Instructions / Assembly

4
Assembly Instructions
Tools Required for Assembly
Minimum
(2) Adjustable Wrenches
(1) Allen Wrench
Remove from Carton
1. Place the Base Plate on a flat surface, insert a 5/16” x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt into the top right hole, then
insert the bolt into the corresponding hole of the Tow Bar. Place a 5/16” Lock Washer onto the bolt and
secure with a 5/16” Hex Head Nut. Next align the Center Plate with the two remaining holes. Insert 5/16” x
3/4” Hex Head bolts through the holes in the Base Plate and the corresponding holes of the Tow Bar and
Center Plate. Place a 5/16” Lock Washer onto each bolt and secure with 5/16” Hex Head Nuts. Insert a 3/4”
Axle Bushing into the Center Plate. See Figure 1.
Remove and layout all parts and hardware packages from the carton. Identify them using the illustrations on
pages 2 and 3.
Figure 1
5/16” Hex Head Bolt
Base Plate
Center Plate
Tow Bar
3/4” Axle Bushing
5/16” Lock Washer
5/16” Hex Head Nut
13
Raising and lowering
Lower
Raise
Raising/Lowering your Spike Aerator
1. Attach the unit to your tractor on a level surface
using the provided clevis pin and clevis pin clip.
2. Once you enter the grassy surface, lower the
aerator for operation, move the handle to the side
and push back to engage the spikes.
3. When complete, pull handle forward and lock to
raise the unit and engage the wheels.
See Figure 8.
Using the Spike Aerator
Aerating involves cutting small holes into the soil to
create small reservoirs allowing air, fertilizer, and
water to reach the grass or plant’s roots. The
following lawn preparation and aerator operation is
recommended for optimal performance.
Mow the lawn and remove grass clippings prior to
using the plug aerator. Your plug aerator should be
attached to your riding mower or tractor on a level
surface such as a driveway or garage floor with
wheels engaged.
Once you are on the grass, have the tractor in the
lowest forward speed and then disengage the
wheels by moving the handle out of the locked
the ground. Speed can be increased as conditions
permit. On slopes, always operate in an up and
down direction only. Overlapping passes can be
done to increase the density of the spike point
pattern.
DO NOT make sharp turns while the plug tines are
engaged in the ground as this will damage the lawn.
Weight can be placed on the top plate to increase
the depth of plug tines penetration. Weight may be
needed for many applications, but DO NOT exceed
the maximum weight of 100 lbs. The plate has been
designed to hold concrete blocks. Secure the blocks
with suitable binding material such as rubber tie
down straps or wire. Not for use with Zero Turn
Radius Mowers.
Maintenance
1. Before each use, check all nuts and bolts for
tightness.
2. Clean after each use to prevent rust. The key to
years of trouble-free service is to keep your unit
clean and dry.
3. If rust should develop, sand lightly and then paint
area with enamel.
4. Periodically check all moving parts for free
movement and if necessary, lubricate with oil.
5. Your plug tines can be removed for sharpening.
6. Sharpening plug tines will allow you to maintain
good soil penetration.
Storage
1. Be careful to store your spike aerator with the
spikes towards the floor or a wall. Plug tines are
sharp and can cause considerable damage.
2. Always store your spike aerator in a dry area,
and coat exposed metal with light oil when not in
use.
Figure 8
5/16” x 2-1/4”
Hex Head Bolt
5/16” Nylock
Nut