Aerator 686 and 687

Model No. 44856-Serial No. 400000000 and Up

Model No. 44867-Serial No. 400000000 and Up

Introduction

This aerator is intended to be used by trained operators in residential and commercial applications. It is primarily designed for aerating areas of well-maintained lawns on residential grounds, parks, sports fields, and on commercial grounds.

Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and product damage. You are responsible for operating the product properly and safely.

You may contact Toro directly at www.Toro.com for product and accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or Toro Customer Service and have the model and serial numbers of your product ready. The 2 numbers are stamped on a plate that is riveted to the main arm. Write the numbers in the space provided.

This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety messages identified by the safety-alert symbol (Figure 1), which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.

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Figure 1

  1. Safety-alert symbol

This manual uses 2 words to highlight information. Important calls attention to special mechanical information and Note emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.

This product complies with all relevant European directives when CE Kit 95-3350 is installed; for details, please see the separate product specific Declaration of Conformity (DOC) sheet.

Warning

CALIFORNIA

Proposition 65 Warning

This product contains a chemical or chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.

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Safety

  • Read and understand the contents of the Operator’s Manual for both the aerator and the towing vehicle.

  • All operators and service personnel should be trained on the aerator.

  • Raise the tines, slow down, and use caution when crossing surfaces other than grass and when transporting the machine.

  • Do not operate the machine when ill, tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • Use extreme care when loading or unloading the aerator into a trailer or truck.

  • Operate the aerator at a lower speed when you are on a slope.

  • Do not use the aerator near drop-offs, ditches, embankments, or bodies of water. The aerator could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes off the edge.

  • Always raise the tines and wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning, or repairing the aerator.

  • Always wear gloves when servicing the tines. Replace damaged tines.

  • Do not put hands or feet near moving components of the machine.

Safety and Instructional Decals

Graphic

Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or missing.
decal106-0229

106-0229

  1. Warning—remove the key from the ignition and read the Operator's Manual before performing maintenance.
  2. Cutting/severing hazard of hand; cutting/severing hazard of foot.
decal58-6520

58-6520

  1. Grease
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Setup

Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position.

Installing the Wheels

(Model 44856)

Parts needed for this procedure:

Wheel assembly2
Spacer4
Axle2
Slotted nut2
Cotter pin2

  1. Position the wheel assembly and 2 spacers (1 on each side of the wheel hub) between the frame as shown in Figure 2.

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    Figure 2

    1. Axle
    2. Cotter pin
    3. Slotted nut
    4. Wheel spacer
    5. Wheel assembly

  2. Insert the axle through the frame, spacers, and wheel (Figure 2).

  3. Thread the slotted nut onto the axle and tighten it with a hand wrench to 8 to 20 N∙m (75 to 180 in-lb).

  4. Rotate the wheel to seat the bearings and remove any end play.

  5. Loosen the castle nut until it is away from the frame, and the wheel hub has some end play.

  6. Tighten the slotted nut to 1.5 to 2 N∙m (15 to 20 in-lb) while rotating the wheel.

    Note: If the cotter pin hole in the axle shaft is not aligned with a slot in the nut, loosen the nut until they are aligned.

  7. Install the cotter pin.

  8. Lubricate the wheel bearings until the wheel hub cavity is completely full and you see slight leakage at the seals.

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Installing the Weights

Parts needed for this procedure:

Weight 12
Bolt (1/2 x 2-3/4 inch)6
Flanged locknut (1/2 inch)6

Install the weights as shown in Figure 3.

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Figure 3

  1. Flanged locknut (1/2 inch)
  2. Weight
  3. Bolt (1/2 x 2-3/4 inch)
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Mounting the Tongue Assembly

(Model 44856)

Parts needed for this procedure:

Tongue assembly1
Bracket2
Bolt (1/2 x 2-1/2 inch)6
Nut (1/2 inch)6
Washer (1/2 inch)6
Lock washer (1/2 inch)6
Lock pin1
Hairpin cotter pin (small)1

  1. Remove the brackets, lockpin, and hardware from the tongue attachment points of the aerator.

  2. Align the tongue assembly with the aerator as shown in Figure 4.

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    Figure 4

  3. Align the brackets on the aerator as shown in Figure 5.

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    Figure 5

  4. Secure the tongue assembly and the brackets with the hardware as shown in Figure 6 and torque the nuts to 54 to 74 N∙m (67-83 ft-lb).

