what do you pull your aerator with?

[corey4671]

I have a 40" core aerator that I have used my Honda Rubicon to pull. My dealer made me an offer on an older MTD 18hp Garden tractor today that was out behind his shop. Deck is shot, motor sounds good. Tires are all up and in good shape. Needs new battery. Has a high and low range with six gears in each range. He has offerd to install a new battery and take the deck out from under for $200. What do you guys think?

[jsw2008]

I use a craftsman 24hp lawn tractor that I've had since before I started my business to pull my core aerator. It's rough on the frame of the tractor and the hitch plate on the back is bent. If I were you, I would just keep pulling it with the Honda and save my money.

[Cooter]

I would go for it. The tractor will turn much sharper. It will also be easier on the lawn while turning. With a low range 18 hp should be fine. Only downside would be it is not as comfortable as the Rubicon.

[banksl&s]

Don't buy the tractor, sell the rubicon and buy an arctic cat. Just kidding, I would use the rubicon and use the $200 on something else I needed.

[Envi-Lawn]

I use a Polaris 500 All Terrain Pickup. It has a switch that allows for one wheel drive operation. 20% tighter turning circle, and it won't tear the turf while turning. It is fast and comfortable.

[rodfather]

I use one of our Toro 325D's

[Runner]

I would personally just use the Rubicon. That has a low range, doesn't it?

[All-Pro LawnCare]

I don't know how much your aerator weighs, but my bluebird 48" is pretty heavy with the jugs filled. I use to use a jd 318 and you better forget it if the yard isn't flat. My yamaha has selectable 4wd and works good for the inclines. It also works really good when putting out fert or lime. Fill the spreader and put the remaining bags on the racks. No more trips back to the truck. I only use this set-up for large properties.

[deere615]

I was wondering the samething. I might be getting a few aeration jobs and I was going to use my Kawasaki prairie 360, but I might bring my John Deere home from my camp and use that

[FIRESCOOBY]

I use a Polaris 500 All Terrain Pickup. It has a switch that allows for one wheel drive operation. 20% tighter turning circle, and it won't tear the turf while turning. It is fast and comfortable.

Never heard of that before. Just looked it up and the "turf mode" seems very handy. How much did it run?

I currently use my Z-turn to two my Bluebird. Has no problems, but I'd rather have something more suitable.

[corey4671]

to you guys that use your Z's...do you not worry that it could be a strain on the hydros? My Everride will pull it but MAN it feels like it's gonna rip the transmission out of it.

[FIRESCOOBY]

to you guys that use your Z's...do you not worry that it could be a strain on the hydros? My Everride will pull it but MAN it feels like it's gonna rip the transmission out of it.

My new TT pulls it without a problem. But I do not like putting that extra stress on it.

[Envi-Lawn]

firescooby,
The polaris 500 atp with turf mode is great for towing an aerator. No scuffs on turns, plenty of power, 4wd, and sharp turning. With extended use I would worry about burning up hydro pumps. The base model 500 atp was abbout $7000.00 out the door.