aerators, which brand do you use and why

[grassman177]

we have three brands, older ryan, classen split drive, and hydro plugr. the guys all hate the classen because it is way heavier even without the weight bar even though it steers. they love the ryan it is light and easier to manuver. overall they also like the plugr but have hads problems withthe belt slipping and it wont drive. i have tightened it pretty tight but turning it alwasy slips. any advice on that and i want to know what u are useing and your luck. looked at the turfco new steerable 26in. what are your thgouhts on this peice of equipment, similar to the ryan i would assume but better with steering.

[grassman177]

bump bump bump

[LawnTamer]

I'll bite. Though I was curious to see other responses. I own Bluebird and Plugr aerators. I like the Plugr, (it's a pl600) better, except it is slow, and it struggles up hills if the soil is too wet and soft. The Bluebird is ergonomically designed by Adolf Hitler to cause back pain and soreness. It is a decent enough machine so far as quality, but it will make you very sore after a day with it.

[grassman177]

funny bit about the Adolf Hitler design/ really funny!!!!

[grassman177]

anyone with the classen, or plugger. i really want to know about the steerable turfco. any troubles with this at all and how comfy to use all day

[larryinalabama]

I also have a Bluebird 530a, the reason I bought is because I got a near new one and ablut 1/3 the cost of a new one. It is fast and does a great job. However its defentally a war time event to use it. Its a real tank. Guess if I get rich and fameous I will get a ride on aerator.

[CrimsonLawnCare]

My company will be going with a Billy Goat aerator, its a hell of alot easier to use, you dont have to lift it and turn it every time, you can actually go around stuff with it, overall just much easier on the operator

[grassman177]

i think i saw those in turf, dont they have the big water tank on top and kinda look like a sod cutter from a distance

[Weekes]

I use a Ryan and like it for the most part, very dependable and pulls good plugs . Hate aerating in general they are beasts, definitely sore after a day of use. Every year cant wait to fire up the mowers after aerating a ton of lawns

[grassman177]

looking for more folks with experience with tu rfco. i guess i neede to be more clear. i have all of the three mentioned in my first post and what my guys think, i am trying to decide what to go with in the future to make my guys the happiest having to do that tiresome job . also anyone with plugger expereince. we just go this in fall and got to use it , seemed ok, but belt slippage was a problem. anyone??????? we all love the ryan by the way.

[jbturf]

i keep thinking the same , but i think the only solution is a ride on to more effeciently
do the large areas. its just hard to swallow the cost.

[J&R Landscaping]

I have used a Classen, Ryan and Lesco unit. I own a classen CA18. The Ryan unit lawnaire V I think (the 26" unit) is the machine I like the best. Pretty easy to use, pulls good plugs and is a sturdy unit for hills and such. My classen is just to narrow for slopes of anything big. The Classen with its half a front wheel sucks to. The full width wheel or drum on the Ryan unit gives it a lot more grab!

[DuallyVette]

I bought a LT Rich ride on Z plugger. With the drought last Fall, I only aerated my lawn with it. I don't know if I'll like it or not yet. I dislike aerating enough, that I'll keep throwing money at it till I'm SURE which machine I dislike the least.

I was going to buy a Turfco Turn Aire, but I called a local LCO that had some z-pluggers. He said that he had a Turfco, but none of his guys wanted to run it.

[02DURAMAX]

Ryan Lawnaire V Plus 4hp honda!!

[turfcobob]

Grassman: YOu really have to run a Turfco TurnAer to appreciate the ease of operation. It turns like a mid size mower and all you have to do is walk and apply brakes. If you have room it has a riding attachment. Lifts itself out of the ground and transports very nice, up ramps and everthing. Call Turfco and they will send you a video of it. 800-679-8201 ext 119 if it is busy go to operator and ask for Lynn.

[grassman177]

yeah, i have seen the video and we like the idea. but then we got a classen split drive cause it was easier a the time, it is a bit heavy for anyones liking. the ryan is the choice here on my crews, then the plugger, then the classen. we have a 5 ft 3pt classen for our tractor for big lawns, but i really wanted a z plug to seriously increase production but timing was bad to consider the price at that time. i aerate alot and dont promote at all cause i cant hardly keep up as it is.!!! bigger, faster and maneuverable is what i need. we tried the classen ride on unit at the trade shoe and is was pretty dang cool, but they have not been popular which means one day it could be gone and no parts!

[grassman177]

i would like to unify which hand aerator we use in the future so everyone is happy using them as they can be. tough decision!! we will look at turfco. i can only dream of a z plug.