Core Aerator Parts

[Spudland_Dave]

So, after breifly shopping for a 60 or 72" Core Aerator for my 3520 I've come to the conclusion that I can easily make a Super HD Version for way less then any I can find locally...
Steel for Frame, Bearings, etc... I can easily source locally, etc... about the only thing I cant find are the "hubs" that I could use with the Core Spoons Agri-Supply carries: AERATOR CORE SPOON 3.5MM - Agri Supply

I couldnt even find the frontier parts breakdown over on JDParts.com

With what Deere & Woods are getting for their units, I think I can put solid gold ballast on my home made unit...

[Renze]

I am interested in building some kind of machine to aerate our horse pastures, preferrably up to a foot of depth. (the complete layer of black topsoil)
I voted against the subsoiler with disk openers and rollers behind each leg, because it makes ridges in a pasture like a potato field.

How deep do these core aerators work normally, anywhere close to the 1 foot depth i desire ?

[lively1]

Dave,

I initially looked at going the route of making my own. I even bought most of the metal for the frame, but came to the conclusion it was going to cost more in time and money than buying a new one. I did find a more economical brand than Woods or Landpride. I ended up with a 60" Midwest brand Core aerator. In my opinion it is built as good or better than the Woods and about half the cost. I think I paid around $650 for mine. I have had a few years and large lawns in my area for some extra spending cash... I have about 1,000 lbs of weight on it (used some old railroad track sections) The Midwest brand comes in several colors and the spoons are easy to replace. I bought mine from Little Tractor in Metropolis, IL, but I'm sure you could find a closer dealer for Midwest Equipment (http://www.midwestequipment.net/). Good Luck.

[Renze]

how deep does your aerator go, with the ballast ?

[Spudland_Dave]

Originally Posted by lively1

I initially looked at going the route of making my own. I even bought most of the metal for the frame, but came to the conclusion it was going to cost more in time and money than buying a new one. I did find a more economical brand than Woods or Landpride. I ended up with a 60" Midwest brand Core aerator. In my opinion it is built as good or better than the Woods and about half the cost. I think I paid around $650 for mine.

Thanks for the heads up...going into the shopping mode "price blind" I about fell on my rear end when I saw the $2199 sticker price on the Frontier 60" unit on one of the lots...when I saw that I figured I could easily build one cheaper. I was looking at a 72" and according to JD & Woods, they have 96 tines on em, right there is 500.00 worth of tines from A.S. Gonna have to find a Midwest dealer forsure...

[Kays Supply]

My aerator is a little less finished looking but about the same price as Midwest. It came from Sikeston MO. I built a frame and mounted a 50 gal plastic barrel for ballast. I can fill and drain it to match soil conditions. It also makes it easier to handle in the shop with it empty.

[lively1]

Originally Posted by Renze

how deep does your aerator go, with the ballast ?

I usually get full spoon depth (3-4") depending on the soil conditions. If it is really dry and the soil type is a heavily compacted clay it may only penetrate 2" or so.

[Renze]

Originally Posted by lively1

I usually get full spoon depth (3-4") depending on the soil conditions.

Hmm... i'm not sure if i'd find the typical horse hoof compaction in that upper 10 cm... I might have to do some research before deciding if an aerator is the way to go for me...