Need an Aerator

[KBScobravert]

Does anyone have one like this I can borrow tomorrow for a few days?

http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Riding-Mower-Tractor-Attachments/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbx56/R-100087059/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

Or does anyone know where to rent one? Homedepot does not rent them.

[Lone Sailor]

Just buy one and be done with it.

[KBScobravert]

Just buy one and be done with it.

I may have to. They rent a walk behind but for the $50 rental (4hrs) and $125 deposit I would still have to walk this entire 1.35 acres. $179 is not looking that bad to own one now.

[miketyler]

Home depot does rent them. I rented one from the Camp Wisdom location two weeks ago. Did the whole acre lot. I dont think you can buy the type machines they rent for that kind of cash. Get ready for a workout.

[Lone Sailor]

Home depot does rent them. I rented one from the Camp Wisdom location two weeks ago. Did the whole acre lot. I dont think you can buy the type machines they rent for that kind of cash. Get ready for a workout.

I'm guessing you didn't click the link. He is wanting the one you pull behind a riding mower, not one that you walk with.

[miketyler]

Got me there, I ignored it. Pull behind is definitely the way to go if you have a lot of area to cover. I have seen that type dirt cheap on CL.

[KBScobravert]

Well yesterday I bought the one I posted in the OP. Put it together today and used it. Already broke one of the 6 plates that are attached to the center shaft. The plate holds the spikes and was only welded on two sides of the shaft. Not a big deal but I just need to pull it apart and get it tacked back on.

Worked alright but I needed 200 pounds on the shelf to get good penetration in some areas of my yard. This is really something you want to use after a good rain and the yard has semi dried out.

Does anyone know the drawbacks to frequent use of an aerator on the yard?

[miketyler]

This is really something you want to use after a good rain and the yard has semi dried out.

That is key indeed. You want the ground semi-soft but not muddy or the powered units tear up your yard. Too dry and the tines walk across the surface. I dont know that there is a down side to that. I have aerated my lot twice now (once each season) and am seeing benefits already.

The powered unit put pretty deep holes in the ground, almost a perfect fit for my first finger. Because our area has the black gummy crap for soil, aeration allows moisture and nutrients 2-3 inches below the surface that might not ever see this.

[ceyko]

I see no downside to it and read quite a bit. Does not make me an expert though.

The reason I have not run out and bought one though - is storage. Trying to figure out a place to hang it or something so it's not taking up a bunch of space. Don't want to leave it outside either.

[00bolt]

i rented one last weekend from Ace by my house (in mansfield), they only charge $8/hour


EDIT - opps sorry, i was referring to a gas powered push one, not a pull behind tractor one.

[Sean88gt]

Just hire a mexican with a piece of rebar, $.025 per hole.

[347Mike]

Ace Hardware has the best rentals around IMO.

I rented one last year for a full 8 or 24hours for $25, I don't recall for how long though. I know it was longer and cheaper than Home Depot/Lowes. IIRC Home Depot wanted $50-$60 for 8 hours and even more for 24 hours.

I went halvsies with with a neighbor and finished both yards in an hour or two,

[miketyler]

I will have to remember that. I dont like paying out the ass unless some ass comes with it. (and in this case it didnt)

[zemog]

Well yesterday I bought the one I posted in the OP. Put it together today and used it. Already broke one of the 6 plates that are attached to the center shaft. The plate holds the spikes and was only welded on two sides of the shaft. Not a big deal but I just need to pull it apart and get it tacked back on.

Worked alright but I needed 200 pounds on the shelf to get good penetration in some areas of my yard. This is really something you want to use after a good rain and the yard has semi dried out.

Does anyone know the drawbacks to frequent use of an aerator on the yard?

i bought 2 75lb dumbells from academy, they fit right in that slot

[347Mike]

You should be aerating when the ground is moist, not rock hard dry.

You should also only be doing it twice a year, spring, and fall. I mowed my grass (with a bag) aerated, put seed down and mowed about a week later after the seed got established. two or three weeks after aerating I fertilized. You will want to leave the nuggets on the grass as well..