Aerator

[FarmerBob]

Anybody got any experience with a core aerator? I'm looking to buy one and have been researching manufacturers. Aer-Way makes one but it appears to be made for much larger tractors than my L2600. Landpride makes one that looks pretty simple, but I haven't been able to get a price on it yet. Anybody else know of any good ones for me to look into?

Thanks...
FarmerBob

 

[radman]

I have a Ryan (Textron) 3pt mounted 6' aerator. Just got it a few weeks ago. Have done about 10 acres. Works great. Very heavy duty and weighs about 1100 lbs. I have looked at Landpride which uses water tanks to obtain enough weight. The Ryan product was much heavier built. The Ryan aerator uses 12 solid cast-iron wheels with 8 coring spikes on each wheel (can put optional 16 spikes on each wheel.) An aerator needs weight to get adequate coring depth. Most brands have a place for additional weight to be added on top.

 

[MReeter]

Bush Hog also makes a Core Aerator,does'nt have the Cast hubs,but looks to have a "rack" to add additional weight.6' width.Hav'nt priced one yet,but no more than a man would use one,might be a decent buy.

 

[Scaper]

Bannerman makes a great unit same as the Aerway but Aerway has adjustable angle for a more aggressive soil opening. Both Bannerman and Aerway use a shatter tine (fracture tine) set up, which after reading and talking to turf management pros I have found it to be the hot set up. You don't glaze the inside of the hole as you do with the core tine, and you get a much better depth from the shatter tines. The biggest advantage I see is that you don't get the goose poop on the yard ( cores from the core tine). I considering the Bannerman or Aerway for my business with the shatter tine setup. Well good luck just my two cents. Scaper

 

[BobinCols]

Radman is correct in that weight is everything on a core aerator. The Ryan is the best built as he said (weight) and costs the most. I purchased a Landpride 48" aerator and used it the 1st time this spring. It did a nice job of pulling cores after adding 3 Cummins cyl heads on top for additional weight and much better penetration. I gave $1400 for it. In the Landpride line, the 60" is the best deal as it has as many core spikes as their 72" model. Woods also makes a like aerator as Landprides. Model for model a Landpride is heavier than a Woods or Bushog. There is only 2 places that rent aerators in our area (3pt) and they both charge $150.00 a day. Mine is for private use only and it will take 10 years to recover the cost but thought it would be worth to own in the long run. Hope this helps and I haven't jabbered too much.

 

[DDT]

I got a Landpride 72", with water tanks, full the thing is about 1100LBS. works good, some yards it will go in 5" deep if you don't raise the 3 point alittle.

 

[FarmerBob]

Scaper...

I've never heard of Bannerman before, but will certainly check it out. I like the idea of the "shatter" feature. I'm a golfer and know all about the "goose poop". /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif Any idea of what a 5' or 6' Bannerman would cost?

During my research I've run across some interesting configuration that included vibrating tines, ocillating tines, etc., but anything that creates additional moving parts and has to work hard is sure to create expensive repair somewhere down the road. And... typically the more elaborate the set-up, the more expensive it is to buy. I'll check out the Bannerman. There's an Aer-Way dealer in Texas and I think he's the only one in the states. Aer-Way is made in Canada (I believe that's right).

Thanks for your input...

FarmerBob

 

[FarmerBob]

Radman...

Mind tell'n me what you had to pay for the Ryan? I've got 10-acres that I want to turn into Bermuda fairway. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Thanks for the response...
FarmerBob

 

[FarmerBob]

Gee... you mean we're supposed to cost justify our tractor toys??? /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

When my wife asks how much an implement costs... I just kinda him-haw around and mumble something along the lines of... "was on sale... got an extra special deal... closeout... it'll pay for itself in no time..." and as I'm mumbling away I usually hear her mumbling back... "does he really think I'm that stupid... there goes our vacation this year". Good thing the kids are grown 'n gone or I'm sure she'd be mumbling... "there goes the kids education..." or something along the lines of taking food from the mouth of her babies. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Anyway... thanks for the input /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

FarmerBob

 

[FarmerBob]

DDT...

I imagine I'll end up with a Landpride. There are lots of dealers around and the LP is in the price range I'm looking for.

Thanks...
FarmerBob