Best Core-plug Aerator

[Strawbridge Lawn]

Good Evening all. It has been a while since I have been here, and wow have things changed. Pretty awesome. Did a quick search on aeration, but did not find anything regarding makes and models. I have a tow-behind, but that is for the open spaces. Sooo, While I ponder at the Bluebird and Ryan models, who can tell which one they prefer, or maybe some other.
Thanks.
Gary
Strawbridge Lawn and Landscape

[Eric ELM]

Welcome back Gary. LawnSite just gets bigger and bigger, better and better. :D

Here is the most recent thread on this. Classen makes a nice split drive that a lot of members like.

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18659

[Strawbridge Lawn]

Thanks Eric. That Classen walk nehind model (picture) I will research some more on. Need something in the next 2-3 weeks as the season gears up here in SE VA.

Gary

[Eric ELM]

If you have a Lesco around you, they handle Classen. I'm not sure on how the prices are in comparison. As long as your checking them out, let us know. ;)

[Lawn DOG]

Gary, We use the Ryan LA28's and the Ryan Lawnaire V. We also use the Gravely Pro-Aire 27. Ryan makes great machines. My advice is spend the extra money and get with Honda engines. The Gravely is a good machine but think Ryan would be a better choice. The bluebird makes a good machine too. The Ryan Lawnaire IV or V or the Bluebird would be a good rugged machine to get started with. The Classen looks very similar to these machines. The tow behinds are great for large areas but we find the walk-behinds do a far better job and looks more professional. The tow behinds just have that "Harry Homeowner" look. But they are very affordable. This maybe a good place to start. Hope this helps. Be preparred to spend some money.

[Strawbridge Lawn]

Thanks Lawn Dog. Lookin for a walk-behind that is affordable,efficient and reliable. Anything above 3K is to expensive for me tight now. Will look into some info on the Classen.

[Eric ELM]

I looked at the steerable Classen built split drive yesterday at Lesco. It looks like a great unit and it is $2999 at our local Lesco.

I didn't try it, but the dealer had and said it is a easy to operate machine. If I was buying a w/b, this one would be my choice. I know their pull behind works great and it is almost over built. I can't see how that frame could ever break. Maybe if a bull dozer was dropped on it, it might break. ;)

[Dochere]

I played with the steerable Classen yesterday, and was impressed. Lesco has a sale going on right now on aerators. Some great deals.

[BadAndy]

anyone know what Lesco sells their tow-behind aerators for?

[Eric ELM]

My model 48 was $1250 2 years ago, I heard the 60" is around $1700

[Mowman]

Gary,
I demoed one of these at a show this spring. It worked very well. It works different than a Ryan or BlueBird. Price for one was under $600.00 if I remember correctly. You can get a FREE video from them at www.rocksolidx.com If I was to buy one I would buy this brand. Not much call for one so I just rent when I need one.
Good Luck,
Mowman

[jeffyr]

That rocksolid machine doesn't look like a commercial machine, although they are promoting it as one. Does anybody own one of these ? I would be curious ,because of the cheap price, how they are. I may have just answered my own question though (cheap).

jeffyr

[Guido]

Theres been a lot of talk about aeration lately around here, and about both w/b machines and tow behinds. I used to rent a Ryan walk behind unit when needed, but never used a tow behind.

Besides being able to get it into smaller spots, are there any more advantages to the smaller w/b's over tow behind models?? I know price doesn't seem to be one of them.

Thanks in advance for the schoolin'!

:confused:

[Evan528]

Also a town behind cant be used on hills because the tractor pulling it would flip! I own a blue bird walkbehind aerator now but am considering buying a classen pull behind and keeping the bluebord for hills and gates....... The walk behind just beats me up to much!

[jrblawncare]

Has anyone seen or used one of Turf-Aire aerator.....I saw them at the Expo and got some information,they are tow behinds only.They are manufactured by Bishop Enterprises out of TN.I thought they looked good.Any comments?

[Guido]

I understand the need for the walkbehind on certain terrains and through tight opening, etc.

But what I mean is as far as the plugging quality, is the walkbehind better than the tow behind models??

I'm thinking the reason for not so many tow behind models is because some people don't have anything to tow them with!

Could be a problem! :)

Still wondering though. For the price and with the number of people now a days with 'z' s and tractors, I would think eveyone would be using these.

