ZTR and Tow Behind Aerators

[lx665]

I have been looking at the Lesco/Classen tow behind aerator. For those of you that are using a ZTR to tow the unit, how much stress or drag do you feel is being placed on the ZTR? Will they pull the 60" unit? Have you had any problems etc? I'll be using a Exmark 60" with a 23 hp motor.

[mdb landscaping]

check the search library. this has been asked before. if you cant find it, im sure EricElm will be able to help you out. if im correct he tows his lesco aerator with a dixie chopper.

[Eric ELM]

I tow the 48 model Lesco/Classen with my diesel Chopper. It is supposed to be able to tow 1000 lbs safely, but Dixie Choppers come with a hitch on them for towing. I've noticed several brands do not have a hitch so I don't know if they don't want you towing with them or not. I would check with Exmark before towing with one.

I have thought about getting the 60", but when the ground is hard and you have to put on enough weight to make it sink in, it will be a big load for any ZTR. I've had up to 400 lbs on mine plus the 325 lbs the aerator weighs and I've had no problems.

[lx665]

Eric, What is the weight of the 60" compared to the 48"?

[Eric ELM]

I do not have the specs on the 60", but the frames of these aerators are made out of solid bar steel and I think it's 1 1/4" thick, so they are built strong and they are heavy. Just guessing, I would think at least 400 lbs. The model 48 aerates 42" wide and weighs in at 325.

[lx665]

I think the extra weight of the 60" is to much for a ZTR. Eric, thanks for your help.

[awm]

something to consider is how much hydralic fluid is used and is it cooled. ill use mine for towing but i watch the fluid temp closely,
as it only holds 2 qts.or so

[Nick]

The weight of the aerator would not matter, if it is heavier you will not have to add as much weight.

[Lawn-Scapes]

I'm gonna try the 48 with a Lazer/25 kohler...

The model 48 aerates 42" wide and weighs in at 325.

Is the Lesco version heavier? At the Classen website the 48" weighs 225lbs. ... misprint?

Eric... what kind of productivity results are getting? How long to aerate (single pass) 43,000 sq. ft.?

[Eric ELM]

Nick, this is true if the ground is soft, but if it is hard, you would have to add more weight to sink a 60" in than you would to sink a 42" in. I have seen the ground so hard here that I needed 400 extra lbs of weight to make mine sink in. It would probably take 500 or 600 extra to make the 60" sink in.

[Lawn-Scapes]

Eric come back... You must have been typing as a posted :)

[John DiMartino]

If you had another way to tow the aerator,prefferably a tractor,I wouldnt use the ZTR.Why risk it with your front line equipment,it really isnt meant to do that,and its not the weight,but the drag that hurts it,pulling the aerator will subject your pumps,and wheel motors to high pressure constantly,and this is what shortens the life.If its your only choice,think of how much mew wheel motors and a hydro pump will cost,and the down time.I pulled a 1/3 yd seed spreader with my Dixie once,i wasnt impressed with how it pulled it,the hydro seemed to be grunting,and laboring.I easily pull this seeder with a 9hp,and 11hp gas powered golf cart,the dixie seemed to work harder than the carts do.I dont think my Dixie would even budge my 6 ft ryan aerator,i wouldnt even think about trying it,it weighs 1000 lbs or so,but in soft ground it can sink the tines 6" into the ground,and 10 dixie's wouldnt move it then.Ill keep using a tractor to pull things,since this is what they are meant to do,and the ZTR to mow fast.

[Eric ELM]

Originally posted by TSG
Is the Lesco version heavier? At the Classen website the 48" weighs 225lbs. ... misprint?

Eric... what kind of productivity results are getting? How long to aerate (single pass) 43,000 sq. ft.?

225 lbs is what I was told when I bought it. Someone posted here that this information was wrong and it actually weighs 325 lbs. I have not weighed it, but it is heavy, I do know this. :)

So after hearing that the 225 lbs was a misprint, I've reprogrammed my brain to write, 325 lbs. Which ever it is, it does a decent job. Maybe we need to find out how much it does weigh. ;)

[Runner]

I pull a 48" with my Lazer, and it pulls like it isn't even there. I use 5 70# Tubesand bags on it. The aerator is a Feldman Turfvent. Great machine for the money. Also, Exmark makes a hitch kit for the Lazers, I think it goes for around 40 bucks, but it's just too simple to build a better one.