aerators...need one

[Cut n Edge Lawncare]

;) I am looking to buy an aerator, this is something I have never offered and dont have much experience with. I am looking for the best for the money. I have been told core type are better than tyne type.

Can someone point me in the right direction and or recommend some to me. I need it to be effective and productive. I would like to know how much money I can expect to spend.

Thanks in advance

[ed2hess]

Just be sure that the unit has a split side drive so you can turn the darn thing. We have a 3 year old Billygoat and it is a big load to turn around, almost a useless machine. It is great in straight lines and it is a core type.

[pclawncare]

If you buy new you can expect to drop alot id say between 2-4 grand you can get some cheeper but for the most part of what i have seen with them you get what you pay for

[Cut n Edge Lawncare]

i want quality so I know I got to spend some cash. Any recommendations as to what brand and or model? thanks

[mow2nd]

Classen TA-25................best investment ever

[LCPullman]

We run a Husqvarna/Blue bird 5 core width aerator. Its works very well. It has free wheeling outer sets which makes it alot easier to steer than other non-steering types.

The Blue Bird/Husqvarna aerators (5 or 7 core width) with Honda engines are very good and provided a slightly less expensive alternative to split-drive aerators.

Your other choice is to go for something like Turfco's split-drive aerators or the Classen split-drive aerators. However, I haven't ever used them so I can't comment on their performance.

[ProStreetCamaro]

Around here everybody uses the Ryan aerators.

You all may laugh but we use an old tow behind and it has worked great for yearsssssssss. It can be a little tricky in tight situations but thats no big deal. Never will we use a hand aerator again!!!!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/prostreetcamaro/Mowerhitch003.jpg

[mow2nd]

We run a Husqvarna/Blue bird 5 core width aerator. Its works very well. It has free wheeling outer sets which makes it alot easier to steer than other non-steering types.

The Blue Bird/Husqvarna aerators (5 or 7 core width) with Honda engines are very good and provided a slightly less expensive alternative to split-drive aerators.

Your other choice is to go for something like Turfco's split-drive aerators or the Classen split-drive aerators. However, I haven't ever used them so I can't comment on their performance.


I HAVE USED BLUE BIRD, HUSQVARNA AND RYAN.........THEY ARE ALL GARBAGE COMPARED TO THE CLASSEN SPLIT DRIVE TA-25. THEY RUN AROUND $2500-$3000. YOU'LL THANK ME IN THE LONG RUN.

[Mlc gmc03]

another vote for the classen ta-25 no comaprison to any of the others once you get use to it that split drive will save you tons of work and its kind of cool how you can adjust the depth it plugs too. We have had the machine i think 3 years now it has the lil 4hp honda man is that thing a champ

[jsf343]

I remember a bunch of people last year talking about the plugger, I think that was the name anyway. How does that compare to the classen?

[LCPullman]

I remember a bunch of people last year talking about the plugger, I think that was the name anyway. How does that compare to the classen?

The Plugr works entirely differently. The aerating cores are mechanically punched into the ground. The claim is that it may provide deeper aeration in certain conditions. This system also has alot more wear points.
One downside is that they are not automatically propelled. One of the models has a self-propell, via the wheels.
I've used a machine that used this method ( it wasn't a Plugr) and I wasn't impressed.
I would tend to go for a split-drive aerator over the Plugr.

More info on the Plugr: http://www.sourceonex.com/plugr/html/index.html

[ronniez71]

I run the plugr 600 and 800! awsome machines. Check the website out plugr.com!:usflag:

[Mlc gmc03]

the plugr seemed to vibrate alotttt when i tried it, i also wasnt very impressed

[Cut n Edge Lawncare]

the plugger800 is$3500 and the 850 hydro is $4200 I called the dealer in nashville. Wow thats some serious cash!!!!!

[Cut n Edge Lawncare]

bump and why did this get moved????????????:confused:

[topsites]

Ryan's another good brand, and you are correct you need a Core aerator so stay away from spike aerators.

On the note of pull-behinds, there may exist one out there that's really as good but beyond the comfort factor, the tines are usually spaced at least twice as far apart, the axle isn't self-propelled but gets dragged along, and the weight is inferior as well.
However, sheer acreage can make this unit a necessity, I myself am not too sure if I'd want to walk a lot much bigger than 2 acres.

As for plugr's, or reciprocating tines, they do pull better plugs but because the tines dig deeper they also get damaged more.
It's a trade-off, I hear say Chemlawn uses them so possibly worth the quality increase.

[ACEMowing]

We love our Plugr Aerators... one of ours has the Encore brand name on it but it's a Plugr PL600B. We had a Bluebird 424 years ago... we called it "the mankiller" as it would really wear a guy out.
With the Plugr, it's real easy on the operator and because of that, gets the job done way faster. I also think the Cam-Drive system does penetrate better than a roller type machine in our heavy clay soil.

[wowmowwow]

i used my classen ta25 today on a few yards...this is a split drive model that will do a threesixty with skill behind the steering handles. without skill itll hurt ya....lol...
today is the first day out of the neighborhood with trailer, plugger , and spreader for six hours...did 4 yards, did pretty great!

thanks

[Mow2nd-2]

Classen TA-25................best investment ever

that is an awesome machine, the spilt drive is your best friend. lesco as a machine that is the same and i mean exact same (they are made in the same factry just ones painted green and ones painted red) the lesco is more expensive

[PatriotLandscape]

Why not rent one to see if it will work for you dropping 3k for a machine you have never offered a service for is risky.