[dmc456]

I'm looking at getting a walk behind aerator and would like to see some pros and cons of both machines from people who have them.

I can purchase a used but in good shape Ryan Lawnaire 28 for the asking price of $900. I probably can go a little lower. If I purchase a used one, what should I look for on one of these machines. I demoed it and it was very nice. How does it do on med to small hills? Will it pull itself up hills?

I am also looking at a Rock Solid PL600. It looks good. I have never seen or tried one other than the video online.

I'm would be using it on small lots and hills.

Thanks

David

 

[Buba]

That is a deal for a used Ryan 28. Don't know much about Rock Solid, but I do know that Ryan invented the aerator and that everybody around here uses them. I would demo the unit before purchasing it to make sure that the unit isn't worn out.

 

[65hoss]

I own 2 PL600's. They have been bullit proof and the cam system does a much better job of aerating and seed prep than any drum type aerator.

 

[walker-talker]

I demoed Plugr last fall.....definetely on my list....at the top. Hoping to get one next spring. I currently use a bluebird and it pulls nice plugs and all....but you talk about a work out!!! Next on my list will be the "perforator" for my Walker. As like the Plugr, designed by Rock Solid.

Good luck
MATT

 

[KLawn]

The Plugr is a great machine!!! If you have a chance, at least demo it before you buy anything else.

 

[dave80]

How much does the PL600 model cost?

 

[mtdman]

Anyone got a pick of one of these plugrs?

 

[65hoss]

www.rocksolidx.com

 

[dmc456]

I looked at the used Lawnaire 28 today. It seems to be in very good conditions. All the bearings are tights and everything seems to rotate very smoothly. You can tell the units has been taken care of or not used very much. The belts are a little dry rotted. How much work is it to change the belts? It looks like a nightmare job. What do the belts cost. I probably would change them all before using. I would hate to get a bunch of jobs lined up and have a belt brake.

 

[kels]

Originally posted by 65hoss
I own 2 PL600's. They have been bullit proof and the cam system does a much better job of aerating and seed prep than any drum type aerator.

Why the 600's and not the 800?

 

[EJK2352]

I think Hoss bought the 600's before they came out w/ the 800 model.

 

[mtdman]

I've never used the Ryan 28. The Ryans are a bear to operate, definitely give you a work out. Never seen a plugr around here, I dunno how well it works. I'm sure they both work fine and it's the same old matter of opinion deal. You probably can't go wrong with either one.

Good luck. $900 is pretty good.

 

[branhamt]

Does anyone have any prices for the PL600 or 800? Also I am interested in locating a dealer in SE MI.

 

[Old Guy]

This is my second year with the 600 Plugr. For level lawns it is great. Pulls nice plugs, easy to turn and pays for itself in one season. If you got hills, you better be strong! You can go sideways on the hills but at some point you have to get back up the hill and it's a bear - weighs about 250 pounds I think. Of course, being an old guy, anything other than a Z is hard work for me. I paid about $2500 for it last fall and bought it in Archbold, Ohio - small town just over the border from Hudson, Michigan at a Deere dealer named Brush Creek - Phone 419-445-7368. The distributor is Mainline located in Columbus, Ohio. I've broken the clutch cable twice and the distributor got me one over night about two weeks ago. He told me they had redesigned that feature and there was a kit I could get to replace the old cable. Haven't done that yet. And yes, the 800 just came out this year.

 

[dmc456]

Is the PL600 self propelled or does the plugging action push the unit along?

 

[Old Guy]

It's pulled forward with the tines. That seems to be why it is hard going up hill. It tends to dig in rather than move forward. I might add that it REALLY goes down the hills.