HP AE40L User Manual

OPERATOR’S

MANUAL & PARTS LIST

AERA-vator

MODEL AE40L

FIRST PRODUCTS INC.

164 Oakridge Church Rd.

Tifton, Georgia 31794 U.S.A.

Phone (229) 382-4768

1-800-363-8780

Fax (229) 382-0506

Web:

www.1stproducts.com Email: Sales@1stproducts.com

Ser. 352 thru __

Printed in U.S.A.

PBREV0104

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing an AREA-vator. This piece of equipment has been carefully engineered and manufactured to provide years of reliable service.

The AERA-vator is one of the most unique and versatile pieces of equipment on the market today. It is designed for the practices of turf cultivation, seed bed preparation, and bare soil conditioning in your toughest soils.

We recommend that you carefully read the owners and operators manual prior to operation. Also ensure that all future operators read this manual and become fully trained before allowing them to use or maintain this equipment. Time spent becoming acquainted with the safe operation, performance, and maintenance of the AERA-vator will add longer life and greater satisfaction to your new purchase.

This machine is designed with safety in mind. However, if the machine is handled carelessly and not as instructed it can be a dangerous piece of equipment. Observe all safety information in this manual and decals on the equipment. You the operator are responsible when operating this equipment.

The illustrations and data used in the manual were current at time of printing. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes or add improvements to its products at any time without incurring any obligation to make such changes to products manufactured previously.

REMEMBER SAFETY IS ALWAYS FIRST !

ATTENTION:

• Read and understand the instructions and warnings carefully before using this machine.

• Read the warranty located on page 16. Fill in the required information on the warranty registration provided and return to the address on the front of this manual. The warranty registration must be returned to validate warranty.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY SYMBOLS......................................................................................................................................3

SAFETY DECALS .........................................................................................................................................4

OPERATION SAFETY ..................................................................................................................................5

OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS......................................................................................................................6

UNDERSTANDING HOW THE SWING HITCH OPERATES (PRIOR TO HITCHING TO TRACTOR)

CORRECTLY ADJUSTING THE HITCH TO THE TRACTOR................................................................................7

PRE-OPERATION CHECK LIST..................................................................................................................8

MAINTENANCE SAFETY............................................................................................................................9

OPERATOR MAINTENANCE....................................................................................................................10

AE40L SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS............................................................................................................11

ROTOR SHAFT..........................................................................................................................................................11

I. Removal & Disassembly (Clean the machine thoroughly with a pressure washer).........11

II. Reassembly and Installation ........................................................................................12

TINE REPLACEMENT..............................................................................................................................................14

..............................................................................................................................................................7

SEEDER MAINTENANCE..........................................................................................................................14

SEEDER CALIBRATION............................................................................................................................15

I. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.......................................................................................15

II. CALIBRATION PROCEDURE.................................................................................. 16

WARRANTY INFORMATION...................................................................................................................17

MAIN FRAME ASSEMBLY .......................................................................................................................17

DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENTS..................................................................................................................18

LIFT AND TRAIL HITCH GROUP.............................................................................................................19

ROTOR ASSEMBLY ...................................................................................................................................20

DRIVE LINE COMPONENTS.....................................................................................................................21

SMOOTHING ROLLER...............................................................................................................................22

GROOMING RAKE & BRUSH...................................................................................................................23

40l SEEDER MOUNTING...........................................................................................................................24

42” SEEDER DRIVE....................................................................................................................................25

42” SEEDER PARTS LIST ..........................................................................................................................26

42” SEEDER.................................................................................................................................................27

NOTES..........................................................................................................................................................29

SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................................................30

SAFETY SYMBOLS

This is a standard safety alert symbol meaning ATTENTION ! BECOME

ALERT ! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED !

CAUTION Indicates hazardous situation, injury may oc-

cur, used to alert against carelessness.

WARNING Indicates potentially hazardous situation.

Death or serious injury may occur if proper procedures are not followed.

DANGER Indicates most hazardous situation. Death or

serious injury will occur if proper procedures are not followed.

SAF

ETY DECALS

WARNING

1.)READ OPERATORS MANUAL AND LEARN TO OPERAT

THIS MACHINE SAFELY.

2.)DO NOT ENGAGE P.T.O. UNTIL UNIT IS LOWERED

3.)DO NOT LIFT WITH P.T.O. ENGAGED.

4.)KEE

P PEOPLE CLEAR WHEN OPERATING OR LIFTIN

FOR TRANSPORT.

5.)BEFORE LEAVING THE OPERATOR'S POSITION T

ADJUST, LUBRICATE, CLEAN, OR UNCLOG THE MACHINE,

STOP ENGINE AND SET

6.)WAIT FOR ALL MOVEMENT TO STO

THE MACHINE

7.)INSTALL AND SECURE ALL GAURDS BEFORE OPERATING

8.)KEEP HANDS, FEET AN

POWER DRIVEN PARTS.