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    Figure 6

    1. Nut (1/2 inch)
    2. Lock washer (1/2 inch)
    3. Washer (1/2 inch)
    4. Bolt (1/2 x 2-1/2 inch)

  5. Install the lock pin and secure it with the small hairpin cotter as shown in Figure 7.

    g216321

    Figure 7

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Attaching the Pump and Cylinder Assembly (Model 44856)

Parts needed for this procedure:

Pump and cylinder assembly1
Screw (3/8 x 1-1/4 inch)2
Washer (3/8 inch)2
Locknut (3/8 inch)2
Screw (1/2 x 1-1/4 inch)1
Nut (1/2 inch)1
Lock washer (1/2 inch)1
Vibration strap1
Cylinder pin2
Hairpin cotter pin (large)2

Note: Ensure that the hose is not kinked or pinched.

Align the pump and cylinder assembly and secure them as shown in Figure 8.

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Figure 8

  1. Washer (3/8 inch)
  2. Screw (3/8 x 1-1/4 inch)
  3. Hairpin cotter (large)
  4. Cylinder pin
  5. Screw (1/2 x 1-1/4 inch)
  6. Nut (1/2 inch)
  7. Lock washer (1/2 inch)
  8. Vibration strap
  9. Locknut (3/8 inch)
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Product Overview

FrameWelded tubular steel; divided into 3 sections, each section moves horizontally and diagonally to follow contour, spring loaded
Aerating wheels12 castings, 70 lb, 4 per section, with permanent roll pin every other hole
Shaft1-1/4 inch, machined to 1 inch
Tines96, 8 per wheel, secured with 1 bolt, roll pin in wheel secures second hole in tine; 1/2 or 3/4 inch open or closed, 4 inch slicing blades are available
BearingsSelf sealed, self aligned
Transport tires (Model 44856 only)4.80 x 8 — 2 ply
HitchDrop pin (Model 44856) 3 point—Category 1 tractor type (Model 44867)
Lift mechanism (Model 44856 only)Hand hydraulic pump to a 10 inch stroke cylinder. Hydraulic fluid required is Mobil DTE 15 M or equivalent
Springs6 to assist down pressure on tines
Aerating swath2 m (78 inches)
Pattern15 cm (6 inches) on center
Operating speed1 to 16 km/h (1 to 10 mph), depending on conditions
Overall width2.2 m (90 inches) (Model 44856)
2 m (82 inches) (Model 44867)
Weight674 kg (1,485 lb) (Model 44856)
569 kg (1,255 lb) (Model 44867)

Attachments/Accessories

A selection of Toro approved attachments and accessories is available for use with the machine to enhance and expand its capabilities. Contact your Authorized Service Dealer or Distributor.

To best protect your investment and maintain optimal performance of your Toro equipment, count on Toro genuine parts. When it comes to reliability, Toro delivers replacement parts designed to the exact engineering specification of our equipment. For peace of mind, insist on Toro genuine parts.

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Operation

Note: Determine the left and right sides of the towing machine from the normal operating position.

Preparing to Attach the Aerator

  1. Park the towing machine on a level surface, shut off the engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the key.

  2. Visually inspect the towing machine for any loose hardware or any other possible problems. Tighten hardware and correct any problems before operating.

  3. For Model 44856, check the tire pressure and maintain it at 413 kPa (60 psi).

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Attaching the Aerator

Attaching Model 44856

Attach the hitch of the aerator to the tongue of the towing machine using the hardware of the towing machine.

Important: Do not lift the tongue by hand. Use the tongue jack or powered lift to align the hitch to the towing machine.

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Attaching Model 44867

  1. Lower the 3-point hitch arms of the towing machine.

  2. Position the aerator so that the 3-point hitch arms of the towing machine line up with the lift arms of the aerator.

  3. Attach the arms of the towing machine to the hitch pins on the aerator lift arms.

  4. Attach the stabilizer bar of the towing machine to the bolt (3/4 inch x 4 inches) on the top of the lift arms.

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Installing the Tines

Important: Install the tines only after attaching the aerator to the towing machine.

