THIS MANUAL WILL AID YOU IN THE SAFE
OPERATION AND PROPER MAINTENANCE OF
YOUR EQUIPMENT. READ MANUAL THOROUGHLY
BEFORE ATTEMPTING OPERATION. IF ANY
PORTION IS NOT CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD,
CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR
CLARIFICATION.
To make sure you are fully aware of safety and service
information, the following two symbols are used
throughout this manual.
!
This symbol is used throughout the manual to
alert you to information about unsafe actions or
situations, and will be followed by the word DANGER,
WARNING, or CAUTION. DANGER indicates
immediate hazards that may result in severe injury or
death. WARNING indicates unsafe actions or situations
that may cause severe injury, death and/or major
equipment or property damage. CAUTION indicates
unsafe actions or situations that may cause injury , and/or
minor equipment or property damage.
Additional manuals are available through your dealer.
IMPORTANT!
THIS EQUIPMENT SHOULD NOT BE MODIFIED OR
ADDED TO WITHOUT THE MANUFACTURER’S
AUTHORIZATION.
!
WARNING
Altering this equipment in any manner which
adversely affects the equipments operation,
performance, durability or use, may cause hazardous conditions.
Direct any inquiries to:
Textron Golf, Turf and Specialty Products
Attn: Director of Engineering Services
P.O. Box 82409
Lincoln, NE 68501–2409 USA
SPECIFICATION INFORMATION
All information contained in this manual is the latest
available at the time of printing. Textron Golf, Turf and
Specialty Products reserves the right to make changes
at any time without notice.
NOTE:
This appears next to information or instructions
which will help you operate and maintain your
equipment the right way.
!
WARNING
The information and instructions included in
this manual alert you to certain things you
should do very carefully. If you do not, you
could:
• hurt yourself or others
• hurt the next person who operates the
equipment
• damage the equipment.
This manual contains essential operation and
safety information and must remain with the
unit at all times, within easy access of any operator.
Whenever a name brand product is specified, an
equivalent product may be used unless stated otherwise.
CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP OR ADDRESS
Textron Golf, Turf and Specialty Products makes every
effort to keep owners informed of all safety related
information. Therefore, changes in ownership and/or
address should be reported to the manufacturer.
Your dealer has REGISTRATION CHANGE FORMS
which will be filled out and filed by the dealer for his
records, and a copy will be sent to the manufacturer.
DEALER INFORMATION
For your nearest dealer location write to:
Textron Golf, Turf and Specialty Products
Attn: Sales Coordinator
P.O. Box 82409
Lincoln, NE 68501–2409 USA
In the USA and Canada call 1–888–922–8873 (dealer
information only).
The unit model and serial numbers are printed on the
Nameplate/Identification decal located on the left side of
the aerator frame. See Figure 1.
Figure 1
3SPECIFICATIONS
Both the Lawnaire IV and V models are available with a
Briggs & Stratton engine or a Honda engine. All other
specifications are identical for each model in the same
product line.
Hole Pattern3 3/4” x 7” (95 x 178 mm) on center. . .
ProductionUp to 40,400 sq. ft. / hour. . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
4 OPERATION AND SAFETY DECALS
4OPERATION AND SAFETY DECALS
Following are the Operational and Safety decals that
appear on the Lawnaire IV and Lawnaire V aerators.
Familiarize yourself with these as it is important to be
aware of their presence and their meaning.
BEFORE AERATING
1. READ OPERATOR’S
MANUAL.
2. PLACE WEIGHTS IN BODY,
SECURE WITH LATCH.
3. IF ADDITIONAL WEIGHT
IS REQUIRED FILL
WATER TANK.
4. TRANSPORT WHEELS MUST
BE IN THE ’DOWN’
POSITION EXCEPT WHEN
OVER AREA TO BE
AERATED.
LOADING AND TRANSPORT
1. REMOVE WEIGHTS FROM
BODY.
2. DRAIN WATER TANK.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
TO AERATE
1. START ENGINE & ADJUST
THROTTLE.
2. LIFT TRANSPORT WHEELS
BY PUSHING LIFT LEVER.
3. PUSH HANDLE DOWN TO
ELEVATE WATER TANK 2
TO 3 INCHES.
