Used Aerator -- Good Deal?

strez · Apr 15, 2004

I saw a used one of these for sale down the road from my house. The asking price is $200.

The implement is slightly used -- rusty from sitting out in the weather, but appears to be in good shape otherwise.

The main question I have is whether or not this type of aerator will work well -- I've read that the 'core' type aerators are the best, because they cause the least soil compaction. This type obviously causes soil compaction when it pushes the spikes in the ground.

For $200, I might just buy it to try it. What do you think? Will this type of aerator cause more harm than good?

KiotiJohn · Apr 15, 2004

There is nothing wrong with that type aerator as the spikes are close enough to tear up most of the compaction. Yes, the weight pushes them in and as they move forward, pullin out, the ground is puctured. The two types of spikes on there help to prevent so much compaction that it would be a problem. Yes, I think most people would prefer core, but it's not neccessary and the price you state is pretty good. John

dlgmt · Apr 16, 2004

I have one just like it except for the color, I use it in my pasture each fall for over-seeding. Does the one you are looking at have pipe plugs in the end of the drum so you can fill it with water? I fill mine about half full, this really helps penetrating dry ground. If you make tight circles it really breaks the soil which is great for seeding bare spots. I think I paid around $350. new so $200. is not a bad price.

strez · Apr 16, 2004

( I have one just like it except for the color, I use it in my pasture each fall for over-seeding. Does the one you are looking at have pipe plugs in the end of the drum so you can fill it with water? I fill mine about half full, this really helps penetrating dry ground. If you make tight circles it really breaks the soil which is great for seeding bare spots. I think I paid around $350. new so $200. is not a bad price. )

Great, thanks. Yes, there are pipe plugs in the ends to fill with water.

How do you go about overseeding? Simply break the ground with the aerator and then broadcast seed over the broken soil?

You say that you use it in your pasture . . . I would like to use it in my lawn . . . will it be too agressive for my lawn?

dlgmt · Apr 16, 2004

Yes exactly, break the ground up with aerator ( I usually make a criss cross pattern with it.) then hook up the 3pt spreader and overseed & fertilize. The seed normally will find its way into one of the puncture holes. I do use it in the yard too but I have to mark all my sprinkler heads before I get started if I don't the aerator will destroy them if I happen to go over the top of one.

Tim

Nasty135 · Apr 16, 2004

STREZ, I have the same one also and if you fill it with water don't forget to empty it before the weather turns cold.
It works very well as far as I'm concerned everywhere I used it grass came up in the pattern put in by the tines.Also you have to lift it to make turns because if you leave it on the ground the tractor wants to go straight! Another thing about it is ,if your trying to aerate bare soil it shouldn't be too damp because the loose soil will end up sticking to the drum(tines)if your doing a second pass over the soil.but that price is a great deal IMO /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif,Mark..

strez · Apr 16, 2004

Thanks to all who responded. I picked it up today for $175. Did one section of my lawn and it appears to work as advertised. I'm not planning on broadcasting any seed, just want to help the soil drain a bit better to try and eliminate some wet areas. We'll see what happens . . .

KiotiJohn · Apr 16, 2004

( I picked it up today for $175. ) Excellent deal. Wish I could find an equal buy. Congrats, John

hazmat · Apr 17, 2004

Nice price. The core aerators are preffered, as the aeration "effects: last longer.

Check out KSU lawn aeration (pdf) for more information on aerating