Core Aerator Parts

[Spudland_Dave]

So, after breifly shopping for a 60 or 72" Core Aerator for my 3520 I've come to the conclusion that I can easily make a Super HD Version for way less then any I can find locally...
Steel for Frame, Bearings, etc... I can easily source locally, etc... about the only thing I cant find are the "hubs" that I could use with the Core Spoons Agri-Supply carries: AERATOR CORE SPOON 3.5MM - Agri Supply

I couldnt even find the frontier parts breakdown over on JDParts.com

With what Deere & Woods are getting for their units, I think I can put solid gold ballast on my home made unit...

 

[Renze]

I am interested in building some kind of machine to aerate our horse pastures, preferrably up to a foot of depth. (the complete layer of black topsoil)
I voted against the subsoiler with disk openers and rollers behind each leg, because it makes ridges in a pasture like a potato field.

How deep do these core aerators work normally, anywhere close to the 1 foot depth i desire ?

 

[lively1]

Dave,

I initially looked at going the route of making my own. I even bought most of the metal for the frame, but came to the conclusion it was going to cost more in time and money than buying a new one. I did find a more economical brand than Woods or Landpride. I ended up with a 60" Midwest brand Core aerator. In my opinion it is built as good or better than the Woods and about half the cost. I think I paid around $650 for mine. I have had a few years and large lawns in my area for some extra spending cash... I have about 1,000 lbs of weight on it (used some old railroad track sections) The Midwest brand comes in several colors and the spoons are easy to replace. I bought mine from Little Tractor in Metropolis, IL, but I'm sure you could find a closer dealer for Midwest Equipment (http://www.midwestequipment.net/). Good Luck.

 

[Renze]

how deep does your aerator go, with the ballast ?

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I initially looked at going the route of making my own. I even bought most of the metal for the frame, but came to the conclusion it was going to cost more in time and money than buying a new one. I did find a more economical brand than Woods or Landpride. I ended up with a 60" Midwest brand Core aerator. In my opinion it is built as good or better than the Woods and about half the cost. I think I paid around $650 for mine.

Thanks for the heads up...going into the shopping mode "price blind" I about fell on my rear end when I saw the $2199 sticker price on the Frontier 60" unit on one of the lots...when I saw that I figured I could easily build one cheaper. I was looking at a 72" and according to JD & Woods, they have 96 tines on em, right there is 500.00 worth of tines from A.S. Gonna have to find a Midwest dealer forsure...

 

[Kays Supply]

My aerator is a little less finished looking but about the same price as Midwest. It came from Sikeston MO. I built a frame and mounted a 50 gal plastic barrel for ballast. I can fill and drain it to match soil conditions. It also makes it easier to handle in the shop with it empty.

 

[lively1]

how deep does your aerator go, with the ballast ?

I usually get full spoon depth (3-4") depending on the soil conditions. If it is really dry and the soil type is a heavily compacted clay it may only penetrate 2" or so.

 

[Renze]

I usually get full spoon depth (3-4") depending on the soil conditions.

Hmm... i'm not sure if i'd find the typical horse hoof compaction in that upper 10 cm... I might have to do some research before deciding if an aerator is the way to go for me...

 

[AndyinIowa]

Don't give up so quick. Do some research and find out who buys or imports the spoons for AgriSupply.

I've found that if you can locate the parts manufacturer, you can often work deals that are MUCH less expensive! Skip the retailer! be persistent and wave cash at them..



IowaAndy

 

[Luremaker]

I am interested in building some kind of machine to aerate our horse pastures, preferrably up to a foot of depth. (the complete layer of black topsoil)
I voted against the subsoiler with disk openers and rollers behind each leg, because it makes ridges in a pasture like a potato field.

How deep do these core aerators work normally, anywhere close to the 1 foot depth i desire ?

If your are only going to aerate your pasture and you already own a rototiller you may wish to try making some straight blades for it. Straight blades will make thin slices in your soil 4 to 6 inches deep. I wanted to try this last year but ran out of time. I purchased 20 feet of 2-1/2" x 3/8" steel and cut it up to make the blades. I just finished drilling all the holes. All that's left is to sharpen all of the blades and install them on my rototiller. I got the idea from motherearthnews.com My total cost for the steel was less than $25 and I figure it will take less than four hours of my time to complete.

Pasture Renovation

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Don't give up so quick. Do some research and find out who buys or imports the spoons for AgriSupply.

I've found that if you can locate the parts manufacturer, you can often work deals that are MUCH less expensive! Skip the retailer! be persistent and wave cash at them..

I dont really care about the spoons....those are at least available...I can track those down when I get to that point, its the HUBS the spoons mount to that is my issue...

 

[AlanB]

I dont really care about the spoons....those are at least available...I can track those down when I get to that point, its the HUBS the spoons mount to that is my issue...

I looked at one last week at the co-op. I forget the manufacturer, I want to say Backyard designs or something and about $550 (rental unit that looked in good shape)

Anyway, my thought was that the hub was not that big of a deal. Theirs was on the drum type thing, and the hub was just a stub of pipe or tubing with one cross bolt.

Will try and remember to grab a picture.

I would think though that if I wanted to do it, I would buy one spoon, go to my local welding / machine shop / metal supply house and start searching about for something that fit it. It would not need to be a tight tolerance, matter of fact I think you would want a little slop.

 

[kthompson]

For the pasture do not think how about using "coulters". An example is below. They come in different sizes and designs but are made to open land. They are a lot like a flat disk blade.

FLAT NOTCHED COULTER 20X 3.5 MM - Agri Supply


As to the HUB, if I follow your need, how about an old LP gas tank? They probably are strong enough and think you could find one that is no longer is safe to us for low price. kt