[Strawbridge Lawn]

So far for me, it seems to come down to the properties you aerate or expect to aerate. The tow hehind I have now I can use in gated yards wider down to 35" gate which is the width of the rider. I do have to slide the tow aerator through sideways, but it is doable. But some yards are very tight if the have fences which makes backing up difficult. Some border areas cannot be done due the aerators width. So there is a need for me for a good walk behind that will at least pay for itself. Appreciate the feedback. Keep it comin.. The search continues.
Gary
Stawbridge Lawn & Landscape

[Strawbridge Lawn]

FYI: I just looked at the PLUGR s600 commercial and requested more information along with the free video (OKOK But it was free)..
Will check it out..

[Eric ELM]

Originally posted by Evan528
Also a town behind cant be used on hills because the tractor pulling it would flip!

When I used the the JD 430 3 point hitch to aerate, I would lift it up and back up the hill. Talk about traction. :) Also if I had a long sloping hill to aerate, I had no problems doing it. I did all our lawns this spring with the DC diesel and it had plenty of traction to do hills and soft areas. I do not plan to use the JD for aerating ever again. I cut my aerating time in about 1/2 using the DC instead of the JD since I don not have to lift up the aerator going around trees or at the ends of the lawn.

Back to the flipping thing, you would be surprised what you can aerate with a pull behind. ;)

[Evan528]

Its really hard to explain on here just how steep alot of the hills I mow here in PA are! Most Of my front lawns are steep hills down to the side walk! When I get a chance I will post a picture of some of the hills I do! Definitly to steep for a ztr or any tractor....

[jeffyr]

Mowman,

That Rocksolid 30" machine (PL600) with the Honda 5.5 is $2439 delivered, not $600. They do come with an extra belt and tine set though.

jeffyr

[65hoss]

I have the plugr. Its a great little machine. Its not as fast as other w/b's but its easier on the body. The other types will wear you out. I have the honda motor. Its easy enough for anybody to use and going around obsticles is a breeze. I want a tow behind for large areas, but for most of my residentials this works great.

[Strawbridge Lawn]

Anyone here use or own a PLUGR aerator? Good or bad reports?

[jeffyr]

Gary,

See 65hoss above.

jeffyr

[Strawbridge Lawn]

FYI regarding the PLUGR. Got the info and price list in the mail with the video also. Price list has the commercial unit at 2850.00 with the Honda engine. Shipping is supposed to be free.

[jeffyr]

Mid season special is $2439 delivered now though.

[Strawbridge Lawn]

I recently took delivery of a PLUGR 30" commercial aerator. It is rugged and heavy with a 5.5hp Honda. The PLUGR is only self propelled when the tines are engaged. They insert at a slight angle which actually propells the aerator forward. Faster on hard soil/clay and slower on softer material. Since I weigh in at 105, the unit is a hndfull when not propelling itself, but doable for me. Have yet to operate it on a hilly surface, but will update when I do.
The unit cost me 2,400.00 including tax and shipping. Expect it to pay foritself by later next spring. I have 8 aerations this Saturday so I ask for your prayers that I may live through the day.

[jeffyr]

You are 105 lbs. Gary ?

[1grnlwn]

Just purchased a ryan 36" tow behind to compliment my lawnair IV. I tried it out in my front yard seems to need large radius turns, but it was 5 min test. Too busy mowing. Bought it ($1850) for larger yards and faster cycle times. Helper will do tight areas with WB. The ryan is a heavy dude 500 lbs. I think you need the weight for good cores. All others were lighter and you had to add weights. I plan on building Hyd. lift this winter.

[cantoo]

I was at a sale a few years ago and they had a 3 wheeler with the aerator under the back. No one there needed it and it sold for Can $ 450 and it seemed to run good. It came from a golf course, maybe a Smithco?

[jeffex]

I have limited storage so I rent an aerator for $60 a day. I line up the customers first then make a marathon day out of it. The walkbehind models are rough to handle so price accordingly

[HBFOXJr]

Bought a split drive from Lesco. Only machine I want to walk behind.

[Getmow]

I recently bought the Classen TA-25. I paid around 2600 and think it was well worth the money. I previously had a lawnaire IV and it would whip my old arse. Now I just take a slight beating thanks to the split drive.

[odin]

we have two ryans ,la 28 and the one with the water drum i forget its model.the one with the drum is not as good as the la 28 but it is a simpler machine with less mowing parts and lot less price

ryan has allways served us well the roller drum one is allmost
indestruckable good machines both