ProCore® 864 and 1298 Aerators

ProCore 864

Use the following list as a reference:

• Use a 30 PTO horsepower minimum when aerating in light to normal soil conditions (sandy to sandy/loam soils with average compaction).

• Use a 35 PTO horsepower minimum when aerating in normal to heavy soil conditions (heavy loam, clay, and rocky soils with above average compaction).

• The traction unit must have a category I or II 3-point hitch with a minimum implement lift capacity of 714 kg (1,575 lb).

• The traction unit must have a PTO output-shaft speed of 540 rpm.

• Adequate front-end weight (ballast) to offset the weight of the machine.

• Check the tire air pressure of the traction unit.

  Adjust the tire air pressure as needed.

  Important: Do not exceed the maximum or minimum tire inflation pressures as recommended by tire manufacturer.

ProCore 1298

Use the following list as a reference:

• Use a 45 PTO horsepower minimum when aerating in light to normal soil conditions (sandy to sandy/loam soils with average compaction).

• 50 PTO horsepower minimum when aerating in normal to heavy soil conditions (heavy loam, clay, and rocky soils with above average compaction).

• The traction unit must have a category II 3 point hitch with a minimum implement lift capacity of 1043 kg (2,300 lb) implement.

• The traction unit must have a PTO output-shaft speed of 540 rpm.

• Adequate front-end weight (ballast) to offset the weight of the machine.

• Check the tire air pressure of the traction unit.

  Adjust the tire air pressure as needed.

  Important: Do not exceed the maximum or minimum tire inflation pressures as recommended by tire manufacturer.

Figure 4

3-Point Hitch and PTO Components

1. Lower link arm
2. Upper link arm
3. PTO driveshaft
4. Sway link

Ballast Requirements

Parts needed for this procedure:

1. Ensure that the machine is positioned on a level surface for installation.

2. Ensure that the PTO is disengaged.

3. Back the traction unit squarely up to the machine until the lower link arms are aligned with the hitch pins.

4. Engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, and remove the key from the ignition. Wait for the engine and all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator's seat.

   Note: For maximum ground clearance, install the hitch pins in the lower mounting holes of the hitch plate for the machine (Figure 5). To determine when to use the upper mounting holes, refer to setup procedure Connecting the PTO Driveshaft.

   

   Figure 5

   1. Top hole (hitch plate—machine)
   2. Bottom hole (hitch plate—machine)

5. Insert the right and left lower link arms onto the hitch pins (Figure 6).

   

   Figure 6

   1. Lower link
   2. Lynch pin

6. Secure the lower link arms to the hitch pins with the lynch pins (Figure 6).

Parts needed for this procedure:

Note: For best aeration hole quality, align the front of the machine vertical while operating it (Figure 7). Adjust the upper link to control this angle. Refer to Operating Tips for additional information.

Figure 7

1. Connect the upper link to the lower hole in the bracket and secure it with the link pin and the lynch pin (Figure 8).

   

   Figure 8

   1. Upper link
   2. Link pin
   3. Lynch pin
   4. Locknut

2. Grease the threaded steel upper link tubes.

3. Rotate the upper link to tighten the link. Adjust it until the frame at the front of the machine is vertical (Figure 8).

4. Tighten the locknut to secure the upper link into position.

Parts needed for this procedure:

• The ProCore 864 is designed to be offset from the traction unit center line. The gearbox input shaft is offset 40 mm (1.57 inches) to the left of center and the machine is offset 145 mm (5.70 inches) to the right of the center line. Adjust the sway links as needed.

• The ProCore 1298 is designed to be centered with the traction unit center line. Adjust the sway links as needed.

Adjust the sway links on the lower draft arms of the 3 point hitch to resist side-to-side sway to a maximum of 25 mm (1 inch) at each side (Figure 14).

Figure 14

1. Sway link (lower draft arm)

Adjust the lower links inboard until they contact the machine mounting plates. This reduces stress on the pins. If the traction unit has sway chains instead of sway links, install washers between the lower link arm and lynch pin to reduce the overhung load on the lift pins.