Part No. AE50-

Located under shiel

BRAKE.

D CLOTHING AWAY FRO

074

DANGE

SHIELD MISSIN

DO NOT OPERATE

Part No. AE50-

P BEFORE SERVICIN

AE50-11

114

AE50-074

Part No. AE50-

CAUTI

FRAME PINCH POINT

HAZARD KEEP AW

075

AE50-075

NOTE: REPLACE ANY SAFETY DECALS

WHICH ARE NOT LEGIBL

DANGER

ROTATING DRIVELINE

CONTACT CAN CAUSE DEATH

KEEP AWA

DO NOT OPERATE WITHOU

ALL DRIVELINE GUARDS,TRACTOR

AND EQUIPMENT SHIELDS IN PLACE

DRIVELINES SECUREL

ATTACHED AT BOTH ENDS

DRIVELINES GUARDS THAT TURN

FREELY ON DRIVELIN

Part No. GP55-

007

DANGER

GUARD MISSIN

DO NOT OPERATE

DANGER

GUARD MISSIN

DO NOT OPERATE

DANGER

GP55-

004

Refer to Drive Line Owners Manual

for location of Danger Decals

(Drive Line Not Shown

)

AERA-vato

WARNING

*TO PREVENT A THROWN OBJECT HAZARD, DO NOT

ENGAGE PTO IN LIFTED POSITION.

*TO PREVENT A ROLL OVER HAZARD DO NOT LIFT TH

UNIT WHILE SIDEWAYS ON SLOPES ABOVE 5 DEGREES.

Part No. AE50-

SWINGING FRAME HAZARD

1.) STAND CLEAR 10FT. WHEN LIFTIN

MACHINE

2.) DO NOT ALLOW RIDERS ON IMPLEMENT

Part No. AE50-

Located on both ends of machine

076

WARNING

113

AE50-11

AE-

AE50-076

ROLLER ATTACHMENT

NOT SHOWN

OPERATION SAFETY

• Your Safety Is Always First! Familiarize yourself with the safety symbols and decals on pages 3 and 4.

• All operators should read and understand the following sections of this manual prior to

adjusting, maintaining, hitching to, or operating the AERA-vator: OPERATION SAFETY,

OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS, PRE-OPERATION CHECKS, MAINTENANCE CHECKS, MAINTENANCE SAFETY, OPERATOR MAINTENANCE.

• In addition, remove and read the drive line safety and maintenance manual taped to the drive line shield. After reading the drive line manual, place it inside this manual for reference.

• For the safety and instruction of all operators, keep this manual stored on the AERA-vator at all times.

• Never attempt to adjust, maintain, or remove debris from any moving part of this machine while it is attached to a tractor or other power source with the engine running.

• After operating, always disengage the power take off and switch the engine off prior to dismounting from the tractor or other power source and approaching the unit.

• Prior to starting, always inspect operating area for any hazards such as large rocks, steep slopes, low tree branches or wires. Flag objects difficult to see such as irrigation heads and water meters.

• Instruct all people in the work area to stay clear of the unit.

• Perform all pre-operation checks (page 8) prior to start up.

• Never engage the power take off while the rotors are off the ground. Always disengage the

power take off before lifting the unit. High-speed rotors create a flying object hazard when they are lowered to the ground.

WARNING

*TO PREVENT A THROWN OBJECT HAZARD, DO NOT ENGAGE PTO IN LIFTED POSITION. *TO PREVENT A ROLL OVER HAZARD DO NOT LIFT THE UNIT WHILE SIDEWAYS ON SLOPES ABOVE 5 DEGR EES.

Figure 1. Tractor Roll Over/Thrown Object Warning

• Consult your tractor Operator's Manual regarding operation on slopes. Do not lift the unit while the tractor is moving (or parked) sideways on slopes above 5°. The swing hitch may allow the unit to swing to the downhill side and cause the tractor to roll over. On slopes from 5° to 15° always aim the tractor uphill before lifting the unit. We do not recommend the unit being used on slopes above 15°.

• Use extreme care and maintain moderate ground speed when transporting or operating on slopes, over rough surfaces, or close to trees ditches and fences.

• Only operate during daylight hours or with good artificial light.

• The AERA-vator is not equipped for highway use. Be careful of traffic when operating

near or crossing roadways.

OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS

• The AE-40L AERA-vator is designed to attach to a tractor with a category one three point hitch, 540 PTO, and a minimum of 12 horsepower. However, a larger tractor may be required for increased lifting capacity. Check the tractor owner and operator’s manual for lift capacity. The weight of the AE-40Lis 570 lbs.

• Before hitching to the AERA-vator familiarize yourself with all of the tractors control

functions. Be prepared to stop the tractor movement, PTO operation, and the engine quickly in an emergency.

