BlueBird aerator problem

[KS_Grasscutter]

Well, i got a bluebird aerator a couple weeks ago. I have only ran it over three lawns, but might have a real big lawn coming up to do, so i want it working perfectly.

Anyway, what its doing, is instead of pulling the plug of soil out, and spitting it out like it should, all the soil just packs into the "reel" that holds the "tines" onto the machine. So i end up with a nice and plugged up aerator. I dont know if it affecting the penetration or not. It doesnt seem to pull real deep plugs though.

So, is there anything i can do to fix this? I dont know if it is a real big problem as much as me just not being happy as i dont think it is "right". I am kinda wondering if maybe it might have the wrong tines on it?

Anyway, thanks for the help.

BTW, it is a 424. It is about 6 years old, originally was a rental machine for Home Cheapo, if that means anything.

[upidstay]

You bought a piece of junk. That's why you are having trouble with it. I'm guessing it was alot cheaper than the others you looked at, and now you're finding out wy it was so cheap. I've used Ryans and they were great. Lesco's split drum does a good job, and you can turn it too. I'd dump the bluebird and get a better one.

[SOUTHERNGREENSCAPES]

You bought a piece of junk. That's why you are having trouble with it. I'm guessing it was alot cheaper than the others you looked at, and now you're finding out wy it was so cheap. I've used Ryans and they were great. Lesco's split drum does a good job, and you can turn it too. I'd dump the bluebird and get a better one.

Your being a little harsh don't you thenk? How would you feel if I said I think Ryans are a piece of Crap? I don't think that is what this website was created for. Esp. when you don't have any more information than what has been given. I have a blue bird aerator and it does a great job and guess what. I purchased it for $800 from Home Depot and mine looks all but brand new and only had a little over a 100hrs on it. What did you give for that Ryan?

As for the trouble you are having with the Blue Bird, I had some similar problems with mine when i first got it and the tines had just been abused and needed to be replaced. It is also important to clean the unit up after each day so that any clay or hard soil does not dry up in the tines and make it harder for them to clear when you go to aerate the next day.

[KS_Grasscutter]

Your being a little harsh don't you thenk? How would you feel if I said I think Ryans are a piece of Crap? I don't think that is what this website was created for. Esp. when you don't have any more information than what has been given. I have a blue bird aerator and it does a great job and guess what. I purchased it for $800 from Home Depot and mine looks all but brand new and only had a little over a 100hrs on it. What did you give for that Ryan?

As for the trouble you are having with the Blue Bird, I had some similar problems with mine when i first got it and the tines had just been abused and needed to be replaced. It is also important to clean the unit up after each day so that any clay or hard soil does not dry up in the tines and make it harder for them to clear when you go to aerate the next day.

Thanks for the posts from both of you... I do know that the BlueBirds aint the best, but i do also know of a couple guys in town who swear by them. I paid $600 for mine, it was originally a Home Cheapo unit, i am the third owner. I guess i will have to fork up the $$$ for new tines, i am pretty sure that will fix it. I will also wash it up when I get done using it every day, to help avoid problems. Thank you for your replies.

Also, upidstay, i know i didnt buy the best machine on the market, just got a cheap local one to get my by a couple years till i can eventually get a plugr or a ryan.

[DoetschOutdoor]

Dont listen to those that jump on you for not buying the most expensive or brand new units. If we all could afford brand new top of the line machines there wouldnt be much use for this site. If it wasnt pulling that good of plugs just make sure some rock hard dirt isnt stuck in the tines and clean it well after each use like said before. I used a bluebird for the first time this year after always using ryan aerators and I like them both equally. I thought the bluebird was a little faster but more of a beast to control but this kind of stuff is all opinions. The machine is going to make you money either way and if you got a good deal on it then that makes it that much sweeter.

