No surprise about the tines but the one good thing about Sears is you can take it back. - Kris

Are these the spring-loaded tines or the solid kind. Sooner or later, the tines will become blunt and either need resharpening or replacement. Any idea what Sears charges for these? I know Agri-Fab (what I have) charges about $2.50 each for them. I figure I will need to replace them every 2 years or so (based on wear I noticed from using the aerator once).

subywu, they are the spring loaded kind. I really would have no problem if they were dull. But these are bent 90 degrees! 14 out of 32... When I called this morning, he told me that they can't replace that many tines and he wanted to get my credit card number! I told him that I would be returning the unit. I should have known better. Do you like your agri-fab?

-greenhobby

I have the same plug aerator, also a floor model for half price. The first time I used it on my soil (with rocks here and there), 20 of 32 tines broke off. I was planning to bring broken tines to Sears for replacement, now after your last comment about wanting your credit card, I'm looking for the Sears receipt. Some commercial unit.

Sounds like the "commercial quality" means it looks nice in the ad in the Sears sale paper.

Before I bought my Agri-fab, I read several user reviews of the spring-loaded plug aerator that mentioned the tines breaking or being damaged. The solid tines/knives are very effective and I imagine, far more reliable.

I pull an AgriFab with about 100#'s on it across a concrete walkway slowly, never bent a tine. Too lazy to stop and use the wheel lift.

So - am I hearing this correctly - I should invest my money in the less expensive Agri-Fab Plug Aerator? I have a rather hard, clay rich lot with a 5 month old lawn that needs overseeding.

pcgen1, each aerator has its plusses and minuses. I probably will purchase one in the spring with fixed tines (not spring based). As well, I will want to load it up with more then 100 lbs to get in deep. The Sears unit was misrepresented in its quality and longevity. If you have had good luck with Agri-fab, then by all means stick with them.

-greenhobby

I just came across this old post. I've had the 42in sears spring loaded plug aerator for 3 years now. I have very, very, very hard and dry clay soil with some 3/4" rocks. Because of the hard soil, I load the aerator up with more than the maximum weight...Usually 250 to 300 lbs.

I use the aerator 2-3 times a year and never once have I bent or broken a tine. Sound to me like it was assembled wrong when you bought it off the floor.

The only problem I've run into is the springs break too easily so I've lost about 30% of my springs which is why I was searching the boards.

kcr,
What method do you use to put the weight on the back of the aerator?

I purchased a 60" millcreek aerator a few years back from a lawncare company that had no furture use for it, I have hit chunks of stone and cement in the ground that will cause the whole unit to jump out of the ground (I aerate at 8-10 MPH) with 400# of weight on the unit. core pattern is 5" x 9.5". It is a 3pt or front mount attachment. I have never had a failure of the unit.

Here is a link that might be useful: Millcreek aerators

I have the Craftsman aerator. It needs 6 springs. $2.91/each on the Sears parts website plus S/H. That's ridiculous! Three bucks for a spring??? Anyone know where i could get them cheaper.

What model number do you type into the sears parts page to find tines and springs for this aerator? Thanks.

I purchased my 42 inch plug aerator 5 years ago and it works perfect. I agree with the above statement that it was assembled improperly. I use mine twice a year and also do a few of my neighbors at the same time being that I have pulled it out. It works fine for me. Granted I'm punching holes in clay with very few rocks but every yard has them. I have never bent a spline (plug) on the unit. I would recommend that you have sears replace the attachment if this has happened, Best of luck.