4. PULL CLUTCH LEVER TO
HANDLE.
5. TO STOP AERATING,
RELEASE CLUTCH LEVER.
6. TO TURN, LIFT TINES
FROM GROUND AND PIVOT
ON WATER TANK.
7. FOR REVERSE, LOWER
TRANSPORT WHEELS AND
PULL BACKWARDS.
2703117
Operating Instructions
This decal can be found on top of the handle
bar assembly. It lists steps required prior to
aerating and instructions for loading and transporting and aerating.
HANDLE MUST BE LOCKED IN
PLACE BEFORE AERA TINGCAUTION
Handle Warning – LawnAire IV Only
This decal is found on the lower end of the handle
bars. It informs the operator that the folding handle bars need to be securely locked in place prior
to aerating.
Throttle Control
This decal is found on the handle bar next to the
engine throttle control. It tells the operator which
direction to move the engine throttle for the
desired engine speed. The throttle control decal
uses the turtle to represent slower engine speeds;
the rabbit represents faster engine speeds.
Engine Oil Level
This decal is located on the main frame, in front
of the engine. It tells the operator to have the
engine level prior to checking the oil level.
4
WARNING HANDS IN MOVING
COMPONENTS
OPERATION AND SAFETY DECALS 4
This decal is located on the main frame and provides
the operator with three message warnings:
(1) The symbol on the left shows the possible result
of working on machinery with safety shields
removed. Hands and fingers may become
entangled in belts. DO NOT operate the unit without
safety shields in place.
(2) The center symbols warn the operator and/or
bystanders to keep hands out of moving components.
(3) The symbols on the right instruct the operator to
read the service section of the operator’s manual.
Disable the spark plug wire before performing any
service or maintenance on the unit.
DANGER HANDS AND FEET
This decal is located on the main frame and informs
the operator of areas which are capable of serious
injury.
The symbol shows fingers being cut or severed. DO
NOT place hands, feet, fingers or toes under aerator
while operating the unit.
5
5 SETUP
5SETUP
Unless otherwise noted, the information in the following
sections applies to both Lawnaire IV and V models.
5.1UNPACKING THE AERATOR
Unpacking the aerator entails securing the handle and
rolling the unit off the shipping pallet.
!
WARNING
Banding is under tension and may snap back
when cut. Wear eye protection and stay clear
when cutting the band.
Figure 3
2. Pull up on the transport lift handle to raise the aerator
to the transport position. See Figure 8. Carefully roll
the unit off the pallet.
FOR ALL MODELS
1. Cut the banding securing the aerator to the pallet.
2. Unfold the handle by pulling on the transport lift
handle. See Figure 2.
1
FOR LAWNAIRE IV MODELS
1. Flip the handle locking knobs up into position over
the handle bracket and tighten. HAND TIGHTEN
ONLY! See Figure 4.
1
1
Figure 4
1. Handle Locking Knobs
2. Pull up on the transport lift handle to raise the aerator
to the transport position. See Figure 8. Carefully roll
the unit off the pallet.
Figure 2
1. Transport Lift Handle
FOR LAWNAIRE V MODELS
1. Bolt the handle in place, as shown in Figure 3.
6
NOTE:
If the folding handle will not be used, bolt the
handle in place. See instructions in the
preceding section,
For Lawnaire V Models
.
5.2CHECKING THE CLUTCH CABLE
The clutch cable is adjusted prior to shipping; however, it
should be checked before the unit is put into service.
SETUP 5
1. Pull the clutch control handle back and down and
make sure the idler engages the belt. See Figure 5.
2. Release the clutch control handle and make sure the
belt disengages completely.
3. If adjustment is necessary, loosen the nut on the
clutch spring hardware and adjust its position in the
slot of the clutch lever. See Figure 5.
NOTE:
Spring extension should not exceed .25 inch.
1
2
5. Tighten the casing clamp screw.
WIRE
THROTTLE
FRICTION
NUT
THROTTLE
CONTROL
CASING
CLAMP
SCREW
CASING
THROTTLE
STOP
SCREW
Figure 6
FOR MODELS WITH HONDA ENGINE
Refer to the following steps and Figure 7.