[KS_Grasscutter]

Dont listen to those that jump on you for not buying the most expensive or brand new units. If we all could afford brand new top of the line machines there wouldnt be much use for this site. If it wasnt pulling that good of plugs just make sure some rock hard dirt isnt stuck in the tines and clean it well after each use like said before. I used a bluebird for the first time this year after always using ryan aerators and I like them both equally. I thought the bluebird was a little faster but more of a beast to control but this kind of stuff is all opinions. The machine is going to make you money either way and if you got a good deal on it then that makes it that much sweeter.

Cleaned it out REAL good, twice, with no improvement (first thing i did, before posting about it). I SERIOUSLY think it has the wrong tines on it... so i call my dealer to order more. He says "WHY would you want to replace them, I havent ever had anyone but all new ones"... i was so dumbfounded, i just kinda said to check on the price and call me back, and i just hung up. These things DO wear out or get otherwise boogered up, right? Well, i know they do because of all the sites with afermarket tines... So anyway, IF he calls me back, I am gonna replace all the tines and go from there.

BTW, got confirmation that i AM in fact going to be doing my big $100 aerating job, either on Sunday or Monday, so its GOT to be working by then.

*EDIT- also, even sprayed the tines down with WD40, and still nothing...

[DoetschOutdoor]

When I was renting the last aerator, they had one all apart getting new tines so im sure that they can get screwed up especially if it was purchased from a rental place. Be glad you only have 1 job lined up when trouble hits. I was scheduled to do 14 aerations and 7 spilt seeding last weekend when the rain came and now they are calling for rain for the next 4 days!!!!

[EngineeredLawns]

Ryan and Bluebird use the same tines. As far as one being better than the other, be happy with what you have. It sounds like the tines are worn out and you need new ones. It will take a few hours to replace them but it will be worth it.

[daveyo]

The bottom line is he got what he paid for, have you ever rented a plugr pl800 or a lawnair 28, there is no comparison. However you have what you have, make your money with it and upgrade when you can afford it. The bottom line is you have no hassles of having to return equipment at a certain time.

[Focal Point Landscapes]

Did you try it on more than one yard ? Is it failing to pull any plugs at all ? It is highly unlikely that they all would be worn out . It has been my experience that the turf can be too hard or too wet and the machine will be inconsistent on plug size - smaller plug in hard soil and no plugs at all if the soil is very wet . I like Bluebird just fine - the only thing head and shoulders above the rest , imo , is Plugr .

[KS_Grasscutter]

Well, since this post is back up at the front...

Ordered new tines Tuesday from my neighbor (a Blue Bird dealer). He said that should help quite a bit. They are supposed to be here on the 11th or so. Will know after that if it fixed it or if I wasted lots of money.

[Runner]

Please see this thread, and tell me what you guys think. I would love it if this was your problem,...I mean,..with as simple as what it is...

[Premo Services]

Here is a link to where you can purchase the tines.
Do not know if that will help though, since you need them right away.


http://www.replacementbladesdirect.com/products.html

[Runner]

Oops!!! I forgot to post the link to the thread! :dizzy: :rolleyes:
http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=199693

[BeautifulBlooms]

Wet shallow rooted turf is the only reason that sod will roll up onto the tines like that in my past experiences. If the soil is firm to moist (not wet) it shouldnt be a problem, at least it hasnt been for me. Turns however have to be watched carefully and side hills witht he Bluebiird dont work that well either.

[nlscolorado]

