Core Aerator

   / Core Aerator #1  

paccorti

Gold Member
Joined
May 21, 2000
Messages
481
Location
Hillsboro Virginia (near Purcellville)
Tractor
TC35D with 16LA Loader
I think my lawn and pasture could benefit from a core aerator (to make the grass grow better). The ground seems very hard. Unfortunately core aerators seem very expensive $1,800 for a 6' Bush Hog model.

While I haven't tried everyplace, I haven't yet found a place that rents 3pt mounted core aerators (I'm in Northen VA). Does anyone know if there is a cheaper alternative? Maybe some web site to buy used equipment or perhaps something that performs a similar function to a core aerator but is not 3pt mounted (and therefore more likely to be stocked at rental yards).

Peter
 
   / Core Aerator #2  
I found a used 6' Millcreek at a "tractor" dealer in NJ that sells to municipalities, landscapers and the like. The company does rent but it's not listed under rentals. Millcreek has a website but I'm not sure if they list their dealers. I'm posting this because in my limited experience, I only know of two dealers that sell Millcreek equipment, they also rented the stuff.

I'd suggest checking the places in your area that supply equipment to landscapers. The other option is to check with the local golf course maintenance super and ask them who aerates the course. The reason I'm mentioning this is that I met a guy at a service station that had a larger Kubota on a trailer with the strangest contraption on the 3 pt I'd ever seen.

At first I though it was a spader because it was night and I couldn't see it well. It was actually an aerator that ran the spoons straight up and down into the ground so it didn't tear the turf. The implement had a lot more spoons than I've ever seen on an aerator. On top of that they were of a much smaller diameter than the ones on my Millcreek which means the extracted plugs wouldn't be as noticable.

The guy went from golf course to golf course aerating on a contract basis. I have no idea what the guy would charge but if he was in the area anyway, you might get a deal. The other thing to keep in mind is that I don't think you will get farther into the ground than 4" and that's with extra weight on the aerator and the right ground conditions.

I use the aerator to improve the action of lime on hillsides so I'm not concerned if it only goes into the ground 2".
 
   / Core Aerator #3  
You might want to check out this site. http://www.trac-vac.com........ I bought Trac-Vac Model 364 64inch width, 3 pt hitch, 96 spoons or points can use up to eight concrete blocks for added weight. This unit works great for me. I paid approx $775.00 last year for mine.
 
   / Core Aerator #4  
Peter,

I use a cheap $199 Agrifab that is towed. Bought it from Northern. Weight is achieved by putting bricks on the top. It works just fine. Since I have a MMM, I can tow it while mowing.

I use it in the Fall. Was great for the lawn at my old house which was mainly a loamsoil and had a propensity to form a "sealing" layer in the summer - preventing rain from soaking.

I've found that Core Aerating is also a smart alternative to dethatching.

Where I live now, growing grass is not an issue. I can watch it grow and am not sure of its value.

Buck
 
   / Core Aerator #5  
Peter,

There is a place in Manassas that use to rent all kinds of 3pt equiptment. I can't remember the name at the moment, but it is on Wellington road. I'll check the phone book when I get a chance. Oh yeah, they are ususally about 1/2 the price of Byrd Tractor for a daily rental and most of their stuff is fairly new (they have only been at that location for a few years).

Sunbelt Rentals
 
   / Core Aerator #6  
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.millcreekmfg.com/index.cfm> Millcreek site</A>
 
   / Core Aerator #7  
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://carverequipment.com>http://carverequipment.com</A> sent me a quote and picture of a First Choice aerator that looks pretty good. You may want to send them an e-mail and get a price.
 
   / Core Aerator #8  
spring is the best time to look for a used aerator. the lawncare industry sells that service more toward the fall, so move over to lawnsite.com, just this once and either post what you want or look under used equipment search, whenever i cant find something, or do not care to buy retail that is the place i go for bargains.
 
   / Core Aerator
  • Thread Starter
#9  
As usual TBN comes though. Thanks for all the suggestions. I did find that THEROS in Gainsville rents a 6' aerator for $100 per day.

Thanks everyone,

Peter
 
   / Core Aerator #10  
Peter,

Wanna split the rental? I live about 15 miles from Theros. You could rent it bring it over here, I'll use it quick (I have 5 acres to to) and you could take it for the rest of the day.

Your TC35D is about the same size as my L3410 so anything you rent would be compatable with my tractor.
 
 
 
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