Agri-Fab 45-02993 48 Inch Plug Aerator Instruction Manual

: June 8, 2024
: Agri-Fab

Table of Contents

Agri-Fab 45-02993 48 Inch Plug Aerator
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
OPERATIONS
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Agri-Fab 45-02993 48 Inch Plug Aerator

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

28647OR1 1 Tray (48″)
24623 1 Middle Brace
24619OR1 2 End Plate
24624BL1 1 Lift Handle
28642BL3 1 Tongue
2-24 1 Shaft (48″)
23687BL1 1 Hitch Bracket
41863 2 Wheel
68589BL1 3 Wheel Bracket Assembly
63929BL1 4 Spool Assembly (Double)
43087 6 Hex Bolt, 3/8-16 x 1-1/4″ Long
43001 6 Hex Bolt, 3/8-16 x 1″ Long
44072 4 Nut, Hex 3/8 Whizloc
HA21362 12 Nylock Nut, 3/8-16 Thd.
44685 1 Spacer, Shoulder
43182 8 Hex Bolt, 5/16-18 x 3/4″ Long
R19171616 4 Washer, .531″ x 1″ x .059″
47810 40 Nylock Nut, 5/16-18 Thd.
1509-69 3 Hex Bolt, 1/4-20 x 1-3/4″ Long
47189 3 Nylock Nut, 1/4-20 Thd.
46526 2 Hex Bolt, 1/2-13 x 3-1/4″ Long
43019 2 Hex Jam Nut, 1/2-13 Thd.
48115 2 Nylock Jam Nut, 1/2″ Thd.
43009 8 Flat Washer, 3/4″
42953 8 Split Bearing, 3/4″
2-81 1 Spacer, Plastic
44500 2 Spacer, 1.00″ Long
46537 1 Spacer, 3.90″ Long
47675 2 Spacer, 5.29″ Long
47707 1 Grip
47623 1 Hitch Pin, 3/8″ Flat Head
43343 1 Hair Cotter Pin, 1/8″
24924 32 Knife, Aerator
43080 32 Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 x 3/4″
1 1 Owners Manual

OPERATIONS

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATIONS

Read this 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 plug aerator attachment, and do not allow adults to operate without proper instructions.
This aerator attachment has sharp knife points. Always handle with care and wear substantial foot wear when operating this aerator.
Do not allow anyone to ride or sit on plug 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 conditions permit.
The vehicle braking and stability may be affected with the attachment of this equipment. Be aware of changing conditions on slopes. Refer to safety rules in the vehicle owner’s manual 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 public thoroughfare.
Follow the maintenance instructions as outlined in this owners manual.

Agri-Fab 45-02993 48 Inch Plug Aerator 3

HARDWARE PACKAGE CONTENTS Agri-Fab 45-02993 48 Inch Plug Aerator
4

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

(2) 7/16″ wrenches
(2) 1/2″ wrenches
(2) 9/16″ wrenches
(2) 3/4″ wrenches or adjustable wrenches

