Plugger Aerator - Solid drum vs split spoons

[JCoastie]

I'm thinking about purchasing an aerator. I have a 6 acre lot with grass and trees. It's decent grass, but it is not smooth pasture land.

A drum seems heavy duty, but I wonder if that solid steel would be a negative on land that isn't completely flat.
There are other companies that have spoons on independent twin sets.

Comments?

 

[TMGT]

Are you doing long straight shots? While you can't really turn with either style, the segmented ones will allow you to do some light maneuvering where the drum style will fight you. For my uses I prefer the segmented style.

This is a 50" one I built about 12 years ago.

I have uneven land so I switched to an aerator with individual sections that can move up and down.

 

[TMGT]

Sorry, pictures didn't load apparently

 

[JCoastie]

individual sections that can move up and down

I didn't realize that was an option, good to know!

 

[TMGT]

They aren't as common and usually pretty pricy, Ryan is the only company I can think of off the top of my head that makes them, and there aren't a lot of 3pt options, I modified mine to be 3pt from a tow behind.
It's heavy, about 1200lbs I belive, I add stone blocks to it also.

They make a lighter 36 or 48in options I believe.

 

[JCoastie]

I'm looking for a 60" and unfortunately not long straight lines.
When you say they fight you maneuvering, what does that feel like, and is that going to break spoons?

 

[TMGT]

I'm looking for a 60" and unfortunately not long straight lines.
When you say they fight you maneuvering, what does that feel like, and is that going to break spoons?

It can damage spoons, it just won't respond depending on how heavy your tractor is. You aren't going to be able to make turns either way, but the segmented will give you enough play that you can make corrections.

If you've ever tried turning with the diff lock on on a paved surface with good traction, it feels kinda like that with the solid drum.

 

[CalG]

For "quality" turf, the plugs need to be pulled, and sand sifted back down the holes.

 

[SPYDERLK]

For "quality" turf, the plugs need to be pulled, and sand sifted back down the holes.

Good idea. Iv never done the sand - just left the holes to weather fill on their own and cores to disperse on the surface. ... I think spike aerators tend to cause compaction.

 

[KenBike]

Had a spoon style 72" purchased on line and don't recall the brand. It was poorly built and the spoons plugged up so let large holes and no plugs. Have an old Gil 48" spike rolled that pull with mower with 160 lbs of weight added and it does a nice job.