AE401 Owner’s Manual
360390_B_HI
6
OPERATION
AERATING OPERATION
NOTE
: NEVER PARK THIS UNIT ON A SLOPE OF ANY KIND. Always keep tines
in the up position when parking the unit.
TINES RAISING/LOWERING:
The tines are raised or lowered into the ground by
operating the tine engagement lever on the upper handle. Tine penetration is very
dependent on surface preparation. READ the entire operation section before aerating.
(See Fig. 1)
SET SPEED: The ground speed of your aerator varies with the engine speed. Set the
engine at approximately half throttle to start. Speed may be increased based on the turf
conditions (i.e. large flat areas) and operator experience. Speed should be lowered when
operating under adverse turf conditions (i.e. fenced areas, hills, or slopes).
ENGAGE TINES:
With the aerator in the work area, release the clutch bail and push
forward on the tine engagement lever, lowering the tines into the dirt.
AERATE: Engage the operators clutch bail by pulling it backwards from the handle, and
start aerating.
MOVE:
Be sure the tine engagement control is in the up position (tines out of the ground)
and engage the wheel drive by squeezing the operators clutch bail against the handle.
Transport the aerator to the work area.
NOTE
: For maximum tine penetration apply downward pressure on the handle.
TURNING: At the end of an aerating run, release the clutch bail and lift up on the tine
engagement control to lift the tines out of the ground. Using the handle lift the front of the
unit to pivot it around and line up for the next pass.
TRANSPORT:
Be sure to lift the tine engagement lever (tines out of the ground) before
transporting away from the work area. (See
Fig. 2
)
Tines down
aerating
Tines up
transport
FOLDING HANDLE
This unit is equipped with a folding upper handle for easier storage.
TO FOLD THE HANDLE (See
Fig. 3
and
Fig. 4
):
1. Slide handle lock loops (item 118) up on both sides.
2. Fold the upper handle (item 48).
Fig 3
Fig 4
*****TIPS*****
MOW
Mow the lawn to its normal cut height.
WATER
For the best performance and maximum tine penetration the lawn should be thoroughly watered the day before aeration.
INSPECT
Check the lawn before beginning work. Remove all rocks, wire, string, or other objects that can present a hazard during work prior
to starting.
IDENTIFY
Mark all fixed objects to be avoided during work, such as sprinkler heads, water valves, buried cables, or clothes line anchors, etc.
SLOPES
Do not operate the aerator on steep slopes. Use extreme caution when operating on any sloped surface. For lesser sloped areas
operate the unit, traversing up and down at a 45 degree angle to the slope rather than straight across. Extended operation on
steep slopes can cause engine damage.
NOTE
:
DO NOT
release the operators clutch bail when operating on a slope. This will
allow the unit to free wheel and allow the unit to roll down the slope.
NOTE
: Honda engines are equipped with a low oil sensor to
prevent engine damage. When it senses a low oil condition (i.e. unit is operating or sitting on a steep slope) the engine shuts
down. The maximum operating slope for the engine is 20
0
. The low oil condition must be corrected before the engine can be
restarted. See the engine owner’s manual for more information.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
NOT
FOR
REPRODUCTION
