OWNERS
MANUAL
Model No, 486.24336
CRAFTSMAN??
36" SPIKE AERATOR
CAUTION:
Read Rules for
Safe Operation
and Instructions
Carefully ??? Safety
???Assembly
???Operation
???Maintenance
???Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL. 60179 U.S.A.
PRINTED IN U.S.A,
Any power equipment can cause injury if operated improperly or if the user does not understand how to operate the equipment. Exercise caution at all times when using power equipment.
???Read the owners manual carefully for operating and service instructions before attempting to assemble or operate this equipment. Be thoroughly familiar with the proper use of this equipment.
???Read the vehicle owners manual and vehicle safety rules, and know how to operate the vehicle before using this equipment.
???Never allow children to operate the tractor or spike aerator attachment, and do not allow adults to operate without proper instructions.
???Wear eye protection when operating the aerator.
???Wear substantial footwear when operating the aera- tor.
???Do not allow anyone to ride or sit on spike aerator attachment frame or on towing vehicle.
???Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children, and also pets.
???Always begin with the transmission in first (low) gear and engine at low speed, and gradually increase speed as conditionspermit.
???The vehicle braking and stability may be affected with the attachment of this equipment. Be aware of chang- ing conditionson slopes. Refer to safety rules in the vehicle owner'smanual concerning safe operation on slopes. STAY OFF OF STEEP SLOPES.
???Always operate up and down a slope, never across the face of a slope
???This equipment should be operated at reduced speed on rough terrain, along creeks and ditches and on hillsides, to prevent tipping and loss of control. Do not drive too close to a creek or a ditch.
???Do not tow this equipment on a highway or any other publicthoroughfare.
???Follow the maintenance instructionsas outlined in this owners manual.
I _L LookBecomefor thisalertllsymbolYourto safetypoint outis involvedimportant. safety precautions,
LIMITED ONEYEAR WARRANTY ON SPIKE AERATOR
For One year from the date of purchase, when this spike aerator is maintained and lubricated according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner'smanual, Sears will repair any defect in material or workman- ship free of charge. If this spike aerator is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover repairs necessary because of operator negligence or abuse, including the failure to maintain the equipment according to instructions contained in the owner'smanual.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPART-
MENT IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. D/817 WA. Hoffman Estates, Chicago, IL 60179
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SHOWNACUTALSIZENOTSHOWNACUTALSIZE
CARTON CONTENTS
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3
&CAUTION: The spike disks have sharp points. To avoid injury, use extra care
when handling the disks and when assembling the aerator.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(2)I/2" open or boxed end wrench
(1)Hammer
Lay out and identify all garts and hardware as shown in
Carton Contents and Hardware Pack illustrations.
Assemble the two frame angles (one with the bend up and the other with the bend down) to the two end plates using eight 5/16" x 3/4" hex bolts and eight 5/16'hex lock nuts. Make sure that the frame is squared up, and then tighten. See figure 1.
I t I
FRAME ANGLE (BEND UP) "_
FRAME ANGLE (BEND DOWN)
5/16" x 3/4" HEX BOLTS (8)
5/16" HEX LOCK NUTS (8)
END PLATE (2) -
FIGURE 1
Assemble onto the axle, in order, two 3/4" washers, a spike disk hub and a spike disk. (The pegs on the hub fit into the holes in the disk.) See figure 2.
Next, assemble onto the axle, in order, a spike disk hub, a spacer and a spike disk. Repeat until all of the spike disks have been assembled onto the axle. See figure 2.
SPIKE DISK
HUB
SPACER
SPIKE DISK
SPIKE DISK _
HUB
SPRING PIN
FIGURE 2
???Finally, assemble the last spike disk hub and two 3/4" washers onto the axle and push the end of the axle on through the second end plate. See figure 3.
???Drive a spring pin into the hole in the end of the axle, stopping before it hits the end plate. The spring pins secure the axle in the frame and also prevent the axle from rotating. See figure 3.
SPRING PIN
3/4" WASHERS (2)
???Using a hammer, drive a spring pin through the hole in one end of the axle. Insert the other end of the axle
through one of the end plates. See figure 2.
