Aerating Procedures; Subsoil Cultivation; Hard Ground - Toro ProCore SR54 Operator's Manual

surveying the site. Always use common sense
and good judgment when performing this survey.
•
Review the slope instructions listed below for
operating the machine on slopes and review the
conditions to determine whether you can operate
the machine in the conditions on that day and at
that site. Changes in the terrain can result in a
change in slope operation for the machine.
•
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning the machine on
slopes. Avoid making sudden changes in speed or
direction. Make turns slowly and gradually.
•
Do not operate a machine under any conditions
where traction, steering, or stability is in question.
•
Remove or mark obstructions such as ditches,
holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden hazards.
Tall grass can hide obstructions. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine.
•
Be aware that operating the machine on wet
grass, across slopes, or downhill may cause the
machine to lose traction. Loss of traction to the
drive wheels may result in sliding and a loss of
braking and steering.
•
Use extreme caution when operating the machine
near drop offs, ditches, embankments, water
hazards, or other hazards. The machine could
suddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the edge
or the edge caves in. Establish a safety area
between the machine and any hazard.

Aerating Procedures

Important:
If the machine has been stored for
an extended period, ensure that the PTO slip is
operational. Refer to
(page 32).
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 speed, engage the power
takeoff (PTO) clutch to start the aerator working.
3. Select a gear that gives a forward speed of
approximately 1 to 4 km/h ( 0.8 to 2.5 mph) at
the rated PTO speed of 400 to 460 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 to 460 rpm (460 on model SR72) at the
PTO.
Important:
Never operate the tractor PTO in
excess of 460 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.
Adjusting the PTO Clutch
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:
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.

Subsoil Cultivation

Subsoil cultivation, fracturing or heave is created
by a spading motion of the tine in the soil as the
aerator and tractor move forward. Quality of finish
on the playing surface after aerating will depend on
various factors including turf condition, root growth
and moisture content.

Hard Ground

If the ground is too firm to obtain the desired aeration
depth, the coring head can get into a bouncing
rhythm. This is due to the hard pan that the tines
are attempting to penetrate. This condition can be
corrected by attempting one or more of the following:
•
Best results are obtained after a rain or when turf
has been watered the previous day.
•
Reduce the number of tines per stomper
arm. Attempt to maintain a symmetrical tine
configuration to evenly load the stomper arms.
•
Reduce aerator penetration (depth setting) if
ground is hard packed. Clean up cores, water turf,
and aerate again at a deeper penetration.
24
Look behind frequently to