  1. Start at the outside casting and install the tines as shown in Figure 9.

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    Figure 9

    1. Hitch
    2. Tine
    3. Roll pin
    4. Bolt

  2. Install all 8 tines on the casting, using a roll pin and bolts (1/2 inch x 1-3/4 inches) and ensuring that the roll pin is in the front position (Figure 9).

    Note: Ensure that the roll pin is in the front hole and the bolt is in the second hole.

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Using the Aerator

Using Model 44856

  1. Move the lock pin to the rear (aerating) position (Figure 10).

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    Figure 10

    1. Transport position
    2. Aerating position

  2. Open the hydraulic hand-pump bleed-valve on the base of the pump to release pressure and lower the aerator to the ground.

  3. Return to the operator’s seat and follow the towing machine’s instructions and procedures for towing an implement.

  4. At the end of the desired aerating region, stop the towing machine, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, and remove the key before getting out of the operator’s seat.

  5. Close the hydraulic hand-pump bleed-valve and stroke the pump handle to raise the aerator to the transport position.

  6. When transporting Model 44856, place the lock pin in the front hole (Figure 10).

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Using Model 44867

  1. Start the towing machine engine and run it at a low rpm.

  2. With 3-point or remote-hydraulics control of the towing machine, slowly lower the aerator while the towing machine is slowly moving forward.

  3. As aerating begins, increase the speed of the towing machine.

  4. Raise the aerator at the end of the pass before turning.

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Maintenance

Warning

While maintenance or adjustments are being made, someone could start the engine of the towing machine. Accidental starting of the engine could seriously injure you or other bystanders.

Remove the key, engage parking brake, and pull the wire(s) off the spark plug(s) of the towing machine before you do any maintenance on the aerator. Also push the wire(s) aside to prevent contact with the spark plug(s).

Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s)

Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
Before each use or daily
  • Check the tire pressure (Model 44856 only).
  • Check the tines for wear.
    		•
    Every 100 hours
  • Check the main arm bushings for wear.
  • Check the bronze bushings for signs of wear. Replace any worn bushings.
    		•

    Lubrication

    Lubricating the Bearings

    Lubricate the aerator with No. 2 lithium grease as shown in Figure 11.

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    Figure 11

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    The 6 main arms pivot freely horizontally and vertically to allow the unit to follow the contour of the ground. A bronze bushing is pressed inside the pivot holes between the main arm and mainframe. The bronze bushing is 3 mm (1/8 inch) longer than the thickness of both plates combined. Tighten the 5/8 x 2 inch bolt against the bushings, not the arms, to allow it to pivot freely (Figure 12).

    g029055

    Figure 12

    1. Spring rod nuts
    2. Bolt (5/8 x 2 inches)
    3. Bronze bushing
    4. Main arm

    The purpose of the springs is to distribute the weight evenly and reduce the shock load on the pivot points. The springs are adjusted evenly across to level the unit. Use the nuts on top of the spring rod to adjust the springs (Figure 12).

    Important: Do not adjust the spring so that the coils are completely compressed. Allow at least 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) of space between coils.

    To obtain maximum aerating performance, always check the tines for wear before every use. Severely worn tines are easy to bend or break and leave the cores in the ground. See Figure 13 for examples of tine wear.

    g029056

    Figure 13

    1. New
    2. Badly worn but usable
    3. Needs to be replaced

    Always clean cores out of the tines before storage. Cores left in tines for extended periods can cause pitting on the inside of the tine which keep the core from ejecting.

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    Storage

    1. Raise the tines.

    2. Stop the towing machine, shut off the engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the key.

    3. Remove dirt and grime from the entire aerator.

      Important: You can wash the aerator with mild detergent and water. Do not pressure wash the aerator.

    4. Lubricate the aerator.

    5. Check the condition of the tines. Replace any broken or worn tines.

    6. Check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws. Repair or replace any part that is damaged.

    7. Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces. Paint is available from your authorized Service dealer.

    8. Store the aerator in a clean, dry garage or storage area.

    9. Cover the aerator to protect it and keep it clean.

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