1. Loosen the throttle lever friction nut enough to allow
free movement of the throttle lever.
Figure 5
1. Clutch Control Handle
2. Adjustment Slot
5.3CHECKING THE THROTTLE CABLE
The throttle cable is adjusted prior to shipping; however,
it should be checked before the unit is put into service.
The throttle control should freely move in a full range of
motion forward and backward. If necessary, the throttle
cable can be adjusted as follows:
FOR MODELS WITH BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE
Refer to the following steps and Figure 6.
1. Loosen the throttle friction wing nut to allow free
movement of the throttle control.
2. Loosen the casing clamp screw on the control plate.
3. Push the throttle lever all the way forward.
4. Push the throttle cable sleeve up through the cable
clamp until fully advanced.
2. Loosen the throttle cable clamp.
3. Push the throttle lever all the way forward.
4. Push the throttle cable sleeve up through the cable
clamp until fully advanced.
5. Tighten the cable clamp securely.
THROTTLE
LEVER
THROTTLE
LEVER
FRICTION NUT
THROTTLE
CABLE
THROTTLE
CABLE
CLAMP
Figure 7
7
5 SETUP
5.4INITIAL BELT SEATING AND
ADJUSTMENT
Proper tensioning of V-belts is the single most important
factor necesssary for long, satisfactory operation. Too
little tension will result in slippage, causing rapid belt and
pulley wear. Too much tension can result in excessive
stress on belts, bearings, and shafts; reduced efficiency;
and operator fatigue due to excessive force required to
hold the bail closed.
1. Operate the drive a few minutes to seat the belts in
the sheave grooves. Observe the operation of the
drive under its highest load condition (usually
starting).
2. Check the tension on a new drive serveral times
during the first 24 hours of opertion.
3. Keep the drive free of foreign material which might
cause slippage or damage to the belt and sheave
surfaces.
4. If a V-belt slips, it is too loose. NEVER apply belt
dressing, as this will damage the belt and cause
early failure.
5. Make sure pulleys stay in proper alignment.
Misaligned pulleys can result in belt rolling in the
pulley groove causing belt damage or breakage.
8
CONTROLS 6
6CONTROLS
6.1HANDLE CONTROLS
Transport Lift Handle
Pushing down on the handle lowers the tines for aerating.
Pulling the handle up raises the tines so the aerator can
be moved or transported without incurring damage to the
unit or the turf. See Figure 8.
Clutch Control Handle
Engages the belt tightener clutch. Pulling back on the
handle engages the clutch; releasing the handle
disengages the clutch. See Figure 8.
!
WARNING
Releasing the clutch on an incline will cause
freewheeling, which will allow the unit to roll
down the incline.
Throttle Control
Briggs & Stratton Engine Controls
The engine is equipped with an On/Off switch, a choke
control and a fuel shut-off valve. The On/Off switch must
be in the “ON” position for the engine to be started.
Turning the On/Off switch to the “OFF” position will stop
the engine. Using the choke control will help start a cold
engine. After the engine starts, adjust the choke for best
running results. Once the engine warms up, the choke
should not be needed. Refer to Figures 9 and 10.
2
1
The throttle control adjusts the engine speed. Pushing
the control forward increases the speed; pulling the
control back reduces the speed. See Figure 8.
2
1
3
Figure 8
1. Transport Lift Handle
2. Clutch Control Handle
3. Throttle Control
Figure 9
1. Choke Control
2. Fuel Shut-off valve
1
Figure 10
1. On/Off Switch
6.2ENGINE CONTROLS
The Lawnaire IV & V are available with either a 3.5 HP
Briggs & Stratton engine or a 4 HP Honda engine.
9
6 CONTROLS
Honda Engine Controls
The engine is equipped with a choke, a fuel valve and an
On/Off switch. The fuel valve and the On/Off switch must
both be in the “ON” position to start the engine. Turn the
On/Off switch to “OFF” to stop the engine. Using the
choke will help start a cold engine. After the engine
starts, adjust the choke for best running results. Once the
engine warms, the choke should not be needed. Refer to
Figure 11.
