Ransomes 544917 Owner's manual

Brand: Ransomes

Model: 544917

Category: Mini tillers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

Safety & Operation

Manual

GA-30 Aerator

544915, Kohler CH 18 S

544916, EC, Kohler CH 18 S

544917, Kohler CH 18 S, Power Steering

4130452

CONTENTS

1 CONTENTS

1 Contents

2 Safety

2.1 Operating Safety.................................................. 3

2.2 Important Safety Notes ........................................4

3 Decals

3.1 Decals.................................................................. 5

4 Controls

4.1 Icons .................................................................... 6

4.2 Control Descriptions ............................................7

5 Operation

5.1 Daily Inspection ................................................. 10

5.2 Interlock System ................................................ 10

5.3 Operating Procedures ....................................... 10

5.4 Starting .............................................................. 11

5.5 Stopping / Parking ............................................. 12

5.6 To Drive / Transport ........................................... 12

5.7 Aerating ............................................................. 12

5.8 Hillside Operation .............................................. 13

5.9 Towing / Trailering ............................................. 13

5.10 Daily maintenance ............................................. 14

6Notes

Proposition 65 Warning

Engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State

of California to cause cancer, birth

defects, and other reproductive harm

All information in this publication is based on information available at time of approval for printing. Jacobsen reserves

the right to make changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.

LITHO IN U.S.A. 8-2003

SAFETY 2

2 SAFETY

2.1 OPERATING SAFETY ______________________________________________________

1. Safety is dependent upon the awareness, concern

and prudence of those who operate or service the

equipment. Never allow minors to operate any

equipment.

2. It is your responsibility to read this manual and all

publications associated with this equipment (Parts

and Maintenance Manual, Engine Manual,

accessories and attachments). If the operator can

not read English it is the owner’s responsibility to

explain the material contained in this manual to

them.

3. Learn the proper use of the machine, the location

and purpose of all the controls and gauges before

you operate the equipment. Working with unfamiliar

equipment can lead to accidents.

4. Never allow anyone to operate or service the

machine or its attachments without proper training

and instructions; or while under the influence of

alcohol or drugs.

5. Wear all the necessary protective clothing and

personal safety devices to protect your head, eyes,

ears hands and feet. Operate the machine only in

daylight or in good artificial light.

6. Inspect the area where the equipment will be used.

Pick up all the debris you can find before operating.

Beware of overhead obstructions (low tree limbs,

electrical wires, etc.) and also underground

obstacles (sprinklers, pipes, tree roots, etc.) Enter a

new area cautiously. Stay alert for hidden hazards.

7. Never direct discharge of material toward

bystanders, nor allow anyone near the machine

while in operation. The owner/operator can prevent

and is responsible for injuries inflicted to

themselves, to bystanders and damage to property.

8. Never operate equipment that is not in perfect

working order or is without decals, guards, shields,

discharge deflectors or other protective devices

securely fastened in place.

9. Never disconnect or bypass any switch.

10. Carbon monoxide in the exhaust fumes can be fatal

when inhaled. Never operate the engine without

proper ventilation.

11. Fuel is highly flammable, handle with care.

12. Keep the engine clean. Allow the engine to cool

before storing and always remove the ignition key.

13. Disengage all drives and engage parking brake

before starting the engine (motor). Start the engine

only when sitting in operator’s seat, never while

standing beside the unit.

14. Equipment must comply with the latest federal,

state, and local requirements when driven or

transported on public roads.

15. Never use your hands to search for oil leaks.

Hydraulic fluid under pressure can penetrate the

skin and cause serious injury.

16. Operate the machine up and down the face of the

slopes (vertically), not across the face (horizontally).

17. To prevent tipping or loss of control, do not start or

stop suddenly; reduce speed when making sharp

turns. Use caution when changing direction on

slopes.

18. Keep legs, arms and body inside the seating

compartment while the vehicle is in motion.

This machine is to be operated and maintained as specified in this manual and is intended for the professional

maintenance of specialized turf grasses. It is not intended for use on rough terrain or long grasses.

WARNING

EQUIPMENT OPERATED IMPROPERLY OR BY UNTRAINED PERSONNEL CAN BE DANGEROUS.

Familiarize yourself with the location and proper use of all controls. Inexperienced operator’s should receive

instruction from someone familiar with the equipment before being allowed to operate the machine.

