5
Section 2
2. Stand on the operator platform in the operating
position, place the steering control levers in the
neutral position, engage the parking brake, and
start the engine. With the engine running, release
the parking brake, and step backwards off of the
operating platform. The engine should shut off.
3. Stand on the operator platform in the operating
position, place the steering control levers in the
neutral position, engage the parking brake, and start
the engine.
4. With the engine running and parking brake applied,
activate the tine hydraulic system by pressing the
tine activation control switch, see Section 4.8. Using
the tine elevation control, see Section 4.9, raise and
lower the tine assembly.
5. With the engine running and parking brake applied,
step backwards off of the operating platform. Step
back onto the operator platform and try to raise and
lower the tine assembly using the tine elevation
control. The tine hydraulic system should be
deactived and the tine assembly should not raise or
lower.
WARNING
Never operate the machine with the interlock
system disconnected or malfunctioning. Do
not disengage or bypass any switch; injury to
yourself and others or property damage could
result.
2.5 OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS
1. Know the function of all controls and how to stop
quickly.
WARNING
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. Under no
circumstances should the machine be operated
on slopes greater than 15 degrees. See Figure 2-3,
page 9 or use a slope indicator app downloaded
to a smartphone to determine approximate slope
of area to be aerated. ALWAYS FOLLOW OSHA
APPROVED OPERATION.
2. Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution on
slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss
of control. Be especially cautious when changing
directions on slopes.
3. Stay at least 2 machine widths away from drop-offs,
ditches, retaining walls, and water, and avoid any
slope exceeding 15-degrees.
4. To prevent tipping or loss of control, start and stop
smoothly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel at
reduced speed.
5. Immediately apply the parking brake if you lose
steering control while operating. Inspect the machine
and correct the problem before continuing to
operate.
6. Start the engine with the operator in the operating
position, tines in the up position, parking brake is
engaged, and the neutral lever is in neutral.
7. If the aerator ever has an object stuck in the tines,
shut off the engine, remove the ignition key, and
wait for all movement to stop before removing the
obstruction.
WARNING
DO NOT use your hand to dislodge the object from
the tines. Use a stick or other device to remove
the object after the engine has stopped running
and the tines have stopped turning.
8. Stop the machine and inspect the tines after striking
an object or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make
necessary repairs before resuming operation.
9. Be alert for holes, rocks, roots and other hidden
hazards in the terrain. Keep away from any drop
offs. Beware of overhead obstructions (low limbs,
etc.), underground obstacles (sprinklers, pipes, tree
roots, electrical wires, etc.). Cautiously enter a new
area. Be alert for hidden hazards.
10. Raise the aerator tines before backing up. Do not
aerate in reverse unless absolutely necessary and
then only after observation of the entire area behind
the machine. If you must aerate in reverse, maintain
a constant lookout to the rear of the machine and
move slowly.
11. DO NOT turn sharply. Use care when backing up.