1
3
2
Figure 11
1. Choke
2. Fuel Valve
3. On/Off Switch
10
OPERATION 7
7OPERATION
7.1PRE-OPERATION CHECK
1. Visually check all moving parts and all fasteners. If
loose or broken, tighten or replace. Check for broken
or bent tines; replace if necessary.
2. Check the engine crankcase and gear reduction
case oil levels with the engine resting in a level
position. Add oil if necessary.
3. Follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations
for the correct type and amount of oil. Fill the fuel
tank according to the engine manufacturer’s
specifications.
!
WARNING
Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly
explosive under certain conditions. Always
stop the engine and do not smoke or allow
open flames or sparks when refueling. BE
SURE to reinstall fuel cap after refueling.
NEVER start or run the engine inside where
exhaust fumes can collect. Carbon monoxide
present in the exhaust is an odorless and
deadly gas.
DO NOT operate equipment without shields in
place. DO NOT make adjustments or perform
any maintenance while the engine is running.
Before operating, check the area and remove
any objects which may present a safety hazard
or damage the equipment.
This unit is not designed to be used on steep
slopes. To prevent injury and/or damage to
equipment, use extreme caution when operating near terraces or hilly terrain. Travel up and
down slopes at a 45
to prevent unit from tipping over. DO NOT
release clutch handle on a slope; this will
cause freewheeling, allowing the unit to roll
down the slope.
7.2AERATING
NOTE:
For best performance and maximum tine
penetration, the lawn should be thoroughly
watered the day before aeration.
o
angle rather than across,
1. Rotate the water drum on the front of the unit until the
filler plug is positioned at the top. Remove the plug,
fill the drum with water and replace the plug. See
Figure 12.
1
Figure 12
1. Water Drum Filler Plug
2. Move the engine On/Off switch to the “ON” position
and then pull the recoil starter and choke as required
to start the engine.
3. Lift the transport lift handle if necessary to make sure
the tines are not touching the ground, advance the
throttle, slowly pull back on the clutch handle control
and transport the aerator to the work area.
NOTE:
4. Upon reaching the work area, release the clutch
5. Push down on the transport lift handle, lowering the
6. Pull back slowly on the clutch control handle to start
NOTE:
7. At the end of each aerating pass, release the clutch
8. When finished aerating, lift up on the transport lift
9. Drain the water drum when finished with aerating.
Never cross hard objects or surfaces (such as
sidewalks, driveways, stepping stones, etc.)
with tines in the down position.
control handle and adjust the throttle speed for
aerating.
aerating tines to the turf.
aerating.
For maximum tine penetration into turf, apply
downward pressure on the handle, until drum is
off the ground.
control handle, lift up on the handle assembly and
pivot the unit on the water drum. Resume aerating.
handle to move the unit into transport position.
11
8 SERVICE
8SERVICE
!
WARNING
When replacement parts are required, use
genuine RYAN parts or parts with equivalent
characteristics, including type, strength and
material. Failure to do so may result in product
malfunction and possible injury to the
operator and/or bystanders.
Any warning decal that becomes illegible
should be replaced immediately.
Do not operate equipment without shields in
place.
Do not make any adjustments or perform any
maintenance while the engine is running.
1. Thoroughly clean all tines inside and out when
aerating is completed and apply a light coat of oil to
prevent rust on tines.
6. Keep the roller chain clean and in proper running
order. Lubricate using Lubriplate #13563, available
as Part No. 523248.
7. Check the roller chain for tightness and wear . Adjust
idler sprockets if necessary by loosening the nut and
screw holding the idler sprocket to the frame and
then sliding the sprocket in the slot to the desired
position. Tighten hardware.
NOTE:
Excessive roller chain tightness will shorten the
life of the bearings. The chain should have
movement of 1/8″ to 1/4″ (3 mm to 6 mm)
deflection at the center point between the upper
idler and drum sprockets. See Figure 14.
2. Check the engine and gear reduction case oil levels
with the engine resting in a level position.
3. Inspect the air filter element and replace it if
necessary.
4. Lubricate the clutch pivot prior to each aerating
season or as needed. See Figure 13.
1
Figure 14
8.1TOUCH UP PAINT
Ransomes Green (medium green)
16 oz. (0.5L) spray order no. 838140. . . . . . . . . . . . . .