Three Point Hitch! and AERATORS

[River Hill]

What is a Three Point Hitch and how does it work? I here you guys talk about the Classen Aerators and how good of a job they do but you need a Three Point Hitch. I am tired of getting pounded by using small walk behinds. I am looking to purchase a Aerator and really like the Ryan Lawnaire 28 but, have heard it does not do well on hills. Has anyone tried the new Classen Split-Drive? If so what do you think of it? I am guessing a three point hitch is only on tractors, maybe even powerd??? Could a three point hitch be put on a 4 wheeler? I can't justify buying a tractor so maaybe a 4 wheeler would work.

[Eric ELM]

A 3 point hitch: 2 arms that come back from the axle area of a tractor, one on each side and another adjustable piece up higher in the center that is all used together to raise and lower equipment and pull it. I have heard of after market 3 point hitches that are electric. I don't know how good they are. Mine is hydraulic and runs off the same pump that runs the whole system on my JD. I can put on an extra 1000 pounds on the rear axles of the JD. You need to see how much you can put on your 4 wheeler. I think it would be to big of a load for one or I would have one myself with 4 wheel drive. :)

[parkwest]

I agree with Eric. I think the weight of the aerator plus 3 to 4 hundred lbs. of weight you might put on the aerator would have a tendency to flip the ATV over backwards.

You might want to see if you can justify the purchase of a compact utility tractor by using it to provide other services for your customers.

[River Hill]

Does your or do three point hitches apply down pressure to the aerator or does the aerator just float back their and that is why you have to add the extra weight? If so do you know how many pounds of down pressure it applies? Also what catergory pin is the Lesco aerator? Thanks in advance for your help. Also how much does the Lesco aerator weigh?

[Eric ELM]

My 3 point hitch doesn't put down pressure on the aerator. The Classen aerator weighs 225 lbs. and you can add up to 700 pounds I was told, to the weight tray on top. The frame of this is built with 1 1/4" bar steel so it is very heavy duty. You can get it with either catagory 0 or 1 hitch pins, but comes with catagory 1 pins. It also comes with a tongue to just pull it with what ever, if you want.

[bob]

Brians, Tommorrow, I'll be trying out my Lesco 42" aerator for the first time(made by Classen). I'm using a Gator to pull the thing. I don't have a 3-point hitch,yet. I to, got tired of walking. Can't wait!

[jaclawn]

A three point hitch is not required to use the mentioned areator. I pull mine with a regular tractor and a pin through the hitch. A three point hitch is more convienent, but the plugger can still be used as a tow behind with the same end results.

[River Hill]

How much weight do you guys normally put on that aerator? Besides the ease of raising and lowering you aerator, are there any other advantages too the 3 point hitch? Do you think it aerates better with the 3 point hitch or in tow behind mode? I am looking to install a 3 point hitch on a ATV to use this aerator with. If it does just as good of a job in tow behind I may go that route. The 3 point hitch that I am looking at applies down pressure to the aerator so this may work for me, it applies about 300lbs of pressure so with the 225 for the aerator and the 300lbs down pressure I should be able to pull some good plugs. My only concern is when I raise the 225 pounds it will lift the front wheels of the ground. I will keep everyone updated with my expriment.

[Eric ELM]

The ground is very firm here so I have 350 lbs. on mine, but if the ground is soft, you don't need any on it.

Jaclawn, I did mention above that it also comes with a tongue to pull it. Nice option if your machine with the 3 point hitch breaks down.

[River Hill]

Is there any difference between the Classen and the Lesco? I know Classen makes the aerator for Lesco but was wondering if there is any differences, since I might be able to get the Classen cheaper?

[bob]

Except for the paint job, they appear to be identical.

[John DiMartino]

I use a ryan 6fter-it weighs about 1050 lbs.I use no weight on it at all,it weighs plenty.I dont think there is a 3phitch out there that applys downpressure.An ATV isnt sutable for lifting the aerator-it will pull it fine though.If i were you,Id pull it and bring some old scrap wood if you have to cross a driveway,unless it has wheels.Gettin it on the traier will be the hardest part without a 3pt hitch

[Eric ELM]

The Classen/Lesco aerator he is talking about has transport wheels with aired up tires to get him across driveways and to load it.

