A look at aeration machines

Aerification is a necessary evil to keep some sports fields performing well, and right about now the topic is at the top of mind for field managers as they prepare the turf for the winter. We reached out to some aerator manufacturers to learn more about the machines that they offer. These five units are currently available from the respective companies and could be in your shop by the time 2018 spring aeration rolls around.

Toro ProCore 1298 Aerator
The Toro ProCore 1298 features coring head technology from the ProCore 648 combined with a more robust platform, the result is what Toro calls one of the most productive and durable large area aerators available today.

With an aerating depth of 4.5 inches, and an aerating width of 98 inches, the ProCore 1298 can handle a large variety of aerating applications. The ProCore 1298 features 12 tine heads, and a depth control mechanism. Additionally, the Kevlar-reinforced belt drives and oversized gearbox add to durability of this aerator.

Turfco XT8 stand-on aerator
Turfco’s TurnAer XT8 is capable of aeration speeds up to 7 mph, can cover up to 92,000 sq. ft. an hour and can handle sports turf fields with a 30-inch aerating width that can still fit through a 48-inch gate, according to the company. In addition to zero-turn agility, the machine has raised ground clearance to get over most curbs. The Auto-Depth Control allows operators to set a tine depth that is consistent across a field, regardless of turf conditions.

By utilizing covered drive chains outside the aeration area and using sealed, self-aligning bearings near the aeration area, Turfco says it has designed this aerator to minimize downtime. Chain tensioners are accessible to the operator and a standing platform can be locked in the raised position for maintenance on tines. The XT8 is equipped with a 22-hp engine with a cyclonic air cleaner, and its standing platform suspension is designed to reduce vibration and shock.

John Deere Aercore 1500

The John Deere says its Aercore 1500 offers sports turf professionals a productive and simple drive solution. Aeration equipment is measured in two ways, the product can pull as many as 30 cores per square foot and high numbers of square feet per hour. The simple drive system on the Aercore 1500 provides a quiet and smooth operation for the driver, and the fiberglass-reinforced belts provides long life and requires minimal adjustments.

Ryan Lawnaire ZTS stand-on aerator

The Lawnaire ZTS stand-on aerator grips the terrain. Capable of covering two-and-a-quarter acres per hour at ground speeds up to 7 miles per hour. The unit is powered by a Kawasaki FS541V engine and its aeration depth gauge allows users to select from 2 inches to 5 inches in half inch increments. Ryan says its automatic chain tension system is designed to reduce chain maintenance, while the aerator’s wide operator platform is intended to reduce operator shock.

Jacobsen GA600
This tow-behind deep tine aerator from Jacobsen comes with 72-inch working width, the widest aeration span in the company’s GA line. Its AerStrike 4 tine attachment system enables only the GA600 to conduct deep and conventional aeration in single pass, and the roller is placed 5.5 inches from the tine heads, according to the company.

The unit’s PerfectStrike tine arm motion and pivot point height minimizes travel angle and is designed to allow the tines to enter and exit the turf vertically, delivering a straight hole. According to Jacobsen, the GA600 is built with steel drive components to extend the life of the machine. Dual o-ring chain drives are located on the outer sides of the machine for ease of access for lubrication and inspection.