How do I Convert a Front Tine Tiller to an Aerator?

Aerating a lawn provides good drainage, air circulation and allows fertilizers to sink into the soil deeply.

Lawn aerator attachments install on a front tine tiller in the place of tines to use one appliance with a dual purpose. This saves the trouble and expense of purchasing or renting a separate tool for lawn aeration. Aerating a lawn punches holes into the ground to supply air to the roots underneath. This action supplies better drainage in coarse soils, de-thatches lawns and allows extra air circulation for better growth.

Things You'll Need

• Needle nose pliers
• Two pair of adjustable pliers

Instructions

1. Turn the tiller power off and let the tiller cool completely.

2. Place a pair of needle nose pliers on the retaining pin in the depth stake of the tiller. Pull the retaining pin straight out of the bolthole.

3. Pull the bolt straight out and set it aside.

4. Pull the depth stake out of the front tine tiller and set it aside.

5. Place needle nose pliers on the left tiller tine retaining pin. Pull the pin straight out, pull the bolt straight out and set it aside. Slide the tine straight off and set all items aside. Repeat this process for the removal of the right tiller tine.

6. Slide an aerator attachment onto the right tiller axle where the tine was removed. Align the bolthole in the aerator with the hole in the axle.

7. Slide a bolt into the aerator and through the axle. Place a slip washer and nut on the end protruding from the aerator.

8. Place a pair of adjustable pliers on the bolt head.

9. Place a second pair of adjustable pliers on the nut on the other end of the bolt.

10. Hold the bolt head in place and turn the nut clockwise to tighten it on the tiller axle.

11. Repeat this procedure to attach the left aerator attachment.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the depth stake with its bolt and retaining pin in a box for easy location to re-install the tiller depth stake.

• Place the tiller tines with their bolts and retaining pins in a box to re-install them on the tiller.

• Aerate a lawn after rainfall so the blades will dig deeper into the soil for better results.

• Always wear shoes or boots when operating a tiller or aerator to protect feet and toes.

• Purchase aerator attachments by brand so the opening in the center will fit the tiller axle. Tiller axle sizes differ from brand to brand.

References

• Lawn Aerator: Typical Installation Procedures
• Aeroller Lawn: Lawn Aerator Attachment For Garden Tiller