ProCore® 864 and 1298 Aerators

Figure 4

3-Point Hitch and PTO Components

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

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.

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.

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

1. Place a straightedge across the ends of the trailing arms to help you determine the distance between them and the end of the PTO output shaft (Figure 9).

   

   Figure 9

   1. “M” dimension
   2. Lower trailing arms
   3. PTO output shaft (traction unit )

2. Measure the distance between the end of the PTO output shaft and the attachment point of the lower trailing arms (Figure 9). Record your measurement here:

   Important: Contact your authorized Toro distributor if you need any assistance when performing this measurement and if you need to order an optional shorter PTO driveshaft assembly.

3. Determine whether you need a standard length PTO driveshaft or a short PTO driveshaft from the position of the PTO output shaft on the traction unit, relative to the position of the lower trailing arms. This distance is designated as “M” dimension.

   • The standard PTO driveshaft included with your machine fits a traction unit “M” dimension as small as 48.89 cm (19.25 inches).

   • If the “M” dimension is smaller, we offer an optional short PTO driveshaft assembly, which fits a traction unit “M” dimension as small as 39.37 cm (15.50 inches); refer to the Parts Catalog for your machine.

     Important: If necessary, install the short driveshaft, Part No. 115-2839 (sold separately). In most cases, the short driveshaft is not needed.

4. If your traction unit is equipped with adjustable trailing arms, change the length of trailing arms until the “M” dimension measures:

   Refer to the operator's manual for your traction unit.

   • 48.89 cm (19.25 inches) or longer for the standard PTO shaft

   • 39.37 cm (15.50 inches) or longer for the optional short PTO shaft

1. On the ProCore 864 only, remove the lower PTO shield (Figure 10).

   

   Figure 10

   ProCore 864

   1. Lower PTO shield
   2. Clip nut
   3. Screw

2. Assemble the PTO driveshaft to the gearbox input shaft of the machine (Figure 11) with a bolt (1/2 x 3.00 inches) and a nut (1/2 inch).

   

   Figure 11

   1. Gearbox input shaft
   2. Nut
   3. PTO shaft coupler
   4. Bolt
   5. PTO driveshaft

3. Assemble the PTO driveshaft to the PTO output shaft of the traction unit.

   

   Figure 12

   1. PTO output shaft (traction unit)
   2. PTO shaft coupler
   3. PTO driveshaft

4. Slide the PTO driveshaft forward as far as the PTO output shaft allows.

5. Pull back on the locking collar of the PTO shaft coupler to secure the PTO driveshaft. Slide the PTO driveshaft back and forth to ensure that it is locked securely.

6. On CE models only, connect the safety chains from the driveshaft guards to the welded clips on the link arms. Make sure that the chains remain slack when the machine is raised or lowered.

7. On the ProCore 864, install the lower PTO shield to the machine.

8. Verify that the telescoping tube has a minimum of 76 mm (3 inches) overlap when the machine is raised to the maximum height.

   To check the overlap, measure the distance between the end shields, as shown in Figure 13. This dimension must not exceed 406 mm (16 inches). If so, move the lower lift pins to the upper set of holes before operating the machine.

   

   Figure 13

   1. 406 mm (16 inches)

Important: Use the storage stand whenever you remove the machine from the traction unit.

1. Start the traction unit, raise the machine 7.6 to 15.2 cm (3 to 6 inches) off the ground, shut off the engine and remove the key.

2. Remove the 2 lynch pins securing the storage stand to the stand bracket on the hitch frame of the machine (Figure 20).

   

   Figure 20

   1. Pin (storage stand)
   2. Stand bracket (hitch frame—machine)
   3. Lynch pin

3. Remove the storage stand.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 at the other side of the machine.

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

Important: Use the storage stand whenever you remove the machine from the traction unit.

Note: The storage stand weighs approximately 85 kg (187 lb).

1. Start the traction unit, raise the machine off the ground slightly, shut off the engine and remove the key.

2. Remove the 2 hairpins that secure the 2 storage-stand pins to the storage stand (Figure 21).

   

   Figure 21

   1. Storage-stand pin
   2. Storage stand
   3. Hairpin

3. Remove the 2 storage stand pins (Figure 21).

4. Start the traction unit, and use it to lift the machine from the storage stand.

Refer to the Outcross traction unit Operator’s Manual for information on controls and operation, as well as additional information on setting up the machine.

Important: Adjust the aeration depth only when the traction unit is parked, the parking brake is engaged, the PTO is disengaged, and the engine is shut off.

1. Lay the desired tine onto the depth decal while aligning the tine tip with the desired aeration depth as shown in Figure 23.

