Your Machine Is IN...

[xtreem3d]

Have you gotten to a yard that you can't use it yet ?
Steve

[clayslandscape]

Originally Posted by mtmower

Nice unit. Is that a 2" receiver hitch tube on the front? What is the function? I'm also curious about the pressure gauge set up. I run a Classen Stand Aer and it has a level indicator to show tine depth. How would the pressure be able to give you a reading on plug depth?

How do you like your Classen Stand Aer? Is it easy to use? Does it operate well on hills? How much did you pay for yours?

[clayslandscape]

Originally Posted by Rick13

Just Got The Call Yesterday Afternoon, Your Machine is in...So I jumped in the truck and 15 minutes later I was looking at My 2012 ExMark 30" Riding Aerator!!!!

The pictures can't describe on how nice of a machine (looking wise) when I pulled up to the dealer! Has a great stance, and super easy to use! I just hope it will be easier to get parts and pulls great plugs!

It's been raining in Northern Illinois, so I just drove it through the yard and parked it in the garage. The ground is too wet with our record temps. and its been raining the last few days....but I hope to get it out in less than a week. I don't need a 1200 aerator making more of a mud mess in someone's yard.

So here's a few pictures and I will update Lawnsite once I get it in a few yards!

How many yards do you have lined up to aerate to justify the cost of this? I really REALLY want one! I have three other aerators and I am tired of it beating me to death!

[xtreem3d]

PS Can you get off and walk a steep hill ?
Steve

[Rick13]

On a steep hill, yes you can walk behind it....but most of the times I will ride down something a little bit steep. If it's too steep....I have my walk behind aerator (RIP: Lawn Solutions dual hydro).

The LS dual hydro might be a collector's item....I'm not sure if they ever got 5dual hydro walk behinds made? But I got one by calling once a week to check how they we're coming along.

Aeration accounts can very....and since it's been so dry here... I am waiting for some rain before I place my ad in the paper.

For me to justify the cost.... it makes the job so much easier and quicker... I can do other work that I would normal be stuck aerating the old way.

As long as you don't live in Northern Illinois....it's a great machine. If you live up here....it's too much money and you don't want one....lol. Since I have one.

[clayslandscape]

Originally Posted by Rick13

On a steep hill, yes you can walk behind it....but most of the times I will ride down something a little bit steep. If it's too steep....I have my walk behind aerator (RIP: Lawn Solutions dual hydro).

The LS dual hydro might be a collector's item....I'm not sure if they ever got 5dual hydro walk behinds made? But I got one by calling once a week to check how they we're coming along.

Aeration accounts can very....and since it's been so dry here... I am waiting for some rain before I place my ad in the paper.

For me to justify the cost.... it makes the job so much easier and quicker... I can do other work that I would normal be stuck aerating the old way.

As long as you don't live in Northern Illinois....it's a great machine. If you live up here....it's too much money and you don't want one....lol. Since I have one.

Haha. Have you done aeration in the past? If so how many do you do a season?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Rick13]

I did 40ish Spring to over 60 Fall. Some of the people are repeat customers for Spring and then they want their yard done in the Fall.

I've done aerating a few years...and thought it would be good to find a little niche in specializing in aeration. Too many mowers out there....hard to compete with all different prices. So I thought you can keep your mowing company....but hire me to aerate your yard. And so far...it's working fairly good. But like anything else...it takes a bit of time and word of mouth. So I am happy with my slow growing results.

[clayslandscape]

I am going on my 3 rd year of complete lawn care and landscaping. I have done aerating for two years with a walk behind that beat me up. I currently have 15-25 lined up for fall but intend on this growing, does it seem like a good investment to you?
Posted via Mobile Device

[corey4671]

I bought my first walk behind aerator in 2010. my calls for service have steadily gone up every year. If the calls for service for mowing are any indication, I should have more calls than ever for aeration this fall. Like Rick, I justified in the increased productivity. I hope to pick my unit up in the next few days. Can't wait to see how it compares!

[Rick13]

For me, yes! Aeration in Northern Illinois has an open range. You've got the large national companies charging up to $120 to aerate small 1/4 acres (10,890 sq. ft). Me, I charge $55.00....pretty cheap but it usually only takes 25 mins....with the riding aerator.

You know the night and day difference when you push mow compared to riding your zero turn....it's the same with aeration.

The old drum walk behind aerators beat you up. They give you a workout, and as you are fighting with the machine....you think, "What am I doing this back breaking work for?".

Then they came out with the single hydro aerator...so much easier....but slow moving. You're no where as tired as the old style drum aerator...but it takes a long time to get the work done. So you start to think, "Am I making any money at this speed?".

Now they are starting to come out with the dual hydro aerators. Great machine!!!! Fast, quick, can fit through a 36" gate...at full speed...you are running! A great money making machine!!! The only problem....Lawn Solutions couldn't produce them like they promised. Now Toro/ExMark are supposed to come out with them in July 2012. They didn't make that date. Now they are looking for the Fall of 2012. This would be a great way to go if you didn't want to spend over $8000.00 for the rider. The dual should be around $4000.00 and you don't have to jump in with both feet like you would with the riding aerator.

The Riding Aerator....an aerating beast!!! The best, easiest, fastest, and you will make money....because now you can do a job for less (still make good money) and have time to take on more work....if you want it?

Last fall I made over $800.00 aerating on day. It was 5 large yards....but all I had to do was stand and drive the machine. Now it doesn't happen everyday....but it happened and could happen again this year. But it takes time to build your customers and get the word out.