUTION
To avoid and prevent injury always dismount from approved vehicle to raise or lower aerator when
extra weight has been added to the tray.
Operation Instructions

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WARNING
Improper maintenance and storage of the plug aerator may void your warranty.
MAINTENANCE
Rinse/dry inside and outside of the aerator after each use.
Before operating make sure the tires have the RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE 25 PSI.
Regularly grease axle and wheel bearing area or when needed.
Periodically check all fasteners for tightness.
Annually clean and lightly lubricate spool assemblies and shaft or when needed.
Use a glossy enamel spray paint to touch up scratched or worn painted metal surfaces.
Plug spikes periodically need to be sharpened with a small grinder to maintain good
penetration. Spools should be removed to sharpen the points. Always follow the original
angle and contour of the points when grinding.
Never exceed tray load capacity rating of 140lbs it will damage the plug aerator.
IMPORTANT:
If a part needs replacement, only use parts that meet the manufacturer’s specifications. Replacement
parts that do not meet specifications may result in a safety hazard or poor operations.
STORAGE
Never allow the extra weight to remain on the aerator for extended periods of time.
Before storing make sure the aerator is clean and dry for years of trouble free service.
Lightly lubricate all aerator surfaces and moving parts to prevent rust.
Store indoors or protected area during severe weather and winter months.
Maintenance and Storage

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Tray Load Capacity....................................................................................... 140lb
Construction ..................................................................................................Steel
Working Width ..................................................................................................48”
Number of Plug Spikes......................................................................................32
Spike Penetration Depth.....................................................................................3”
Wheel Type........................................................................................... Pneumatic
Wheel Size .............................................................................................10”x 3.5”
Tire Pressure (PSI)............................................................................................25
Hitch Type................................................................................................Pin Style
Unit Weight................................................................................................... 92.5b
Specifications

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Parts Drawing & Parts List

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REF#
DESCRIPTION
QTY
REF#
DESCRIPTION
QTY
1
Tray
1
19
Hex Bolt M8x20
8
2
Middle Brace
1
20
Flat Washer Ø8
8
3
End Plate
2
21
Hex Bolt 1/4”X 1-9/16”
3
4
Lift Handle
1
22
Hitch Pin
1
5
Hitch Tongue
1
23
R Pin
1
6
Shaft
1
24
Hex Bolt M12x110
2
7
Hitch Bracket
1
25
Lock Nut M12
2
8
Wheel
2
26
Big Flat Washer Ø12
4
9
Wheel Bracket
3
27
Hex Nut M12
2
10
Double Spool Assembly
4
28
Plastic Bushing
8
11
Lock Pin
1
29
2.36”Long Spacer
1
12
Hex Bolt M8x30
6
30
1.00”Long Spacer
2
13
Hex Bolt M8x25
6
31
2.95”Long Spacer
1
14
0.27”Long Spacer
8
32
5.31”Long Spacer
2
15
Knife Tool
32
33
Handle Grip
1
16
Carriage Bolt M8x20
64
34
Flat Washer Ø20
6
17
Lock Nut M8
84
35
Lock Nut 1/4”
3
18
Shoulder Spacer
1
Parts Drawing & Parts List

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Warranty
For one year from the date of purchase YTL International will replace for the original purchaser, or repair
the plug aerator. The warranty will not apply to any unit which was not assembled correctly, misused,
overloaded or which has been used or operated contrary to our instructions, or which has been repaired
or altered by anyone other than an authorized representative.
Warranty Exclusions
This warranty does not cover cosmetic defects such as paint, decals or wear items such as tires. This
warranty will not cover failures or problems due to acts of God, or events or forces beyond the control of
the manufacturer.
Normal Wear Exclusion
The aerator needs periodic service to perform well. This warranty does not cover repair when normal
use has exhausted the life of a part or the equipment as a whole.
Installation, Use and Maintenance Exclusion
This warranty will not apply to parts and/or labor if the aerator has been misused, neglected, involved in
an accident, abused, loaded beyond its limits, modified or assembled incorrectly. Normal maintenance
is not covered under this warranty.
Limits of Implied Warranty and Consequential Damage Exclusion
YTL International disclaims any obligation to cover any loss of time, use of this product, freight, or any
incidental or consequential claim by anyone from using this aerator. THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR.
An exchange unit will be subject to the original warranty. The length of the warranty governing the
exchanged unit will have the date as the purchase date of the original unit. This warranty gives you
certain legal rights which may change from state to state. Your state may also have other rights you may
be entitled to that are not listed within this warranty.
Contact Information
YTL International
17517 Fabrica Way, Suite J
Cerritos, CA 90703
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Limited Warranty