Operation
Before Operation
Note:
Determine the left and right sides of the
machine from the normal operating position.
Before Operation Safety
•
Never allow children or untrained people to
operate or service the machine. Local regulations
may restrict the age of the operator. The owner
is responsible for training all operators and
mechanics.
•
Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
•
Know how to stop the machine and shut off the
engine quickly.
•
Check that the safety switches and guards are
attached and functioning properly. Do not operate
the machine unless they are functioning properly.
•
Before operating, always inspect the machine to
ensure that the tines are properly functioning.
Replace worn or damaged tines.
•
Inspect the area where you will use the machine
and remove all objects that the machine could
strike.
•
Locate and mark all electrical or communication
lines, irrigation components, and other obstructions
in the area before aerating. Remove the hazards,
if possible, or plan how to avoid them.
•
Ensure that your traction unit is suitable for use
with an implement of this weight by checking with
your traction unit supplier or manufacturer.
•
Park the machine on a level surface; engage the
parking brake; shut off the engine; remove the key;
and wait for all movement to stop before making
any adjustments to the machine.
Outcross Traction Unit
Controls
Refer to the Outcross traction unit
Operator’s Manual
for information on controls and operation, as well as
additional information on setting up the aerator.
Traction Unit Controls
Become familiar with operating the following traction
unit controls before you operate the aerator:
•
PTO engagement
•
Engine/PTO speed
•
3-point hitch (raise/lower)
•
Auxiliary valve operation
•
Clutch
•
Throttle
•
Gear selection
•
Parking brake
Important:
Refer to the traction unit operator's
manual for operating instructions.
Principles of Operation
The 3-point hitch linkage/hydraulic top link on the
traction unit lifts the aerator for transport and lowers
it for operation.
The power takeoff (PTO) transmits power though
shafts, gearbox, and O-ring drive chains to a
crankshaft, that drives the tine holding arms into the
turf surface.
As the traction unit travels forward with the PTO
engaged and the aerator lowered, it creates a series
of holes in the turf surface.
The depth of the tine penetration is determined by
extending the hydraulic top link or setting the fixed top
link to the desired position.
The distance between the holes created is determined
by the gear ratio (or hydrostatic traction pedal position)
of the traction unit and the number of tines in each tine
head. Changing the engine speed does not change
the hole spacing.
Traction Unit PTO Speed
The aerator is designed to operate with a PTO speed
of up to 460 rpm depending on the size/weight of
the tines. Most traction units indicate a 540 PTO
rpm position on the rev counters. Since the engine
and PTO speeds are directly proportional, you can
determine the engine speed required for a 400 rpm
PTO by calculating as follows:
(Engine rpm at 540 PTO speed) x (400÷540) = required engine
rpm
For example, if the engine rpm were 2,700 for a PTO
speed of 540 rpm, you would get the following:
2,700 x (400÷540) = 2,000 rpm
In this example, running your traction unit at 2,000
rpm now provides you with a 400 rpm PTO speed.
If your traction unit indicates some other engine rpm
at 540 PTO rpm, substitute that number for the 2,700
engine speed used in the example.
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