3 Pt Core Aerator

[mjslsjsf]

I've been doing internet researching for the perfect 3-pt core aerator for my sub-compact tractor; Massey Ferguson GC2600, 25HP. Would like to know which type of aerator is better; spoons welded directly to the drum, i.e., Leinbach or the ones that have the spoons bolted to rotating shafts, i.e., Befco or Millcreek. The aerator needs to be a 48" wide, makes life easier for where I need to aerate. Any help would be great. Would like to know the pro's and con's of the different brands. Since this is just for my yard I'm not looking for professional but something between $1500 - $2200.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[ChuckinNH]

Actually for a home yard I wouild look at the pull behind models from Agri Fab, etc. I bought one to try this spring, and it worked just fine. I got about 3" of penetration with a little weight added. You can turn with the pull behind models, but have to go in a straight line with the 3pt hitch models. Mine cost something over $200.

 

[kennyd]

Welcome to TBN

I think the ones with the spoons that bolts to the independently rotating hubs is a much better design than the drum units

 

[mjslsjsf]

I appreciate your point of view but the reason I purchased a tractor with the 3-pt hitch was to use it. There are limitations with a pull behind aerator; i.e., driveways/walkways, you have to stop and lower the wheels to proceed. With a 3-pt all I have to do is raise the unit and then lower after I've crossed. Making turns isn't a problem either becasue the same goes there plus when you use an aerator while turning you tend to tear up the lawns more. Again thanks for your point of view.

 

[mjslsjsf]

Thanks for the response, that is the way I'm looking at going. Like the ability of replacing the spoons if they are damaged plus the fact the hubs rotate. Reminds me more on the line of the walk behind units I've used in the past. Any information on well made brands.

 

[kennyd]

Search the term "aerator" here on TBN, there are some great threads with links in them.

 

[GaryS]

Here's a link to the thread about the one I got.

Not too expensive, replaceable spoons, and it does a good job too.

 

[MarkV]

Mine has the spoons hooked to a drum, the spoons are replaceable, and the water filled drum adds a lot of weight which is an advantage. The units with spoons mounted on hubs are better for turns and are generally more expensive. I had a pull behind and much prefer the 3pt unit for getting into tighter areas.

MarkV

 

[mjslsjsf]

Here's a link to the thread about the one I got.

Not too expensive, replaceable spoons, and it does a good job too.

GaryS, thanks for the information. The more I read the more confusing it gets. I guess it all boils down to how much $ you're willing to put out. I know I'm getting one before fall and it will be a 3 pt hookup, other than that I'm still unsure. The good thing I still have some time to get more information from other owners. Again thanks for your input.

 

[mjslsjsf]

Mine has the spoons hooked to a drum, the spoons are replaceable, and the water filled drum adds a lot of weight which is an advantage. The units with spoons mounted on hubs are better for turns and are generally more expensive. I had a pull behind and much prefer the 3pt unit for getting into tighter areas.

MarkV

MarkV, I'm unsure about the drum type. I have seen both type's, ones with welded on spoons that I don't like and your type with the bold on spoons. Who makes your model so I can check it out. Thanks

 

[robertm]

I have been living this dream of a 3pt aerator for years. About ten years ago, my FIL bought an Agrifab 48" roller for about $150 and a tow behind Agrifab core aerator unit for about $200. I could use them if I'd do his lawn each year... and store them in my barn.

Well, long story short, the B7510 was quite a challenge to turn on his residetial city lot, and the aerator was a bear to back up with. He wanted every square inch aerated, and the job was a chore getting on and off the tractor to raise the aerator, lower the aerator, unload the ballast, move the aerator, etc. I never had the time to do my yard, either. I haven't aerated his yard in probably three years... or mine in ten. Now, I want to do mine, so I am thinking...

My intent is to make a U-shaped frame for the 3pt like a 3-point boom to lift the aerator while it is actually being towed from the main hitchpoint on the rear axle. This way, I can raise the 3-point to lift the aerator off the ground, back into whereever I need to, drop the aerator down again, and go. No more on/off the tractor, hassles backing up, etc. It will cost substantially less than a 3-point aerator on the market. I still get a good 3 inches of penetration with 150# of sand weight atop the Agrifab. Lastly, it's alot easier to toss the Agrifab in my loft when not being used.

