The AET series of aerators are mechanically simple. All you have to do is open or close the wings to get them working width you want, then pull the trailer across the area with soil compaction. However, even these machines need to be worked on from time to time. Here’s what you should do to keep your aerating trailer working, as well as ways you can solve common operating problems.
Your Aerator’s Maintenance Schedule
- Before use: Clean the aerator, focusing on the tines.
- Every 10 hours: Check for loose and damaged parts.
- Every 50 hours: Grease the tine hubs and wheel bearings.
Replacing the Tines
The tines on this aerator are made from metal that is self-scouring. As they wear down, they stay sharp until they’re near the point of failure. Tines should be replaced when they’re dull or bent. Don’t worry if you get new tines that don’t look like your old ones. A few years ago, Billy Goat updated the design of the tines used on these models. These new tines fit all AET 36/60 aerators, even if they came with the older tine design.
Replacement is simple. Raise the tines to the transport position. Remove the bolt and nut holding the tine to the tine hub, then bolt in the new tine.
Grease
Grease should be added to wheel bearings and tine hubs periodically to push out dirt. You also need to grease these fittings after cleaning your aerator with a pressure washer. This forces out any water that may have made its way past the seals. Billy Goat recommends NLGI Grade 2 lithium grease.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Abnormal Vibrations
– Check for damaged or missing parts, and remove any lodged debris. If you don’t notice anything obvious, check the tightness of all the bolts on your aerator.
Poor Aerating Performance
- The tines might be worn or bent. Inspect the tines, and replace them as needed.
- Moist soil is easier to penetrate than dry soil. Water the ground the day before aerating.
- Lock the tine stars when using this aerator with a standard trailer hitch. Free-moving tines can keep the trailer from tracking straight. This is less of an issue with three-point tractor hitches.
- If you’re getting poor penetration with the wings extended, try adding weight to the trays. The entire aerator supports a maximum of 350 lbs. That’s about 10 16x4x8 inch concrete cap blocks or a little over 6 8x8x16 inch cinder blocks. The weight of the folded wings is more than enough to push the rest of the aerator tines into the ground.
Need Something for Your Aerator?
Billy Goat Parts is an authorized dealer for Billy Goat and their manufacturing partners, so we carry everything from engine parts to debris loader accessories. If you need tines or other parts for your towable aerator, visit us at www.billygoatparts.com. Our search engine has built in factory parts diagrams, so you can see exactly what you’re buying. We can ship your order to any address in the United States or Canada.
