12
85397-85398 Rev F
PLANNING AERATING PATH
Move the XT5 to the area being aerated before
lowering the tines. To prevent damage to tines, do not
operate the Aerator with the tines down across any
hard surface, rock covered areas, over obstacles or
across pavement.
For best results, plan a path with straight lines and
gentle sweeping turns.
Aerate the turf more than once to maximize the number
of holes. Aerate the same work site at least twice,
changing direction of travel by 90° degrees. Change
to 45° degrees if aerating for a third pass. For safety
reasons, only do minor slopes at 45° degree angles to
the slope. Never operate the Aerator on steep slopes
TURNING THE AERATOR AND MOVING IN
REVERSE
To Turn the Aerator
Apply pressure on the appropriate side of the handlebar
to guide (steer) the aerator. Apply the pressure to the
left side of the handlebar to turn left, apply pressure
to the right to turn right. For best aerating results, limit
turns to sweeping turns and normal turns at the end of
a row. Tight turns are possible with the aerator, but the
aerating holes may be enlarged if turns are too tight.
Make sure you keep the machine rolling while turning.
In very wet conditions the Aerator may tear the turf
when turn with the tines in the ground. To avoid
tearing in these conditions, raise the tines and use the
direction control to backup and reposition the aerator
for the nest pass.
Aerating In
Tight Areas
All lawns will have areas that are too tight to turn. To
turn the Aerator in a tight area lift the tines out of the
ground using the transport wheels lift handle. Pull back
on the Direction Control handle and back out of the
tight spot. While backing up, pull on the handlebar in
the direction you want to turn to swing the machine
around. Go forward and reposition the machine to
return to your planned path.
Moving In Reverse
When in reverse, the tines can be left in the ground
or raised. If soil conditions are such that tearing of the
turf is occurring during reverse operations, lift the tines
before going backwards. The reverse speed is slower
than the forward speed but caution must be used
when in reverse to keep hands and feet away from
the tines.
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY,
Keep Hands and Feet Away From Tines Especially
When Operating In Reverse.
INSPECTION DURING OPERATION
Stop and check the depth of the tine penetration by
checking the holes with a pen or pencil.
Visually inspect the tines often during the aerating
process to ensure that they have not become plugged
with stones, roots or debris. A plugged tine will still make
a hole, but will compact the soil in the hole instead of
removing a core. Compaction of the soil is the opposite
of the effect desired by the aerating process. When
inspecting or cleaning the tines,
STOP THE ENGINE
and move the Aerator to a level surface. Use caution
and wear the proper protective items when working
around the tines.
Be aware of any damage to the turf caused by the
wheels dragging during turns or on uneven surfaces.
Check the depth stop.
OPERATION
REVERSE
FORWARD
AERATE
TINES DOWN
TRANSPORT
TINES UP
15° Max.
WARNING