So I see the Bluebird bashing ,and this guy Doesent know what he is talking about.....I have used many other machines,as well as my employees....some are decent,but none match Bluebird. I own 12 Bluebird 530 machines and two Ryans,one used claussen...I avoid using the ryans and the claussen and my employees do not like them either...so basicly the ryans are only used when we are swamped.....in spring and fall we run the pi$$ out of these machines in Denver metro,in spring each machine does 15+ yards per day every day for 5-7 weeks and about 4 weeks in the fall,other than clean them up,and tighten the chain and change oil..we dont do much....I have my own machine that I run when we get busy(I have tweaked it to go faster) I droped this thing off the back of the trailer going about 45mph...it didnt phase it..a bluebird will drag you up a steep hill if the tines are down..as for the ryan they get stuck in backyards around here because the front drum has no traction on river rock and cant climb back up out of peoples backyard...my only issue with my claussen is it turns like crap,since the outer tines dont spin freely...on the Bluebird You can turn at full speed without stopping,get it to climb steep hills in river rock by tilting it up on its frontwheel,and take the weights out if you need to get it up or down stairs...trust me I hate the othe brands in these situations(even worse if your by yourself).. Bluebirds are heavy and take a little muscle and balance,but I asure you they are money makers!.the only problem I have had with bluebird is the split pin that keeps the tire and axle together will fall out under severe duty and keep front tire from self propelling itself...just put house clamps around the axle/pin and it will never happen again......As for it clumping up with mud its either way too wet or it needs new tines! a new set is about $170 and you can change them in less than an hour..trust me you have to abuse the tines badly or do about 700 lawns to get them to that point...Mike Owner Of Native Landscapes & Services-Golden Colorado

[FYS777]

Wet shallow rooted turf is the only reason that sod will roll up onto the tines like that in my past experiences. If the soil is firm to moist (not wet) it shouldnt be a problem, at least it hasnt been for me. Turns however have to be watched carefully and side hills witht he Bluebiird dont work that well either.

Depends how wet, and or dry, type of soil, grass, if deep thatch you wont pull hardly any plugs,

[Jason Rose]

So I see the Bluebird bashing ,and this guy Doesent know what he is talking about.....I have used many other machines,as well as my employees....some are decent,but none match Bluebird. I own 12 Bluebird 530 machines and two Ryans,one used claussen...I avoid using the ryans and the claussen and my employees do not like them either...so basicly the ryans are only used when we are swamped.....in spring and fall we run the pi$$ out of these machines in Denver metro,in spring each machine does 15+ yards per day every day for 5-7 weeks and about 4 weeks in the fall,other than clean them up,and tighten the chain and change oil..we dont do much....I have my own machine that I run when we get busy(I have tweaked it to go faster) I droped this thing off the back of the trailer going about 45mph...it didnt phase it..a bluebird will drag you up a steep hill if the tines are down..as for the ryan they get stuck in backyards around here because the front drum has no traction on river rock and cant climb back up out of peoples backyard...my only issue with my claussen is it turns like crap,since the outer tines dont spin freely...on the Bluebird You can turn at full speed without stopping,get it to climb steep hills in river rock by tilting it up on its frontwheel,and take the weights out if you need to get it up or down stairs...trust me I hate the othe brands in these situations(even worse if your by yourself).. Bluebirds are heavy and take a little muscle and balance,but I asure you they are money makers!.the only problem I have had with bluebird is the split pin that keeps the tire and axle together will fall out under severe duty and keep front tire from self propelling itself...just put house clamps around the axle/pin and it will never happen again......As for it clumping up with mud its either way too wet or it needs new tines! a new set is about $170 and you can change them in less than an hour..trust me you have to abuse the tines badly or do about 700 lawns to get them to that point...Mike Owner Of Native Landscapes & Services-Golden Colorado

What? This was a 2 year old thread, and second, there was no "bluebird bashing" going on. Simple truth, the machine was NOT pulling plugs. Saw it first hand. He replaced the tines, got a severe a$$ raping by his neghibor that sold him said tines for about 3 times the normal price, and now the machine does a *decent* job.

This last fall the 2 of us aerated 2 lawns together. My old decrepit ryan was pulling more and better plugs than the bluebird with brand new tines was. I was impressed, with my old machine :laugh: Not to mention my ryan is more 'user friendly' than the bluebird.

The reason BB is so popular among people that own a lot of units and rental operations is that they are cheaper than all the rest.