2 SAFETY

2.2 IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES _______________________________________________

This safety alert symbol is used to alert you to potential hazards.

DANGER - Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, WILL result in death or serious injury.

WARNING - Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in death or serious

injury.

CAUTION - Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, MAY result in minor or moderate injury

and property damage. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

For pictoral clarity, some illustrations in this manual may show shields, guards or plates open or removed. Under no

circumstances should this equipment be operated without these devices securely fastened in place

By following all instructions in this manual, you will prolong the life of your machine and maintain its maximum

efficiency. Adjustments and maintenance should always be performed by a qualified technician. If additional

information or service is needed, contact your Authorized Jacobsen Dealer who is kept informed of the latest methods

to service this equipment and can provide prompt and efficient service.

WARNING

The interlock system on this aerator prevents the engine from starting unless

the brake lever is engaged, aerator switch is off and traction pedal is in

neutral. The system will stop the engine if the operator leaves the seat with

the aerator head lowered, parking brake disengaged or traction pedal out of

neutral.

NEVER operate Aerator unless the Interlock System is working

WARNING

1. Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason:

a. Return traction pedal to neutral

b. Raise aerator head

c. Engage parking brake.

d. Stop engine.

2. Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from moving parts. Wait for all

movement to stop before you clean, adjust or service the machine.

3. Keep the area of operation clear of all bystanders and pets.

4. Never carry passengers, unless a seat is provided for them.

5. Never operate aerating equipment without the discharge deflector

securely fastened in place.

DECALS 3

3 DECALS

3.1 DECALS _________________________________________________________________

Familiarize yourself with the decals, they are critical

to the operation of the machine.

REPLACE DAMAGED DECALS IMMEDIATELY.

DECALS FOR MODEL 544915

FREE WHEELING OR TOWING UNIT:

TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO PUMP ENGINE

MUST BE OFF.

TURN LEVER ON PUMP 180 COUNTER–

CLOCKWISE.

TOW SLOWLY. BELOW 2 MPH.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE. TURN PUMP

LEVER CLOCKWISE TO FULLY CLOSED

POSITION.

NOTICE

523476

AERATING HEAD MAY FALL SUDDENLY.

CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY.

SUPPORT AERATING HEAD DURING

MAINTENANCE.

SEE OPERATOR’S/MAINTENANCE MANUAL.

524727

WARNING

EXPOSED BELTS AND/OR

CHAINS.

CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY.

DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT

COVERS IN PLACE.

SEE OPERATOR’S/

MAINTENANCE MANUAL.

524728

WARNING

EXPOSED MOVING PARTS.

CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY.

DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT

COVERS IN PLACE.

SEE OPERATOR’S/

MAINTENANCE MANUAL.

524729

WARNING

1. START ENGINE BY MOVING THROTTLE TO FULL OPEN POSI-

TION AND CHOKE AS NECESSARY. THE FORWARD/REVERSE

FOOT PEDAL MUST BE IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION AND OPER-

ATOR MUST BE IN SEAT TO START THE ENGINE.

2. SET THE SPACING CONTROL LEVER TO YOUR DESIRED HOLE

SPACING; 1–1/2 TO 2–1/2 INCH SPACING FOR GREENS, OR

2–1/2 TO 5 INCHES FOR FAIRWAYS OR SPORTS TURF.

3. ADVANCE THROTTLE TO WIDE OPEN POSITION AND START AT

SLOW FORWARD SPEED BEFORE LOWERING THE AERATOR

FRAME. WHEN AERATOR IS FULLY DOWN, THE FOOT SPEED

CONTROL SHOULD BE PRESSED FIRMLY AGAINST THE SPEED

CONTROL STOP TO MAINTAIN CONSTANT SPACING.

4. NEVER AERATE IN REVERSE DIRECTION.

5. LOCK BRAKE PEDAL BEFORE LEAVING MACHINE.

842432

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE:

TO AERATE:

1. READ AND UNDERSTAND LABELS AND OPERATOR’S MANUAL.

2. CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL AND PERFORM RECOMMENDED

SERVICE.

3. IF AERATING HEAD IS DOWN, CHECK TO MAKE SURE AREA IS

CLEAR, RAISE BY DEPRESSING LIFT PEDAL AND CRANKING

ENGINE.

