3-pt. core aerator - northern tool · the nortrac 3-pt. core aerator is designed to reduce the soil...
TRANSCRIPT
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
3-Pt. Core Aerator
Owner’s Manual
WARNING: Read carefully and understand all ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION
INSTRUCTIONS before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic safety
precautions may result in serious personal injury.
Item #51438 & #51439
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Thank you very much for choosing a Nortrac™ product!
For future reference, please complete the owner’s record below:
Serial Number/Lot Date Code: ________________________________
Purchase Date: ____________________________________________
Save the receipt, warranty, and this manual. It is important that you read
the entire manual to become familiar with this aerator before you begin
using it.
This 3-Pt. Core Aerator is designed for certain applications only.
Northern Tool & Equipment is not responsible for issues arising from
modification or improper use of this product such as an application for
which it was not designed. We strongly recommend that this aerator not
be modified and/or used for any application other than that for which it
was designed.
For technical questions, please call 1-800-222-5381.
Page 3 of 17
Table of Contents
Intended Use .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Technical Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 4
Important Safety Information ............................................................................................................... 4
Specific Operation Warnings ............................................................................................................... 6
Care of Safety Labels ............................................................................................................................ 7
Before Each Use .................................................................................................................................... 7
Operating Instructions .......................................................................................................................... 8
Assembly Instructions .......................................................................................................................... 9
Cleaning the Aerator ........................................................................................................................... 10
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 11
Parts Diagram ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Parts List .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Replacement Parts .............................................................................................................................. 14
Limited Warranty ................................................................................................................................. 16
Page 4 of 17
Intended Use
The NorTrac 3-Pt. Core Aerator is designed to reduce the soil compaction of an established turf area.
The hardened spoons attached to the reels penetrate and remove a 3/4 x 4-1/2” plug from the soil. Up
to 1000 lb of additional weight can be added to the frame to ensure the proper penetration by the
spoons. The power for operating the aerator is developed through the weight of the equipment and
the contact between the spoons and the turf.
The Core Aerator is designed for use with category I, 3-point tractors.
Technical Specifications
Property 51438 Specification 51439 Specification
Working Width 48" 60"
Overall Width 54.5" 66.5"
Number of Reels 8 12
Number of Spoons 64 96
Hitch Cat.1 Cat.1
Tractor HP Requirement 20-65 HP 30-65 HP
Maximum Additional weight 1000 lb 1000 lb
Weight 437 lb 539 lb
Tractor 3-Point Lift Requirement 500 lb 600 lb
Frame 3/8" Heavy-duty frame with rack to hold additional weight
Pivot Shaft 1-1/4" Shaft with reinforcement structure
Spoons 3/4" OD Hardened closed spoons, 4-1/2" penetration
Bearings Greaseable journal bearings for each spoon assembly
Important Safety Information
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in serious injury
or property damage.
The warnings, cautions, and instructions in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions or
situations that could occur. Exercise common sense and caution when using this tool. Always be
aware of the environment and ensure that the tool is used in a safe and responsible manner.
Do not allow persons to operate or assemble the aerator until they have read this manual and
have developed a thorough understanding of how it works.
Do not modify this aerator in any way. Unauthorized modification may impair the function and/or
safety and could affect the life of the aerator. There are specific applications for which the aerator
was designed.
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Use the right tool for the job. DO NOT attempt to force small equipment to do the work of larger
industrial equipment. There are certain applications for which this equipment was designed. It will
do the job better and more safely at the capacity for which it was intended. DO NOT use this
equipment for a purpose for which it was not intended.
Industrial or commercial applications must follow OSHA requirements.
WORK AREA SAFETY
Inspect the work area before each use. Keep work area clean, dry, free of clutter, and well lit.
Cluttered, wet, or dark work areas can result in injury. Using the aerator in confined work areas
may put you dangerously close to other cutting tools and rotating parts.
