3 Pt Core Aerator

T-Bow · Jun 10, 2009

JeffinNE,

To answer the question as to if the JD2320 can handle the CA1060 I guess it would depend on how much weight you would need to add to the aerator to get good soil penetration. Looking at the specifications on the JD2320 from John Deere's website the tractor's 3 point lift capacity 24 inches behind the link arms is 1150 pounds. The CA1060's weight is 442 pounds so you could add an additional 708 pounds to the aerator. On my CA1048 the unit weighs316 lbs and I added 420 pounds to get acceptable results but I'm thinking of adding an additional 100 pounds to get better plugs in the fall. I'm not sure how much extra weight you would need to add to the CA1060 to get the soil penetration you desire - but remember you have probably 2-6 more spoons in contact with the ground so I would think you would need more weight. Also you will need a counter weight on the tractor. I use my loader. Finally when I lift the CA1048 with the 3 point arms I can only lift it about 4 inches or so off the ground - not sure if I can adjust the top link to get more ground clearance - I have not tried. My lawn is relatively flat so this is not a problem for me. I would think the 2320 would lift the CA1060 the same height.

Fxfymn · Jun 10, 2009

If anyone is in the Northern Va, area here is a Woods PL60 Core Aerator on Craigs List for $1400.00. Woods PL60 tractor mounted aerator. Not mine, I just saw the listing.

I bought a 72" Toro with replaceable spoons on E-Bay this summer for around$800.00 plus a couple of hundred to go get it. It's a refugee from a golf course and uses two hydraulic cylinders to raise it up on dolly wheels for towing. The gent I bought it from retro-fitted a three point hitch, but since it's commercial and has heavy cast iron weight plates to boot, I really know I've lifted something when I raise it with my 3430. Keep your eye out and you may luck out on e-bay or Craigs List.

radman1 · Jun 10, 2009

I have this model by Ryan.

Ryanｮ Tracaireｮ 3 Point Hitch Aerator

Spoons are mounted on individually rotating cast iron centers. Fantastic aerator but probably on the $$ side. Good friend worked at local plant and got it for me at cost which was $1100, 8 years ago. I think back then it retailed for $3000. Weighs just over 1000 lbs.

Some one earlier mentioned their core aerator pulled hard. Mine pulls easy. Nearly impossible to make any turns unless they are gradual. It will just make the tractor go mostly straight due to its weight. No weights to add or water tanks to fill.

JeffinNE · Jun 11, 2009

T-Bow,

What do you use use for the added weight? Also, do you think just using front suitcase weights would be enough counter weight? Thanks for all your help!

T-Bow · Jun 11, 2009

JeffinNE,

For the weight on the aerator, I use six 70 pound suitcase weights. Two 70 pound weights fit perfect in each of the side trays and I get two in the center tray. You do not have to use suitcase weights though and this is the more expensive way to add weight to the aerator. I bought the weights because I also have a 3 point carry all that I use often with the loader off.

I edited this because I miss read the second part of your question. I would think that you could use suitcase weights also to act as a couterweight to the aerator instead of a loader.

T-BOW

Kays Supply · Jun 11, 2009

I have a 5' spoon aerator. I built a rack on top and mounted a 50gal blue poly barrel in it. I can add and loose weight as the ground gets hard and soft. With the barrel full, I can sink the spoons to the hub in this SI Illinois clay. The aerator came from James Equipment in Sikeston MO. It was less than $800 a few years back.

donn12 · Jun 14, 2009

I have the turf vent 3pt and it is great. For just one yard spending more than 600 does not seem necessary. I cannot imagine using a tow behind model either. I thought about it but after using the three point - no chance!