524733

WARNING

FAILURE TO HEED WARNING MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL OR FATAL INJURY TO YOU

OR OTHERS ANY MAY RESULT IN EQUIPMENT AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. READ

AND UNDERSTAND ALL LABELS AND OPERATOR’S/MAINTENANCE MANUAL FUR-

NISHED WITH THIS UNIT BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT. IF ANY PART OF THIS

MATERIAL IS UNCLEAR. CONTACT YOUR FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE FOR CLARIFI-

CATION. NEVER ALLOW UNSKILLED OR IMPROPERLY TRAINED PERSONNEL TO

OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE:

MAKE SURE ALL COVERS AND GUARDS ARE SECURELY

IN PLACE. AERATION MECHANISM IS ENGAGED WHEN AERATING HEAD IS DOWN.

TINE RAMS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. EQUIPMENT DAMAGE CAN RESULT IF

OPERATED ON HARD SURFACES. CHECK TO MAKE SURE AREA IS CLEAR – ALWAYS

KEEP HANDS AND FEET FROM UNDER MACHINE.

BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT:

HITTING A BURIED OBJECT ON A STEEP SLOPE

COULD UPSET MACHINE. NEVER AERATE ACROSS STEEP SLOPES. USE EXTREME

CARE WHEN LOADING ON/OFF TRAILER. USE BRAKES IN FREEWHEEL MODE ON

SLOPES OR RAMPS.

KEEP ALL DECALS

AND LITERATURE

LEGIBLE, INTACT,

AND WITH MACHINE.

REPLACEMENT DECALS

AND

LITERATURE ARE

AVAILABLE FROM

THE FACTORY.

BEFORE LEAVING MACHINE:

MAKE SURE PARKING BRAKE IS SET. NEVER WALK

AWAY FROM MACHINE WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING.

BEFORE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE:

SET BRAKE AND REMOVE KEY FROM IGNI-

TION. HIGH PRESSURE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. DO NOT

CHECK FOR LEAKS WITH HANDS.

WARNING

2000576

HOT

SURFACE

EXPOSED AERATING

MECHANISM.

CAN CAUSE SEVERE

INJURY.

KEEP HANDS, FEET AND

OBJECTS AWAY FROM

AERATING MECHANISM

AT ALL TIMES.

524730

WARNING

Hot Surface Keep

Away

4 CONTROLS

4.1 ICONS ___________________________________________________________________

WARNING

Never attempt to drive the aerator unless you have read the Safety and Operation Manual

and know how to operate all controls correctly.

Familiarize yourself with the icons shown above and what they represent. Learn the

location and purpose of all the controls and gauges before operating this aerator.

Aerator head

engaged

Read Manual Engine Ignition

Direction of motion

Engine

Off Run Start

Slope warningAerator head warning

Service or maintenance warning Hand crush hazard

Control panel decal

Forward Neutral Reverse

Aerator head

disengaged

See towing procedure

Throttle

Choke

Hole

spacing

for

aeration

Fast

Slow

Slinging Point

Parking brake

Hand crush

hazard

Foot crush

hazard

Heat hazard Oil caution

Sound level

840748

838367

837322

524742

1 (25MM)

2 (51MM)

3 (76MM)

4 (102MM)

5 (127MM)

524690

524743

2 Mph

3.22 Kph

180

13˚

4115192

CONTROLS 4

4.2 CONTROL DESCRIPTIONS __________________________________________________

1. Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is located on the right side of the

steering cover. See Figure 4A. The engine will NOT

start unless the direction/speed control pedal is in the

neutral position and the operator is in the seat. BE

SURE to raise the aerator head BEFORE shutting off

the engine. This will disengage the aerator head and

allow for restarting of the engine.

To raise the aerator head with engine stopped, hold

down lift pedal while cranking engine.

Figure 4A

A. Ignition Switch

Note: DO NOT turn key to start position with the unit

engine running. Damage to starter drive or flywheel

teeth can result.

2. Throttle

The throttle is the lever with a round knob located on

the control panel. See Figure 4B. Push forward to

increase speed, pull back to decrease speed.

3. Choke

The choke is the lever with a round head, marked

“C”, located in the front of the control panel. See

Figure 4B. Pull up on the choke control knob to

choke engine. The throttle must be full forward (fast)

to activate choke.

Figure 4B

A. Throttle

B. Choke

4. Aerator Lift Pedal

The aerator lift pedal is located on the left footboard.

