Aerator and Dethatch - finally made a move

[c-and-a]

After following several threads, I finally outfitted my 2350 with a core aerator and front-mount dethatch...

I have used the aerator, worked very well - it can be filled with water for additional weight (filled it 3/4 full) - draining completely was interesting. I now need to figure out front weights - it was alittle "wheelie-like" at times.

Made a couple of quick passes with the dethatcher, but waiting to remount my deck and bagger for the true test...

Dethatcher is from JRCo - need some bracket mods for the 2350, but very easy. Aerator is from Leinbach

I can share pricing if anyone is interested...

 

[witel]

If/When you get a chance, post some pics of your implements in action along with some of the before and after shots of the ground.

Thanks.

 

[MOPAULY]

Looks good. I would be curious to know the pricing. I have a dethatcher I used to tow behind my 13HP toro that could be converted to front mount unless it's not cost effective.

 

[Rich P]

What type of aerator is that, spike or plug?

 

[Dog Lover]

Sure looks good. I like that aerator. What is the brand and price if you don't mind? Looks pretty sturdy, not the kind that break off easily but will do a good job. I too would like to see ground after you aerate it.

 

[c-and-a]

I will try to get some pics of the ground this weekend - cored last Monday.

Yes, it is a core aerator - weighs about 250# dry, guessing ~350-400 with water...did a good job in my opinion, I have rented walk-behinds and hired other people to do it - comparable job.

I will be able to get some shots of the dethatch - plan to do that work next weekend when I put the MMM and bagger back on for the season - too much FEL work left to do this week(end)...

Will post more pics when I get them...

aerator is Leinbach - $595 + shipping
Dethatch is JRCo - this is the HD version 5' with 3" wheels - $625

JRCo site is pretty good - pics and videos - I may be a looking at the leaf rake in the fall - mounts to the same front brackets...

 

[thatguy]

That is an impressive rig you have there.. Congrats.. the aerator looks really nice..

Brian

 

[gotcha]

After following several threads, I finally outfitted my 2350 with a core aerator and front-mount dethatch...
I have used the aerator, worked very well - it can be filled with water for additional weight (filled it 3/4 full) - draining completely was interesting. I now need to figure out front weights - it was alittle "wheelie-like" at times.
Made a couple of quick passes with the dethatcher, but waiting to remount my deck and bagger for the true test...
Dethatcher is from JRCo - need some bracket mods for the 2350, but very easy. Aerator is from Leinbach
I can share pricing if anyone is interested...

That aerator is quite impressive. I bet it could do a great job on someones irrigation system.
The Gotcha Man

 

[thcri]

What type of aerator is that, spike or plug?

I found different wording for aerators.
Agri-Fab would call it a spike aerator since it does not leave plugs.

Core Aerator will pull a plug.
Plug Aerator will pull a plug also.

I am sure the one in the picture is a Spike.

murph

 

[thcri]

That aerator is quite impressive. I bet it could do a great job on someones irrigation system.
The Gotcha Man

They can do damage to the heads. So one should mark the heads, but I don't think it should get to the pipe. I would be careful doing anyones lawn but your own.


murph

 

[Rich P]

The pictured aerator looks like a spike aerator. The purpose of aeration is to allow nutrients and air into the root systems and to reduce compaction of the soil. Spike aerators actually compact the soil more. A good aerator will take a 1/2" by 3" core out of the soil, opening up the soil to allow nutrients and air in while allowing the roots room to grow in more pourous soil.

 

[BTDT]

Looks like you've done a lot of work there. Nice lawn, compared to the rock infested hill beside where the lawn stops.

 

[c-and-a]

To clear up the confusion - this is a core aerator, not a spike...it pulls about 3" plugs depending upon weight. I agree with one post - spike aerating is a waste of time...

The aerator has welded spoons that are capable of 4" plugging...again depending on weight and compaction of the soil - watering before is a must.

Also - irrigation pipes are typically much deeper that any core aerator would hit, but it will make a big mess of the heads if you hit one. I am currently installing concrete donuts around each of my heads. Not to protect them, but so I can see them and avoid them...

 

[Rich P]

All one has to do before aerating is turn the sprinkler system on each zone for about 5-10 min per zone and flag each head.

 

[c-and-a]

Agreed - but after flagging over 65 heads, getting wet in the process, then removing the flags - I am opting for the concrete donuts

 

[Rich P]

With concrete donuts, what are you going to do when you break a sprinkler head and need to replace it?

 

[c-and-a]

They are just that donuts - they are 6" OD & 3.5" ID - 2" deep so they just sit around the top 2" of the head...

 

[chrisjbell]

How does that thing eject the cores it pulls? With the one at work, it punches straight up and down, so each plug pushes the last one out of the tine. With yours, I don't get how that would work? Maybe a close up pic of the tines would help me understand?

For 500 bucks, if it really does core well that is a great deal...I'm intrigued!

 

[dwenham]

I've been wrong before, but it looks like the plugger is open-ended and the old plug would be ejected by the new plug each rotation. If so, it would be WAYYYYY les complex than a typical plug aerator. If I'm looking at it correctly, I'd sure be curious to see if it can operate in heavy clay. (Moist of course, dry, a jackhammer wouldn't work in our soil.) Dave

 

[MIKEKUBOTA]

From whom did you purchase the Leinbach core aerator? Did the price include shipping?