King Kutter Professional Core Aerator Opinions

[Dave in Indy]

Hi, I came across a King Kutter 60" Professional Core/Plug aerator for 3 point hitch. Can't find any info about them - don't appear to be made any more, only found on King Kutter website under listings for parts diagrams.

Asking price is $1000, seller claims it was $2000 new.

Appreciate any information on this unit and also thoughts on price. Seems a little high but I can't tell for sure since I can't find anything about it anywhere online.

Thanks!

 

[gsganzer]

I don't know much about the King Kutter

I bought a Used Bush Hog MPG720 for $650, I suspect it's a lot stouter than the KK.

That being said, I've never seen many aerators for sale used and most are pretty pricey.

 

[Dave in Indy]

Well that doesn't make me feel better about the asking price on this one. lol

 

[Ford850]

I'd take a look at EverythingAttachments and find a comparable one to judge the price. Lawn Aerators- 3 Point Core Pluggers

 

[gsganzer]

Well that doesn't make me feel better about the asking price on this one. lol

I was patient and looked for one for a long time. Aerators seem to be incredibly expensive for what they are, but when you add up all the parts (tines, hubs, shafts, bushings etc.) I guess they're more complicated to fab.

I'd occasionally find a Ryan or Toro on Ebay, but they weren't anywhere near me and they were pricey. The real nice ones are the Ryans and Toro's with the independent floating gangs. Those are the ones I see the golf courses use. If you're just using it for pastures, you might look for an Aerway or similar.

I used my Bush Hog MPG720 this past year on my horse pasture and the results were great. It's a balancing act between the soil moisture being just right, growth stage of the forage and fertilizer application. I try to aerate and fertilize at the same time so I get better utilization of the fertilizer. My Bermuda grass is the thickest it's ever been.

 

[Zick]

Is this it?
King Kutter(R) 5' Lawn Aerator (King Kutter(R) 84), Farm Implements & Parts | Runnings

 

[amigauser]

These appear to be the best bang for the buck ones. I own a Turfco 60" one myself purchased used off Craigslist but they rarely come up for sale.
Field Tuff 6�" 3 Point Plug Aerator | L & M Fleet Supply

 

[Dave in Indy]

Is this it?
King Kutter(R) 5' Lawn Aerator (King Kutter(R) 84129), Farm Implements & Parts | Runnings

That looks like the one I have a line on. Typical Craigslist crap post claimed it cost $2000 but will let it go for the low low price of $1000, no extra charge for the pre-chipped paint and rust. Uh, no.

 

[Dave in Indy]

I was patient and looked for one for a long time. Aerators seem to be incredibly expensive for what they are, but when you add up all the parts (tines, hubs, shafts, bushings etc.) I guess they're more complicated to fab.

I'd occasionally find a Ryan or Toro on Ebay, but they weren't anywhere near me and they were pricey. The real nice ones are the Ryans and Toro's with the independent floating gangs. Those are the ones I see the golf courses use. If you're just using it for pastures, you might look for an Aerway or similar.

I used my Bush Hog MPG720 this past year on my horse pasture and the results were great. It's a balancing act between the soil moisture being just right, growth stage of the forage and fertilizer application. I try to aerate and fertilize at the same time so I get better utilization of the fertilizer. My Bermuda grass is the thickest it's ever been.

These appear to be the best bang for the buck ones. I own a Turfco 60" one myself purchased used off Craigslist but they rarely come up for sale.
Field Tuff 6�" 3 Point Plug Aerator | L & M Fleet Supply

Thanks for the tips - I have a better idea what to look for. I like the EA stuff and I will pull the trigger on a Wicked grapple sooner or later. Their aerator looks pretty solid, though.

 

[Ford850]

That looks like the one I have a line on. Typical Craigslist crap post claimed it cost $2000 but will let it go for the low low price of $1000, no extra charge for the pre-chipped paint and rust. Uh, no.

Your thread title says "core" aerator, and that KK is not. It's the simpler spike variety. I think they did make a core model at one time.

 

[Dave in Indy]

I missed that looking at the phone but you're right; the one I saw for sale is a core/plug aerator. Still think $1000 is way too much, but since I can't find anything online about the KK Core aerator with current pricing I'm not sure what would be reasonable, if I were to make an offer.

Also, the more I read about KK the less interested I get. I admit I have no personal experience with KK, I just prefer to buy once and cry once, instead of buying an implement of future frustration just because of price. The old argument of price vs cost.

Thanks for the input, I appreciate the experience here and the willingness to share knowledge.