Equipment Focus: Aug. 1997, Maintenance is the Core of Aerator Efficiency

Peter Whurr, director of product management and training with Ransomes Corp., Lincoln, Neb., has the following suggestions for keeping your aerators in peak condition:

KEEP IT CLEAN. Whurr recommends pressure washing the entire machine at the end of the work day after the engine has had a chance to cool down. Failing to do this allows the corrosion process to get established, which is especially damaging to the tines.

INSPECT. All chains and sprockets should be checked for wear and replaced or adjusted when required. All bearings should be checked as well to be sure they are straight and in place. Tines and tine mounting hardware should be checked for wear, cracking and bending. All belts should be checked for wear and proper adjustment. Finally, all moving parts and fasteners should be inspected for loosening or cracking.

LUBRICATION. All moving parts, including tines and chains, should be lubricated with a spray lubricant except for O-ring sealed chains, which require a special lubricant. All fittings should also be lubricated and wiped clean.

ENGINE. Check the engine to be sure the oil is kept at the appropriate level, and use the grade of oil recommended by the manufacturer. The machine should be in a level position so the reading is accurate. Also, check the air filter and clean if necessary.

TIRES. Improperly inflated tires can can shorten tire life and even alter the performance of the machine, so check the tire pressure with a gauge regularly and adjust when needed.