Do not allow the aerator to come into contact with an electrical source. The aerator is not
insulated and contact will cause electrical shock.
Keep children and bystanders away from the work area while operating the aerator. Do not allow
children to handle the aerator.
Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits, water pipes, and other mechanical hazards in your
work area. Some of these hazards may be hidden from your view and may cause personal injury
and/or property damage if contacted.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating the aerator. Do not
use the aerator while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A
moment of inattention while operating the aerator may result in serious personal injury.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects, or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing
and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving
parts. Air vents on the tool often cover moving parts and should be avoided.
Wear the proper personal protective equipment when necessary. Use ANSI Z87.1 compliant
safety goggles (not safety glasses) with side shields, or when needed, a face shield. Use a dust
mask in dusty work conditions. Also use non-skid safety shoes, hardhat, gloves, dust collection
systems, and hearing protection when appropriate. This applies to all persons in the work area.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
Do not use the aerator when tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
Remove keys or wrenches before connecting the tool to an air supply, power supply, or turning on
the aerator. A wrench or key that is left attached to a rotating part of the aerator may cause
personal injury.
Secure the work with clamps or a vise instead of your hand when practical. This safety precaution
allows for proper aerator operation using both hands.
PRODUCT USE AND CARE
Do not force the aerator. Products do a better and safer job when used in the manner for which
they are designed. Plan your work, and use the correct product for the job.
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Check for damaged parts before each use. Carefully check that the aerator will operate properly
and perform its intended function. Replace damaged or worn parts immediately. Never operate
the aerator with a damaged part.
Store the aerator when it is not in use. Store it in a dry, secure place out of the reach of children.
Inspect the tool for good working condition prior to storage and before re-use.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for use with your aerator.
Accessories that may be suitable for one product may create a risk of injury when used with
another tool. Never use an accessory that has a lower operating speed or operating pressure
than the tool itself.
Keep guards in place and in working order. Never operate the aerator without the guards in place.
Specific Operation Warnings
CRUSHING AND PINCHING HAZARD
Implement is heavy. Use extreme caution when handling various parts of the machine. Hands,
fingers, and other body parts could be crushed or pinched between tractor and implement.
DO NOT stand between the tractor and the implement when the tractor is in gear.
Operate controls from tractor seat only.
Make sure parking brake is engaged before going between tractor and implement.
DO NOT service equipment while attached to tractor.
To prevent serious injury or death:
Read and understand the Owner’s Manual before operating, servicing, or repairing equipment.
Stop the engine, remove the key, and set the brake before dismounting the tractor.
Operate from the tractor seat only.
DO NOT operate without guards in place and without the equipment being in good, working
condition.
Never allow riders on equipment.
Keep bystanders at least 25 feet away while operating.
DO NOT operate or transport on steep inclines.
DO NOT exceed this implement’s maximum speed of 5 MPH. Exceeding this speed may result in
loss of control during transport or braking.
DO NOT use if the implement is damaged. Repair before continuing use.
DO NOT exceed the load capacity
Parking stands must be functional, kept in good repair, and stored on the unit.
Park and store on a hard, level surface.
Store out of reach of children. Not for use by or around children.
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FALLING OFF CAN RESULT IN IMPALEMENT OR BEING RUN OVER.
The tractor must be equipped with a Roll Over Protection Structure (or ROPS CAB) and a seat
belt. Keep the foldable ROPS system in the “locked up” position at all times.
Keep the seat belt securely fastened.
Never allow riders on the equipment.
RAISED EQUIPMENT CAN DROP AND CRUSH.
Before servicing, follow all instructions and safety rules in the Owner’s Manual and securely block
all corners of equipment with jack stands.
Securely blocking prevents equipment dropping due to mechanical component failures.
FALLING OFF OR FAILING TO BLOCK SECURELY CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH.
Care of Safety Labels
Use a clean, damp cloth to clean the safety decals.
