[Husky]

Well, I've been thinking about this one, and someone help me decide if this is a good idea.

I own a 42" 21HP Husqvarna rider and have been thinking that aerating is a pain.... As if we didn;t know..........

A good way to get around this would be to attach a pull behind aerating (42" or slightly smaller) and pull it through the properties. Purchase a mantis with attachments to aerate to get the hard to reach smaller places and go like that, should cut my aerating time WAY down, but most of all cut the labor dramatically and generate more Revenue by doing so.

What do you guys think? What has been your experience with the pull behind aerators, I'll have to get use to pulling a 400 lb aerating with a ZERO TURN...might be tricky, just have to watch what I'm doing and not trap me and my mower in a corner jack-knifed. These properties are smaller usually 1/4 in size, but with the 42" and mantis combo, this should not be a problem with manuvering, even through most gates.

Saves me the expense of buying a WB aerator,, and labor..

Well, what have you???

and you can;t pull one with a WB mower--- so I guess its a good thing I was lazy and purchased the 42" rider for the tight areas and smaller yards, and not the CHEAPER 36" WB huh???

 

[MCGRAIL LAWN]

Might work for SPIKE aeration
but pull behind core aerators I found one I like it is only $22,000.00 It is used at gold courses pulls up 7" cores.

But otherwise the pull behind core aeration you can get at Sears, Home Dept, Ect will pull up 1/2 " if your lucky.

You could just do the SPIKE aeration but then you loose one of the major benifits....
Releaf of COMPACTION.

You cant releave compaction if you just compacted the dirt with the spike.


STICK WITH THE PAIN OF THE WALK BEHIND AERATOR

 

[broken leg]

I use a lesco pullbehind and a billygoat walk behind you have to keep the chain clean of debre or it will break otherwise it is great. You don't have to manhandle it. I pull the lesco with a 23hp toro z.

 

[MCGRAIL LAWN]

I use the BILLY GOAT EZ AIR.
I love it

No problems with it yet

 

[parkwest]

This is one you really want to do a search on since this was covered very extensively.

We use a New Holland 21D with a 48" (?) classen aerator on 3 pt hitch. Wouldn't do it any other way. 3 pt hitch is great for when you come to sidewalks or sprinkler heads.

 

[Husky]

Well I think we are deviating from the original quetion. Will it work at all, if so in my case what areator is a good choice. I have not experience with pull behind, but I know that I have seen the 42" (some name brand) weigh in the range of 450 to 500lbs,,,thats going to do more than a 1/2 " plug..

comments?

 

[parkwest]

Originally posted by Husky
Well, I've been thinking about this one, and someone help me decide if this is a good idea. ...

What do you guys think? What has been your experience with the pull behind aerators, ...

Well, what have you???

Above, please find your original questions!

How is anyone "deviating" from the "original" question?

Everyone told you what they used or what they thought?????

 

[Husky]

I wanted to know what is a good pull behind aerator in that size, and weither or not the idea holds water....

Sorry if I soudned angry, I love any advice no matter what type...

I also like hearing about peoples choices, and their experience...

 

[Pecker]

Just wondering - what is a 3 point hitch and how does it work. Are there other types of hitches. I assume it applies to pull-behind type aerators. How big of a mower would I need to pull one. My ZTR has no hitch. Would a rear - engine JD work (it only has an 8hp, although when it dies I will replace it with a 13hp because the mower is in great shape, but it is geared low and will pull nearly as strong as my atv)? Thanks.

 

[hubb]

A 3-point hitch is the kind of hitch you see on farm tractors. They usually are controlled with hydraulics and you won't see them on any Z's.

 

[Cooper Landscaping]

Husky-
If you're looking to do aeration with a ZTR, check out the link to Gator Rator at the top of this page. Bryant is one of the sponsors here and in my opinion has what looks to be a great product. It attaches to the front of your ZTR and uses the weight of the mower to pull the plugs. Some of the members here have tried them and their comments were all praises. Just check it out.

-Coop

 

[Husky]

Well my reasoning for this is to save the cost. Well, atleast that is the idea...I believe the aerator is around 2500.00 or so,,,it is probably worth it..maybe...but if i can get the job done with a MUCH cheaper pull behind, and get the job done to my satisfaction, than I win all around....what do u think

 

[kickin sum grass]

we have a lesco behind a lazer and works great. carful on the turns. We also take a walkbehind to get into corners, fences, etc.

 

[Husky]

are you puling decent plugs?

 

[turfsurfer]

Husky,
If you are looking to do a fair amount of aerating I really would consider the Gator Rator. I have used several different kinds and after demoing this one my check is on it's way to Bryant. Yes $2500 does seem like a lot of money but realistically you should be able to pay this thing off in just a few full days aerating. My only real concern is that it would not hold up under heavy use, but that is only because I don't know anyone else who has used it for a long time. It certainly looks sturdy enough. I think it will be able to get into much tighter places than a pull behind, and much easier on the body than a walk-behind.

 

[sildoc]

Saw homeowner about a week or so ago with a 48" walk benind using one of those craftsman aerators as a sulky. looked to work ok but not sure how safe it was, being I only watched a minute. He turned ok but looked to be lifting the frount castors off of the ground. I guess if you like to do it yourself you can be pretty inventive. good luck.