I am seriously considering a 3pt aerator and would like to know what your results are. Is it a tool you use or is it one that just sits in the shed? Does it actually improve the lawn or are you just out for a tractor ride? I am looking at the one from Everything Attachments. It looks very well built and heavy at 650lbs. I am considering the 60 inch model. So, tell me if your yard likes it or doesn't care. I need your feedback. Thanks.
RandyM
Randy,
I have a Landpride CA1556 aerator that I use behind my 1025r. My lawn was rather neglected by the previous owner. Lots of spots that were bare, some that had grass but it hardly grew due to compaction. I used my aerator last fall and noticed that my lawn has improved this year. We've been in the house four years now but only aerated twice. Once with tractor and once with 17" walk behind unit. I like to aerate and dethatch in the spring and fall. I've found that over the years it seems to make the ground more mellow and have the lawn fill in faster in the spring.
My aerator your 2305 could easily handle. Your 2520 would play with it. Empty I believe it weighs 170 pounds. I put three sandbags and three of my 70 pound suitcase weights in the weight tray last fall to get it in the ground. Part of that was lack of moisture and part that much compaction. I had within four pounds of max weight in the weight tray and 1025r with seven 42 pound weights on front handled it great. You can turn slightly with it in the ground. Mine each set of spoons turns independent of each other so you can sway a little to angle around a tree or flower bed. Make a sharp turn and the aerator will cause the front tractor tires to just plow. 3" is the max depth of mine, I believe the EA one is 4".
Tony
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I have a Landpride CA1556 aerator that I use behind my 1025r. My lawn was rather neglected by the previous owner. Lots of spots that were bare, some that had grass but it hardly grew due to compaction. I used my aerator last fall and noticed that my lawn has improved this year. We've been in the house four years now but only aerated twice. Once with tractor and once with 17" walk behind unit. I like to aerate and dethatch in the spring and fall. I've found that over the years it seems to make the ground more mellow and have the lawn fill in faster in the spring.
My aerator your 2305 could easily handle. Your 2520 would play with it. Empty I believe it weighs 170 pounds. I put three sandbags and three of my 70 pound suitcase weights in the weight tray last fall to get it in the ground. Part of that was lack of moisture and part that much compaction. I had within four pounds of max weight in the weight tray and 1025r with seven 42 pound weights on front handled it great. You can turn slightly with it in the ground. Mine each set of spoons turns independent of each other so you can sway a little to angle around a tree or flower bed. Make a sharp turn and the aerator will cause the front tractor tires to just plow. 3" is the max depth of mine, I believe the EA one is 4".
Tony
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I have a pull behind model from TSC. It's been used in the spring and fall every year I've had it. It seems to pull nice plugs and it cost $3xx. Now it has plastic bearing and isn't super HD, but for 1/3 the cost it's been fine. I keep my eye on Craigslist for a nice 3 point model, but so far I've only seen a 48" Frontier for 90% cost of new. It was in nice shape, but at 90% retail I might as well get new. My yard isn't a very good example of how well it works. When my lot was setup for the house to be built they stripped all the good top soil and now I have issues with soil quality. I do feel like it helps in the areas where soil is decent. Plus it feels good to do. :kidw_truck_smiley: I try to over seed and fertilize right after. I'm sure very little actually falls down into the plug holes, but it seems like the best time to it.
-636
-636
One thing I left out of post #2 was price. My CA1556 wasn't cheap. My next door neighbor gives me crap about buying it. Says for the cost of it I could have bought pallet forks and had money left over to rent a 3pt aerator for several years. While this is technically true, it's nice to just hook up and go on my schedule. Otherwise I have to time it for when I can rent the implement, and have time to use it and have the conditions to use it. Plus no rental place around me rents 3pt equipment that I can handle on my 1025r. A 3 series and up yes, but not a 1 series.
My Landpride aerator was $1450. I could roll the cost of it into the financing, which was huge. Buying it outright from EA meant having to make another payment to somebody.
