Building a plug aerator

[Doxy]

I want a plug aerator and have all the necessary materials to build one except for the tines. Does anyone know where to get tines for a plug aerator at a reasonable cost? I have found a few places on the Internet but would be better off just buying the enitre aerator and save myself the time of building one because of the cost of the tines.

 

[J_J]

I posted this data earlier today, but it disappeared. Notice the time. Strange.


http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/148770-building-plug-aerator.html#post1715230

 

[srs]

Does anyone know where to get tines for a plug aerator at a reasonable cost?

try LESCO

 

[czechsonofagun]

I was looking into it and changed my mind to go with solid steel instead of core plugs, since solid steel studs are zero maintenance.
But I didn't get past the planning/thinking part of the project yet.

 

[sawdust_maker]

I was looking into it and changed my mind to go with solid steel instead of core plugs, since solid steel studs are zero maintenance.
But I didn't get past the planning/thinking part of the project yet.

The problem with solid pins is it just compacts the earth. By removing a core instead, this will improve your soil.

John

 

[oughtsix]

From my research solid tines would have the opposite effect of what you are trying to accomplish... compacting the earth instead of loosening it, like sawdust said.

My thoughts on building a plug aerator was to use a 12" pipe instead of a spindle to mount the tines on. Then when the plug is pushed up through the tine it ends up inside the 12" pipe. Drill several holes in the pipe that the soil falls through while the plugs are tumbling. Put a fixed piece of angle iron inside the pipe to increase the tumbling action and encourage the plugs through the holes.

Or make something similar with a cage made out of 1/4" screen instead of the 12" pipe.

Aerated lawn without a bunch of lawn turds scattered all over!

Just a thought...

 

[Ron25]

http://www.replacementbladesdirect.com/cart/agora.cgi?product=AeratorTine&ppinc=2a1

This place has the best price I've found online.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I'm just thinking outside the box here. Feel free to ridicule me or laugh me to scorn...

Could you make tines from Conduit or some kind of thin walled pipe?

 

[MarkV]

From my research solid tines would have the opposite effect of what you are trying to accomplish... compacting the earth instead of loosening it, like sawdust said.

My thoughts on building a plug aerator was to use a 12" pipe instead of a spindle to mount the tines on. Then when the plug is pushed up through the tine it ends up inside the 12" pipe. Drill several holes in the pipe that the soil falls through while the plugs are tumbling. Put a fixed piece of angle iron inside the pipe to increase the tumbling action and encourage the plugs through the holes.

Or make something similar with a cage made out of 1/4" screen instead of the 12" pipe.

Aerated lawn without a bunch of lawn turds scattered all over!

Just a thought...

Interesting design idea. With my soil and aerator you would just fill the cylinder with plugs that were too damp to fall out. I also think that you would lack the weight to pull a good plug. My aerator is 5' wide, has an 18" diameter water filled cylinder and 72 spoons. Unless I wait for the proper ground moister content it will pull very small plugs. Under the right conditions about 4-5" plugs.

MarkV

 

[radioman]

I'm just thinking outside the box here. Feel free to ridicule me or laugh me to scorn...

Could you make tines from Conduit or some kind of thin walled pipe?

Excellent idea! its cheap too! However I have serious doubts about its strength to last in compacted soils. I really wonder how do they make those tines in the first place ? Wish it was on how its made show. LOL !