[jaclawn]

WIth the Lesco, I put the wheels down, and drive right up and on the trailer. I raise the gate, and at the next job, I back right off. The rig is long though, about 11 feet. I don't have to unhook the two on the trailer deck.

This setup has cut my time in half compared to a LA IV.

[River Hill]

The Classen 48RT is the same unit Lesco sells as the LA4800, this is what I am being told by Classen. The weight of this unit is actually 320 Lbs. The Classen 48R is the three point only model and weighs 225 Lbs. If you look at Classens home page it shows a picture of the 48RT not the 48R as it states. I called Lesco and they tell me the LA4800 weighs 225 Lbs. Can anyone verify for me if this is true. I can't seem to get a straight answer form anyone. These are my assumptions from talking to Lesco and Classen. I just really need to confirm the weights and models of each.

[River Hill]

I just verified with Classen, the 48R weighs 225, the 48RT weighs 320. The 48RT is what Lesco sells as the LA4800.

[bob]

Brians, I just bought a Lesco LA 4800. The brochue says it weighs 225lbs. Its has a 42" wide working width and 48 tines. The overall width is 58". I still think the two aerators are identical.

[Cutter1]

I was looking at aerators today. I looked at one built by trac vac. Very nice and heavy duty. 48" wide, seems like a good price at $500. I'm probably going to get it and pull it with my laser.

[MOW ED]

I am certainly you guys are talking about this because I went out today for the first time with my rented Ryan Lawnaire IV. It is a nice machine if you are doing small lawns but I got to tell ya that my sack is hanging after 3 lawns with total sq ft of 25K. I'm not a small boy and I am not completely out of shape but this walkin behind an aerator has got to go. Keep posting, I'm eatin it all up and cramping up at the same time.

[Eric ELM]

Shape up there Ed. :) I aerated 60 K and didn't even break a sweat. I sure do like power steering and a 3 pt. hitch. :D

[jaclawn]

On another note, I made a decision to have a $60 minimum for ANY core areation. This is what it would cost a homeowner to rent a machine in my neck of the woods. I am not about to save them any money.

[River Hill]

According to Classen, Lescos brochures are incorrect, in case any of you are wondering what the weight is.

[bob]

Gee, I'm stronger than I thought, pulling that thing sideways in the trailer!

[Eric ELM]

No wonder my JD wants to do wheelies when I lift it up with 350 pounds of weight on it. That's 670 pounds 3 feet behind the back axle.

[MOW ED]

Believe me I will be looking for a used tractor w/3 pt over the winter. Aeration is good money but only if a guy can ride. I like to learn things the hard way at first then I can appreciate spending the money to save my body. It even hurts my fingers to type today.

[Eric ELM]

I wish I would have known that when you were down here. I could have taken you out to my buddy's house and let you try out an Aeirens hydro with a 3 point hitch. The tractor was in good shape, but the mower deck wasn't too good and he ended up selling it for $250. It would have been perfect for what your needs. He didn't need it any more because he bought a used DC from me 3 years ago.

[River Hill]

Do you have any problems getting your LA4800 close to obstacles. For example mulch beds, mail boxes, decks or patios? I Think I could get closer to some things using the Classen 48R. I am just not sure. From what I understand the 48R is 42 inches wide and the 48RT or the LA4800 is 56 inches wide. Do you think the 42 would get closer to obstacles or do you think it would be about the same once you flip the wheels up on the 48RT or LA4800?

[Eric ELM]

Mulch beds you can get close to, but something tall, like mail boxes, you have to keep away from them. I have never had anyone say, "you didn't get close enough to my mail box", so I don't think that is a problem. I bolted a spoon from the Classen to an old oak cane to do small areas that I can't get into with the big unit. It works fine if the ground is soft. You could always use something like that to get close to objects if needed. I like the wheels on there and use them as gauge wheels so it will only go in 2" or 3" depending on which hole I have them set at. I hope this helps and good luck.