UNDERSTANDING HOW THE SWING HITCH OPERATES (PRIOR TO HITCHING TO TRACTOR)

With the swing stand lowered and the swing mast rearward to disengage the swing lock, grasp the hitch pins and rotate the “A” frame to simulate operation in a sharp turn. Release the hitch pins and slowly pull the swing mast forward as it would be pulled by the top link during lifting. Notice how one mast chain tightens causing the “A” frame and unit to realign and the spring on the lock link is compressed to make the swing lock engage upon alignment. Now push the swing

Figure 2. Swing Hitch Operation

mast rearward against the lock link tab to disengage the swing lock and loosen the chains to allow sharp turns again. This demonstrates how the top link of the tractor lift system switches the AERA-vator between the trail and lift modes.

CORRECTLY ADJUSTING THE HITCH TO THE TRACTOR

A category 1 hitch tractor is required with the lower links stabilized. With the AERA-vator swing stand lowered connect the lower lift links to the “A” Frame and top link to the swing mast. Push the lift control lever on the tractor to the completely lowered position. Lengthen the adjustable top link until the swing mast closes tight against the “A” Frame and the AERAvator swing stand is lifted 1/8 to 1/4 inch off the ground. This causes the combined weight of the AERA-vator and the tractor hitch components to be transferred to the tines. This ex-

Figure 3. Hitch Adjustment

tended top link also causes the

AERA-vator to tilt backwards when lifting allowing gravity to assist the swing chains in aligning the unit with the tractor. DO NOT ADD ADDITIONAL WEIGHT TO THE AERA-vator OR APPLY DOWN PRESSURE TO THE TRACTOR LIFT LINKS DURING OPERATION.

• The geometry of tractor lift linkages varies, and a trial run over uneven ground is recommended. Ideally the swing lock will not engage when aerating over the crown of a hill and the tractor hitch is always free to float upward at all times. The tines should clear curbs etc., when lifted.

• When lowering for operation, lower slowly until the tines touch the ground. Then swiftly push the lift control lever on the tractor to the completely lowered position to instantly unlock the hitch. This is especially true when lowering the unit in a sharp turn. Failure to do this may cause the swing hitch not to disengage, resulting in damage to the machine and/or turf damage. In the event the unit should fail to unlock for trail mode, stop the tractor and repeat the lowering procedure.

DO NOT TURN THE TRACTOR WITH THE AERA-vator IN THE GROUND AND THE SWING LOCK ENGAGED. DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT MAY OCCUR!

• When operating diagonally downhill or transversely (sideways) on a hillside slope above 5° the mast chains will not swing the unit uphill to center and lock on the tractor when the unit is lifted. Occasionally the unit will swing farther to the downhill side of the tractor creating the hazard of tractor roll over. If the tractor ever seems unstable, immediately lower the hitch and steer the tractor uphill or on a more level surface where it will center and lock when lifted.

• Do not back the unit up with the AERA-vator touching the ground. Always disengage the PTO, raise the unit, back to desired location and then lower the machine and engage the PTO.

• The operating ground speed of the tractor will depend on the amount of soil agitation required. Slower tractor ground speed (lower gears) will be used for renovating in extremely hard dry ground. Faster tractor ground speeds (higher gears) will be used for aeration work in normal conditions. To reduce the amount of soil agitation simply reduce the engine RPM. Three to four miles per hour is the most common speed range.

PRE-OPERATION CHECK LIST

(With the AERA-vator lowered and the tractor engine switched off...)

• Be sure that the implement is hitched to the tractor properly with all pins in place.

• Pin the swing stand in the up position.

• Be sure the driveline is correctly assembled. (The end stenciled as the tractor end is con-

nected to the tractor and not to the AERA-vator). Check to see that the end yokes are

locked to the tractor PTO and gearbox shafts. Drive shields must turn freely on the driveline.

• See that all shields are correctly installed.

• Remove any debris caught in the rotors.

• Check gearbox oil level before first operation and every 200 hours of operation thereafter.

(Refer to operator maintenance section.)

MAINTENANCE SAFETY

• Never attempt to clean, adjust, lubricate or perform any maintenance on the AERA-vator while it is attached to the tractor or any other power source with the engine running.

• Read and understand all safety decals prior to performing any maintenance. Replace any safety decals that are not legible.

• Never attempt to clean, adjust, lubricate or perform any maintenance on the AERA-vator while it is attached to the tractor in the raised position unless safety blocks are inserted under the frame.

• When not attached to the tractor, always use the lifting hook to hoist the machine for maintenance. (See Figure 4). Use extreme caution when using lifting hook because center of gravity is affected by additional attachments and the unit may shift rearward.

• When installing tines, performing any rotor shaft service, or removing debris from the rotors, ensure that the rotor shaft does not rotate because a serious pinch injury could occur.

Figure 4. Swing Stand/Lifting Hook

SWING STAND

LIFTING HOOK

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