I've also never liked the drum aerators. My lawn has so many dips and valleys the solid drum would be an issue.
My Landpride aerator was $1450. I could roll the cost of it into the financing, which was huge. Buying it outright from EA meant having to make another payment to somebody.
I've also never liked the drum aerators. My lawn has so many dips and valleys the solid drum would be an issue.
where I live they charge $ 700.00 to $900.00 to aerate in the fall ONE time. I bought the woods 6' unit many years ago and religiously aerate each fall. I believe it helps and several of my neighbors have me do there's also. Except I don't charge those prices.
I would love to get an aerator as my front yard is a compacted mess. Instead, I'm tilling it all up and re-sloping it to get the water away from the road.
I've been aerating and overseeding my properties for years. First I rented, then years later purchased a Bluebird 742 walk behind unit which if I recall aerated ~26" wide swath. It killed me to run that thing and I had to do the yard in small sections over a couple of weeks. I used to refer to the aerator as "my torture machine." One day I looked at it and said, "You're out of here." Listed it on Craigslist and it went to a new home and good riddance.
I lucked out and found a used Lesco LA6000 / John Deere 60RT and put a few $$$ back into it. Here's the link: https://www.johndeerelandscapes.com/media/23504/specsheet_pullbehindaerators.pdf
Initially I had to replace a few tines and a bearing block but it worked well enough. What's unique about this unit is it can be pulled using a drawbar or 3 PH. I use it with my iMatch Quick Hitch. It has retractable gauge wheels for transport if it's being towed. I think I've got about $1600 into it and have used it a few times. Even lent it out a couple of times and it found it's way home in one piece. I think it comes in at ~ 300#-350# but it has a weight tray that is just right for a few sand bags. I usually aerate in Spring before my first fertilizer application and then again in the fall when overseeding. It's nice to be able to do the entire yard; now about 3 acres in a few hours. Pulls ~ 3" plugs as long as there's some moisture in the ground.
I lucked out and found a used Lesco LA6000 / John Deere 60RT and put a few $$$ back into it. Here's the link: https://www.johndeerelandscapes.com/media/23504/specsheet_pullbehindaerators.pdf
Initially I had to replace a few tines and a bearing block but it worked well enough. What's unique about this unit is it can be pulled using a drawbar or 3 PH. I use it with my iMatch Quick Hitch. It has retractable gauge wheels for transport if it's being towed. I think I've got about $1600 into it and have used it a few times. Even lent it out a couple of times and it found it's way home in one piece. I think it comes in at ~ 300#-350# but it has a weight tray that is just right for a few sand bags. I usually aerate in Spring before my first fertilizer application and then again in the fall when overseeding. It's nice to be able to do the entire yard; now about 3 acres in a few hours. Pulls ~ 3" plugs as long as there's some moisture in the ground.
I don't have one now, but aeration can do wonders for your lawn. Once the plug is pulled, the soil around it pushes into the hole, loosening the soil hardpack and promoting root growth. The soil on top helps digest the thatch. Repeating the process is turning the soil over and over. Fertilizing, liming, and over-seeding effectiveness is increased measurably.
You CAN have a beautiful lawn without it, but you WILL by aeration and proper soil additions as you aerate.
I have done this with a small hand-mowed lawn and I am looking forward to utilizing the technique with a couple of acres. My concern here is that nothing is flat and I need to make many turns. I am heading towards a hitch-type to allow turns around trees, fences, etc.
You CAN have a beautiful lawn without it, but you WILL by aeration and proper soil additions as you aerate.
I have done this with a small hand-mowed lawn and I am looking forward to utilizing the technique with a couple of acres. My concern here is that nothing is flat and I need to make many turns. I am heading towards a hitch-type to allow turns around trees, fences, etc.
I have a rotary plug puller, frontier, and I like it. I did a lot of reading on lawn forums before I bought it, and pulling plugs is considered a great way to get moisture and fertilzer to roots, as well as to decompress the soil. I WOULD NOT get the spiking kind, it must pull plugs to decompress the soil.