Avoid spraying too closely to the decals when using a pressure washer. High-pressure water
can enter through very small scratches, or under edges of the decals, causing them to peel or
fall off.
Before Each Use
Training
Safety instructions are important! Read all attachment and power unit manuals; follow all
safety rules and safety decal information. (Replacement manuals and safety decals are
available from your dealer.) Failure to follow instructions or safety rules can result in serious
injury or death.
If you do not understand any part of this manual and need assistance, see your dealer.
Operator should know the controls and how to stop the engine and the attachment quickly in
an emergency.
Operators must be instructed in and be capable of the safe operation of the equipment, its
attachments, and all controls. Do not allow anyone to operate this equipment without proper
instructions.
Never allow children or untrained persons to operate equipment.
Preparation
Check that all hardware is properly installed. Always tighten to torque chart specifications
unless instructed otherwise in this manual.
Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to avoid getting caught in moving parts. Wear
sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and protective equipment for eyes, hair, hands, hearing, and
head; and a respirator or filter mask where appropriate.
Make sure the attachment is properly secured, adjusted, and in good operating condition.
The power unit must be equipped with ROPS or ROPS cab and seat belt. Keep the seat belt
securely fastened.
Page 8 of 17
Operating Instructions
The operator is responsible for the safe operation of this aerator. The operator must be properly
trained. Operators should be familiar with the equipment, the tractor, and all safety practices before
starting operation. Read the safety rules and the safety decals.
Recommended tractor ground speed is from 2 to 5 mph.
WARNING
Power unit must be equipped with ROPS or ROPS cab and seat belt. Keep seat belt securely
fastened. Falling off power unit can result in death from being run over or crushed. Keep foldable
ROPS system in “locked up” position at all times.
Never allow children or untrained persons to operate this equipment.
Keep bystanders away from this equipment.
NEVER GO UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. Never place any part of the body underneath
equipment or between moveable parts, even when the engine has been turned off. Hydraulic
system leak-down, hydraulic system failures, mechanical failures, or movement of control levers
can cause equipment to drop or rotate unexpectedly and cause severe injury or death.
Service work does not require going underneath implement.
Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from equipment while the engine is running. Stay clear
of all moving parts.
Pre-Operation Check List (Owner’s Responsibility)
Review and follow all safety rules and safety decal instructions.
Check that equipment is properly and securely attached to the tractor.
Check that all safety decals are installed and in good condition. Replace if damaged.
Do not allow riders.
Check that all hardware is properly installed and secured.
Check all lubrication points and grease as instructed in Lubrication Information section (page
16).
Make sure tractor ROPS or ROPS CAB and the seat belt are in good condition. Keep the seat
belt securely fastened during operation.
Core Aerator Operation
The Core Aerator is designed to reduce the soil compaction of an established turf area. The hardened
spoons attached to the reels penetrate and remove a 3/4 x 4-1/2” plug from the soil. Up to 1000 lb of
additional weight can be added to the frame to ensure the proper penetration by the spoons.
The power for operating the aerator is developed through the weight of the equipment and the contact
between the spoons and the turf. The operator should know how to stop the tractor and aerator
quickly in an emergency. Survey the area to be worked and remove any obstructions that may affect
the performance of the equipment.
Tractor Stability
A minimum of 20% tractor and equipment weight must be on the tractor front wheels when
attachments are in transport position. Without this weight, front tractor wheels could raise up resulting
in loss of steering. The weight may be attained with front wheel weights, ballast in tires or front tractor
Page 9 of 17
weights. Do not estimate: weigh the tractor and equipment.
Assembly Instructions
Attaching Core Aerator to Tractor
NOTE: The Core Aerator is designed for use on category I, 3-point tractors.
1. Attach the tractor’s lower lift arms to the Core Aerator and secure with the self-lock pin (17).
. Figure 1
2. Attach the tractor’s top link to the upper mast of the aerator. Secure with high-strength top link
pin and retaining pin provided with the tractor.
