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Is it too early to talk about 3-point plug aerators?

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13K views 52 replies 29 participants last post by  Sandfire  
#1 ·
No place to put one but with soil like a rock and horrible turf I need one. Wished I could rent one but that seems to be a no can do.

Any experiences to share on a 48-60" plug aerator? Not sure I need so spend 3 grand on one for my little acres of rocky soil.
 
#3 ·
I needed one too, and so did my friend. But we each only have an acre. We went halfs on a 60" that tows behind a ride-on mower. It does the job. We went half because it's one of those tool you use once or twice a year, then it sits. Makes no sense to each buy one.
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#11 ·
#12 ·
I know they show it online but I don't think the location by me stocks it.

I keep badgering the dealer I got my tractor from to rent more 3 point implements... they have a huge rental department and rent 1 and 3 series tractors and TLBs.
 
#13 ·
Our local location hasone, it sits outside, they have a tiller too, and a 3-series.

Maybe if you stop in and express interest they'll bring one in for you.
 
#15 ·
Too bad you're 6 hrs away. I bought a DR Power Equip.3 point plug aerator from them, and only used it 2 times. I also have a tow behind, which I pull with the golf car, and tend to use it more often, (if and when I use anything). The DR just sets here, and now that I,m thinking about it, I should just sell it.
 
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#16 ·
If you keep your eyes peeled and are willing to travel, you might catch a good deal on Machine Finder. Last year, I managed to snag a Gill (Woods) 3-point aerator at a JD dealer about 2-1/2 hours from me. They had picked it up at auction from a retired farmer. It’s from 1980 but I was still able to make it work with my Quick Hitch thanks to some good advice I got on here. Thing is built like a tank and only cost $800 out the door. Used it last fall and it worked like a champ.
 
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#18 ·
I bought this 60" drum aerator from Everything Attachments around 3 years ago and it has worked well for me. Quite heavy and well built like all their stuff. $2,700 but on sale now for $2,100 and free shipping to PA I believe.
 
#19 ·
I bought this 60" drum aerator from Everything Attachments around 3 years ago and it has worked well for me. Quite heavy and well built like all their stuff. $2,700 but on sale now for $2,100 and free shipping to PA I believe.
I have the same one. Bought it a couple years ago for like 1900. $2100 is a good deal in todays market.

That thing is heavy! When it was delivered on the pallet, I could only get it about a 12" off the ground with my the forks on my 2025R.

Not sure the lead time these days. It took 3 months to get mine but that was during the pandemic.
 
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#20 ·
I use the 3 pt plug aerator I picked up when I bought my 1025R twice a year. I was using it at my neighbor’s until his son that’s in the yard maintenance business finally bought one. I do wait for it to rain before using it and we also have rocky soil. It does much better than the pull behind plug aerator that I picked up at NT. I picked up a landscape rake to deal with the rocks at the new place when we move…
 
#21 ·
It does much better than the pull behind plug aerator that I picked up at NT.
What makes it better? I only see 2 things the can make a plug aerator good: the plug cutters must have a pointy end to enter the soil more easily, and enough weight to push them in. The latter is controlled by how much weight is put on top.
 
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#25 ·
2 other options to ponder.

1) chemical aeration, you didn’t mention your soil, so i can’t say that is, or isn’t a great option.

2) Aera-Vator’s are gaining huge popularity. Not financially viable for a single person as a DIY’r but maybe a company near you offers the service?

Just throwing options at the barn door. Chemical aeration from my experience really does something, where plug aeration on hard compact- well…it’s not my first choice.

Cheers from the Bulldog 🍻
 
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#27 ·
Great comments from everyone so far. I have picked up two used ones online (facebook marketplace). As mentioned about, keep you eye out and be ready to act. Weight is requirement depending on soil condition and amount of moisture. I try and wait for a few days after a rain to avoid tire ruts from the tractor, but everyone's situation is different. I also agree with the multiple pass comment using two different directions. Good luck.
 
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#29 ·
I went the eBay route then over-rebuilt the unit (really a turfco unit). Spoons are robust and sharp. Simple units really - I replaced all wearable components like sintered bronze bushings, main shaft and all spoons with readily available components. Added some equipment stands and utilize my hydraulic top link - Works great on my 2025r fully loaded with water ballast in Connecticut soil.

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#30 ·
I picked up a new/used 48" Land Pride a couple years ago on the cheap. The dealer sold it in a tractor package, but the buyer decided he didn't want it. The dealer had to sell it as used. I, however, would much prefer a 60" one for my 1025R. I aerate usually twice a year. I cut 1/2" plywood to place over the mesh grates and built weight boxes for suit case weights.

 
#32 ·
I have a 1025r and I looked at the 3 point versions, but felt the same way as you, too much $$s. Opted to go with an AgriFab pull behind from Tractor Supply, but specifically got the core aerator, not the spike one. Works fine but requires me to occasionally get off the tractor if I need to go over the driveway. Put a couple 70# weights on it and it work fine.

If I was using it commercially I would spend the extra money, but on the homestead that cash can be put to better use.

My two cents.
 
#34 ·
Thanks Guys and Gals.

Not too much out there used at the moment and I'm pretty sure I don't want to spend 3 grand for a heavy duty unit that will be used a few times a year.

I'd prefer not to rent a Ryan walk behind since there's a lot to do and a lot of hills.

It seems as if the Northern tool 3 point is about $800 shipped and the TSC unit is now around $1100.

I have pretty hard ground so I think I want to stick with a plug aerator versus a spike one. And I'll certainly have a look at chemical aeration though in this case I think the basic turf really needs a physical aeration along with a bit of amended soil/topsoil on top to soften things up.
 
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#35 ·
Three point is the way to go. Didn't have one so I bought this before I had a 1R to pull behind my X729. I have to back up several times while aerating and having to get off, raise the lever, back up, get off, lower the lever was a pain. I wanted to sell it. The third time I used it, I decided to back up slowly and it worked fine.
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#38 ·
I have an Agri-Fab plug aerator I bought from TSC years ago. I normally put 4 42lbs. weights on the top deck.
Last year, I was aerating my yard, 2.2 acres, and the tongue snapped in half.
Took 2 pieces of angle iron and fixed it. Wouldn't buy another one.
Would like a 3 pt. aerator but, $$$?
 
#39 ·
I've had a Land Pride core aerator for four years, model CA1556.(56" wide). Very well built, hardened replaceable spoons, grease points on each set of spoon wheels. It gets used a lot throughout Spring and Fall, on my property and those of our landscaping customers (lawn maintenance). Worth the price, sold through Kubota dealers (Kubota owns Land Pride). The 56" model will cover the tracks of anything through a 3 series machine, the pic above is behind a 2520.
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#40 ·
Everything attachment's took over the Corriher Tractor company building in Newton before moving to their new plant. Building is still there, not real sure what it's used for now. I have a medium duty Turfvent 3ph one I got used for $300 about 6 years ago. It works great for my purposes.
 
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#51 ·
That's because Ted Corriher started Everything Attachments and so far as I know, still owns it. I bought my first non-garden tractor from Ted, back in 1996, a Yanmar 1810D paddy tractor. Wish I still had it, it was a great machine. I live about 2-1/2 miles from the old Corriher Tractor Co. building.
 
#41 ·
This will make a wonderful addition to my attachments I don't have room for in the shed! Thanks @383vette