I try and use it 2x per year on the lawn type grass, and I think it works.... no science here, but I feel better about myself once it's done!!!
I also have an aerway for the pastures. It's a spiker type, but has a twist in the blades so that it leaves a void behind. Reviews I read from users before I bought is said it does wonders for their pasture management/maintenance.
Be prepared to mold yourself some cement blocks for weight, and DO NOT pay JD for the metal sand boxes they offer. Mine were free, and man, would i be p-d off if I paid $ for them. They're just not heavy enough.
-J.
I try and use it 2x per year on the lawn type grass, and I think it works.... no science here, but I feel better about myself once it's done!!!
I also have an aerway for the pastures. It's a spiker type, but has a twist in the blades so that it leaves a void behind. Reviews I read from users before I bought is said it does wonders for their pasture management/maintenance.
Be prepared to mold yourself some cement blocks for weight, and DO NOT pay JD for the metal sand boxes they offer. Mine were free, and man, would i be p-d off if I paid $ for them. They're just not heavy enough.
-J.
At one time many years ago.... I ran the machine shop of a company that built several different models of walk behind and 3pt aerators....
What I have seen in several 3pt implement manufacturers adds all look to me to be OK machines..
The only advice I can give is to get a model that you can get a common, cheap type of replacement plug spades...
They do ware out/break/rust/need replacement for fill in the reason.. To be locked into a specific size, brand, only one supplier of replacement parts may not be a good long term experience...
I could never use an aerator here on this rock pile, but do know from the engineers and soil/plant scientists at the place I worked all said spikes are a waste of time and fuel..
Timing of aeration during your growing season will help make the most of water and fertilizer... I suspect you can do harm by aerating at the wrong time or too often during the growing season from what I have heard our experts say... Check with your local extension office or other local experts...
There are machines or attachments that collect the plugs, grind them, and make them ready to recycle onto your turf.. But of course this kind of equipment is expensive, and likely too much for the average home owner...
Good luck
What I have seen in several 3pt implement manufacturers adds all look to me to be OK machines..
The only advice I can give is to get a model that you can get a common, cheap type of replacement plug spades...
They do ware out/break/rust/need replacement for fill in the reason.. To be locked into a specific size, brand, only one supplier of replacement parts may not be a good long term experience...
I could never use an aerator here on this rock pile, but do know from the engineers and soil/plant scientists at the place I worked all said spikes are a waste of time and fuel..
Timing of aeration during your growing season will help make the most of water and fertilizer... I suspect you can do harm by aerating at the wrong time or too often during the growing season from what I have heard our experts say... Check with your local extension office or other local experts...
There are machines or attachments that collect the plugs, grind them, and make them ready to recycle onto your turf.. But of course this kind of equipment is expensive, and likely too much for the average home owner...
Good luck
Keep the info coming!
Thanks everyone, this is all very good stuff. Keep it coming. I would like to thank you for the device recommendations, but I am really interested in the results. I think I am finding it is somewhat subjective. Though the science says it is all good and effects soil compaction, plant feeding, plant watering, improved root growth, and improved mulch decay I can not find where someone can supply actual results directly related to aeration. I was hoping more of a fertilizer or watering comparison where you can actually see the results. I am thinking this is more of a rely on the science and peace of mind that you are just doing the right thing. You know like, "eating all your vegetables" thing. Now, with that all said, I am still looking to purchase a unit.
Thanks everyone, this is all very good stuff. Keep it coming. I would like to thank you for the device recommendations, but I am really interested in the results. I think I am finding it is somewhat subjective. Though the science says it is all good and effects soil compaction, plant feeding, plant watering, improved root growth, and improved mulch decay I can not find where someone can supply actual results directly related to aeration. I was hoping more of a fertilizer or watering comparison where you can actually see the results. I am thinking this is more of a rely on the science and peace of mind that you are just doing the right thing. You know like, "eating all your vegetables" thing. Now, with that all said, I am still looking to purchase a unit.