Page 10 of 17
Figure 2
3. Attach the upper link arm with the pin and retaining clip (16).
4. To adjust the fore and aft, you need to move the upper link arm.
Cleaning the Aerator
After Each Use
Remove large debris from this machine (e.g., clumps of dirt, grass, and crop residue).
Inspect the machine and replace worn or damaged parts.
Replace any safety decals that are missing or not readable.
Periodically or Before Extended Storage
Clean large debris from this machine (e.g., clumps of dirt, grass, and crop residue).
Remove the remainder of debris using a low-pressure water spray.
Be careful when spraying near scratched or torn safety decals or near the edges of decals
because water spray can peel them off the surface.
Be careful when spraying near chipped or scratched paint as water spray can lift paint.
If a pressure washer is used, follow the advice of the pressure washer manufacturer.
Inspect the machine and replace worn or damaged parts.
Sand down scratches and the edges of areas missing paint. Coat with spray paint of matching
color.
Replace any safety decals that are missing or unreadable.
Drain water from optional water weight kit to avoid freezing and damage to the plastic tanks.
Page 11 of 17
Maintenance
Caution: Before dismounting the power unit or performing any service or maintenance, follow these
steps:
1. Disengage the power to the equipment.
2. Lower the 3-point hitch and all of the raised components to the ground.
3. Operate the valve levers to release any hydraulic pressure.
4. Set the parking brake.
5. Stop the engine.
6. Remove the key.
7. Unfasten the seat belt.
NEVER GO UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. Never place any part of the body underneath
equipment or between moveable parts, even when the engine has been turned off. Hydraulic
system leak-down, hydraulic system failures, mechanical failures, or movement of control levers
can cause equipment to drop or rotate unexpectedly and cause severe injury or death.
Service work does not require going underneath the aerator.
Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to avoid getting caught in moving parts. Wear
sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and protective equipment for eyes, hair, hands, hearing, and
head; and a respirator or filter mask where appropriate.
Make sure the attachment is properly secured, adjusted, and in good operating condition.
Keep all persons away from the operator control area while performing adjustments, service, or
maintenance.
Tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws to the torque chart specifications. Check that all cotter pins are
installed securely to ensure the equipment is in a safe condition before putting unit into service.
Make sure all safety decals are installed. Replace if damaged.
Make sure shields and guards are properly installed and in good condition. Replace if they are
damaged.
Troubleshooting
The information in this section is written for operators who possess basic mechanical skills. If you
need help, your dealer has trained service technicians available. For your protection, read and follow
the safety information in this manual.
NEVER GO UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. Never place any part of the body underneath
equipment or between moveable parts even when the engine has been turned off. Hydraulic
system leak-down, hydraulic system failures, mechanical failures, or movement of control levers
can cause equipment to drop or rotate unexpectedly and cause severe injury or death.
Service work does not require going underneath implement.
Keep all persons away from the operator control area while performing adjustments, service, or
maintenance.
Before dismounting the power unit or performing any service or maintenance, follow these steps:
1. Disengage the power to the equipment.
2. Lower the 3-point hitch and all of the raised components to the ground.
3. Operate the valve levers to release any hydraulic pressure.
4. Set the parking brake.
Page 12 of 17
5. Stop the engine.
6. Remove the key.
7. Unfasten the seat belt.
Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to avoid getting caught in moving parts. Wear
sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and protective equipment for eyes, hair, hands, hearing, and
head; and a respirator or filter mask where appropriate.
Lubrication Information
Clean the fittings prior to lubrication.
Lubricate grease fittings for every 8 hours of operation. In most cases, one pump of a good grade,
multi-purpose grease should be a sufficient amount. (Harsh or dry conditions may require more
frequent lubrication.)
Do not let excessive grease build up around lubrication points.
Figure 3 Lubricating the Zerk Fittings
Storage
1. Raise the aerator off the ground to provide necessary clearance to adjust the parking stands.
2. Remove pins (16) from the parking stand mounting tube and lower the stand to the storage
position.
