Spike Aerator versus a Core Aerator ?

LGinIA · Feb 24, 2005

I have noticed that most aerator discussions have focused on core type aerators versus spike. What are the disadvantages of a spike aerator as both make holes but the spike does not leave cores all over. Seems like First Choice is mostly mentioned on this board and they offer only the core aerator. Your comparison thoughts? Why would one buy the core versus the spike?

Henro · Feb 24, 2005

In my mind the core is better than the spike, because the spike will compress the soil and water may just fill the hole and not find its way out easily.

The core hole seems like it would be better for letting water get into the soil, along with air and whatever else might help the grass.

I've concluded that if I would by an aerator, it would be a core aerator, or nothing...

dylan · Feb 24, 2005

I totally agree. A spike aerator should only see limited use on a golf course because it will not disrupt play. While it may break thru the surface and allow water / nutrients / air to penetrate in the short term, it actually compacts the soil as it pushes into it. For long term compaction relief, use a core aerator. One with a verticle entry is best but a rolling one is fine. The benefits of aerating include:

1) remove bumps, lumps, to level lawn,
2) improve water percolation, retention and availability
3) increase porosity
4) loosen soil and relieve compaction
5) decompose thatch
6) improve soil texture
7) stimulate growth, repair damage
8) reduce weeds like plaintain and knotweed that like compaction
9) allow nutrient entry
10) Good money maker!

johan3400 · Feb 24, 2005

The core aerator is used to aearate during cooler times of the year. If you have healthy turf and cool weather it is the preferred choice of professional turf managers. Slicing aerators are used during hotter times of the year and in high traffic areas. Both have their place and times to use them. You will see many sports turf managers use the slicing machines and core machine in alternatiing patterns. Aerification is the key to healthy turf in traffic areas. Greens, Tees, Athletic fields, and Fairways grow better with aerification. Here in Iowa the core aerator is used early and late in the season and slicers during the mid season summer heat. I hope that gives you a better understanding.

Henro · Feb 24, 2005

Slicing aerators are used during hotter times 

Jim, is a slicing aerator the same thing as a spike aerator, or is it a third type, that actually cuts a slice in the grass, like a disk running paralled to the direction of travel would?

johan3400 · Feb 24, 2005

Henro,
sorry, I did not put my glasses on to see the words right. A slicing and a spike are different. some of the rules still hold true. solid tines or spikes do not cause the damage to the turf that a core would. Some of the pictures of spike aerators I have seen on TBN are what i grew up knowing as rotary hoes. Not many of those are used on turf, but some people do. The spike aearators I have experience with would be solid tined Vertidrains and solid tine Ryan aerators. I have spent years in professional turf management and see all sorts of choices from all different managers. The truth is there are just about as many good choices as there are turf managers. But the solid tine or spike would still be used on fragile or hot turf and cores pulled only when the weather is cool. I thought I should add, most core aerators can have solid tines put on them to make them a spike aerator. I core aerate my lawn spring and fall.

Bowhunter · Feb 25, 2005

( Seems like First Choice is mostly mentioned on this board and they offer only the core aerator. )

There has also been some talk of the Midwest and Kioti (a rebadged Midwest) core aerators. Great looking units.

tomnky · Feb 25, 2005

If and When I buy a core aerator , then it will be one of these.
Turfco

thcri · Feb 25, 2005

Them Turfco units look pretty nice. Kind of expensive but if you can sell your services to the neighbors you could pay it back soon.

murph

tomnky · Feb 26, 2005

I really like the idea of water for ballast, You can adjust it however You want without a lot of hassles.

Not to mention the fact the TM42 would be just about the right size for My BX2200.

On their website the TM42 is like $1375.00 which includes freight for the unit without the tow package.