Lawn Aerator - pull behind

[Whiskeymike]

Help me design an Aerator. I’ve got some 6 inch scrap pipe. I’m going to weld up a frame and use some wheel hubs I replaced on my Jeep. I’d prefer a core aerator which I think means hollow tubes for the Aerating tines.

Questions

Is 6 inch pipe large enough in diameter?

How should I make the tines? Thinking of using 3/4” pipe, 6”, end cut at 45 degree. Maybe cut exit in side with plasma cutter.

 

[metaleltr]

Sounds like it should work. Only concern I could see is adding extra weight so it will get into the ground good.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I think I would position the tubes as a spiral on your axle to make it roll smooth. Putting the tubes in a line would make it go like a square wheel.

 

[zak77]

So you'll be building something along the lines of a drum aerator? I don't see why it wouldnt work. Just keep in mind that most dont have a way to roll it over hard surfaces so you'll need to do that if you plan on taking it over concrete or asphalt. I'd be concerned about the strength of the tines because they do take a beating if you hit a rock or root. I guess if they get messed up, just replace. I use a version like the Agrifab aerator and learned a lot of the weaknesses in it.

 

[metlmunchr]

6" pipe is too small. Your spikes will be at too much of an angle to penetrate the ground, and trying to compensate by using longer spikes will result in having to use much heavier spikes to avoid bending. Most areators have provision for filling with water to get the needed weight for penetration. 6" sch 40 pipe only weighs 20# per foot, and a 3 or 4 ft piece won't hold much water, so the overall weight would be lacking.

IMO, something like a used air tank or similar junked part would make a much better starting point. Larger diameter, and much greater water capacity as well. Even a 30 gallon tank from a dead compressor would hold 250# of water, and you wouldn't have to cap the ends as you would with pipe.