See Figure 4C. To lower and start tines, depress

pedal forward and down. To raise and stop tines,

depress pedal back and down. The engine must be

running to lower the aerator head.

Note: The engine will STOP if the operator leaves the

seat while the aerating head is down.

Figure 4C

A. Aerator Lift Pedal

4 CONTROLS

5. Direction/Speed Control Pedal

The direction/speed control pedal is the larger pedal

located on the right side of the floorboard. See

Figure 4D. The direction/speed control pedal has

three (3) positions, forward, neutral and reverse. The

correct operating procedure is to place the entire foot

on the pedal. To obtain forward movement of the

unit, depress the front part of the pedal downward

with the toe. Reverse movement of the unit is

obtained by depressing the rear portion of the pedal

downward with the heel.

The pedal returns to the neutral position when the

foot is removed.

The vehicle should not “creep” in either direction

when the pedal is functioning properly. The

adjustment of the pedal linkage is extremely critical.

This unit is equipped with an operator presence seat

switch and direction/speed pedal interlock.

The engine will stop if the pedal is out of the neutral

position and the operator leaves the seat.

6. Brake Pedal/Brake Lock

The brake pedal is the smaller pedal located on the

right floorboard. See Figure 4D. Push the brake

pedal down and pivot forward to apply brake lock.

Figure 4D

A. Direction / Speed Control Pedal

B. Brake Pedal

WARNING

The aerator lift pedal MUST RETURN to the “Neutral”

position after releasing from the “Raised” or

“Lowered” position, the hydraulic oil will overheat,

and could cause hydraulic lines to rupture, releasing

hot hydraulic oil.

Escaping hydraulic oil under pressure can have

sufficient force to penetrate the skin, causing serious

injury.

If a leak is suspected, use a piece of cardboard or

wood, not your hands, to check for leaks.

If injured by escaping oil, see a doctor at once.

Serious infection or reaction can develop if proper

medical treatment is not administered immediately.

DO NOT use a unit with a leaking hydraulic system.

See your authorized Jacobsen dealer for necessary

repairs.

WARNING

NEVER operate the unit if it creeps or if the speed

control pedal does not return to neutral when the

pedal is released.

NEVER operate the unit if you are able to start the

engine with the speed control pedal in the forward or

reverse position. Sudden, unexpected unit

movement will occur when starting and may injure

bystanders or cause loss of control. The speed

control neutral switch should be replaced

immediately.

NEVER attempt adjustment or repair of the pedal

linkage or speed control neutral switch. Improper

adjustment or repair may cause loss of unit control or

serious damage to the unit.

Any repair or adjustment necessary should be made

by an authorized Jacobsen dealer.

CONTROLS 4

7. Seat Adjusting Lever

The seat adjustment lever is located on the left side

of the seat. See Figure 4E. Pull lever out and slide

seat to desired position and release lever.

Figure 4E

A. Seat Adjusting Lever

8. Tine Spacing Lever

The tine spacing lever is located on the control panel.

See Figure 4F. To obtain the desired spacing,

loosen knob, position lever so knob is centered at

desired spacing and tighten.

Figure 4F

A. Tine Spacing Lever Knob

Note: The chart below will assist you in obtaining the

desired spacing.

1 (25MM)

2 (51MM)

3 (76M

4 (102MM)

5 (127MM)

524690

SPACING CHART

Spacing

2.5 inches X ( ) inches

Production

Square Feet Per Hour

Yield

Holes Per Square Foot

1.00 5,625 57.6

1.50 8,440 38.4

2.00 11,250 28.8

2.25 12,660 25.6

2.50 14,060 23.0

2.75 15,470 20.9

3.00 16,875 19.2

3.50 19,690 16.5

4.00 22,500 14.4

4.50 25,310 12.8

5.00 28,125 11.5

5 OPERATION

5.1 DAILY INSPECTION________________________________________________________

1. Perform a visual inspection of the entire unit, look for

signs of wear, loose hardware, and missing or

damaged components. Check for fuel or oil leaks to

ensure connections are tight and hoses and tubes

are in good condition.

2. Check the fuel supply, radiator coolant level,

crankcase oil and air cleaner indicator. All fluids

must be at the full level mark with engine cold.

