aerators

[SowGreen]

Need advice on the best aerators to buy, and also pricing. Thanks in advance.

[jameson]

I can tell you what not to buy from experience.

I own a couple of Bluebird 530's. These machines will wear you out in a hurry. They are evil. But they are also paid for.

If I were going to purchase a new aerator, I would get the Plugr 850 HD. Everyone who owns a Plugr raves about it. I would like to rave about an aerator. Someday.

www.plugr.com

[6'7 330]

What are you in the market for ? Walkbehind or tow behind? Walkbehind variety, the Ryan LA IV and V are durable never ware out simple machines, with less moving parts. But they are a bear for the employees, they cause operator fatigue big time. For 07 we are going to consider, the plugr, or other cam driven type aerator.

[rodfather]

I bought a Pluggr 800H this year...wish I had done it sooner. It's a nice unit.

[coyotekid]

I too am looking into aerators. I'm new to aeration--believe it or not, it's just not that common in my area. It seems that EVERYONE is convinced that "Power Raking" is the way to go...:(

But, I'm working to change that.

Most of my lawns are larger--1 to 3 acres. What would you guys suggest for lawns this size? I suppose I can't have one unit that will do it all, but a really versatile aerator would be great.

From the research I've done, it seems that aeration in the fall, say October, is best. What about aerating a lawn that has NEVER been aerated now, in late June?

[6'7 330]

I too am looking into aerators. I'm new to aeration--believe it or not, it's just not that common in my area. It seems that EVERYONE is convinced that "Power Raking" is the way to go...:(

But, I'm working to change that.

Most of my lawns are larger--1 to 3 acres. What would you guys suggest for lawns this size? I suppose I can't have one unit that will do it all, but a really versatile aerator would be great.

From the research I've done, it seems that aeration in the fall, say October, is best. What about aerating a lawn that has NEVER been aerated now, in late June?

One to three acres, you would be better served with a tow behind.Ryan, turfco have very good ones.

Skip the June aeration, wait until september.

[teeca]

i had ryan, and like the rest of their products a P.O.S., bought the bluebird far better, imo. tried a plugr 800, wow wish i would have waited and got it! nobody rented the plugr so i could try it.

[twwlawn]

I have been using a plugr PL400 aerator for a couple of years and then this year I got a Turfco TurnAer 4 with the Chariot, production went way up getting lawns done. I have to stay small due to gates and small areas.

[teeca]

I have been using a plugr PL400 aerator for a couple of years and then this year I got a Turfco TurnAer 4 with the Chariot, production went way up getting lawns done. I have to stay small due to gates and small areas.
i saw that on their web site, does it pull ok? boog down? and can it make the turns it claims?

[twwlawn]

teeca, it pulls great, plenty of power coming out of that Honda motor, and yes you make turns just like a mower. The first time using the TurnAer 4 was okay, but adjustments were needed and I called their tech support on making the proper adjustments, once that was done, I was good to go. It might seem like alot of $$, but it is well worth every penny.

[teeca]

sounds like a good deal.. looks sweet in the mailer i got, i am just a little gun-shy somtimes, i've fell victum to crap ads in the past.

[twwlawn]

sounds like a good deal.. looks sweet in the mailer i got, i am just a little gun-shy somtimes, i've fell victum to crap ads in the past

Well, the cd or dvd you got shows what they do, it's the real deal, no crap ads there. Also I got the Edge-R-Rite with all the attachments and it performs well also.

[turfcobob]

Turfco has a full line of aerators they sell direct. They also have a two week approval time when you get the machines. The one I have and love is the riding aerator, the TurnAer. I am 58 and can run it all day as you spend most of the time riding. They have two sizes for small lawns and large lawns. Fast easy to operate and dependable. Plus tines and parts are direct when you need them.

[americanlawn]

Our best money makers are the two Ryan "tow-behinds" w/hydraulic lift.
We pull them behind John Deere 445's. WOW are they fast!!! We doubled up on the amount of tines so we pull out twice as many plugs.

Cost for a 48" (36" path) Rran = about $2400.
Cost for a nice used John Deere 445 = about $3500 to $4000, but it sure pays off.

We use these units on big properties as well as small front yards - then we "trim" with small Ryan units.

If you cannot afford this setup, I recommend Turfco's split-drive -- it covers big areas FAST! You can set the RPM's up high and go like a bat out of hell.

But my employees are spoiled>>>they rely as much as possible on the Tow behinds and prefer small Ryan units (small units are light weight & easy to handle) on areas where the John Deere/Ryan tow behind can't get in to.

[littlenic]

I have both a TurnAer26 with the Chariot & a Ryan 28 Aerators. I use the TurnAer26 on larger open lawns, it is fast, very fast. It's as fast a a walk behind mowing. I use the Ryan 28 on my smaller lawns or around beds because its much easier to handle in tight places. Both have been very reliable. If I can help answer any other questions, please let me know.

Thanks, littlenic

[lawnspecialties]

Don't see much mention of the Classen models. Anyone have one of these?

[cochino12]

Don't see much mention of the Classen models. Anyone have one of these?

I have a classen split drive, cant imagine being without the split drive. We have small yards and small gates here, did over 30 one day in the spring and wasnt really that hard on me. Classens are great!