3-pt. core aerator - northern tool nortrac 3-pt. core aerator is designed to reduce the soil...

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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.


equipment or between moveable parts, even when the engine has been turned off. Hydraulic



Service work does not require going underneath the aerator.




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.


equipment or between moveable parts even when the engine has been turned off. Hydraulic



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.

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5. Stop the engine.

6. Remove the key.

7. Unfasten the seat belt.




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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Figure 4

Final Position

Figure 5

Parking Stands Lowered into Storage Position

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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


7 M10 Self-locking Nut 3 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.

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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.

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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.

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Distributed by:

Northern Tool & Equipment Company, Inc.

Burnsville, Minnesota 55306

www.northerntool.com

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3-pt. core aerator - northern tool nortrac 3-pt. core aerator is designed to reduce the soil...

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