Operating a walk-behind aerator, even though it’s self-propelled, requires effort, especially when turning the machine. You must raise the tines from the ground, turn the machine, then lower the lever to allow the tines to begin penetrating again. Slight, gradual turns don’t require the tines to be lifted, but if you make a sharp turn with the tines in the ground, you will tear the turf. This lifting and lowering requires some effort.
A heavy aerator—one with a full drum of water and a weight bar—is harder to maneuver than a lighter machine. There is always a trade-off with weight: A full drum will roll the lawn nicer and will pull a longer plug, while a lighter machine is easier to operate. Your supervisor will decide on the setup of your machine.
Aerating is simple. You make pass after pass, back and forth. Ideally, the gaps between passes should be no larger than the gaps between the rows of tines on the aerator—generally just 3-4 inches. It’s easy or tempting to leave large gaps between passes, but this approach may be unacceptable to your supervisor or the customer.
Source: Greenius