Note: Refer to the traction unit operator's manual for additional installation and adjustment procedures.

1. Park the traction unit and the machine on a level, firm surface.

2. Place a level on top of the frame of the machine to check it for level side-to-side (Figure 15).

   

   Figure 15

   1. Level

3. If provided, turn the adjustable link body to raise or lower the link arm until the machine is leveled side-to-side.

   Note: Refer to the traction unit operator's manual for additional adjustment procedures.

Adjust the roller scraper so that there is a gap of approximately a 1 to 2 mm (0.06 to 0.09 inch) between the scraper and the roller.

1. Loosen the fasteners securing each end of scraper to roller scraper tab (Figure 16).

   

   Figure 16

   1. Roller scraper
   2. Nut

2. Slide the roller scraper in or out until the required position is attained, and tighten the fasteners.

3. On the ProCore 864 only, you can adjust the stop bolt on the center support to attain the proper gap.

A wide selection of tines and tine heads are available for the machine. Choose the tine type, size, and spacings required for the job. Install the tine head and tines per the Installation Instructions supplied with each tine kit; refer to ProCore 864 tine configuration table and ProCore 1298 tine configuration table in Attachments/Accessories.

Important: Never operate the machine without the tine heads installed. The arms may move excessively and damage the frame of the machine.

Parts needed for this procedure:

A wide selection of turf guards is available for the machine. Use the appropriate turf guards for the selected tine heads.

1. Loosen the nuts securing the turf guard clamps to the turf guard tool bar (Figure 17).

   

   Figure 17

   1. Turf guard
   2. Turf guard clamp

2. Slide the appropriate turf guard under the turf guard clamp.

3. Adjust the turf guards, left to right, to maintain equal distance to the tines within each slot.

4. Tighten the nuts securing the turf guard.

5. Mount the remaining turf guards and secure the turf guard clamps.

   Important: From the rear of the machine, check that the tines line up with the center of the gaps in the turf guards.

Parts needed for this procedure:

Note: The CE Completion Kit, Part No. 110-4693 is required to complete this step.

1. On the ProCore 864 model, install a lock bracket over the left and right rear lower hood and upper hood latches with a tap bolt (4 total); refer to Figure 18.

   

   Figure 18

   1. Tap bolt
   2. Lock bracket
   3. Internal lock washer
   4. Rear cover

2. On the ProCore 1298 model, install a lock bracket over all the rear lower hood latches and the outside upper hood latch on both the right and the left rear covers with a tap bolt (3 per coring head, 6 total); refer to Figure 18).

3. Using a pliers or adjustable wrench, thread an internal lock washer onto each bolt (1 to 2 threads) to secure the latch (Figure 18).

Parts needed for this procedure:

Important: This procedure is required for all CE countries and anywhere English is not commonly spoken.

1. Rotate the shaft guard to access the existing entanglement decal (Figure 19).

   

   Figure 19

   1. Existing entanglement decal
   2. CE entanglement decal

2. Clean the existing entanglement decal and the guard area surrounding the decal.

3. Remove the backing from the CE entanglement decal.

4. Place the CE entanglement decal over the existing entanglement decal (Figure 19).

Parts needed for this procedure:

1. Raise the machine 7.6 to 15.2 cm (3 to 6 inches) off the ground.

2. Remove the nuts and the lock washers securing the storage stands to the machine (Figure 20).

   

   Figure 20

   1. Storage stand
   2. Lock washer
   3. Nut

3. Remove the storage stands.

4. Insert the lynch pins (included in loose parts) into the stand pins for storage (Figure 20).

   Note: Use the storage stands whenever you remove the machine from the traction unit.

Rotate the depth adjuster input shaft clockwise to reduce the aeration depth or counterclockwise to increase the aeration depth (Figure 21).

Figure 21

1. Depth adjuster input shaft
2. Locking plate
3. Depth indicator decal
4. Depth alignment mark

Note: 17 revolutions of the depth adjuster equal approximately 6.4 mm (1/4 inch) depth change.

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 authorized Toro distributor or go to www.Toro.com for a list of all approved attachments and accessories.

