6 OPERATION
8
6 OPERATION
6.1 PRE–OPERATION CHECK
1. Check grounds area and remove foreign objects
which may be a hazard to the operator or could
damage the equipment.
2. BE SURE all under ground obstacles are clearly
marked.
3. Visually check all moving parts and fasteners, if
broken or loose, replace or tighten. Check for broken
or bent tines, replace as necessary.
4. BE SURE that all shields and guards are in place.
NEVER make adjustments or perform any
maintenance while the PTO is engaged.
6.2 BEGINNING AERATION
CAUTION
!
Position the tractor’s three point hitch arms to clear
the GA 60PT’s hitch and drive line when turning.
The tractor’s three point hitch arms may need to be
removed.
To prevent possible breakage of hydraulic lift cylin-
der brackets on frame, unit MUST BE resting on
down stops while aerating.
NEVER use the hydraulic lift cylinder to adjust
depth of aeration.
AERATING DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
The GA 60PT is designed to aerate at a MAXIMUM
depth of 4” (102 mm). The operator should be aware that,
in extremely hard soil, the machine may not be capable
of pushing the tines 4” (102 mm) into the ground. DO
NOT operate with the depth setting at the 4” (102 mm)
maximum when the tines are only penetrating 2–3 inches
(51–76 mm). Operating under these conditions will
cause premature wear and/or broken components in the
aerator linkage. If the aerator tires consistently ride up off
the turf or bounce up off the turf, the ground is too hard.
NEVER try to aerate at a depth greater than the soil
conditions will allow. The operator must first make a test
run, measure the depth of the holes, and set the depth
adjustment to correspond to soil conditions. After
aerating the area once or twice at that depth to loosen the
sub–soil, it may be possible to lower the settings each
time until the 4” (102 mm) maximum depth can be
accomplished without abusing the GA 60PT.
AGAIN––Aerate a small test plot, measure the depth of
the hole and adjust the depth setting on the GA 60PT to
match it.
If aerating extremely hard soil, additional penetration is
possible with added water, either by rain or irrigation.
Moist ground is easier to aerate than dry ground and is
also easier on the aerator mechanism.
If aerating in soil with rocks or stones, additional
penetration over time may not be possible. The operator
must determine what depth is possible for that area and
be sure not to exceed that depth.
Adjusting the depth from 2 1/2” (64 mm) to 4” (102 mm) is
accomplished by adjusting the 1/2” (13 mm) axle stop
spacers shown in Figure 5.
CAUTION
!
Use extreme caution when backing the GA 60PT.
DO NOT back the GA 60PT with the aerator heads
in the down position. The tines and tine rams will
be SEVERELY DAMAGED.
DO NOT operate the GA 60PT over any hard sur-
faces (ie. driveways, sidewalks, ect.) with aerator
heads in the down position.
With the aerator heads raised, the GA 60PT can be
transported at any reasonable safe speed (10 m.p.h.
maximum). ALWAYS use extreme care when towing
aerator at any speeds above 5 m.p.h.
NOTE: The GA 60PT may be damaged if towed on a
flatbed trailer without the aerator heads lowered.
Place boards or similar type material on trailer to
prevent damage to trailer and/or tines when the
heads are lowered. Place blocks on the downstops
and lower the aerator heads.
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2
Figure 5
1. Downstop Block
2. Spacers