   

   Figure 23

2. Determine the letter setting aligned with the mounting end of the tine (Figure 23). Adjust the depth control to the corresponding letter on the decal.

3. Insert a 9/16-inch socket with a ratchet onto the depth adjuster input shaft (Figure 24).

   

   Figure 24

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

4. Push in on the socket or use your hand to press on the locking plate.

5. Rotate the depth adjuster clockwise to reduce the aeration depth or counterclockwise to increase the aeration depth. (Figure 24).

6. Rotate the depth adjuster input shaft until the desired depth is attained as shown on the depth indicator decal (Figure 24).

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

Familiarize yourself with the operation of the following traction unit controls before operating the machine:

• PTO engagement

• Three-point hitch (raise/lower)

• Clutch

• Throttle

• Gear selection

• Parking brake

  Important: Refer to the traction unit Operator's Manual for operating instructions.

The 3-point hitch linkage of the traction unit lifts the machine for transport and lowers it for operation.

Power from the traction unit power take-off (PTO) is transmitted through driveshafts, a gearbox, and drive belts to a crankshaft assembly, which drive the tine holding arms into the turf surface.

As the traction unit travels forward with the PTO engaged and the machine lowered, a series of holes are created in the turf.

The penetration depth of the tines is determined by the height of the depth control.

The distance between the aeration holes is determined by the gear ratio (or hydrostatic traction pedal position) of the traction unit and the number of tines in each tine head.

Note: Changing the engine speed does not change hole spacing.

Important: When connecting the PTO, ensure that the machine is not lifted higher than is necessary. Lifting the machine too high causes the PTO driveshaft knuckles to break (Figure 25). The PTO can operate up to an angle of 25°, but can never exceed a 35° angle when the machine is at its highest position, or severe shaft damage may occur.

Figure 25

1. Breakage occurs here.

Before using the machine, find a clear area and practice operating the traction unit with the machine installed.

Important: If there are sprinkler heads, electrical or communication lines, or other obstructions in the area being aerated, mark these locations to ensure that these items are not damaged during operation.

• Operate the traction unit using the recommended gear settings and PTO drive speeds and become thoroughly familiar with the traction unit handling with the attached machine.

• Practice stopping and starting, raising the machine, and lowering the machine, disengaging the PTO drive, and aligning the machine with previous passes.

Practice sessions helps you gain confidence in the performance of the machine and helps ensure that you are using it properly.

Inspect the area of operation for hazards that could damage the machine and remove them, if possible, or plan how to avoid them. Carry replacement tines and tools in case tines are damaged due to contact with foreign materials.

Note: When using needle tine heads, make sure to read the instructions included with the kit for unique operating procedures.

1. Lower the machine on the 3 point linkage so that the tines are nearly to the ground at the lowest part of their stroke.

2. At a low engine rpm, engage the power take off (PTO) clutch to start the machine.

   Important: Never operate the machine without the tine heads installed.

3. Select a gear that gives a forward speed of approximately 1 to 4 km/h (0.6 to 2.5 mph) at the rated PTO speed of 540 rpm (refer to the traction unit operator's manual).

4. As the clutch is released and the traction unit moves forward, lower the machine fully into the turf and increase engine speed to give a maximum of 540 rpm at the PTO.

   Important: Never operate the traction unit PTO faster than 540 rpm or you may damage to the machine.

   Note: Make sure that the roller is on the ground.

5. Note the hole pattern. If you require greater hole spacing, increase forward the speed of the traction unit by shifting up a gear or with a hydrostatic drive traction unit, actuate the hydrostat lever or pedal to give faster speed. For closer hole spacing, decrease traction unit forward speed. Changing engine speed in a particular gear does not change the hole pattern.

   Important: Look backward frequently to ensure that the machine is operating properly and alignment is maintained with previous passes.

6. Use the front traction unit wheel as a guide to maintain equal lateral hole spacing with the previous pass.

7. At the end of the aeration pass, raise the machine and disengage the PTO.

8. If you back into a tight area (like a tee box), disengage the PTO and raise the machine to the highest position. Use caution not to catch the turf guards on the turf.

9. Always clear the area of all damaged machine parts, such as broken tines, etc., to prevent anything from being picked up and thrown by mowers or other turf maintenance equipment.

10. Replace broken tines; inspect and repair damaged tines that are serviceable. Repair any other machine damage before operation.

The forward hole spacing is determined by the traction unit gear ratio (or the hydrostatic traction pedal). Changing the engine speed does not change the forward hole spacing.

The lateral hole spacing is determined by the number of tines in the tine heads.

If the ground is too firm to obtain the desired coring depth, the coring head can get into a “bouncing” rhythm. This is due to the tines attempting to penetrate the hard pan. You can correct this condition by attempting one or more of the following:

• Best results are obtained after a rain or when turf has been watered the previous day.