To ensure optimum performance and continued safety certification of the machine, use only genuine Toro replacement parts and accessories. Replacement parts and accessories made by other manufacturers could be dangerous, and such use could void the product warranty.

ProCore 864 Tine Configuration Table 1 of 3

ProCore 864 Tine Configuration Table 2 of 3

ProCore 864 Tine Configuration Table 3 of 3

ProCore 1298 Tine Configuration Table 1 of 2

ProCore 1298 Tine Configuration Table 2 of 2

Note: If available, use a hoist to lift the rear of the machine. Use the eyelets in the coring head bearing housings as hoist attachment points (Figure 26)

Figure 26

1. Lifting eyelets

The main working bearings of the machine are sealed for life and require no maintenance or lubrication. This drastically reduces the maintenance required and eliminates the risk of grease or oil being dropped onto the turf.

There are grease fittings that must be lubricated with an SAE multi-purpose, high-temperature grease with high-pressure (EP) performance or SAE multi-purpose lithium-based grease.

The lubrication points are:

PTO driveshaft (3) (Figure 27)

Figure 27

Roller bearings (ProCore 864: 2; ProCore 1298: 4) (Figure 28)

Figure 28

Driveshaft bearings (ProCore 864:1; ProCore 1298: 2) (Figure 29)

Figure 29

Important: Bearings rarely fail from defects in materials or workmanship. The most common reason for failure is moisture and contamination working its way past the protective seals. Bearings that are greased rely upon regular maintenance to purge harmful debris from the bearing area. Sealed bearings rely on an initial fill of special grease and a robust integral seal to keep contaminants and moisture out of the rolling elements.

The sealed bearings require no lubrication or short term maintenance. Use of sealed bearings minimizes routine service and reduces the potential turf damage from grease contamination. Inspect of bearing condition and seal integrity periodically to avoid downtime. Inspect the sealed bearings seasonally and replaced them if they are damaged or worn. Check that the bearings do not produce high heat, emit noise, vibrate excessively, or weep rust; the bearings should operate smoothly.

Due to the operating conditions these bearing/seal packages are subject to (i.e. sand, turf chemicals, water, impacts, etc.) they are considered normal wear items. Bearings that fail due to other than defects in materials or workmanship are typically not covered under warranty.

Note: Bearing life can be negatively affected by improper washing procedures. Do not wash the unit when it is still hot and avoid directing high-pressure or high-volume spray at the bearings.New bearings commonly purge some grease out of the seals on a new machine. This purged grease turns black in color due to collection of debris and not due to excessive heat. Wipe this excess grease from the seals after the initial 8 hours. The area around the seal lip may always appear wet. This is not detrimental to bearing life, but keeps the seal lip lubricated.Replace the coring head bearing every of 500 hours. A bearing service kit that covers the complete coring head is available from your distributor.

The gearbox is filled with 80W-90 gear oil or equivalent. Allow the gearbox to cool before checking the lubrication.

1. Clean debris from the fill plug and check the plug to avoid contamination.

2. Remove the check plug from the gearbox (Figure 30).

   

   Figure 30

   1. Fill plug
   2. Check plug (rear of gearbox)
   3. Drain plug

3. Make sure that the oil level is up to the bottom of the check plug hole in gearbox (Figure 30).

4. If the oil level is low, remove the fill plug from the gearbox and add oil as required.

5. Install the plugs.

The gearbox is filled with 80W-90 gear oil or equivalent.

1. Clean debris from the fill plug and the drain cap to avoid contamination (Figure 30).

2. Remove the fill plug to relieve air draw.

3. Position a drain pan under the drain tube and remove the drain cap.

   Note: The high viscosity of cool oil extends the drain time (approximately 30 minutes).

4. After oil is completely drained, install the drain cap.

5. Fill the gearbox with 1650 ml (56 fl oz) of high quality 80W-90 gear lube.

6. Install the fill plug.

7. Check the oil level.

After the initial 8 hours of use, check the coring head fasteners to ensure that proper torque is maintained. Fastener torque requirements are listed on the reference service decal below and located on the coring head.