[1966vette]

I plan to aerate my mostly flat 1 acre lawn next week prior to dormant seeding.
Can you recommend the best aerator for me to rent from this selection?
1. Bluebird H530A Aerator 19 5 Sets Of 6 3/4" Tines, 4 HP Honda
http://norwalkpower.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1130

2. Ryan IV – Aeration width 19” 4 HP Honda - http://norwalkpower.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1821

3. Ryan V- Aeration width 26.5
http://norwalkpower.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1823

My initial opinion was the Ryan was a better made unit but I have never used an aerator before. Thus, the question of which is the best unit to rent.

Thanks in advance froe helping!
Andy of the above

[Jason Rose]

1 acre, not many obsticles? Get the Ryan V. It's a beast if you have a lot of small areas to do, but for open area it's the best option.

[1966vette]

Jason,

Thanks for the quick reply! Now all I have to do is figure out how to get this beast home! I have a Suburban w/ a trailer hitch but there is no way this large machine will fit in the back of the Burban. Thus, I will most likely be forced to rent an additional pull behind trailer to transport it home and back.

Andy

[KS_Grasscutter]

Jason,

Thanks for the quick reply! Now all I have to do is figure out how to get this beast home! I have a Suburban w/ a trailer hitch but there is no way this large machine will fit in the back of the Burban. Thus, I will most likely be forced to rent an additional pull behind trailer to transport it home and back.

Andy

Around here most rental places will let you use a trailer when renting equipment. You could also buy a hitch carrier rack, but then you will still need ramps to get the aerator on the rack, and be sure to strap it down really good.

[MikeT]

Hey guys,

What's the brand name for the plugr so that I can check it out? Also, we bought a Lesco Commercial Plus split drive aerator this season and we started having engine problems this fall. It has a Honda GX 120 engine. The thing is a beast to handle but is good for larger flat lawns. Anyway, the engine sputters out when under load and won't restart. We've tried cleaning the carb, and venting the gas cap but the problem persists. Anyone have similar problems or successful resolutions? Thanks.

[1966vette]

Hello Mike T!

FYI: orginal post enclosed

I plan to aerate my mostly flat 1 acre lawn next week prior to dormant seeding.
Can you recommend the best aerator for me to rent from this selection?
1. Bluebird H530A Aerator 19 5 Sets Of 6 3/4" Tines, 4 HP Honda
http://norwalkpower.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1130

2. Ryan IV – Aeration width 19” 4 HP Honda - http://norwalkpower.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1821

3. Ryan V- Aeration width 26.5
http://norwalkpower.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1823

My initial opinion was the Ryan was a better made unit but I have never used an aerator before. Thus, the question of which is the best unit to rent.

Thanks in advance for helping!
Andy of the above

[Grasshopper49]

I got into this business last year and since I could not afford an aerator I rented the bluebird from HD...had about 15 rentals. With what I paid for rental, I should have purchased one to begin with and borrowed the money.

Saying all that, the problem you experienced is a problem with the drum type aerators, though I never had that problem. Clay around here may have been why. It pulled good plugs, but never 'sank' into the ground that much like it may on softer soils or wet soils.

You were smart to buy what you could afford. Hard enough to make money in this business without spending a lot on pretty new equipment that is used slightly, compare to a lawn mower.

However, with all the aerating I did last year, and jobs I had lined up this spring, I did purchase a Plugr 850, after checking out the competition as well. Came very close to buying a Ryan, but they would not get the model in stock I wanted. I can't touch it, try it, I don't buy it.

The bluebird would wear me out. I did three yards one day and I was beat. Then had to wake up the next day and do another yard.

I love my Plugr850. It is cam operated (no drum), easy to maintain, and is self propelled, one speed forward and one in reverse. The hydro transmission is worth it just to get it on the trailer! Weighs about 280 lbs, no weights or water.

Don't worry about someone giving you a hard time about your equipment. I purchased a Kubota321, but still use a push mower for trimming. Guys give me a hard time for not getting a walk behind for small areas. Job may take a little longer, but I don't have to pay for the bigger equipment. No one knows your business or financial situation better than you. Do what is best for you.

[bayaa]

Hey, I’m long for a used aerator, what state was the home depot in that you bought yours? I live in California, as far as I know they dont have them here.