aerating

[Bladewielder]

I need some advice on getting the right aerator. I have never owned one because of the low demand for the service. I now have a couple of customers that want this done and I also simply wish to expand my services. I have been looking at the "Spiker" pull-behind spike aerators. Has anyone tried these or have a better idea? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[65hoss]

Get a good core aerator. Spikers are junk. Wasting your customers money and yours.

I've been running the Rocksolid Plugr's since 2000. They have been built proof. Not one problem from them. Not as fast as some others, but a very precision job.

Several companies make good tow behind aerators also.

[lbmd1]

I purchased a "tru core" tow behind aerator several years ago, it has it's pros and cons. While the coring action works, its tough to turn unless you have the room and we try not to use it on our fussy expensive lawns. I've been talking to some and I'm going to purchase the rocksolid plugr that Hoss has prior to this coming fall. Most who have used them swear by them and say you don't have to wrestle with them like drum aerators. The "spike aerators while creating holes, actually make compaction worse in my opinion because it doesn't remove any cores. Do alot of research on the boards using the search and you'll find a wide variety of opinions.

Mike

[grasscanuck]

Consider renting one. I have done this for a few years now. I do all my customers in one or two days. Rental is $80. Profit is $2000. I wouldn't buy one unless you had enough customers to justify the cost.

[walker-talker]

Buy a good core aerator. I would go with a walk behind at start and then a tow behind, or both if you can afford. You will need a WB for small areas, places a tow behind won't fit and gated yards.

MATT

[65hoss]

http://www.ims-ipc.com/rocksolid/images/PL600L.jpg

The job they do on seed bed prep is awesome. If you have bare soil it looks like a tiller went thru, but at a fast pace.

[walker-talker]

Hey Hoss, what did you pay for that machine, if you don't mnd me asking?

MATT

[Scraper]

I got the Classen split drive last year from Lesco and am satisfied with the results. It'll plug about 30,000 square feet/hour. The nice thing is it'll turn without tearing as it has some steering capabilities. It doesn't "zero-turn", but you don't have to lift it up at the end of the row either. I found just going in circles working your way to the middle of property was the most efficient.



http://www.classen-mfg.com/ta17_25.jpg

[walker-talker]

What does "split drive" mean? It has left and right braking? That would be easier.

MATT

[Scraper]

Split drive means that when you release one handle the drive mechanism releases turning only one drum which in essence "steers" the machine. There are two drums as opposed to one. That make any sense?

[walker-talker]

Perfect sense! You hold the right handle and the right drum keeps moving, thus turning the machine? That is the way I undersatnd it anyway.

MATT

[KirbysLawn]

As Hoss said spikers are a joke. They press soil further into the ground causing compaction and aerifacation. Spend money and get a real aerator or have someone else do it the right way. I also have the Classen split drive, very good and back saving machine.

[Scraper]

Actually it's opposite in the way it's set-up, but right on in theory. You squeeze the right handle and the left drum turns making the unit turn right.

[walker-talker]

duh..ok....lol

They have split drives on tow behinds as well.....correct?

Thanks
MATT

[Scraper]

Originally posted by walker-talker

They have split drives on tow behinds as well.....correct?

Thanks
MATT

dunno

[Eric ELM]

Originally posted by walker-talker
They have split drives on tow behinds as well.....correct?

The Classen and the Lesco/Classen tow behind 48" and 60" both had split axles and you can turn fairly sharp and not mess up the turf. It is a very solidly built aerator. The frame is made with solid bar steel, so it's built to last. ;)

[Bladewielder]

What about the vibrating aerator Grasshopper offers? I don't have Grasshoppers but the attachment looks pretty slick. Hey guys thanks for all your input. I'll take it into consideration.

[Lawn-Scapes]

Blade.....

You didn't mention what size the lawns are.. but mentioned a pull/tow behind.

So I'm going to second the recommendation of the Lesco/Classen. I picked up the 60" last season and am very pleased. Cost about $1400.

If you have a Lesco near buy.. check 'em out. They frequently have convenient payment terms.

[jkelton]

I know this is an older thread, but I did not want to start a new one. Seems like the RockSolid Pulgr models would be ideal to use in preparing a nice seed bed, since they seem to pulverize the soil. I noticed on their brochure that they predict a person can do ~24K ft^2/hr for a moderately landscaped lawn - is this what you guys are seeing in the field? Do any of you provide topdressing in conjuction with aeration? If so, what market have you found that this service is best suited for?

[Bob Minney]

Originally posted by jkelton
Do any of you provide topdressing in conjuction with aeration? If so, what market have you found that this service is best suited for?

Yes
Best area for me selling aerate and topdress is at newer homes where the soil prep is done 1/2 a$$ed.

Havent run the rock solid but would like to demo-no dealer in our area so will probably look at the plugr painted red and sold as encore. Have always used ryan 4

[Tony Harrell]

Bob, do you think the Ryan 4 is easier to handle than the 5? I'm looking at them both and the difference in price is only a couple of hundred (1750 vs 2150). I really like the 28 which is a different machine altogether but, is about $1800 more than the 5. The 28 would seem to eliminate double passes so like anything, there's no clear cut winner. Also, how do you guys get them up a mesh ramp?

[65hoss]

It depends on the moisture in the soil how fast you can do a job. I do go off speed, so I really don't know the exact #'s. I sell precision and quality. But there are times I'm almost jogging to keep up. Most times I'm at just a nice walking pace.

Seed bed prep can't be beat. Especially in bare soil areas. Tears it up like a tiller.

Guess I better add that I'm talking about the rocksolid plugr. BTW, if you don't have a dealer around, you can buy straight from the factory. They have been great to work with. Let me know if you need a name.

[Bob Minney]

The 4 and 5 are same machine except-
the 5 is wider than the 4 . better for hills and more production. I work on lots mostly 2-3000 sq ft turf so manuverability is more concern that a little extra production. And I have small gates on 99% of work I do.
For loading they run up a mesh ramp just fine, lift handles and put weight over drum.


The 28 and plugr are different machines, they plug by mechanical action rather than relying on weight. I can see where that would be much easier on the operator.
I always have the weight bar on + the drum filled on my 4 to pull a good plug.

[Ax Man]

What are you guys getting per 1000 for aerifying?
how about reno/slit seeding?
I am considering picking up these tools too.

[ipm]

The best aerator I have used is the trusty core. There are several types now. Split- do not core that great(hard to explain why) There is a type that runs like cam(they are o.k., but you better not have any plans afterward) Vibration is bad.

Blue Bird, Ryan and Lesco make the old trusty. Water barrel in the front core in the back. As far as making a profit, unless you have a lot of accts. renting is the way to go. It will sit and collect dust. If you rent make sure the pegs are good (some will try to stick you with worn out pegs.)

[ranger520]

Can anyone give me a price range on the pluger

[jkelton]

The suggested list price ranges from $1595 for the PL400 (w/5 HP Briggs) to $3150 for the PL800 (w/5.5 HP Honda). These prices are taken from the price sheet I got in Louisville.

[65hoss]

The PL800 will be in production later on. The PL600 is the comm'l model that runs in the $2850+/- range.