Figure 31

1. Read the Operator's Manual.
2. Wrench size
3. Bolt size
4. Torque

The drive belt(s) on the machine are durable. However, the normal exposure to UV radiation, ozone or incidental exposure to chemicals can deteriorate the rubber compounding over time and lead to premature wear or material loss (i.e. chunking).

Annual belt inspection is highly recommended for signs of wear, excessive cushion cracks, or large embedded debris with replacement when needed.

Make sure that the belt is properly tensioned to ensure correct operation of the machine and to prevent unnecessary wear.

1. Check for proper belt tension by compressing idler spring to a length of 146 mm (5-3/4 inches); refer to Figure 32.

   

   Figure 32

   1. Spring length
   2. Stored energy hazard—read the Operator's Manual.
   3. Entanglement hazard, belt—stay away from moving parts.

2. Adjust the belt tension as follows:

   1. Remove the rear coring head cover (Figure 33).

      

      Figure 33

      1. Rear coring head cover
      2. Pulley shield

   2. Remove the pulley shield mounting bolts and remove the shield (Figure 33).

   3. Loosen the locknut securing the spring retainer (Figure 34).

      

      Figure 34

      1. Spring retainer
      2. 146 mm (5-3/4 inches)

   4. Adjust the spring retainer to attain required compressed spring length (Figure 34).

   5. Tighten the locknut against the spring retainer to lock the adjustment.

   6. Install the pulley shield and the coring head cover.

Note: You do not need to remove the outside stomper arm to replace the drive belt.

The coring head side shields should be adjusted so that the bottom rides between 25 to 38 mm (1 to 1-1/2 inches) from the turf while aerating.

1. Loosen the bolts and nuts securing the side shield to frame (Figure 39).

   

   Figure 39

   1. Side shield

2. Adjust the shield up or down and tighten the nuts.

All turf guards (Figure 40) should be replaced if broken or worn to less than 1/4 inch thickness. Broken turf guards can catch and tear turf, creating undesirable damage.

Figure 40

1. Turf guard

The unitized coring head design of the machine provides industry-leading smooth operation while taking out the guesswork of timing.

ProCore 864 (Figure 41)

Each pair of crank arms joined through a bearing housing are timed 180 degrees apart (i.e. arm positions 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8). The adjacent pairs are all set with the same timing whereas the later pair lags by 120 degrees. The same pair of coupling castings are used between all adjacent pairs (i.e. coupling positions 2-3, 4-5, 6-7). To further reduce operating vibration, 2 counter weights are added at the #1 position on the pulley and the #8 position.

Note: The numbers cast into the crank arms do not align with the raised indicator mark on the bearing housings for the ProCore 864.

Figure 41

ProCore 1298 (Figure 42)

This unit is comprised of 2 independent coring heads with 6 arms each. The timing of either coring head is not dependent on the adjacent coring head. The timing marks are easily identified by the numbers cast into the crank arm castings and the raised locator on the bearing housings. The #1 arm always starts with the drive pulley.

Figure 42

Important: Refer to the PTO driveshaft owner’s manual for additional operating and safety information.

1. Park the traction unit and machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator's seat.

2. Install the storage stands and secure them to the machine with the lynch pins (Figure 43).

   

   Figure 43

   1. Lynch pins
   2. Storage stand

   Note: You can store the machine on the original shipping pallet.

3. Slowly lower the machine until the storage stands contact the ground.

4. Loosen the locking nut and rotate the upper adjusting link to release the tension between the machine and the traction unit.

5. Remove the lynch pin and the top link pin securing the center link to the bracket. Retain the lynch pin and the top link pin with the machine.

6. Disconnect the safety shield chains from the traction unit PTO (CE only).

7. Pull back on the lock collar to disconnect the PTO driveshaft from the PTO output shaft on the traction unit.

8. Slide the PTO driveshaft back and remove it from the traction unit.

9. Support the PTO driveshaft by connecting the PTO tether to the PTO shield to prevent the driveshaft from contacting the ground (Figure 44).

   

   Figure 44

   1. PTO tether

10. Remove the lynch pins and slide the lower link arms off the hitch pins.

    Retain the lynch pins with the machine.