Randy
Lots of videos on YouTube regarding aerating.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lawn+aerator+before+and+after
I think the aerating has to be combined with fertilizer/lime etc., whatever one's lawn needs, to complete the process.
I've got compacted clay soil and want to get an aerator myself. Three point is the only way I'll go with all the obstacles I'll need to aerate around.
Thanks for starting this thread.
Lots of videos on YouTube regarding aerating.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lawn+aerator+before+and+after
I think the aerating has to be combined with fertilizer/lime etc., whatever one's lawn needs, to complete the process.
I've got compacted clay soil and want to get an aerator myself. Three point is the only way I'll go with all the obstacles I'll need to aerate around.
Thanks for starting this thread.
Not one to dilly-dally
Deal is done. I placed the order at Everything Attachments. I really like what I am seeing compared to the others. There were some on Craig's List locally but just not what I wanted. Hope I made a good decision, time will tell now. I am hoping it can be delivered in 3 weeks when I am on vacation so I can go pick it up at the terminal. Thanks for your input everyone.
Deal is done. I placed the order at Everything Attachments. I really like what I am seeing compared to the others. There were some on Craig's List locally but just not what I wanted. Hope I made a good decision, time will tell now. I am hoping it can be delivered in 3 weeks when I am on vacation so I can go pick it up at the terminal. Thanks for your input everyone.
I would strongly disagree with the experts who say spike aerating is a waste of time. I guess plug aerating is O-K if you like your yard to look like packs of hundreds of small dogs crapped in your yard. The recommendations biggest goal is to sell $1000-$1500 aerators as opposed to $200-$300 aerators I suspect.
I've spike aerated my yard most every fall the last 23-24 years and have stopped fertilizing, and the yard looks much better than when we bought this house. The prior owners used a lawn service to mow, spray fertilizer/herbicide 4 times a year, don't think they aerated. I had places I couldn't tell where I made my last pass with the mower even if I went 3-4 weeks between mowings when we first moved here. Grass grows much more evenly all over the yard since I've aerated and stopped fertilizing.
My aerator his home made, semi-mounted, has seven spiked wheels 5-1/2" apart with six spikes that pokes 3 to 3-1/2" deep holes every 5 to 5-1/2 inches. It weighs about 125# and I can add up to 400# of additional weight. It raises with a sleeve hitch, single pin attachment, I can turn with the aerator down as sharp as the tractor can turn. It backs up like a small 2-wheel cart. And my total out of pocket expense when I built it was for two semi-pnuematic tires and 28 PCs. 3/8" x 1" capscrews, nuts, & lock washers. Plus a couple pounds of welding rod. Oh, And a 3 foot 1" diameter piece of pipe. So probably $10 in 1980 Dollars.
Only change I'd like to make is build two more spiked wheels to make it wider, 44" vs 33".
I'm always amazed how many people are not interested in spending the money on a manufactured aerator, but after I post my results of my homemade spike aerator how many e-mail or PM requests I get for pictures.
I've spike aerated my yard most every fall the last 23-24 years and have stopped fertilizing, and the yard looks much better than when we bought this house. The prior owners used a lawn service to mow, spray fertilizer/herbicide 4 times a year, don't think they aerated. I had places I couldn't tell where I made my last pass with the mower even if I went 3-4 weeks between mowings when we first moved here. Grass grows much more evenly all over the yard since I've aerated and stopped fertilizing.
My aerator his home made, semi-mounted, has seven spiked wheels 5-1/2" apart with six spikes that pokes 3 to 3-1/2" deep holes every 5 to 5-1/2 inches. It weighs about 125# and I can add up to 400# of additional weight. It raises with a sleeve hitch, single pin attachment, I can turn with the aerator down as sharp as the tractor can turn. It backs up like a small 2-wheel cart. And my total out of pocket expense when I built it was for two semi-pnuematic tires and 28 PCs. 3/8" x 1" capscrews, nuts, & lock washers. Plus a couple pounds of welding rod. Oh, And a 3 foot 1" diameter piece of pipe. So probably $10 in 1980 Dollars.
