Section 2: Operating Instructions
RCM4610, CA0548 & CA0556 Core Aerators 325-108M
12/11/18
13
Weight Tray
Weights may be added to the weight tray to assist forcing
the spoons into the soil. Do not exceed 300 lbs.
Tractor Hook-Up
WARNING
!
To avoid serious injury or death:
•
Always make sure the hitch pin is secured with a keeper
clip. Not doing so can result in the unit coming unhitched
and out of control.
•
Lightweight tractors with rear attached implements may
need weights added to the front to maintain steering control.
Consult your tractor Operator’s Manual to determine
proper weight requirements and maximum weight
•
Always shut tractor down using “Tractor Shutdown
Procedure” provided in this manual before allowing anyone
including the operator to hook-up and unhook implement.
1.
Back tractor within close proximity of clevis.
2. Shut off tractor and attach Aerator hitch to tractor with
hitch pin. Make sure hitch pin is secured with hitch
pin keeper.
Unhook Core Aerator
The following steps should be done when un-hooking the
Core Aerator from the tractor:
1.
Park tractor and Core Aerator on a solid level surface.
Place tractor in park or set park brake, shut tractor
off, and remove switch key.
2. If optional transport wheels are installed, make sure
they are set to hold the spoons off the ground. See
Figure 2-1 on page 14.
3. Remove hitch pin keeper and hitch pin. With a secure
grip on the tongue and feet clear from beneath the
tongue, lower Aerator hitch to the ground.
4. Replace hitch pin through the Aerator’s top hitch
strap hole only. Insert hitch pin keeper into the hitch
pin between the top and lower hitch straps.
5. Be sure implement is clear of tractor and then drive
tractor away from implement.
IMPORTANT:
Make sure weights added to the tray
are centered over the rotor shaft or slightly forward of
the shaft. The hitch should not raise up (have
negative weight) after the weights have been added.
Secure weights in place to prevent them from shifting
and causing negative tongue weight.
Transporting
WARNING
!
To avoid serious injury or death:
When traveling on roadways, travel in such a way that other
vehicles may pass you safely. Use LED lights, clean reflectors,
and a slow moving vehicle sign that is visible from the back to
warn operators in other vehicles of your presence. Always
comply with all federal, state, and local laws.
Transport Short Distances
•
Without optional transport wheels:
1.
Stay off of hard surfaces such as sidewalks and
paved driveways when transporting from one site to
another nearby.
2. Transport over hard surfaces by laying plywood or
other protective material over the surface.
3. Always remove added weights and transport at slow
speeds, 5 mph and under, when transporting on the
spoons. High speeds can damage the spoons.
4. Never turn tractor rear wheels into the tongue, weight
tray, spoons, or transport wheels.
•
With optional transport wheels:
1.
Refer to Figure 2-1:
Always raise Core Aerator
spoons off the ground before traveling from one site
to another nearby. Make sure cotterless hitch pin (#1)
is fully inserted in hole “A” before releasing grip on
handle (#2).
2. Transport at speeds under 10 mph.
3. Lower transport wheels upon arriving at the site. See
on page 14 for instructions on
lowering transport wheels.
4. Never turn tractor rear wheels into the tongue, weight
tray, spoons, or transport wheels.
Transport Long Distances
1.
The Core Aerator is not built to transport at high
speeds. Load Core Aerator onto a trailer or onto a
truck bed before traveling long distances. Make sure
the unit is properly secured so it will not come loose
and fall from the trailer or truck bed during travel.
2. Be sure to reduce speed when turning and leave
enough clearance so the equipment does not contact
obstacles such as buildings, trees, or fences.
3. Shift to a lower gear when traveling over rough or hilly
terrain.
4. When traveling on roadways, transport in such a way
that faster moving vehicles may pass you safely.