3. Make sure all aerator tines are adjusted properly.

4. Check tires for proper inflation.

5. Test the interlock system.

Note: For more detailed maintenance information,

adjustments and maintenance/lube charts, see the

Parts & Maintenance manual.

5.2 INTERLOCK SYSTEM ______________________________________________________

1. The Interlock system prevents the engine from

starting unless the parking brake is engaged, traction

pedal is in neutral and the aerator head is raised. The

system also stops the engine if the operator leaves

the seat with the aerator head lowered, parking brake

disengaged or traction pedal out of neutral.

2. Perform each of the following tests to insure the

Interlock System is functioning properly. Stop the

test and have the system inspected and repaired if

any of the tests fail as listed below:

a. the engine does not start in test 1;

b. the engine does start during tests 2,3 or 4;

c. the engine continues to run during tests 5 or 6.

3. Refer to the chart below for each test and follow the

check (9) marks across the chart. Shut engine off

between each test.

Test 1: Represents normal starting procedure. The

operator is seated, parking brake is engaged,

traction pedal is in neutral and the aerator head is

raised. The engine should start.

Test 2: The engine must not start if the aerator head

is lowered. Raise aerator head by holding aerator lift

pedal in lift position while engaging starter.

Test 3: The engine must not start if the parking brake

is DISENGAGED.

Test 4: The engine must not start if traction pedal is

not in neutral.

Test 5: Start the engine in the normal manner, lower

aerator head and lift your weight off seat. 

Test 6: Start the engine in the normal manner then

disengage parking brake and lift your weight off the

seat. 

 Lift your weight off seat. The engine will shut down

CAUTION

The daily inspection should be performed only when

the engine is off and all fluids are cold. Lower aerators

to the ground, engage the parking brake, Stop engine

and remove ignition key.

WARNING

Never operate equipment with the Interlock System

disconnected or malfunctioning. Do not disconnect or

bypass any switch.

Interlock System Check

Test Operator

Seated

Parking

Brake

Traction Pedal

in Neutral

Aerator

Head

Engine

Starts

Yes No Engaged Disengaged Yes No Lowered Raised Yes No

99 9 99

99 99 9

99999

99 9 99

9 9 9 9 

OPERATION 5

5.3 OPERATING PROCEDURES _________________________________________________

1. Under no circumstances should the engine be

started without the operator seated on the aerator.

2. Do not operate aerator or attachments with loose,

damaged or missing components. Whenever

possible aerate when grass is dry.

3. First aerate in a test area to become thoroughly

familiar with the operation of the aerator and control

levers.

4. Study the area to determine the best and safest

operating procedure. Consider the height of the

grass, type of terrain, and condition of the surface.

Each condition will require certain adjustments or

precautions.

5. Never direct discharge of material toward

bystanders, nor allow anyone near the machine

while in operation. The owner/operator is

responsible for injuries inflicted to bystanders and/or

damage to their property.

6. Use discretion when aerating near gravel areas

(roadway, parking areas, cart paths, etc.). Stones

discharged from the implement may cause serious

injuries to bystanders and/or damage the

equipment.

7. Disengage the drive motors and raise the tines

when crossing paths or roadways. Look out for

traffic.

8. Stop and inspect the equipment for damage

immediately after striking an obstruction or if the

machine begins to vibrate abnormally. Have the

equipment repaired before resuming operation.

9. Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Read

Section 5.7. Use caution when operating near drop

offs.

10. Look behind and down before backing up to be sure

the path is clear. Use care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, tress or other objects that may

obscure vision.

11. Never use your hands to clean aerating units. Use a

brush to remove grass clippings from the tines.

Tines are extremely sharp and can cause serious

injuries

CAUTION

To prevent injury, always wear safety glasses, leather work shoes or boots, a hard hat, and ear protection.

CAUTION

Before aerating, pick up all debris such as rocks, toys

and wire which can be thrown by the machine. Enter

a new area cautiously. Always operate at speeds that

allow you to have complete control of the aerator.

WARNING

Before you clean, adjust, or repair this equipment,

always disengage all drives, lower implements to the

ground, engage parking brake, stop engine and

remove key from ignition switch to prevent injuries.

5 OPERATION

5.4 STARTING _______________________________________________________________

IMPORTANT: Do not use starting assist fluids. Use of

such fluids in the air intake system may be potentially

explosive or cause a “Runaway” engine condition and

could result in serious engine damage.

