11
85399 Rev B
Steering characteristics will change when traveling along
on a slope. The front wheel casters will want to steer
down the slope instead of following the slope. Correct
this by using the directional controls to slightly steer up
the slope.
OPERATING GROUND SPEED
Operating ground speed should be at the normal factory
set speed (5-1/2 to 7 MPH), but can vary depending
on the conditions of the turf and work site. Vary the
operating ground speed to suit conditions. Reduce
speed when on slopes and reduce speed when near or
next to obstacles.
Forward ground speed is controlled
by the directional control handles
and engine throttle setting .
ENGINE STARTING AND STOPPING PROCEDURES
To Start Engine:
2. Place Fuel Shutoff in ON Position.
3. Set Engine Throttle & Choke.
4. Use .
6. After Start, Reset Throttle & Choke, Slow Engine
Allow Engine & Hydraulics To Warm Up.
Engine should be set at full speed during operation
To Stop Engine:
1. Tines must be out of the ground.
2. Reset Throttle to Idle and Allow Engine to Return to
Idle Speed (Briggs and Stratton).
3. Ignition Switch key to STOP Position.
4. Place Engine Fuel Shutoff To OFF Position.
To stop the engine in an emergency situation,
engine throttle to slow & turn off ignition.
PLANNING AERATING PATH
Move the XT8 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.
Limit
turns to gentle 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.
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.
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. Pull back on the Directional Control
handles and back out of the tight spot. 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
for very short distances. In very wet conditions the
Aerator may tear the turf when turn with the tines in
the ground. If soil conditions are such that tearing of
the turf is occurring during reverse operations, lift the
tines before going backwards.
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.
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY,
Be Aware of Sharp Tines. Wear Protective Items
When Working Around Tines.
OPERATION
WARNING
