Aerating Procedures; Operating Tips - Toro 09930 Operator's Manual

Important: Never operate the aerator in reverse or
when it is in the raised position.

Aerating Procedures

Important: If the aerator has been stored for an
extended period, check to make sure the PTO slip
is operational. Refer to Adjusting the PTO Clutch
in the Maintenance Section.
1. Lower the aerator so that the tines are nearly to the
ground at the lowest part of their stroke.
2. At a low tractor engine rpm, engage the power take
off (PTO) clutch to start the aerator working.
3. Select a gear that gives a forward speed of
approximately .8 - 2.5 M.P.H. (1 to 4 km/hr.) at
the rated PTO speed of 400–500 rpm (refer to the
tractor Operator's Manual).
4. As the clutch is released and the tractor moves
forward, lower the aerator fully onto the roller(s)
and increase engine speed to give a maximum of
400–500 rpm (460 on model SR72) at the PTO.
Important: Never operate the tractor PTO
in excess of 500 rpm or damage to the aerator
could occur.
Important: Make sure that the roller is on
the ground at all times when the aerator is
operating.
5. Note the hole pattern. If you require greater hole
spacing, increase forward the speed of the tractor by
shifting up a gear or with a hydrostatic drive tractor,
actuate the hydrostat lever or pedal to give faster
speed. For closer hole spacing, decrease tractor
forward speed. Changing engine speed, while in
the same gear, will not change the hole pattern.
Important: Look behind frequently to
ensure the machine is operating properly and
alignment is maintained with previous passes.
6. Use the front tractor wheel as a guide to maintain
equal lateral hole spacing with the previous pass.
7. At the end of the aeration pass, raise the aerator and
quickly disengage the PTO.
8. If you back into a tight area (like a tee box),
disengage the PTO and raise the aerator to its
highest position. Never attempt to aerate in reverse.
9. Always clear the area of all damaged machine parts,
such as broken tines, etc., to prevent anything
from being picked up by mowers or other turf
maintenance equipment and thrown.
10. Replace broken tines, inspect and correct damage to
those still usable. Repair any other machine damage
before continuing operation.

Operating Tips

1. Engage PTO at low engine speed. Increase engine
speed to achieve the desired PTO speed of 400–500
rpm (maximum) and the lower aerator. Operate at
an engine rpm that the aerator runs most smoothly.
Note: Changing the engine/PTO rpm in a
particular tractor gear (or fixed hydrostatic pedal
position on tractors with hydrostatic transmission)
will not change hole spacing.
2. Make very gradual turns when aerating. Never make
sharp turns with PTO drive engaged. Plan your
aeration path before lowering the aerator. Making
sharp turns while aerating will damage the aerator
and the tines.
3. If tractor "bogs" down when operating on hard
ground or going uphill, raise aerator slightly until
speed is regained, then lower aerator again.
4. Best results are achieved when the tine entry is on a
slight incline toward the rear of the machine. Use
caution when extending the hydraulic top link to
keep from hammering the turf with the tine heads.
In some cases, you may not achieve the best results
from using the pre-set holes in the camber brackets.
Especially where the grass roots are short or weak.
You may want to experiment using another camber
setting that will set the tines on more of an incline
to keep from pulling soil out of the hole.
5. Do not aerate if the ground is too hard or dry. Best
results are obtained after a rain or when turf has
been watered the previous day.
Note: If the roller rides up off the ground while
aerating, the ground is too hard to achieve the
desired depth, reduce the aeration depth until the
roller contacts the ground during operation.
6. Raise aerator penetration, if ground is hard packed.
Clean up cores and re-aerate at deeper penetration,
preferably after watering.
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