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 substeintial 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.
Repair Parts List.....................................................7
Parts Ordering/Seiyice
Always begin with the transmission in first (low) gear
and engine at low speed, and gradually increase
speed as conditions permit.
T^e vehicle braking and stability may be affected with
the attachment of this equipment. Be aware of chang
ing 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.
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means-Attentionll
Become alert) 1 Your safety is involved.
WARRANTY
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON SPIKE AERATOR
For one year fi'om the date of purchase, when this spike aerator is maintained and lubricated according to the
operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, 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's manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES.
TTiis 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
Page 3
SHOWN ACUTAL SIZE
Ref.
Qty.
Bolt, Carriage, 5/16" x 1"
12
12
4
Bolt, Hex, 5/16" X 3/4"
Bolt, Hex, 5/16“ X 1-1/4"
2
Bolt, Hex, 5/16" X 2"
2
Washer, 3/4" Std. Wrt.
4
Lock Washer, 5/16"
A
B
C
D
E
F
CARTON CONTENTS
Description-
Ref.Qty.
G12
H8
1
J
K10
L4
2
8Tube, Spacer
Description ■
Nut, Hex Plain 5/16"
Nut, Hex Lock 5/16"
Spring Pin, 1/4" X 2"
Hub, Spike Disk
Hitch Arm Mount Bracket
1. End Plate (2)
2. Frame Angle (2)
3. Spike Disk (9)
4. Axle
5. Hitch Bracket (2)
6. Hitch Mount Am (2)
Hardware Pack {Shown above)
Page 4
CAUTION: The spike disks have sharp
points. To avoid injury, use extra care
A
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(2) 1/2" open or boxed end wrench
(1) Hammer
Lay out and identify all parts 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.
when handling the disks and when
assembling the aerator.
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.
• Using a ham mer, drive a spri ng 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. .
• 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.
Page 5
• f f Attach two hitch arm mount brackets to the middle
holes frönt 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.
Assemble the hitch mount arms to the fouf hitch aim.:
mount brackets as shown in figure 6. Usé fbur 5/16" x
r carriage bolts, four 5/16" lock washers and four '
5/16" plain hex nuts. Do not tighten yet See figure
6.
Assemble two hitch arm mount brackets to the 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 ends of the hitch mount arms together
using two 5/16" X1 -1/4" hex bolts, two 5/16" lock
washers and two 5/16" plain hex nuts as shown in
figure 7. Do not tighten yet.
• Assemble the hitch brackets to the hitch mount arms
using two 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 ail loose fasteners which were assembled in
figures 6 and 7.
Page 6
OPERATION
CAUTION: Spike disks have sharp
points. Exercise caution at all times when
A
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.
using the aerator.
<* 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 fonward 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.
CONCRETE BLOCK
FIGURE 8
HITCH ARM
MOUNT BRACKET
HITCH MOUNT ARMS
MAINTENANCE/STORAGE
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and follow the maintenance schedule and the maintenance procedures listed in this section.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Fill in dates as you
complete regular service. Service Dates
Check for loose fastenersX
Check for worn or damaged parts
Cfeanino
Lubricate Spike Disk Hubs
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 tightly and coat with enamel paint.
X
X
X
X
X
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.
Page 7
PARTS LIST FOR 36" SPIKE AERATOR MODEL NO. 486.24336
REF.
NO.
1
2
3
4
5
623903
7
8
9
10
PART
QTY.
NO.
-
24012
239009
464998
45148
24013
45187
43182
430648
1540-1624
DESCRIPTIONREF.
Angle Frame
2
Disc, Spike1223914
Spacer, Tube
Hub, Spike Disc
10
Axle
1
End Plate
2
Pin, Spring
2
12
Bolt, Hex 5/16-18 X 3/4 PLTD
Nut, Hex Lock 5/16-18
Washer, 3/4"
NO.
11
13
14
15
16
17
18
PART
QTY.DESCRIPTION
NO.
23981
23442
44326
43086
12Lock Washer, 5/16 Spring Type
4308312
438402
441802
47301
2Bracket, Hitch
Arm, Hitch Mount
2
4Bracket, Hitch Arm Mount
4Bolt, Carriage 5/16-18x1"