Core Aerator:pick one

Slippy · Oct 31, 2005

Makes sense.

cp1969 · Oct 31, 2005

Wow....$450 to do 1 1/2 acres? I was thinking if someone asked me to do core aeration, what I would charge. I was thinking something like $60 per acre. It's easy work and not hard on equipment at all.

I don't need the floating feature as my ground has very little contour to it.

I am still amazed at the prices some of these companies ask for their core aerators. $2k and up, when a roto tiller, with its PTO shaft, gearbox, drive sprockets & chain, and umpteen curved, sharpened blades goes for half that.

FWIW, weight is no substitute for proper moisture when aerating. It rained this morning so I thought I would be able to do some aerating this evening. But even with about 300# on, I was only getting about 2" penetration.

I'll have to wait for more rain.

Slippy, please post what you find out. You never know when it will be of value to someone. A lot of people don't think about aeration until spring.

kingoflawns · Oct 31, 2005

The woods/gill pl series has a built in weight tray designed to hold 1000 lbs of weight. The spoon wheels (gangs) turn independently, this prevents lock up and turf tearing and allows some turning. Each gang has a grease fitting and the overall construction of the aerator is very heavy duty. We only buy equipment built for the long haul. Check out all the other aerators for yourself, it's obvious the woods is far superior!

ducati996 · Oct 31, 2005

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The unit is mfg by Midwest Equipment

web page

I believe they also make them for Kioti. I have a 48" Kioti unit paid $735 in 3/03 from a local Kioti dealer, works great.

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I know that all the instruction manuals are from Midwest...got my rake from them as well...Excellent stuff for the money no doubt, very heavy duty. Will last a long time

Duc

Slippy · Oct 31, 2005

Will go check out the woods stuff and let you know.

OhioGuy · Oct 31, 2005

I'm also looking for a good core aerator. I rented one a month ago, It was OK, couldn't travel overdriveways without unloading it because of a poor design. It rented for $45 a day.

I have a line on a Turfco for around $600, it looks like a solid unit.

http://www.turfcodirect.com/index.php?module=pagesetter&func=viewpub&tid=1&pid=18

I think the advantage to owning one of these is that you'll use it 2 or 3 times a year as opposed to trying to rent at the right time hoping one is available?

Or maybe I just want another 3 pt tool for my arsenal?

Curt

Slippy · Nov 1, 2005

Turfco looks like a good unit. Is the one you are looking at pull or 3pt? I am in Ohio also, so if you don't purchase, let me know please. You can pm me if you like. Thanks.

ducati996 · Nov 1, 2005

Based on their pricies on the site - $600 is a great price...
However I'm confused they offer a limit size selection - 42" or 62" nothing in between ?? I like the water jugs as weights /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

OhioGuy · Nov 1, 2005

I liked the water jugs also, it can double as a water wagon. The website indicates the independant rows of cores reduces or eliminates tearing, that remains to be seen.

I wondered about the sizes also, maybe they are primarily dealing with golf courses and that has some significance?

I'll let you know and post pics if I buy it.

Curt

Slippy · Nov 1, 2005

Have checked on the Woods core aerators. Also looked at Front Line. Both look to be nice units. Still in the $1500 to $2100 price range. Although 3pt would be easier to transport, lift, move while not on grass, pull behind coud be pulled by quad, etc., and less time for hook up, especially if you have to take something off first. Just some more thoughts.