Most user friendly wb aerator?

[doubleedge]

I am going to start aerating this fall, and I am wondering which aerator would be the least taxing to use. I am especially looking into the plug-r series aerators and the turfco ones that have brakes to assist in turns. I have done extensive research on this site, and It seems that people are torn on which one is the easiest to use. It seems though, that most people think that the bluebird and classen ergonomics were designed by Hitler.

[phasthound]

I love my plug-r 850.

[americanlawn]

Our fave is #1 TURCO, #2 Ryan. Both well built.

[dutchman]

I love my plug-r 850.

How much will that machine cost

[jsf343]

How much will that machine cost

I think they are in the $4000 to$6000 range. From what I have learned though they are the machine to have, very little operator fatigue.

[dutchman]

Wow,;)

you have to do alot of lawns to get that money back..

[phasthound]

How much will that machine cost

I was very lucky & found a used one dirt cheap.
But it is a money maker even if you pay full price.

[Cooter]

Do the Ryan's have any turning assist? The Turfco units do look very nice also.

[grasswhacker]

I like my Plugr PL800. It's not hydro drive, but still is much less of a fatigue factor than most others.

[doubleedge]

Does anyone have both the plug-r and turf-co? Also, would I lose a considerable amount of time by getting the plug-r because of the slower speed?

[phasthound]

Does anyone have both the plug-r and turf-co? Also, would I lose a considerable amount of time by getting the plug-r because of the slower speed?

My plug-r goes as fast as I want it to, even with the sulky. But hey, I'm 56! :dancing:

[Exact Rototilling]

Does anyone have both the plug-r and turf-co? Also, would I lose a considerable amount of time by getting the plug-r because of the slower speed?

The Plugr 800 and 850 pull more plugs per sq foot than any other machine. Even Turfco Bob says one pass is not adequate with the rolling tine units. I have the Plugr 850HD. I ran over some cardboard and on average the Plugr 800 & 850 pull right around 10 plugs per square foot. So in reality how many of you make a double pass for aeration with a rolling tine unit? Probably very few so the issue coverage per square foot per hour is debatable. I also have reason to believe there is less tearing of the turf on turns and you do have greater maneuverability getting into tight places with the Hydro drive unit.

You need to market your services this way. My ads ran with quotes "more plugs per sq foot" greater aeration benefit. The biggest problem I had in marketing aeration in my area is going with the 2.5 to 3X the mowing rate. I lost lots of bids trying to stick to that price. I finally had to settle for 1.5 to 2x the mowing rate.

Anyhow I'm in process of trying to come up with aggressive marketing for my Fall aerator services. I realize I need to beat the competition with price and offer a superior service.

I would not offer aeration with any other aerator. The Plugr does a great job and the I can't imagine using it with out the Hydro drive. Hills not problem.

[doubleedge]

The Plugr 800 and 850 pull more plugs per sq foot than any other machine. Even Turfco Bob says one pass is not adequate with the rolling tine units. I have the Plugr 850HD. I ran over some cardboard and on average the Plugr 800 & 850 pull right around 10 plugs per square foot. So in reality how many of you make a double pass for aeration with a rolling tine unit? Probably very few so the issue coverage per square foot per hour is debatable. I also have reason to believe there is less tearing of the turf on turns and you do have greater maneuverability getting into tight places with the Hydro drive unit.

You need to market your services this way. My ads ran with quotes "more plugs per sq foot" greater aeration benefit. The biggest problem I had in marketing aeration in my area is going with the 2.5 to 3X the mowing rate. I lost lots of bids trying to stick to that price. I finally had to settle for 1.5 to 2x the mowing rate.

Anyhow I'm in process of trying to come up with aggressive marketing for my Fall aerator services. I realize I need to beat the competition with price and offer a superior service.

I would not offer aeration with any other aerator. The Plugr does a great job and the I can't imagine using it with out the Hydro drive. Hills not problem.

How much did that hydro plug-r cost?

[Exact Rototilling]

Before tax right around $4200. A demo unit was sold on eBay this last spring with 20 hours for $2500 Those deals are tough to find.

[StBalor]

I can tell you what i learned about some models. I have used Bluebird, ryan and classen. All are a bit much to handle, you will have to put some muscle behind them. Bluebird was by far the worst to use. It's a b**** to manuver and with the small roller in the front it always wanted to tip to the sides. ryan and classen were ok, The wider front roller made them more stable than the bluebird. still have to use alot of muscle to operate and can be a pain on turns. Classen does not like hills for some reason. Or at least the 2 i rented did not. They always wanted to stall when goin across hills. For this reason i would say ryan lawnaire4 was the better of the 3.