 

[radioman]

hate to say it, but i think the tow behinds are better then 3 pt for areating. it tears less and for the amount of time it sits around waiting for the next time to be used, I rather be cheap as possible. Rather use the money for other REAL 3 pt implements like back blades, rake, box blade , sub soiler, etc!! I can use the other implements more then I would use the aerator.

 

[GaryS]

I like mine because I use bags of concrete for load. I take the bags of the ledge when not in use and I can then easily move the attachment in the barn.

 

[pitt_md]

On the low side of your price range you could rent one for many years and not have to store/maintain it.

 

[amigauser]

On the low side of your price range you could rent one for many years and not have to store/maintain it.

I have never seen 3pt aerators for rent in my area. The walk behind type are pretty cheap to rent, around $45 for a 1/2 day. They drag you around though, not much fun. I picked up a heavy duty used tow behind for $100 for my yard. The 3pt type does have advantages as was mentioned.

This company seems to make some decent 3pt and tow behind models.
PRO-AIRE Core Aerator

 

[JeffinNE]

I have the JD 40 inch tow behind model and it does a decent job with added weight. Best to aerate a couple days after an inch of rain to get decent penetration. You can't really get at all areas of the yard with tow behind models.

On my wish list is either the Landpride CA2548 or the Frontier CA1048. Both are heavy duty 3 pt models that will do a much better job at penetration plus the spacing is much closer so not as many passes needed. They are expensive though at around $2000!

 

[GaryS]

On the low side of your price range you could rent one for many years and not have to store/maintain it.

I thought hard about doing this but... you want to use the aerator just after rains and trying to get a rental unit at just the right time (for me anyway) would be really tough.

I planned on using it spring & fall but I've recently heard that up to 5 times a year is really good for the yard. I run a heavy tractor to cut my grass and want to try eliminate compaction as much as possible and will try to get to use it 4 times over the spring/summer/fall.

Also, having it on the 3pt makes it easy to get into tight places and to make turns - just lift, turn, and drop it back in.

 

[CHDinCT]

I have an old agrifab 36" tow behind I would use behind my wheel horse, but got tired of getting on an off the tractor to lower the wheels, plus as the OP stated, turning with the tow behind tends to make long messy slashes in my lawn vs neat plugs, so, I'm in the process of converting it to a 3PH version which is tough for me since I don't weld.

I took the wheels off and re-oriented the steel levers on each side so they stick out toward the front, then drilled some holes and added large diameter bolts for hitch pins. I used an angle grinder to cut off the tow tonge about 4" out from the aerator, then bolted some steel flat stock in a vertical orientation to that for the top link pin. The geometry isn't right yet, but I'll get back to modifying it before fall, hopefully. Sorry no pic's but can take some if anyone's interested. Just can't justify the cost of a true 3PH model.

 

[mjslsjsf]

I have the JD 40 inch tow behind model and it does a decent job with added weight. Best to aerate a couple days after an inch of rain to get decent penetration. You can't really get at all areas of the yard with tow behind models.

On my wish list is either the Landpride CA2548 or the Frontier CA1048. Both are heavy duty 3 pt models that will do a much better job at penetration plus the spacing is much closer so not as many passes needed. They are expensive though at around $2000!

I've contacted my dealer, he also handles Land Pride and he is working on getting the CA2548 for under $2000, probably around $1800. Also have checked with Millcreek dealer and can get their Model 420, 42" one for $1400. Would rather have the Landpride at 1800 if possible. The Turf-Aire, made by Bishop Enterprises Inc from TN is selling their 48" model for $1299 but don't know how good they are or how well built. Hoping to find a dealer in my area so I can check them out.

 

[MarkV]

MarkV, I'm unsure about the drum type. I have seen both type's, ones with welded on spoons that I don't like and your type with the bold on spoons. Who makes your model so I can check it out. Thanks

Wish I could tell you the brand I have but there are no marking, decals or serial numbers to reference. It looks to good to be home built. The spoons fit into a 2" tall by 1 1/4" od square tubing with a through bolt that attaches the 8" spoon. I bought it through a government auction site recently from a local recreation department and am happy as can be. Like many, I was finding it hard to spend 1k plus for something I would use less than 10 hours a year. In my case I spent $210 and had to drive an hour round trip to pick it up.

MarkV