3. Reinstall pin.
4. Repeat for the remaining three stands.
5. Lower the aerator to the ground and disconnect from the tractor. Carefully drive the tractor away
from the aerator when disconnected (figures 4 and 5, page 13).
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Parts Diagram
Parts List
Reference Part Description Qty. Replacement Part
1 32x53 Sleeve 1 Available
2 M12 Nut 1 Available
3 M12 x 45 Bolt 1 Available
4 M20 Spring Washer 2 Available
5 M20 Bolt 2 Available
6 M10 x 30 Bolt 3 Available
7 M10 Self-locking Nut 3 Available
8 M10 x 50 Bolt 128 Available
9 M10 Self-locking Nut 128 Available
10 40” Blade 64 Available
11 Axle Sleeve 4 Available
12 70 x Dia 35 Large Gasket 8 Available
13 Flange Plate 16 Available
14 Axle Sleeve 2 Available
15 Stand Base 4 Available
16 Spring Pin 4 Available
17 Self-lock Pin 2 Available
18 Drive Axle 1 Available
Replacement Parts
For replacement parts and technical questions, please call Customer Service at 1-800-222-5381.
Not all product components are available for replacement. The illustrations provided are a
convenient reference to the location and position of parts in the assembly sequence.
Page 15 of 17
When ordering parts, the following information will be required: item description, item model
number, item serial number/item lot date code, and the replacement part reference number.
The distributor reserves the rights to make design changes and or improvements to product lines
and manuals without notice.
Page 16 of 17
Limited Warranty
Nortrac ("We'' or '"Us'') warrants to the original purchaser only ("You'' or “Your”) that the Nortrac
product purchased will be free from material defects in both materials and workmanship, normal wear
and tear excepted, for a period of one year from date of purchase. The foregoing warranty is valid
only if the installation and use of the product is strictly in accordance with product instructions. There
are no other warranties, express or implied, including the warranty of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose. If the product does not comply with this limited warranty, Your sole and exclusive
remedy is that We will, at our sole option and within a commercially reasonable time, either replace
the product or product component without charge to You or refund the purchase price (less shipping).
This limited warranty is not transferable.
Limitations on the Warranty
This limited warranty does not cover: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) damage through abuse, neglect,
misuse, or as a result of any accident or in any other manner; (c) damage from misapplication,
overloading, or improper installation; (d) improper maintenance and repair; and (e) product alteration
in any manner by anyone other than Us, with the sole exception of alterations made pursuant to
product instructions and in a workmanlike manner.
Obligations of Purchaser
You must retain Your product purchase receipt to verify date of purchase and that You are the original
purchaser. To make a warranty claim, contact Us at 1-800-222-5381, identify the product by make
and model number, and follow the claim instructions that will be provided. The product and the
purchase receipt must be provided to Us in order to process Your warranty claim. Any returned
product that is replaced or refunded by Us becomes our property. You will be responsible for return
shipping costs or costs related to Your return visit to a retail store.
Remedy Limits
Product replacement or a refund of the purchase price is Your sole remedy under this limited warranty
or any other warranty related to the product. We shall not be liable for: service or labor charges or
damage to Your property incurred in removing or replacing the product; any damages, including,
without limitation, damages to tangible personal property or personal injury, related to Your improper
use, installation, or maintenance of the product or product component; or any indirect, incidental or
consequential damages of any kind for any reason.
Assumption of Risk
You acknowledge and agree that any use of the product for any purpose other than the specified
use(s) stated in the product instructions is at Your own risk.
Governing Law
This limited warranty gives You specific legal rights, and You also may have other rights which vary
from state to state. Some states do not allow limitations or exclusions on implied warranties or
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to You. This limited
warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to rules pertaining to
conflicts of law. The state courts located in Dakota County, Minnesota shall have exclusive jurisdiction
for any disputes relating to this warranty.