FIGURE 3
4
e_??Attach two hitcharm mount brackets to the middle
_; holes ir_thefr0nt frame angle (bend pointing down) as shown in figure 4. Fasten each bracket with a 5/16" x 3/4" hex bolt, a 5/16" lock washer and a 5/16" plain hex nut. Make sure the brackets are aligned straight and then tighten. See figure 4.
6/16" x 3/4" HEX BOLT
MOUNT BRACKETS _
FRONTFRAME
ANGLE
FIGURE 4
???Assemble two hitch arm mount brackets to _e middle holes in the rear frame angle using two 5/16" x 3/4" hex bolts, two 5/16" lock washers and two 5/16" plain hex nuts. Make sure the brackets are aligned straight and then tighten. See figure 5.
???Assemble the hitch mount arms to the foul hitch arm_
mount brackets as shown in figura 6. Use f0_5/16! _ 1" carriage bolts, four 5/16" lock washers and four "; '
5/16" plain hex nuts. Do not tighten yeL See figure 6.
HITCH MOUNT ARMS
FIGURE6
Assemble the ends of the hitch mount arms together using two 5/16" x
Assemble the hitch brackets to the hitch mount arms usingtwo 5/16" x 2" hex bolts, two 5/16" lock wash- ers and two 5/16" plain hex nuts as shown in figure 7.
Tighten ell loose fasteners which were assembled in figures 6 and 7.
HITCH MOUNT ARMS
i!
.___)_5/16" x2"
points. Exercise caution at all times when
CAUTION:Spikediskshavesharp
using the aerator.
BEFORE USING YOUR AERATOR
???DO NOT attempt to aerate if ground is muddy.
=If ground is extremely hard or dry, it is recommended that it be watered down for 1 or 2 hours prior to use.
???Mow lawn and remove loose clippings prior to use of lawn aerator.
'_ Attach the aerator to the tractor hitch and check to see that the aerator is level. Adjust by loosening the bolts which fasten the hitch mount arms to the hitch arm
mount brackets. Raise or lower the position of the arms until the aerator is level. See figure 8.
HOW TO USE YOUR AERATOR
Aerating cuts small holes in the soil to create reservoirs that bring oxygen, fertilizer and water into the root zone. For best performance of the spike aerator attachment, the following lawn preparation and operation is recommended.
???Start tractor engine with controls in neutral and place throttle at slow engine speed.
???Engage shift lever into lowest possible forward speed and increase speed as conditions permit.
???Aerate in the straightest line possible, making over- lapping passes to increase spike point pattern.
???To prevent lawn damage, avoid sharp turns.
???On sloped lawns aerate in up and down direction. DO NOT aerate across the face of slopes.
???To increase spike point depth penetration add weight as required. The aerator frame holds up to three concrete blocks at approximately 35 pounds each. Weights can be secured to frame with straps or other binding material. See figure 8.
CONCRETEBLOCK HITCH ARM
MOUNT BRACKET
STRAP
HITCH MOUNT ARMS
FIGURE 8
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
o Read and follow the maintenance schedule and the maintenance procedures listed in this section.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Fill in dates as you complete regular service.
Check for loose fasteners
Check for worn or damaged parts ,Cleaning
LubrTcateSpike Disk Hubs
Service Dates
X
XX
X X
X
???Spiker points can be sharpened with a small grinder periodically to maintain good penetration. Spike disks should be removed to sharpen points.
???Before each use check nuts and bolts for tightness.
???Clean after each use. If rust appears on shield or spikes, sand lightly and coat with enamel paint.
???Lubricate the spike disk hubs with a small amount of light oil or grease at the beginning of each season.
???Always store in dry area when not in use. Coat bare metal with light oil or paint.
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12
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PARTS LIST FOR 36" SPIKE AERATOR MODEL NO. 486.24336
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For the repair or replacement parts you need delivered directly to your home
Call 7 am - 7 pm, 7 days a week
For
Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
For the location of a Sears Parts and Repair Center in your area Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
For information on purchasing a Sears Maintenance Agreement or to inquire about an existing Agreement
Call 9 am - 5 pm,
When requesting service or ordering parts, always provide the following information:
???Product Name ??? Part Name
???Model Number ??? Part Number
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