Homelite 24683 - Manual (Page 4)

7. (See figure 5) If the mower is to be used with the revital-
izer, remove the lift chain or cable from the tractor lift arm
when operating. This is especially beneficial in reducing lift­
ing effort on tractors not equipped with power lift since the
revitalizer should be raised when turning to prevent excess
lawn damage. It is not advisable to raise the mower when
turning if the mower is engaged since operating the mower
in the raised position will reduce the life of the mower drive
belt.
8. Prior to first use or if the revitalizer has not been used re­
cently, all adjustments listed in the Adjustments section of
this manual except the drive chain adjustment should be
checked before operating the revitalizer.
OPERATION
The HOMELITE Lawm Revitalizer is most effective if used in
the Spring and Fall of the year. In the Spring its use will lift
out thatch that harbors fungus and create a miniature irriga­
tion system so that the water, fertilizer and air can reach the
grass roots. Use the Revitalizer pnce in the Spring between
the time the grass has started to grow vigorously and the time
when summer weather might be expected to slow grass
growth.
Used in the fall, the revitalizer will raise the summers accumu­
lation of thatch and create a series of grooves which permit
frost to expand the soil for greater porosity. The grass roots
vrill have a better chance to expand during the next growing
season.
For best results the grass should be mowed to a length of
about 2 inches before the revitalizer is used. This will prevent
long grass from interfering with the revitalizing process.
Depth Adjustment
CAUTION; ALWAYS INSURE THE TRACTOR ENGINE
IS STOPPED BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO ADJUST OR
WORK AROUND THE REVITALIZER.
(See figure 6) Adjust the depth with the Revitalizer in the
lowered position. The cutting depth of the revitalizer knives
may be precisely adjusted by turning the T handle at the rear
of the revitalizer clockwise to raise the knives and counter
clockwise to lower them. For use in Spring and Fall as recom­
mended, the knives should be set about 1/2 inch deep. The
1/2 inch depth may be set quite easily and accurately on a
level surface by placing a 1/2 inch block under each of the re­
vitalizer guide wheels. BE SURE THE TRACTOR ENGINE
IS STOPPED. With the revitalizer clutch disengaged for ease
of turning, alternately rotate the drive pulley on the revital­
izer and turn the depth adjusting handle until the ends of the
knives just hit the ground surface. The revitalizer should now
be set at 1/2 inch cutting depth. The grooves in the ground
may also be checked after operating a short distance to in­
sure the correct depth setting.
Preparation for Operating
With the revitalizer (and mower if attached) disengaged and
in the raised position, move to the area to be revitalized. The
FIGURE 6
mower may be used with the revitalizer if the grass is notlong
or wet as to require full engine power for mowing. When
using the revitalizer it should be raised when turning to pre­
vent excessive uprooting of grass, but it is neither advised nor
necessary to raise the mower. This may best be accomplished
by disconnecting the mower lift cable from the lift lever by
removing the spring clip and pin. See step 7 of Installation
instructions.
Engaging the Revitalizer
(See figure 7) The Revitalizer drive is engaged by pulling for­
ward on the clutch lever mounted on the revitalizer. This can
be done from the tractor seat simply by reaching around and
pullir^ the clutch ahead. The revitalizer will be disengaged if
the lever is pushed back, away from the tractor.
Travel Speed and Direction
The revitalizer should be used with the tractor engine at
3/4 to full speed. Operating conditions will determine the
best ground speed. Under normal conditions where the
ground is smooth and soft a speed of 2 to 4 miles per hour’
should be satisfactory. This speed range will be approx­
imated using 2nd gear, hi range on the dual| rangetrans-