1. The operator MUST be in the seat and the direction/

speed control pedal MUST be in the NEUTRAL

position.

a. If aerator head is lowered, check to make sure

the area around the aeration mechanism is clear,

then depress aerator lift pedal to the RAISED

position, and turn engine over with starter.

b. Follow starting procedures in the engine owner’s

manual.

5.5 STOPPING / PARKING _____________________________________________________

To stop:

Remove your foot from traction pedal. The aerator will

automatically brake when the traction pedal returns to

neutral.

To park the aerator under normal conditions:

1. Raise the aerator heads and move away from the

area of operation.

2. Select a flat and level area to park.

a. Release traction pedal to bring the aerator to a

complete stop.

b. Raise aerator head, reduce throttle to slow and

allow engine to operate at no load for one

minute.

3. Engage parking brake, stop the engine and always

remove the ignition key.

If an emergency arises and the aerator must be parked in

the area of operation, follow the guidelines outlined by

the grounds superintendent. If the aerator is parked on

an incline, chock or block the wheels.

WARNING

NEVER start the unit with the aeration head lowered (the aeration mechanism is automatically engaged when the

head is lowered). If there is something caught in the aeration mechanism, clear the obstruction before attempting to

start the engine.

Any warning decal that becomes illegible should be replaced immediately.

Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive under certain conditions. ALWAYS stop engine and do not

smoke or allow open flames or sparks when refueling.

ALWAYS run unit engine where there is plenty of fresh air to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide fumes. Carbon

monoxide is colorless, odorless and deadly. NEVER run unit in an enclosed space where exhaust fumes will

collect.

NEVER use the unit in, or near an area where there is dust or fumes in the air which are explosive. The electrical

and exhaust systems of this unit will make sparks which can ignite explosive materials.

DO NOT place hands or feet beneath unit at any time.

Never carry any passengers. This unit is designed to carry only the operator, in the seat provided from the factory.

Use extreme care when backing unit, DO NOT back unit with aerator in DOWN position.

DO NOT place foot on directional/speed pedal when starting engine.

ALWAYS keep arms and legs inside unit while it is moving.

DO NOT leave unit with engine running or keys in ignition.

OPERATION 5

5.6 TO DRIVE / TRANSPORT ____________________________________________________

Read and follow all safety notes contained in this manual

when driving or transporting aerator. Refer to Section 5.2

for general operating instructions. When operating in

reverse look behind you to ensure you have a clear path.

Important: If this aerator is driven on public roads, it

must comply with federal, state and local ordinances.

Contact local authorities for regulations and equipment

requirements.

1. Disengage all drives and raise aerator heads to the

transport position when driving to and from the area

of operation.

2. Disengage parking brake and move throttle lever to

“Fast”. Depress traction pedal slowly.

5.7 AERATING _______________________________________________________________

Drive unit to location to be aerated. To prevent turf

damage, advance throttle to wide open position and start

at slow forward speed before lowering the aerator frame.

When aerator is fully down, the foot speed control should

be pressed firmly against the speed control stop to

maintain constant spacing. After a short run, check hole

spacing to calibrated handle. Adjust as required to be

sure calibrated handle is same as actual hole spacing.

Unit may be turned while aerating. Hole spacing will vary

during turning radius. After eight (8) hours of use, check

roller chains for proper tension. Adjust as required.

5.8 HILLSIDE OPERATION _____________________________________________________

The aerator has been designed for good traction and

stability under normal aerating conditions; however, use

caution when operating on slopes, especially over rough

terrain or when the grass is wet. Wet grass reduces

traction and steering control.

1. Always aerate with the engine at full throttle but

reduce forward speed to maintain the proper aerating

frequency.

2. If the aerator tends to slide or the tires begin to

“mark” the turf, angle aerator into a less steep grade

until traction is regained or tire marking stops.

3. If aerator continues to slide or mark the turf, the

grade is too steep for safe operation. Do not make

another attempt to climb, back down slowly.

4. Correct tire pressure is essential for maximum

traction

CAUTION

To prevent tipping or loss of control, travel at reduced

speed when making turns.

WARNING

DO NOT leave the seat UNLESS the aeration head is

RAISED and the direction/speed control pedal is in

the NEUTRAL position or the engine will stop. This

may result in personal injury and/or turf damage.

