aeravator AE40L

[jdepetri2210]

does anyone have any experiencewith the aeravator 40 inch unit (made by First Products)? The 40 inch looks like it is perfectly sized for the subcompact CUTS such as the JD 2210. The unit looks like it does minimal disruption to the existing turf. Anyone know if a hopper/seeder add on is available for it. How would this perform as an overseeder as compared to the Gandy 48 inch slice overseeder? any input is appreciated.

 

[JackIL]

jdp,

I have a 60 inch version of the Aera-Vator for my Ventrac and love it. It is the best aerator I have ever seen.

The advertising brochure I have from First Products doesn't show a seeding unit for the 40-L, but it could be out of date.

You could contact First Products directly at 1-800-363-8780 or sales@1stproducts.com. for an answer.

JackIL

 

[jdepetri2210]

thanks JackIL. I called and found that they do offer a seeder/hopper for the AE40L. This is good news for sub-compact owners. I remember reading some posts about sub-compact owners looking for overseeder alternatives. They determined that the only one feasible (in terms of lift capacity) for a subcompact was the gandy 48 inch which is listed at a prohibitive $7k . This unit is a little above $4K but it is a much more versatile unit. You can actually make turns with this unit wheareas you can not turn with a slice seeder.

The only question is: how effective is it at overseeding? Does it get enough seed into the soil? Have you used it as an overseeder? Anyone else want to weigh-in on comparing this unit to a traditional overseeder?

 

[JackIL]

jdp,

I don't have the seeder attachment on mine yet. I have a separate seeder that I use immediately following the Aera-Vator, and then make a second pass with the Aera-Vator and roller. Works great, but I plan to get the seeder attachment next spring.

Based on the information presented in the video tape and on the website I believe the Aera-Vator / Seeder combination works very well. I have been quite disappointed with the results from walk-behind slit seeders in the past. They didn't provide a sufficient amount of loose soil and they didn't cover well enough to get good seed-soil contact.

Good Luck.

JackIL

 

[jdepetri2210]

JackIL

what type of follow on seeder do you use? I would like to consider the optional Gandy seeder box for the aeravator but I am afraid that it may make the unit too heavy for my machine. I have a 2210. The total weight of the aeravator, roller and seeder box would be 729 lbs + seed - which would sit 24 inches back from the link arms. For sure I would need to conter-balance the front with a FEL. Not sure if even with the FEL I would be ok. The tractor manual says 700 lbs is the max. I need to consider that I would be trying to lift half the total weight of my tractor.

jd