Safety
Improper use or maintenance by the operator or
owner can result in injury. To reduce the potential
for injury, comply with these safety instructions
and always pay attention to the safety alert
symbol, which means CAUTION, WARNING, or
DANGER - "personal safety instruction." Failure to
comply with the instruction may result in personal
injury or death.
Safe Operating Practices
Before Operating
•
Owners of this Aerator must give operators and
employees full operation and safety instructions
before allowing them to operate this machine and at
least annually thereafter. An operator who has not
read and fully understood all operating and safety
instructions is not qualified to operate this machine.
Become familiar with all controls and know how to
stop quickly.
•
Do not allow children to operate the machine. Do
not allow adults to operate the machine without
proper instruction.
•
Remove all debris or other objects that might
interfere with operation. Keep all bystanders away
from the work area.
•
Locate and mark all under ground obstructions such
as irrigation components, electrical or telephone
lines.
•
Make sure tractor is in neutral and parking brake
applied before starting. Refer to Tractor Operator's
Manual for safe starting procedures.
•
Ensure that your tractor is suitable for use with an
implement of this weight by checking with your
tractor supplier or manufacturer.
•
Mounting the aerator to the rear of the tractor will
decrease the weight on the tractor front axle. To
assure adequate steering control and stability it may
be necessary to add ballast to the front of the tractor.
Refer to Tractor Operator's Manual for ballast
requirements.
•
Keep all shields and safety devices in place. If a
shield, safety device or decal is damaged, repair or
replace it before operation is commenced. Also
tighten any loose nuts, bolts and screws to ensure
machine is in safe operating condition.
•
Do not operate machine while wearing sandals,
tennis shoes, sneakers or shorts. Also, do not wear
loose fitting clothing which could get caught in
moving parts. Always wear long pants and substantial
shoes. Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing
protection and a helmet is advisable and may be
required by some local ordinances and insurance
regulations.
While Operating
•
Never operate the tractor in reverse when the aerator
is lowered.
•
Keep all bystanders and pets away from the work
area.
•
Using the machine demands attention, and to
prevent loss of control:
– Use only in daylight or when there is adequate
artificial light.
– Watch for holes or other hidden hazards.
– Do not operate the machine close to a sand trap,
ditch, creek or other hazard.
– Reduce speed on side hills and before making
sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss of control.
– Look behind the aerator before backing up.
•
If the tines strike a solid object or the machine
vibrates abnormally, disengage the PTO, set the
parking brake and shut the engine off. Remove key
from ignition switch. Check aerator and traction unit
for damage. Repair any damage before restarting the
engine and operating the tines. Be sure tines are in
good condition and all bolts are tight.
•
Before leaving machine unattended, disengage power
to aerator, lower aerator onto storage stands and set
parking brake. Stop engine.
•
Never dismount while tractor is in motion. Never
get on or off tractor while engine is running and
PTO drive shaft is engaged. Never step over PTO
shaft to reach other side of aerator - walk around
the machine.
•
When lifting the aerator, disengage the PTO when
the roller is approximately 5 inches from the ground.
•
Do not operate this machine without the roller on
the ground.
Never operate with the machine in
the raised position.
•
Park the aerator on a hard, level surface, install the
aerator storage stands before disconnecting from
tractor.
•
If it is necessary to probe below the soil surface, use
a non conductive material to prevent electrical shock
in case electrical wires are present.
•
Always lower the aerator to the ground before
leaving the tractor unattended. Never leave the
aerator in the raised position when it is unattended.
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