would this be a good aeration machine

[grass disaster]

i have a 318 john deere i was thinking about putting this aerator on it.

i would have to but a 3 point hitch for about $400

this aerator is 40" and costs about $600

i can't see spending $5000 on a plugr or something just to work my azz off and bounce around.


would this be a good set up?

[grass disaster]

here is a picture of the tractor like i have. my mower is not in this nice of condition by the way :(

[grass disaster]

here is a picture of the 3 point i would have to install

[All-Pro LawnCare]

Yes, but for a pull behind I would go larger than 40". How much does the aerator weigh and how much can your 3pt lift?

[grass disaster]

Yes, but for a pull behind I would go larger than 40". How much does the aerator weigh and how much can your 3pt lift?


people over in a jd forum say the 3 point can lift 500# but i personally think that that would be pushing it.

so you think you would go with a 48"???

[All-Pro LawnCare]

I use a 48" Bluebird and wish mine was wider. My local dealer had the one you are looking at on display. Looked pretty good and about half the price of the bluebird. I over lap my passes to get more cores, so the extended width helps.
Have you priced that 3pt yet? $$$$$

[grass disaster]

I use a 48" Bluebird and wish mine was wider. My local dealer had the one you are looking at on display. Looked pretty good and about half the price of the bluebird. I over lap my passes to get more cores, so the extended width helps.
Have you priced that 3pt yet? $$$$$

under $400 new on ebay

[ncls]

this is what we use. no 3 pt. hitch needed. About 400.00 if I remember correctly

http://www.trac-vac.com/index_files/CorePlugAerator.htm

[LindblomRJ]

If I remember right the 318 I think I would stick with a 40 inch. If it was a 420 or something I would go with a 48" I think that is personal preference though.

The big question would be what would it all weight with weights added? And how would that compare between 40" and 48".

[grass disaster]

If I remember right the 318 I think I would stick with a 40 inch. If it was a 420 or something I would go with a 48" I think that is personal preference though.

The big question would be what would it all weight with weights added? And how would that compare between 40" and 48".

i think it would be a big difference. the added tines would make it harder to get a deep core out of. i would estimate the 48" would be about 50- 75# heavier, which could make a big difference on a small tractor.

[grass_cuttin_fool]

this is what we use. no 3 pt. hitch needed. About 400.00 if I remember correctly

http://www.trac-vac.com/index_files/CorePlugAerator.htm

Sorry about my post Im not trying to Hi jack the thread.....How do ou like the trac vac unit??? Im looking at one locally...48'' is 575.00. Just my opinion and maybe Im wrong but is it worth 400 extra for the 3 point system over just pulling the aerator off the hitch?? I know 1 advatange would be to get in places that the trailer wouldnt but other than that.....

wayne

[ncls]

We got the pull behind so it can go on any rider we want. One guy can transport, set-up, and use. For your application, the hitch might be a better option.

[turfcobob]

Some thoughts. How many holes per sq ft will that aerator give you? For a quality job you need at least 9. It that thing give you three I would be surprised. So you will have to go over the lawn at least 4 times to give them a quality job. Now take 4 times the gas, tractor wear and time what do you get per application? I would say you are better off getting an aerator that delivers a quality job to begin with. Another consideration is the rigid axle and 3 point mount. This means you have to go in a straight line lift and turn and straight line back. If you turn with a rigid axle unit the inside tines will tear the turf. Now if you turn with a 3 point unit in the ground it tends to act like a rudder on a ship. First it keeps you from turning and when you force it to turn you rip it sideways. Aeration is done for many reasons also. Why are you aerating? Just for money or are you trying to do a specific aeration job to the lawn. Like, slow down thatch, change the soil profile, relieve compaction or stimulate root growth.
I suggest that if you are going to add aeration services to your program you take a professional approach to it. Learn about it and why you do it and buy the equipment that meets your specific needs. The picture you had in the beginning is for home owners who have all the time in the world to drag it around their lawn. Professional aerators cost in the thousands.

[Runner]

Grass disaster. Do yourself a favor and go with the tow behind unit. And yes,...this unit does pull atleast 9 plugs per sq. ft.. I have owned this same one for years, and it has been an EXCELLENT unit through ALOT of use. It may not be built like the Lesco/Classen, Bluebird, or Turfco, but it does the trick, and is not priced even remotely close to these.
The reason I recommend the tow behind, is that with a tractor as small as yours, it will not be able to support the 3 point hitch with additional weight added and be able to maneuver efficiently. You would also have to add counter weight to the front for ballast. By the time you do all this, you are just as well off with a tow behind. I add around 200 to 300 lbs. of additional weight to the aerator at times (3 or 4 tubesand bags @75#). This cuts through and penetrates some pretty hard ground. Of course, if it is rock hard, no aerator of this type will penetrate fully without some watering first.
This unit - probably has the most bang for the buck of any other out there. It is built rather well, has fully greaseable spindles for all the tines, and all the tine are of course independent for less damage while turning. The tow behind has a lever that lifts the unit (by lowering the wheels) easily. Mine is an older unit that has pneumatic tires on it, and I believe the newer ones have solid wheels on them. If that is the case, I would be looking into some wider softer wheels as to not sink in while in transport. I could be wrong, though.

[grass disaster]

Grass disaster. Do yourself a favor and go with the tow behind unit. And yes,...this unit does pull atleast 9 plugs per sq. ft.. I have owned this same one for years, and it has been an EXCELLENT unit through ALOT of use. It may not be built like the Lesco/Classen, Bluebird, or Turfco, but it does the trick, and is not priced even remotely close to these.
The reason I recommend the tow behind, is that with a tractor as small as yours, it will not be able to support the 3 point hitch with additional weight added and be able to maneuver efficiently. You would also have to add counter weight to the front for ballast. By the time you do all this, you are just as well off with a tow behind. I add around 200 to 300 lbs. of additional weight to the aerator at times (3 or 4 tubesand bags @75#). This cuts through and penetrates some pretty hard ground. Of course, if it is rock hard, no aerator of this type will penetrate fully without some watering first.
This unit - probably has the most bang for the buck of any other out there. It is built rather well, has fully greaseable spindles for all the tines, and all the tine are of course independent for less damage while turning. The tow behind has a lever that lifts the unit (by lowering the wheels) easily. Mine is an older unit that has pneumatic tires on it, and I believe the newer ones have solid wheels on them. If that is the case, I would be looking into some wider softer wheels as to not sink in while in transport. I could be wrong, though.

i just really like the idea of backing up into a corner. a lot of times yards here (1/4 acre or a little smaller)are smaller and with the tow-behind the ends get kind of plowed up. expecially if they have like a swing set in the middle of the yard.

the 3 point would also benefit me going up the hills i could just feather up the hitch to get some more traction.

what size would you reccomend for me 40" or 48"?....in either a tow or 3pt.

oh and the 3 point shouldn't have a problem with 300lbs on the back. i already have a front bumper on it which would be easy to add a little weight.

[grass disaster]

check out the bottom of this thread i found. that tractor is a little bigger than mine i believe.

http://www.weekendfreedommachines.com/discus/messages/60944/214636.html?1191995035

[Runner]

Yep...that tractor is bigger than yours. As far as size, for a unit for behind a tractor, get the largest you can.