WARNING

To minimize the possibility of overturning, the safest

method for operating on hills and terraces is to travel

up and down the face of the slope (vertically), not

across the face (horizontally). Avoid unnecessary

turns, travel at reduced speeds, stay alert for hidden

hazards, and drop offs.

CAUTION

Do not operate this aerator on slopes greater than

13°.

WARNING

To prevent serious injuries, keep hands, feet and

clothing away from aerating unit when the tines are

moving.

NEVER use your hands to clean aerating units. Use a

brush to remove grass clippings from tines. Tines can

be sharp and could cause injuries.

To clear obstructions from aerating unit, raise aerator

heads, engage parking brake, stop engine and

remove key from ignition switch then remove

obstruction.

5 OPERATION

5.9 TOWING / TRAILERING _____________________________________________________

If the aerator experiences problems and must be shut

down and removed from the area, it should be loaded

onto a trailer for transport. If a trailer is not available, the

unit can be towed slowly short distances.

Note: Do not exceed 2 MPH (3.2 KPH) while towing.

Long distance towing is not recommended.

Use care when loading and unloading aerator. Fasten

aerator to trailer to prevent aerator from rolling or shifting

during transport.

Note: To prevent damage to the pump, the following

steps should be followed.

1. Engine must be off.

2. Turn knob on pump 180° counter–clockwise (See

Figure 5A).

3. Tow unit slowly, below 2 m.p.h. (3.2 K/h) to area to

load on trailer or truck.

4. Before starting engine on unit, be sure to turn pump

lever clockwise to fully closed position.

Figure 5A

A. Pump Lever

5.10 DAILY MAINTENANCE _____________________________________________________

Note: For more detailed maintenance information,

adjustments and maintenance/lubrication charts, see the

Parts & Maintenance manual.

1. Park the aerator on a flat, level surface. Fully lower

the implements to the ground, engage parking brake,

stop the engine and remove key from ignition switch.

2. Grease and lubricate all points if required. To

prevent fires, wash the aerating units and aerator

after each use.

a. Use only fresh water for cleaning your

equipment.

Note: Use of salt water or affluent water has been

known to encourage rust and corrosion of metal parts

resulting in premature deterioration or failure. Damage

of this nature is not covered by the factory warranty.

b. Do not use high pressure spray.

c. Do not spray water directly at the instrument

panel, or any electrical components.

d. Do not spray water into the cooling air intake or

the engine air intake.

Note: Do not wash a hot or running engine. Use

compressed air to clean the engine and radiator fins.

3. Fill aerator’s fuel tank at the end of each operating

day to within 1 in., (25 mm) below the filler neck.

Use clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline, 87 octane

minimum.

4. Handle fuel with care - it is highly flammable. Use

an approved container, the spout must fit inside the

fuel filler neck. Avoid using cans and funnels to

transfer fuel.

5. Store fuel according to local, state or federal

ordinances and recommendations from your fuel

supplier.

WARNING

To prevent injury, use brakes in FREE WHEEL mode

on slopes and ramps.

WARNING

Never remove the fuel cap from the fuel tank, or add

fuel, when the engine is running or while the engine

is hot.

Do not smoke when handling fuel. Never fill or drain

the tank indoors.

Never overfill or allow the tank to become empty. Do

not spill fuel. Clean any spilled fuel immediately.

Never handle or store fuel containers near an open

flame or any device that may create sparks and ignite

the fuel or fuel vapors.

Be sure to reinstall and tighten fuel cap securely

OPERATION 5

6. Inspect hydraulic hoses and tubes daily. Look for

wet hoses or oil spots and replace worn or

damaged hoses and tubes before operating the

machine.

7. Check the engine oil and hydraulic oil at the start of

each day, before starting the engine. If the oil level

is low, remove the oil filler cap and add oil as

required. Do not overfill.

WARNING

To prevent serious injury from hot, high pressure oil,

never use your hands to check for oil leaks, use

paper or cardboard.

Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure can have

sufficient force to penetrate skin. If fluid is injected

into the skin, it must be surgically removed within a

few hours by a doctor familiar with this form of injury

or gangrene may result.

6 NOTES

NOTES 6

Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products

PO Box 7708, Charlotte, NC 28241-7708

www.ttcsp.com

Ransomes 544917 Owner's manual

Brand: Ransomes

Model: 544917

Category: Mini tillers

Type: Owner's manual

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