Plugger Aerator - Solid drum vs split spoons

[JCoastie]

I'm thinking about purchasing an aerator. I have a 6 acre lot with grass and trees. It's decent grass, but it is not smooth pasture land.

A drum seems heavy duty, but I wonder if that solid steel would be a negative on land that isn't completely flat.
There are other companies that have spoons on independent twin sets.

Comments?

 

[TMGT]

Are you doing long straight shots? While you can't really turn with either style, the segmented ones will allow you to do some light maneuvering where the drum style will fight you. For my uses I prefer the segmented style.

This is a 50" one I built about 12 years ago.

I have uneven land so I switched to an aerator with individual sections that can move up and down.

 

[TMGT]

Sorry, pictures didn't load apparently

 

[JCoastie]

individual sections that can move up and down

I didn't realize that was an option, good to know!

 

[TMGT]

They aren't as common and usually pretty pricy, Ryan is the only company I can think of off the top of my head that makes them, and there aren't a lot of 3pt options, I modified mine to be 3pt from a tow behind.
It's heavy, about 1200lbs I belive, I add stone blocks to it also.

They make a lighter 36 or 48in options I believe.

 

[JCoastie]

I'm looking for a 60" and unfortunately not long straight lines.
When you say they fight you maneuvering, what does that feel like, and is that going to break spoons?

 

[TMGT]

I'm looking for a 60" and unfortunately not long straight lines.
When you say they fight you maneuvering, what does that feel like, and is that going to break spoons?

It can damage spoons, it just won't respond depending on how heavy your tractor is. You aren't going to be able to make turns either way, but the segmented will give you enough play that you can make corrections.

If you've ever tried turning with the diff lock on on a paved surface with good traction, it feels kinda like that with the solid drum.

 

[CalG]

For "quality" turf, the plugs need to be pulled, and sand sifted back down the holes.

 

[SPYDERLK]

For "quality" turf, the plugs need to be pulled, and sand sifted back down the holes.

Good idea. Iv never done the sand - just left the holes to weather fill on their own and cores to disperse on the surface. ... I think spike aerators tend to cause compaction.

 

[KenBike]

Had a spoon style 72" purchased on line and don't recall the brand. It was poorly built and the spoons plugged up so let large holes and no plugs. Have an old Gil 48" spike rolled that pull with mower with 160 lbs of weight added and it does a nice job.

 

[TMGT]

For "quality" turf, the plugs need to be pulled, and sand sifted back down the holes.

I have core aerators and a Aerovator fracturing style aerator/seeder, which works better in our hard clay soil.
They are not a cheap option though.

 

[mx842]

I bought one of the core aerators' and like it but I wish it had a 3 point hook up. It would be better when making hard turns and traveling over hard ground, just take a little of the load off. I have broken several spoons traveling one place to another on hard ground or the drive way. It has a lift mechanism but it's impossible to lift it up when it's loaded.
I'm thinking about building my own 3-point setup pretty soon, but I have so many projects that are in various stages of completion that I hate to start something else before at least one is completed. LOL
Where is the best place to get new spoons the ones on this thing are far too light weight. You would think when you pay $1500.00 for something you would be able to use it without something falling off or breaking every time you use it.

 

[TMGT]

I bought one of the core aerators' and like it but I wish it had a 3 point hook up. It would be better when making hard turns and traveling over hard ground, just take a little of the load off. I have broken several spoons traveling one place to another on hard ground or the drive way. It has a lift mechanism but it's impossible to lift it up when it's loaded.
I'm thinking about building my own 3-point setup pretty soon, but I have so many projects that are in various stages of completion that I hate to start something else before at least one is completed. LOL
Where is the best place to get new spoons the ones on this thing are far too light weight. You would think when you pay $1500.00 for something you would be able to use it without something falling off or breaking every time you use it.

Im not sure what style you need, but Proven Parts seems to have the best pricing I've seen on single hole tines.
I use to get them from Agri Supply, but their prices went way up lately.

 

[Gord Baker]

Sorry, pictures didn't load apparentlyView attachment 4002099View attachment 4002100View attachment 4002101

I don't know what you are trying to achieve but Pull out some weeds and watch the roots. Air

For "quality" turf, the plugs need to be pulled, and sand sifted back down the holes.

dries them out. Plants and crops get enough air from the Air! Go figure. Great money maker for the Landscape guys.
Like 'raised beds'. Waste of time, they dry out quicker, a pain to mow around and fall into disrepair after a couple years. IMHO.

 

[Gord Baker]

For "quality" turf, the plugs need to be pulled, and sand sifted back down the holes.

Ai BS. Sand 'sifted' back in the holes. OMFG. Republican???

 

[CalG]

Ai BS. Sand 'sifted' back in the holes. OMFG. Republican???

You have not been around a sports field nor a golf course is my take.

Plugs are pulled and allowed to dry, sand is drop spread. both are brushed to refill the holes with non-compacted material.

Just the way it works.

 

[1 Old Man]

You have not been around a sports field nor a golf course is my take.

Plugs are pulled and allowed to dry, sand is drop spread. both are brushed to refill the holes with non-compacted material.

Just the way it works.

Thank you. I wasn't sure I could respond politely.

 

[TMGT]

Thank you. I wasn't sure I could respond politely.

I decided to delete my response. Some things in life just aren't worth it.

 

[CalG]

I decided to delete my response. Some things in life just aren't worth it.

I wondered why a Canadien would pose a question of political affiliation..

But,

 

[Gord Baker]

You have not been around a sports field nor a golf course is my take.

Plugs are pulled and allowed to dry, sand is drop spread. both are brushed to refill the holes with non-compacted material.

Just the way it works.

I believe he was talking about farm fields. 6 Acres.