MTD DA528 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

&

Illustrated Parts List

AERATOR

MTD # DESCRIPTION

DA528 Aerator 30 w/Brigss & Stratton 5 HP Engine w/ Closed Spoons
00029316 Set of 30 Open Spoons
00029393 Set of 30 Closed Spoons

FORWARD

The MTD Aerator-30 should only be operated and maintained by thoroughly trained
individuals. The machine can cause serious injury to anyone who misuses the machine
or does not understand it’s operation. All operators and maintenance personnel must
read this entire manual for their personal safety. Note: Safety goggles should be worn

when operating or maintaining this machine.

This manual presents the safety and operating instructions and parts breakdown necessary
to keep your MTD Aerator-30 at peak efficiency. If properly operated and maintained,
your MTD Aerator-30 will give dependable service.

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

1. FOREWORD

Your Aerator should only be operated and m aintained by
thoroughly trained individuals. The machine can cause
serious injury to anyone who misuses the machine or
does not understand its operation. All operators and
maintenance personn el must read this entire manual for
their personal safety.

Note: Safety goggles should be worn when operating or
maintaining this machine.

2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. The operator should have access to this manual at all
times.

2. Do not operate this machine until you have read this
entire manual thoroughly.

3. Make sure all guards are in place before starting this
machine.

Never

4.

5. Make certain the belt tensioner is not engaged when

6. Never stand in front of the machine while the engine is

7. CAUTION: The machine may start suddenly when the

8. If a breakdown occurs, shut off the machine immediately

9. Do not adjust the machine or perform any maintenance

10. Never run the engine in an area without proper

11. Gasoline is extremely dangerous and flammable. Do not

12. Remove all forei gn objects in the path of the aerator.

13. Do not run the aerator under low hanging limbs which will

14. When transporting the unit, always push the unit from

15. When parking the aerator a slope, shut off engine, lower

16. CAUTION: Do not exceed manufacturer's

17. Altering this machine in any way may cause injury to the

put hands or feet under the machine housing,

except for maintenance. Always use handles when lifting.
starting the engine.
running.

belt tensioner is engaged. Start machine at low
throttle and gradually increase to desired operating
speed.

and do not restart until repairs are made.
functions while the engine is running.
ventilation.
permit open flames or sparks near the engine at any

time.

interfere with the operator.
behind.
tines, and engage the belt tensioner. Never leave the

aerator on a slope in the transport mode.

recommended tire pressure. Failure to comply may
cause tire to explode.

operator or bystanders.

3. PREPARATION AND ASSEMBLY

1. Install the spoons using two 3/8"-16 x 1-3/4" capscrews,
3/8" lockwashers, and 3/8" hex nuts per spoon. This
hardware is provided.

2. Mount the handle using the 3/8"-16 x I" capscrews, 3/ 8"
lockwashers, and 3/8" hex nuts provided.

3. Mount the front support assembly using the spring pins
provided.

4. Mount the tensioner rod as follows. Attach the tensioner
rod yoke (Ref. No. 16) to the center hold of the belt
tensioner (Ref. No. 20) using the clevis pin (Ref. No. 17)
and cotter pin (Ref. No. 13). Standing behind the aerator
in the operating position, fit the end of the tensioner rod
(Ref. No. 14) through the hole in the belt tensioner
handle (Ref. No. 11) from left to right. Pull handle toward
you and you should feel firm pressure as the tensioner
pulley contacts the V-belt and the handle pulls the
tensioner rod over center to lock. If you don't feel firm

pressure or if there is too much pressure, remove the rod
from the handle and loosen the nut (Ref. No. 15). Turn
the rod clockwise to increase the pressure or
counterclockwise to decrease the pressure. Retighten the
nut (Ref. No. 15) and again fit the rod through the hole in
the handle. Further adjustments can be made by moving
the tensioner rod yoke (Ref. No. 16) to the upper or lower
hole in the belt tensioner (Ref. No. 20). When the
adjustments are complete, place a cotter pin (Ref. No.

13) through the hole in the end of the tensioner rod that
fits through the hole in the belt tensioner handle (Ref. No.

11).

5. Mount the throttle cables as follows. The throttle lever is
bolted to a bracket on the right side of the aerator handle.
The lever sho uld be moun ted on th e inside of the han dle
so that when the lever is pushed down, it pulls on the
throttle wire. Two 10-24 x 1/2" round head machine
screws with locknuts are used to mount the throttle lever.
The other end of the throttle wire is bent in an "S" shape.
It should be hooked into the speed control lever on the
engine under the gas tank. The speed control lever pivots
in a quarter moon-shaped slot and when moved all the
way to the left, is on idle and when moved to the right,
increases engine speed. To mount, the throttle lever
should be all the way up and the speed control lever
moved all the way to the left. Then the throttle wire
casing should be clamped to the right side of the speed
control frame using the screw and clamp provided on the
engine.

6. Check the engine oil and gear reduction oil levels.
Always adjust the aerator so that the engine is sitting
level when checking oil levels. Add oil if necessary. Refer
to the engine manual for proper engine maintenance.

7. Fill the gas tank with regular, lead-free gasoline.

4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO
EACH DAY'S USE

1. Check engine oil and gear reduction oil levels.

2. Lubricate all grease fittings (4 wheels, 2 caster wheel
yokes, spoon disc and shaft assembly and jackshaft
bracket).

3. Check belt and chain tension.

4. Check and tighten all nuts and bolts as necessary.

5. Consult engine owners manual for proper oil change and
air filter maintenance schedule.

5. TO START THE AERATOR

1. Disengage the belt tensioner.

2. Turn the engine switch to "on" and start the engine.

3. Adjust the throttle to a low RPM, firmly grip the handle
and engage the belt tensioner.

4. To shut off the machine, disengage the belt tensioner
and turn the engine switch to "off'.

2