Equipment Focus:

AeratorsProduct briefs on aeration equipment available from14 different manufacturers.

Bannerman Ltd.The company's BA-600-S/S-H

Super-Ject Aerator is available withfive different tine styles and twotransportation modes-Category 1 or2 three-point hitch, or tow-behindwith hydraulic lift. More specifically,users can choose between .75-inchcore tines, one-inch renovation tines,5mm slitter slicer tines, 8mm slitterslicer tines, or fracture tines. Some ofthe benefits of slitter tine aerationinclude clear cut entry and exit of thetine, the ability to play on the surfaceimmediately after aerifying, drainageof excess surface water, conservationof water during irrigation, elimina-tion of core residue, and compactionrelief. Bannerman calls the unit themost versatile six-ft-wide aeratoryou'll ever own, and offers a numberof options to help customize themodel selected.Website: www.sportsturfmagic.com

BlueBird InternationalThe BlueBird TA10 towable aera-

tor, which can aerate up to threeacres per hour, is ideal for aeratinglarger commercial areas. The TA10hooks up to a 16-HP or more tractor,permits a variable aeration depth ofup to three inches, and features anaeration width of 36 inches. Tipwheels allow the machine to easilypass through narrow openings, andan easy-access hand crank enablesimple raising and lowering of tines.

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Five optional weight containers pro-vide optimal soil penetration, and therugged design of the TA10 ensuresyears of low-maintenance productivi-ty. The company also offers walk-behind aerators offering aerationwidths of 17 inches to 25.5 inches.Website: www.bluebirdintl.com

Bush HogThe Verti-Cut machine promotes

lush, green growth in fairways andother sports turf areas by removingthatch build-up, allowing grass toaccess water, air and nutrients.Three- and five-gang models, withaeration widths of 76 to 138 inches,are available for tractors with 24 HPto 45 HP. Depth adjustments can bemade quickly and easily, allowingoperators to set the machine for finegrooming or a more aggressive cutaccording to turf conditions. Stan-dard blade spacing is 1.25 inches, butspacing can be adjusted to 2.375inches, 3.5 inches or 4.625 inches.The Verti-Cut features rugged BushHog construction, uses belt drives forreduced tractor stress and heatbuild-up, and can be easily convertedto a reel mower.Website: www.bushhog.com

GrasshopperThe Aera-vator attachment for

Grasshopper zero-radius power unitsaerates compacted soil, yet it leaveslittle surface disruption and no coresto clean up. Turf is ready for useimmediately following treatment.

The Aera-vator's forged-steel tinesvibrate in a rapid oscillating motion,and are powerful enough to loosentraffic-packed parkways and areaswhere obstructions such as smallrocks are present. Upon penetratingthe soil, areas around and betweenthe holes become fractured, relievingcompaction and creating openings forroot growth and absorption of water,air, nutrients and chemicals. The unitutilizes the Grasshopper Quick-D-Tach mounting system, whichenables operators to quickly switchbetween the Aera-vator, cuttingdecks and other attachments.Website: www.grasshoppennower.com

Hines ManufacturingThe Hines Drill Aerator has been

upgraded and redesigned to make itsimpler to operate, lighter weightand smaller than previous drillingequipment. The machine relieves

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subsoil compaction, improves drain-age and air exchange, and providesfaster healing times than other typesof aerators. Instead of removingcores, the machine gently folds backthe healthy grass surface during theaeration process. The Hines systemcan be adjusted to drill from one inchdeep, up to 15 inches deep in thehardest subsoils. The unit weighsunder 3,000 lbs, and applies just anine-PSI footprint on soft turf sur-faces. The extended drill depth allowspenetration of hard pan layers. Hineshas eliminated the cumbersome drillbox present on some other drill aera-tors, instead using a lighter system ofstripper bars that prevent any uplift-ing of the surface during the up-stroke. The Hines Drill Aerator isgentle enough to aerate freshly laidsod, and is also recommended torelieve "hot spots."Website: www.hinesmfg.com

