Troubleshooting
Problem
Solution
The springs are breaking or not pulling back
the head to normal position.
Slow the PTO speed of the traction unit. The longer and heavier the tines, the
greater the centrifugal force on the head. Check for crossed or broken spring wires.
The tines produce elongated or picking holes.
Adjust the angle of the tine or change the traction unit ground speed. Make sure
that you can lower the aerator at least 5 cm (2 inches) below flat ground level
to allow for undulation.
The tines are hitting the ground with an erratic
pattern.
•
Check for crossed or broken spring wires.
•
Slow the PTO speed of the traction unit.
The PTO clutch slips excessively.
Adjust the tines to a shallower depth. Review the clutch adjustment procedure.
Replace PTO clutches.
The turf is pulling up with coring tines.
Shallow-rooted turf may require solid tines the first time.
The soil is too hard for full penetration.
Aerate at a depth that the machine can achieve, water overnight, and then increase
the depth. Repeat if needed until you can aerate the soil at the desired depth.
The coring tines are breaking.
You are trying to get too much depth for the soil condition. See above and aerate to
a shallower depth.
The tines do not stay in the head.
Tighten the tine holder bolts; do not use jam nuts or an impact wrench. If the bolt
does not hold the tine, replace it.
The tines pull the soil up when the machine
raises.
Raise the machine part of the way out of the soil before disengaging the PTO.
The machine does not turn.
Ensure that the PTO, driveshaft, and drive chains are working properly.
The traction unit has difficulty lifting the
aerator.
Move the traction unit lift arms 7.5 to 10 cm (3 to 4 inches) closer to the aerator.
Ensure that the traction unit has the capacity to lift the aerator.
The hydraulic top link cylinder is spongy. (It
“gives” and moves in and out a short span
when applying hydraulic pressure.
Bleed air is from the cylinder or lines.
The machine is noisy or knocking.
•
The crank pin nut has vibrated loose.
•
The chains are too loose.
•
The bolts on the bottom of the frame at the rear of the main arm have vibrated loose.
•
Check the oil level in the gearbox.
The hydraulic top link cylinder cannot be fully
retracted (PTO shaft jams).
The PTO shaft is too long for your traction unit. Cut PTO shaft to the correct length.
The traction unit is difficult to steer when in
transport.
•
Add weight to the front of the traction unit.
•
Check the tire pressure and adjust it as required.
The camber bracket is damaged.
•
Do not store the aerator on the ground with tines installed.
•
Do not run the coring head at high speed for an extended time when the tines
are out of the ground.
36