• Reduce the number of tines per stomper arm. Attempt to maintain a symmetrical tine configuration to evenly load the stomper arms.

• Reduce tine penetration (depth setting) if the ground is hard packed. Clean up the cores, water the turf, and aerate again at a deeper penetration.

Aeration of soil types built on top of hard subsoils (i.e. sand/soil cap placed over rocky ground) can cause undesired hole quality. This is caused when the aeration depth is greater than the soil cap and the subsoil is too hard to penetrate. When the tines contact this subsoil, the machine may lift and cause the top of the holes to become elongated. Reduce the aeration depth sufficiently to avoid penetration into the hard subsoil.

Long slender tines used in either a needle tine head or mini tine head can leave the front or rear of the hole tufted or slightly deformed. Hole quality for this configuration generally improves if you reduce coring head speed 10 to 15% from full operating speed. Reduce the engine speed until the PTO speed is around 460 to 490 rpm. The forward spacing is not affected by reducing the engine speed. The pushed hole can also be affected by the position of the rotalink damper assembly. Refer to Adjusting the Rotalink Assembly.

Using the mini-tine heads in conjunction with larger coring tines or large diameter solid tines can induce significant stress on the root zone of the turf. This stress can fracture the root zone and cause a lifting action to the turf. If this damage occurs, try one or more of the following:

• Reduce the tine density (remove some of the tines).

• Decrease the coring depth.

  Note: Try decreasing core depth in 13 mm (1/2 inch) increments.

• Increase the forward hole spacing (change the traction unit transmission up one gear).

• Decrease the tine diameter (solid or coring).

The mounting height of the rotalink damper assembly affects the reactive force applied to the stomper arm and ground engagement during aeration. In the event of the front of the hole being pushed (elongated or dimpled), a “stiffer” position can help resist this push and improve hole quality. In the event of the back of the hole being pushed (elongated or dimpled) a “softer” position can improve the hole quality.

1. Remove the 2 locknuts (1/2 inch) securing the rotalink damper assembly to the underside of the coring head frame (Figure 26).

2. Lower the damper assembly to expose the spacers (Figure 26).

3. Move 1 or 2 spacers per side from the damper assembly to the top of the coring head frame. Each spacer is equivalent to 1/2 inch. The lower bumper spacer must remain on the damper assembly.

   

   Figure 26

   1. Rotalink damper assembly
   2. Lower bumper spacer
   3. Spacer(s)
   4. D washer
   5. Locknut

4. Assemble the damper assembly to the coring head frame again. Ensure that the D washer is installed against the coring head frame as shown in Figure 26. Secure the 2 locknuts.

   To see the effects of this adjustment, adjust only 3 to 4 assemblies to compare the original position and the new position on a trial pass. When satisfactory results are achieved, move the remaining assemblies to the same height as the desired arms.

• Engage the PTO at low engine speed. Increase engine speed to achieve PTO speed of 540 rpm (maximum) and the lower machine. Operate at engine at a speed that the machine runs most smoothly.

  Note: Changing engine/PTO speed in a particular traction unit gear (or fixed hydrostatic pedal position on a traction unit with a hydrostatic transmission) does not change hole spacing.

• Make very gradual turns when aerating. Never make sharp turns with the machine lowered. Plan your aeration path before lowering the machine.

• If the operating load slows the engine when aerating the machine on hard ground or going uphill, raise the machine slightly until the engine regains speed, then lower the machine again.

• Do not aerate if the ground is too hard or dry. Best results are obtained after a rain or when turf has been watered the previous day.

  Note: If the roller rides up off the ground while aerating, the ground is too hard to achieve the desired depth; reduce the aeration depth until the roller contacts the ground during operation.

• Raise the machine penetration if the ground is hard packed. Clean up cores and aerate at deeper penetration, preferably after watering.

• The ProCore 864 is offset to the right side of the traction unit to allow aerating without driving over the cores with the tires. Whenever possible, aerate with the longer offset towards the previous aeration pass.

• Always check/adjust the top link whenever you change the aeration depth. The front of the machine should be vertical.

• Look backward frequently to ensure that the machine is operating properly, and alignment is maintained with previous passes.

• Always clear the area of all damaged machine parts, such as broken tines, etc., to prevent them from being picked up and thrown by mowers or other turf maintenance equipment.

• Replace broken tines, and inspect and correct damage to those still usable. Repair any other machine damage before commencing operation.

To begin transport operation, raise the machine and disengage the PTO. To avoid loss of control, traverse steep inclines slowly, approach rough areas at reduced speed and cross severe undulations carefully.

Important: Do not exceed transport speeds of 24 km/h (15 mph).