John DeereThe Aercore Aerator 2000 features

an 80-inch coring swath, makes holesup to four inches deep, and can cover100,066 sq ft per hour. This tractor-mounted attachment delivers high pro-ductivity-a swath 20 inches largerthan the company's 1500 model-with-out sacrificing hole quality, durabilityor ease of service. The Aercore 2000 isdurable due to its heavy-duty framesand tine rams, and is versatile due toits adjustable hole spacing-a 2.4-inchpattern, or a 3.2-inch pattern, depend-ing on speed of movement. Because theaerator is powered by belts, instead ofchains, it operates quietly and smooth-ly and does not require lubrication.Rear cowlings on the Aercore 2000 liftsimply, to make daily checks and rou-tine maintenance easy. John Deere'spatented Flexi-Link design ensurestines stay perpendicular to the ground,thereby producing consistently roundholes and leaving little or no scuffing atthe top of each hole.Website: www.deere.com

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Millcreek ManufacturingMillcreek Core Plug Aerators are

available as three-point hitch, front-mount or tow-behind models, and allin different widths. The Model 630 isideal for athletic fields, weighs 410lbs, features 72 total spoons on 12spoon wheels, and provides a coringwidth of 60 inches (total width equals63 inches). Millcreek spoon wheelsets-mounted in pairs for maximumpenetration, easier turning and mini-mized turf damage-can be replacedone pair at a time, which reducesparts costs as compared to replacingan entire section. Each MillcreekCore Plug Aerator comes equipped

with a sturdy protector shield thatprotects workmen, children and ani-mals from being injured by sharp aer-ator spoons. The shield fully enclosesthe spoon wheels on the top, front andback of the unit. Other features of theunits include Teflon-coated, oil-impregnated bearings, or greasablebearings in commercial units; temper-hardened, long-life spoons; 1.5-inchsolid square bar which forms themain frame; and a convenient weightrack that provides control of coredepth, up to four inches.Website: www.millcreekmfg.com

Redexim CharterhouseThe manufacturer's Verti-Drain

Mustang (Model 7117) aerator allowsturf managers to perform deep tineaeration at speeds exceeding 2.75MPH-a speed which the companybelieves is at least 80% faster thancompeting methods. The Verti-DrainMustang offers a shorter throw andpenetrates to a shorter depth (downto six inches) than other Verti-Drainmodels. The unit requires a 25-HPtractor, can be equipped with either

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For deep tine aerlfication In the toughest conditions, youcan't beat the performance of our new SR75 HD.

This machine Is built specifically for deep aeration In heavilycompacted soils.

If your sports fields are suffering from problems associatedwith compaction and poor drainage, call Southern Greenabout our complete line of deep tine aerators.

Breathin' a Whole Lot Easier!©

Proven performance, high productivity, superior design andconstruction, Is what you can expect from the Soil Relieverby Southern Green.

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solid or hollow tines, and featuresten arms that permit spacing of justover two inches between tines.Exceptionally smooth operating char-acteristics are the result of a sophis-ticated crank system and, like thecompany's other models, the Verti-Drain Mustang's heaving action canbe adjusted using a single lever.Website: www.redexim.com

SisisDeep, clean penetration and rugged

engineering for a long working life aresome of the qualities of the Sisis DeepSlicers. Three tractor-mounted modelsare available, including the Sisis

Megaslit, Sisis Multislit and SisisMaxislit. The Sisis Maxislit, a deepslicing aerator designed for outfieldturf, offers seven or nine inches of pen-etration and a 63-inch working width.Plates in the machine incorporate awide rim to reduce surface marking insoft or undulating conditions, andtines can be fitted for use on fine turfor in shallow soil conditions. TheMaxislit's rear safety guard is remov-able for easy tine fitting, and sideguards add to operator safety. Anoptional floating roller provides asmooth finish and a striped cosmeticeffect.Website: www.sisis.com

