Turfco 62" 3 pt aerator turning radius

[dooger54]

I am looking at buying the Turfco TM62 aerator which attaches to the 3 pt hitch. Their website states "Tine wheels are mounted in pairs for turning without tearing". I called their customer service line and asked about this. I was told that you can makes turns with this unit without tearing the turf. Does anyone have experience with this unit??

Every other manufacturer of these 3 pt models says that you pretty much have to drive in a straight line for them to work properly. I have also read the posts on this forum about aerators and got the same answer - you must keep it straight!

I have about 3 acres to aerate but I also have to navigate around a lot of trees and planting beds. I'm concerned how the 3 pt models will handle this.

 

[TimS]

Here's the Turfco: Turfco

Seems like the Feldman might tear less as the tines / wheels can rotate: TurfVent Lawn Aerators by Feldmann | CoreCaster CTV 52

 

[BTackett]

I looked at their website and I think they may be talking about making turns easily WITH the wheels down. I have the Agri-fab and I cannot turn at all with it down. I must lift it before turning. It works really well though.

Bill

 

[jeffinsgf]

I have a 41" Turfco, and can confirm that the ganged wheels allow slight curves, but if you turn tight, you'll tear the heck out of your yard.

It is always best to go over the whole area twice, with the second pass at a right angle to the first. This way you can make broad curves around trees, and then fill in with the crossing pattern.

At the end of a row, lift the unit, make a three point turn and head back across. If you try to make a 90 degree turn, you'll tear up your yard and most likely end up the nose of your tractor somewhere you don't want it --- the aerator acts like a rudder and tries to keep you in a relatively straight line.

 

[North Dakota]

I'd have to agree with Bill. The Turfco unit is talking about turning with the rubber wheels on the ground and the tines up.

That feldman unit looks like the one that would work great.

 

[jeffinsgf]

I am a big fan of Turfco equipment. I've bought some new and some used. That said, if I were in the market for an aerator, I would take a real close look at these: PRO-AIRE Core Aerator before writing a check to anyone.

 

[dooger54]

I did talk to Turfco and they told me specifically that the 3 pt model can turn with the tines in the ground. This unit does not have wheels. I just wondered if anyone has the 62" model and how it turned and performed.

I have looked at the Pro-Aire units and am considering those also. I'm just not sure what kind of service after the sale they will provide, while I've heard nothing but good reports on Turfco service.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Much as I like the folks at Turfco....and as I said I have 3 pieces of their equipment...they lied. Or, perhaps I should more diplomatically state that there seems to be a misunderstanding. There's turning, and then there's turning. What you can do is follow a gentle curve in the yard. If you turn a corner, you're going to tear up your yard, your aerator and your tractor.

 

[Cyberroc]

Turfco, yeah right. From what I can see you can turn if the wheels are down and the tines are up.

Turfvent looks to have more promise, but until they or someone shows a video, I would wonder. If I had to be able to turn, this would be the one I would bet on.

I have requested a video from them and will post what I get. I have also offered to take video for them if they sent me one to 'barrow'.

I would guess they will send me a link to the video.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Turfco, yeah right. From what I can see you can turn if the wheels are down and the tines are up.

No wheels on the 3 point model.