Avoid running an aerator with the tines down over hard surfaces or any surface you don’t want to aerate. It may damage the tines, and it may damage the ground surface.
The tines may penetrate anything on or beneath the surface, including irrigation heads and lines. Be mindful: Most irrigation heads are at the edges of lawns and gardens. Keep an eye out for the heads as you work. Sometimes the heads will be marked with flags or paint but not usually. Report any damage done to your supervisor. Walking the property prior to aerating may help you identify irrigation and other hazards.
Keeping the tines in a lowered position into the ground is a sensible way to “park” the aerator. This move will stop it from rolling on lawns unexpectedly. But lowering the tines on a hard surface like asphalt, cement or a truck’s bed may damage the tines and the surface. Some managers consider it OK to lower the tines on a medium density surface like a wooden trailer bed. Ask your
supervisor what he prefers.
Be careful when turning or maneuvering near cars or other valuable property. The aerator handle can easily scratch a car or building.
The aerator will move with considerable speed and force when operated at full ground speed. Be careful when reaching the end of a row or when turning, so you don’t allow the aerator to run into objects like cars or landscape plants. Slow down as you near the end of your pass.
Source: Greenius