Southern GreenThe manufacturer's Soil Reliever

75 Heavy Duty (SR 75HD) is thenewest addition to its aerator prod-uct line. The SR 75HD is a six-armaerator with about 78 inches of work-ing width. Designed to do deep tineaeration in the toughest conditions,the additional weight of the SR 75HDgives it the power to penetrateextremely compacted soil surfaces,and to a much greater depth than ispossible with other machines. Themachine operates on a standard 45-to 50-HP tractor, and is ideal for any

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AE-40E AE-60

"This is the only multi-faceted aerator on the market today for sports fields. It can fracture the hardestclay and the most compacted turf with ease and leave the surface in near game-ready condition. It's awinner for the progressive groundskeeper." Floyd Perry, Grounds Maintenance Services.

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large turf area where severe com-paction is a problem, such as athleticfields, fairways, sod farms andorchards. Southern Green says themachine is especially adept at reduc-ing the severe compaction problemsfound in new constructions and laser-graded surfaces.Website: www.soilreliever.com

T.I.P.The company's Greens Spiker/

Seeder can aerify 18 golf greens inunder three hours, is less disruptiveto the putting surface, and is also a

good choice for athletic fields. Three-point hitch and towable models areavailable. The machine relieves sur-face compaction, improves drainage,solves dry spot, and reduces seed andchemical costs. By percolating andloosening the soil, the GreensSpiker/Seeder promotes healthierturf, improves seed to soil contact andraises germination rates. The unitcomes equipped with replaceablestainless steel spikes. T.I.P. also offersa self-propelled, walk-behind modelfor hard to reach areas.Website: www.tipinc.net

ToroThe ProCore 660 aerator relieves

compaction, controls thatch andenables positive gas exchange lead-ing to healthier turf. Due to itsunique RotaLink centering mecha-nism, the ProCore 660 producesexcellent hole quality over a 60-inchswath. RotaLink, which requires nomaintenance, ensures tines remainvertical as they enter and exit theground, producing a consistentlycircular hole as the tractor movesforward. To change the hole pattern

from one- to five-inch spacings,operators can simply speed up orslow down. Aeration depth can beadjusted-with a simple lockingcrank handle and without the needfor tools-to a depth of up to 4.25inches. The ProCore 660 featuresindividually floating turf holders tokeep the turf secure as each tine iswithdrawn, preventing turf lift andmaintaining a true and level sur-face. The machine can be easilyinstalled on any compact tractor,and three sizes are available to suitany sports field application.Website: www.toro.com

II' greal I benefit i the robber'.inherent resiliency bicb dramaticallyreduces soil compaction.

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~ ~AenItIon. ~ Abeofptioa.... DnNge~ ........,.,..Itoc*~ .... Turf

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Turf-Tee InternationalThe six-ft-wide Verti-Slicer fea-

tures 18 blades on four-inch spacings.The blades can slice from one inchdeep, up to five inches deep. The aer-ifying tool opens turf to allow air,water and nutrients deep into thesoil, and it can be operated just priorto the turf area being utilized.Neither shallow nor deep slicing willinterfere with play. The Verti-Slicercan be attached to any three-pointtractor, can operate at normal mow-

ing speeds, prunes grass roots andreduces thatch, and is ideal for broad-cast overseeding.Website: www.turf-tec.com

Turfeo DirectThe company's Aerator TM-42 pro-

vides quality aeration on a budget,and is available in tow-type and three-point hitch type (category 0, 1, 2 or 3)attachments. The machine is ideal forlarge area aeration, sports turf, lawncare, rentals, schools and most com-mercial applications. Regardless ofattachment type selected, each TM-42comes with storage legs, making hook

up quick and easy. The unit operatesat speeds of up to five MPH, covers92,400 sq ft per hour, and uses .75-inch tines for aeration depths of up tofour inches. The aeration pattern cre-ated is 5.5x8.0 inches, and tines aremounted six to each wheel in sets oftwo wheels.Website: www.turfco.com

Editor's Note: The inclusion of the14 companies above does not implyendorsement of these manufacturers'products over aeration equipmentoffered by other manufacturers notlisted.

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