Important: Do not use brackish or reclaimed water to clean the machine.

• After daily use, thoroughly wash the machine with a garden hose without a nozzle, to avoid contamination and seal and bearing damage due to excessive water pressure.

  Note: Use a brush to help remove thick layered, dried, or compacted dirt and debris.

• Use mild detergent to clean the covers.

• Inspect for machine damage, leaking oil, and component and tine wear.

• After cleaning the machine, grease all drive lines and roller bearings; refer to Greasing the Bearings and Bushings.

• Spray a light oil mist on the coring head bearings (crank and damper links).

• Remove, clean, and oil the tines.

1. Remove the rear coring head cover (Figure 36).

   

   Figure 36

   1. Rear coring head cover
   2. Pulley shield

2. Remove the pulley shield mounting bolts and remove the shield (Figure 36).

3. Remove the fasteners securing the dirt shield and the lower belt shield (Figure 37). Remove the dirt shield and the lower belt shield.

   

   Figure 37

   1. Lower belt shield
   2. Dirt shield

4. To release the idler spring tension, loosen the locknut securing the spring retainer (Figure 38) and rotate the spring retainer.

   

   Figure 38

   1. Spring retainer locknut

   Caution

   Springs are under tension, use caution when adjusting or removing.

5. Loosen and remove the 2 locknuts and washers securing the rotalink damper for the #1 stomper arm (Figure 39).

   

   Figure 39

   1. Drive belt
   2. Rotalink damper
   3. Nut
   4. Washer
   5. #1 Stomper arm

6. Lower the rotalink damper from the coring head frame.

7. Route the drive belt down through the coring head frame and around the lower end of the #1 stomper arm (Figure 39).

1. Route the new drive belt around the lower end of the #1 stomper arm and up through the coring head frame.

2. Position the drive belt onto the crank pulley, under the idler assembly and over the drive pulley.

3. Raise the rotalink damper for the #1 stomper arm to coring head frame. Ensure that the damper spacers are installed in the same position as in removal.

4. Secure the rotalink damper to the coring head with the 2 washers and locknuts previously removed.

5. Install and adjust the belt idler pulley and adjust it to the appropriate tension.

6. Install the dirt shield and the lower belt shield. Adjust the lower shield to ensure clearance with the belt.

7. Install the pulley and the coring head covers.

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.

1. Assemble the pin of the storage stand through the holes in the stand bracket of the hitch frame (Figure 44).

   

   Figure 44

   1. Pin (storage stand)
   2. Stand bracket (hitch frame—machine)
   3. Lynch pin

2. Secure the storage stand pin to the stand bracket with the 2 lynch pins (Figure 44).

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 at the other side of the machine.

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

Note: The storage stand weighs approximately 85 kg (187 lb).

1. Align the support plates of the storage stand with the stand bracket on the hitch frame of the machine (Figure 45)

   

   Figure 45

2. Lower the machine into the storage stand until the holes in the stand align with the holes in the stand bracket of the hitch (Figure 45).

3. Secure the storage stand to the machine with the 2 storage-stand pins and 2 hairpins (Figure 46).

   

   Figure 46

   1. Storage-stand pin
   2. Support plates (storage stand)
   3. Hairpin

4. Slowly lower the machine until it contacts the storage stand.

1. Remove the 2 lynch pins and slide the lower link arms off the hitch pins of the machine (Figure 47).

   Retain the lynch pins with the machine.

   

   Figure 47

   1. Lower link arm
   2. Lynch pin
   3. Hitch pin (machine)

2. Loosen the locking nut (Figure 48) and rotate the upper adjusting link to release the tension between the machine and the traction unit.

   

   Figure 48

   1. Locking nut (upper adjusting link)
   2. Link pin
   3. Lynch pin
   4. Upper hitch plate
   5. Upper link bracket (traction unit)

3. Remove the lynch pin and the link pin that secures the upper adjusting link to the upper hitch plates of the machine (Figure 48).

4. Remove the lynch pin and the link pin that secures the upper adjusting link to the link bracket of the traction unit (Figure 48).

   Note: Retain the lynch pin and the top link pin with the machine.

5. Disconnect the safety shield chain (Figure 49) from the traction unit PTO (CE only).

   

   Figure 49

   1. PTO shaft shield (traction unit)
   2. Safety shield chain

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

   

   Figure 50

   1. Driveshaft guard
   2. Lock collar
   3. PTO output shaft

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

8. Use the safety shield chain to support the PTO driveshaft by assembling the chain between the PTO shield and the machine (Figure 51).

   Note: Supporting the PTO driveshaft prevents it from contacting the ground.

   

   Figure 51

   1. Safety shield chain