Panasonic 250280 - Manual (Page 5)

STEP16: Place the lift handle through the slot in the tray. Fasten the lift handle to the
smaller hole in the middle wheel bracket using the bolt and hex lock nut which you
pre-assembled earlier. Fasten the lift handle to the larger hole in the wheel bracket using
a M8 x 30 hex bolt, the shoulder spacer, a M8 hex lock nut. Tighten.
STEP17: Push the grip onto the lift handle.
STEP18: Place the aerator right side up its wheels, locking the lift handle into the offset at
the front of the tray slot. Perform the following steps to assure correct alignment of the lift
handle with the slot.
1. Adjust the tray side to side until the lift handle rests against the right side (viewed from
rear) of the offset at the front of the slot.
2. Straighten the end plates and then tighten the eight bolts at the corners of the tray,
making sure the lift handle still rests against the right side of the slot offset.
3. Straighten the middle brace and tighten the two bolts which fasten it to the tongue.
STEP19: Make sure the lift handle still rests against the right side of the slot offset. You
should have to force the handle over into alignment with the slot when lowering the
aerator.
OPERATION
Aerating involves cutting small holes in the soil to create small reservoirs that bring
oxygen, fertilizer and water down into the root zone. For best performance of the spike
aerator attachment, the following lawn preparation and aerator operation is
recommended.
Spike points are sharp. Exercise caution at all times when spike points are rotating or
when points are being handled.
1. To level the spike tray after the aerator is attached to the tractor hitch, loosen the lock
washers and hex nuts holding the hitch mount arms to the brackets at the rear of the tray,
make the tray as level as possible and then retighten the nuts.
2. The spike tray may be raised to the transport position by pushing the lift handle
backward.
3. The spike tray may be lowered to the working position by moving the lift handle
forward.
4. Mow the lawn and remove loose clippings prior to use of the aerator.
5. Start the tractor engine with controls in neutral and then place throttle at a slow engine
speed.
6. Engage the shift lever in lowest possible forward speed and then lower the aerator,
allowing spike points to enter the ground. Increase speed as conditions permit.
7. Aerate in the straightest line possible.
8. Make overlapping passes to Increase density to the spike point pattern.
9. To prevent damage to lawn, do not make sharp turns while spike points are engaged in
ground.
10. Aerate in an up and down direction on slopes