Assemble eight aerator knives on the outside of each double spool assembly
Rotate each knife to insert the locking tab into the spool plate, then align the square holes and secure with a 5/16″ x 3/4″ carriage bolt (F), and a 5/16″ nylock nut (K).
Push split plastic bearings (W) into both ends of all spool assemblies.
Assemble a wheel bracket to the middle hole in the shaft so that the hub of the bracket faces the short end of the shaft.
Fasten the bracket to the shaft using a 1/4″ x 1-3/4″ hex bolt (B) and a 1/4″ nylock nut (L).
Tighten. See figure 2. 4. Pre-assemble a 3/8″ x 1-1/4″ hex bolt (C) and a 3/8″ nylock nut (J) to the smaller hole in the wheel bracket.
Insert the bolt from the hub side of the bracket. Do not tighten till step 18.
Assemble a spool assembly, a 5.29″ long spacer (T), another spool assembly, a 1.00″ long spacer (R) and a 3/4″ flat washer (O) onto the short end of the shaft.
Assemble a 2.38″ long spacer (S), a 3/4″ flat washer (O), the middle brace, a 3/4″ flat washer (O) and a 3.90″ long spacer (Q) onto the long end of the shaft.
The bent lip of the middle brace must face the short end of the shaft.
Next assemble a spool assembly, a 5.29″ long spacer (T), another spool assembly, a 1.00″ long spacer (R) and a 3/4″ flat washer (O) onto the shaft. See figure 4
Rotate the wheel bracket fastened to the middle of the shaft so that it is pointing upward.
Assemble an end plate, a 3/4″ flat washer (O) and a second wheel bracket onto the long end of the shaft.
Point this wheel bracket as shown in figure 5. Secure it to the shaft using a 1/4″ x 1-3/4″ hex bolt (B) and 1/4″ nylock nut (L).
Tighten. Repeat on short end of the shaft. Assemble a wheel to a wheel bracket using a 1/2″ x 3-1/4″ hex bolt (A), two 1/2″ washers (P), a 1/2″ jam nut (M) and a 1/2″ nylon jam nut (I).
Adjust the nuts so that the wheel is held securely but will spin freely.
Repeat on other side. See figure 6.Assemble the hitch bracket to the tongue using two 3/8″ x 1″ hex bolts (D) and 3/8″ nylock nuts (J).
Tighten. See figure 7. 10. Assemble the hitch pin (G) through the hitch bracket and the tongue. Secure it with the hair cotter pin (H)
Assemble the tongue to the tray using two 3/8″ x 1″ hex bolts (D), two 3/8″ x 1-1/4″ hex bolts (C), two 3/8″ whizloc nuts (N), and four 3/8″ nylock nuts (J) as shown in figure 8. Tighten. 12.
Assemble two 3/8″ x 1-1/4″ hex bolts (C), two 3/8″ whizloc nuts (N) and two 3/8″ nylock nuts (J) to the holes on the other side of the slot in the tray. Tighten.
Place the tray between the end plates. Temporarily insert one 5/16″ x 3/4″ hex bolt (E) into each back corner and one of the front corners of the tray to hold end plates together at three of the four corners. 14. Rotate the middle brace up against the tongue, aligning it on the side of the tongue that is next to the slot in the tray.
Fasten the brace to the tongue using two 3/8″ x 1″ hex bolts (D) and 3/8″ nylock nuts (J). Do not tighten until step Remove temporary bolts.
Fasten the end plates to the corners of the tray using, from the inside, eight 5/16″ x 3/4″ hex bolts (E) and 5/16″ nylock nuts (K). Do not tighten till step 18.
Place the lift handle through the slot in the tray. Fasten the lift handle to the smaller, inner hole in the middle wheel bracket using the bolt and nut which you pre-assembled earlier
Fasten the lift handle to the larger, outer hole in the wheel bracket using a 3/8″ x 1-1/4″ hex bolt (C), the shoulder spacer (U), and a 3/8″ nylock nut (J). Tighten both nylock nuts. See figure 11.
Push the grip (V) onto the lift handle.
Perform the following steps in sequence to assure secure locking of the lift handle.

Aerating means pulling small soil plugs, ranging up to three inches in length, from the soil to create small reservoirs that will bring oxygen, fertilizer and water down into the roots. For best aerator performance, the following lawn preparations and operating procedures are recommended.

Mow lawn and remove loose clippings prior to use of lawn aerator.
Start tractor engine with controls in neutral and place throttle at slow engine speed.
Engage shift lever at lowest possible forward speed and lower aerator, allowing plugger points to enter the ground. Increase speed as conditions permit.
Aerate in the straightest line possible, making overlapping passes to increase the plugger point pattern.
Avoid extremely sharp turns with plugger points engaged in ground to prevent damage to lawn.
DO NOT cross over walks or drives without first raising the aerator to the transport position.
On sloped lawns, always aerate in an up and down direction. DO NOT attempt to follow the contour of the ground.
To increase the depth of plugger point penetration, up to 140 lbs. of weight, such as bags of sand or (4) concrete blocks, may be added to the tray.
The weight can be secured to the tray with ties or straps fastened to the front and rear of the tray. Fasten so that the ties or straps cannot become entangled on rotating parts.
If the ground is extremely hard and dry, it is recommended that it be sprinkled or watered down for one or two hours prior to aerating.
DO NOT attempt to aerate if ground is too wet, (muddy).
Do to small rocks and gravel which are normally present in aerated soil plugs, it is recommended that the plugs be raked; otherwise damage to the lawn mower blades may arise, especially when reel type mowers are used.

MAINTENANCE

Plugger points can periodically be sharpened with a small grinder to maintain good penetration. Points should be removed to sharpen. Follow original angle and contour of points when grinding.
For storage, clean the aerator and lightly oil all exposed metal parts to prevent rust.

LUBRICATION