Core Aerator

[MIKEKUBOTA]

Does anyone have an opinion concerning the value and utility of a core aerator? I am looking at either the Land Pride CA25 Series Core Aerators (60 or 72 inch) or the Woods/Gill pl60 or pl72 aerator. I have a B2910 and I would be operating the equipment of a former (flat) cornfield turned lawn.

 

[jeffinsgf]

I have one of these: Turfco TM-42 I use it on the lawn Spring and Fall, followed by compost topdressing. I think it is the most important thing you can do for a lawn.

 

[lawn_king]

They are both good machines, i purchased the woods as it was just a bit heavier than the landpride. Compaction is the enemy of a beautiful lawn, core aeration relieves this and allows water,oxygen and minerals easy access to the root zone.

 

[ronjhall]

I would prefer the Woods over the LP. Things freeze here in SE Michigan. It's another thing that I do not have to winterize.
I have a First Choice 60". Works good on my lawn.

 

[MIKEKUBOTA]

Thanks for the info. How much weight do you suggest?

 

[lawn_king]

There is not set rule for weight. Soil quality,depth and moisture all play into the equation. Here in the northeast we deal primarily with bluegrass and strive to pull 3-4 inch plugs. we generally put 700 to 1000 lbs in the weight tray.

 

[BCNU]

I have the Woods pl60. well built heavy unit. My buddy had bought a turfco 60 inch right before I bought my Woods and after seeing mine he knew he had made a mistake. He paid the same price for his that I did for mine. Not bashing turfco products but they are not built no where as heavy duty as the Woods. Good luck in your decision!

 

[dcbx1]

Lawn king... for a lawn with a sprinkler system, do you mark all the heads or do you not worry about them? I have an 1850 and want to plug aerate this spring... should I dethatch first and rake the lawn and then aerate? I too live in the northeast... thanks for any help

 

[cp1969]

I've got the same unit as Ronjhall, right down to the same concrete block arrangement.

I've said this before but it bears repeating...weight is not a substitute for moist soil. If you try to put enough weight on an aerator to make it pull 3" plugs from dry ground, you'll probably end up breaking something.

FWIW, I can tell no difference in my grass after aerating for 2 1/2 years. I know it's supposed to be good for it but I can't tell any difference, at least not yet.

 

[lawn_king]

Lawn king... for a lawn with a sprinkler system, do you mark all the heads or do you not worry about them? I have an 1850 and want to plug aerate this spring... should I dethatch first and rake the lawn and then aerate? I too live in the northeast... thanks for any help

You will need to mark the heads, if you hit one, it's history. Most systems in the northeast are installed with pipe pulling machines, so pipe depth should not be an issue. It may be wise to inform the client (in writing) that you cant be responsible for pipes that run high, over ledge,etc.