PL18 Owner’s Manual
Part No 100381
Form No F090815A
7
OPERATION
STARTING ENGINE
See engine manufacturer’s instructions for type and amount of oil and gasoline used. Engine must be level when checking and
filling oil and gasoline.
ENGINE SPEED: Controlled by lever on the engine. Under normal conditions, operate at the minimum throttle speed to
accomplish your task.
ON/OFF: Set the on/off switch to ON
FUEL VALVE: Move fuel valve to "ON" position. (Honda: Located below the air cleaner on the engine.)
CHOKE: Engage the choke when starting a cold engine. (Honda: Located below the air cleaner on the engine.)
THROTTLE: Move the throttle control lever on the engine to fast position. Pull starting rope to start engine
*****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 (exceeding 15
o
). 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
: 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 low oil condition must be corrected before the engine can be restarted. See the engine owner’s manual for more
information.
If your unit fails to start,
check trouble shooting section in operator’s manual and also see engine
manual.
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 low oil condition must be corrected
before the engine can be restarted. See the engine owner’s manual for more information.
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.
ENGAGE TINES
:
With the aerator in the work area, lower the tines by releasing the center lever on the handle. When the lever is
in the forward position, pull up on the bail to engage the tines.
AERATE: Push the machine with the tines engaged.
NOTE
:
In cold temperatures engage the tines in the up position for two
minutes to warm the cam grease.
For maximum tine penetration apply downward pressure on the handle.
TURNING
:
At the end of an aerating run, release the bail and raise the tines out of the ground. Then reposition the unit for
another pass and lower the tines to begin another run.
TRANSPORT
:
Be sure to raise tines out of the ground (disengaging the bail and then raising the tines with the center lever)
before transporting away from the work area.