Aerator Suggestions?

[thatguy]

I have used a 48" agri-fab type pull behind for a few years now without any problems.. I took 5 kitty litter containers and filled them with gravel for extra weight..

My yard is pushing an acre and for $180ish it has been an excellent value.. I aerate a few times a years so spending much more than that doesnt justify anything nicer in my mind.

I aerated about a month ago 2 days after a nice rain and i was getting +2" plugs. BUT I do have to go pretty slow to get the best penetration. I even have new grass coming up in bare spots now - I didnt get a chance to get grass down in the fall.

Brian

 

[Harvest Moon]

Aerator on the cheap-

My dad and I went 50/50 on one of these: (lawn equipment Lesco aerator 30in.), used on E bay, for $400. I made a tow bar for it, and pull it with a lawn mower. You don't need to have the engine running when you tow it, so if you find one that doesn't run, you could get it cheaper. I can do an acre an hour, going over it twice.

I have made more than my half of the money back, doing residential lawns for my friends, using it as a walk behind.

Now that's an option I hadn't come up with. Yeah, if I could find one up for parts maybe I could whip something up. At least if the tines were in good shape.

 

[Kays Supply]

I live in Southern Illinois. I have an equipment dealer west of me in Sikeston MO. I bought a 60" 3 point new for around $600. It is rough looking but " **** for Stout ". It is the one drum type, but I just raise the 3 point a little on turns, no problems there. I made a rack on top and mounted a poly barrel. I can add or drop water as needed for weight. It will take a 6" core in the right conditions. My yard is the best looking on this road.

 

[Leemac]

I bought this same unit in 2001 for $800.00. Works great. Love the 3-point hitch model. It appears this unit is still available at Trac Vac site.

04-18-2002, 10:26 PM #3 (permalink)
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Join Date: Dec 1969
Posts: 0 Re: Core Aerator

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You might want to check out this site. Trac Vac Lawn Vacuum's & Lawn accessories!!........ I bought Trac-Vac Model 364 64inch width, 3 pt hitch, 96 spoons or points can use up to eight concrete blocks for added weight. This unit works great for me. I paid approx $775.00 last year for mine.

 

[radioman]

Thanks for the responses, they've really got me considering my options.

I'm starting to think that I'll probably stick with something to pull with the riding mower. I'd love to have one of those Gill 60" deals but it will never pay for it's self with my current intentions.

Also, I think I have enough room in my little mower shed to store a smaller one. I'm not to keen on spending cash and watching it rust year after year. Unless of course it was rusty when I got it at a great price, then it's not such a big deal.

I like the one amigauser linked to but I'm also encouraged by radiomans success with the agrifab. I found this one on TSC's site:

Tractor Supply Company - Plugger Aerator 48In

It's definitely below my standards but if it will do the job and last through a 1/2 acre of somewhat packed clay for 10 years or better, it's steal. What do you think radioman? Anything like the one thats working for you? It will cover the ride on's tracks.

The TA 12 below looks like the smaller affordable aerator I've always dreamed of (I wasn't able to link to the specific page, all links bounce to the home page):

Welcome to www.bluebirdintl.com

but at nearly $1200 it almost costs as much as the riding mower. There seem to be some golf course models out there that go WAY up there in price but I'm not looking for a golf course, just a little tired of dirt.

Can't really see as to how the TA 12 might be worth twice what they are selling the one the one amigauser linked to though.

Any other thoughts out there?

That looks like what I have except it hass two handles for the tires. I think I prefer the one you looking at since its a one handle operation and it looks like it can be handled from the seat. With mine, I have to get out and do each side to lower or raise.

 

[lawn_king]

Aerator on the cheap-

My dad and I went 50/50 on one of these: (lawn equipment Lesco aerator 30in.), used on E bay, for $400. I made a tow bar for it, and pull it with a lawn mower. You don't need to have the engine running when you tow it, so if you find one that doesn't run, you could get it cheaper. I can do an acre an hour, going over it twice.

I have made more than my half of the money back, doing residential lawns for my friends, using it as a walk behind.

I have the same machine for sale! Cherry condition, less then 50 hours! Package comes with 3 engines and 2 complete parts machines! 2 hours labor in your shop with a 1/2 & 9/16 ratchet and you have 2 lesco 30 core aerators ready to roll! Picture can be seen at www.lawnsite.com in the equipment marketplace $1000. call scott @ 781 792 0373.

 

[rutwad]

I got the 48" plug aerator from Lowe's for $139. I'm like you when it comes to spending money, especially for something that is going to create more work for me. I put about 150-200 lbs on it and pulled it with my Yamaha Rhino. It's not rated for that much weight, but my yard is pretty hard packed.

I used 2 pieces of RR iron strapped to it. Originally I used only 1 piece, but then decided to up it to two. It worked better with the heavier weight. With less weight on hard ground, it would not penetrate as deep which made it vibrate more. It penetrated deeper and I had less vibration with the increased weight.

My yard is 3 1/2 acres, so you should have no trouble with it for 1/2 acre. Plus you can back it up against the garage wall and lean the tongue against the wall. This way it takes up very little space.

The quality may not be the best, but I think it is well worth the money.