Only change I'd like to make is build two more spiked wheels to make it wider, 44" vs 33".
I'm always amazed how many people are not interested in spending the money on a manufactured aerator, but after I post my results of my homemade spike aerator how many e-mail or PM requests I get for pictures.
Great value, very good price.
You won't be able to turn at all with that thing, you'll be on rails!!
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You won't be able to turn at all with that thing, you'll be on rails!!
Sent from JerPhone using Tapatalk
That's a super nice aerator. I bought a turfvent 48" aerator, which is less than have the cost of the EA-60. With 250 lbs of added weights, it pulls 3" plugs pretty good and is easy to move around. I would have liked one like the EA, but just couldn't justify the expense. I welded legs on mine for storage and easy hook up. It looks like the EA has a built in stand. Should serve you well.
Let us know how it works Randy! I might have to pull the trigger on one as well. I may even be able to talk my neighbor into helping finance it as he also wants one. Lol
It's a great shared implement based on how rarely it's used.
Randy, I'll bet you 1 case of beer that the first turn you make will demonstrate my point!!! Mine turns poorly, and I think I have 6 independent rollers.
That stand is nice. I meant to comment on it.
I bet you'll wanna add some weight, unless you can catch the grass right after a rain. I aim for 3-4" plugs if I'm really doing well. Nice goose turds all over our yard!!!!
-J.
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Randy, I'll bet you 1 case of beer that the first turn you make will demonstrate my point!!! Mine turns poorly, and I think I have 6 independent rollers.
That stand is nice. I meant to comment on it.
I bet you'll wanna add some weight, unless you can catch the grass right after a rain. I aim for 3-4" plugs if I'm really doing well. Nice goose turds all over our yard!!!!
-J.
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Never, cause we have very very forgiving soil here. I'm not the right guy to ask..... My yard would make a great "learn to run a trac-hoe" field....
You're exactly right about the multi spindle units. Mine was a clearance, so I bought it. Regular price is nutso....
-J.
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You're exactly right about the multi spindle units. Mine was a clearance, so I bought it. Regular price is nutso....
-J.
Sent from JerPhone using Tapatalk
Update, The machine is here and has been tried.
Well gang, the aerator has arrived, uncrated, and put to use. I am extremely pleased at how well this thing works. We did have a couple of very good rains the few days and the soil was just right for testing. In fact the testing turned into a full blown job, the whole lawn is now poked full of holes with little brown tootsie rolls all over the place. I couldn't be happier. The 2520 pulled it with extreme ease. I got a good 2-3 inch plug. :yahoo:
Also, I did not have to add any extra weight to the unit. The 620lbs was plenty to give a very satisfactory job.
So, here are the photos to prove it.
Oh, and I must say, Everything Attachments is a class act business. They delivered on time and very easy to deal with. :thumbup1gif:
Does anyone have a good way of cleaning the spoons? My first attempt was very slow and tedious. I poked the remaining plugs out with a rod and then proceeded to just us a hose and a brush.
Well gang, the aerator has arrived, uncrated, and put to use. I am extremely pleased at how well this thing works. We did have a couple of very good rains the few days and the soil was just right for testing. In fact the testing turned into a full blown job, the whole lawn is now poked full of holes with little brown tootsie rolls all over the place. I couldn't be happier. The 2520 pulled it with extreme ease. I got a good 2-3 inch plug. :yahoo:
Also, I did not have to add any extra weight to the unit. The 620lbs was plenty to give a very satisfactory job.
So, here are the photos to prove it.
Oh, and I must say, Everything Attachments is a class act business. They delivered on time and very easy to deal with. :thumbup1gif:
Does anyone have a good way of cleaning the spoons? My first attempt was very slow and tedious. I poked the remaining plugs out with a rod and then proceeded to just us a hose and a brush.
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