Soil compaction is one of the biggest threats to productive pastures—potentially reducing grass yields by up to 50%. Studies show that compaction-related losses range from 10% to 40%, depending on soil conditions. Pasture aeration is the key to reversing this damage, improving grass production, and extending the life of older pastures. However, not all aerators deliver the same results—choosing the right one makes all the difference.
RanchWorx® pasture aerators outperform the competition in more ways than one. Farmers, ranchers, and producers across the country trust RanchWorx® for their durability, effectiveness and results. They turn to RanchWorx® to solve their compaction problems and increase their yields.
Aaron Gierok, a Wisconsin grain and dairy farmer, has tested multiple aerators and found that the RanchWorx SB outperformed competitor brands in both pasture aeration and row crop applications.
Gierok Farms is in a hilly area of the state. He faces a lot of pasture ground with ridges and steep slopes. After using the RanchWorx® pasture aerator, Gierok performed water runoff tests that impressed him.
“With RanchWorx’s® aerator, we have seen the benefits of controlling soil erosion, moisture filtration, and weed control,” Gierok said.
Research conducted by pastureaerator.com showed RanchWorx® outperformed competitor models in many different areas.
Testing of leading pasture aerators was done on a south Texas pasture that had not been grazed in 10 years, according to pastureaerator.com. The land suffered from bad soil compaction due to overgrazing. The land had grass growth of less than 20% and had been overrun in areas with mesquite and prickly pear.
For the test, the aerators used were around 10’ wide, with working widths from 8’- 9’.
Top 3 RanchWorx® Performance Areas
- Even Weight Distribution for Deeper Aeration
- The water-filled drum evenly distributes weight, ensuring consistent soil penetration.
- 360-degree blade fractures allow maximum moisture and nutrient absorption.
- Unlike competitor models that require wet soil, RanchWorx® works effectively in dry conditions.
- Heavy-Duty Forged Blades for Maximum Impact
- The 6” and 8” forged RanchTech® blades slice through compacted soil, increasing water and air infiltration.
- Unlike tine aerators that simply poke holes, RanchWorx® blades cut through the entire soil profile.
- This process revitalizes pastures without disrupting existing hay stands and cuts the rhizome.
- Unmatched Speed & Efficiency
- RanchWorx® aerators operate at speeds of up to 10 mph—competitor models struggle at 5 mph or less.
- Lower fuel consumption – uses only four gallons of diesel per hour.
- Heavy-duty 16-ply aircraft tires ensure smooth transport on gravel or pavement.
Source: http://www.pastureaerator.com
Farmers Choose RanchWorx®
Before switching to RanchWorx®, Gierok used an AerWay aerator but found it required frequent replacements due to its complex design with too many moving components.
“On the RanchWorx®, the only thing you are ever going to have to replace are two big bearings, any tire issues, and one cylinder. It’s a real simple machine compared to other competitor machines,” Gierok said.
He added, “It’s (RanchWorx® aerator) not a year-to-year type replacement like some tillage equipment can be. If you’re fixing it, it’s only because it has been used for quite a while.”
RanchWorx® aerators have a reputation of versatility compared to competitive models.
“It’s really nice to use in pasture and row crop scenarios,” Gierok said. I love how versatile it can be. Compared to our other aerator, those tines would be plugging up all the time. I wouldn’t be able to run over heavy trash of cornstalk residue.”
A RanchWorx® pasture aerator can be used as a dual tillage tool, Gierok said. “In addition to seeing the benefits of it on my pastures, I’m looking forward to seeing how it helped with residue management on my corn field.”
More Benefits
Other farmers find the RanchWorx® aerator unit helps revitalize soil to prolong hay stands. Also, it prolongs dedicated pasture ground.
RanchWorx® aerators pull easier compared to the competitors, farmers said. “It fractures the ground deeper and has a nicer field finish. It is a zero-till aerator. RanchWorx® makes a clean incision, like a doctor’s scalpel,” one YouTube online farmer influencer said.
The Pasture Aerator study found that most of the aerators were unable to hold up to a full day’s work consistently throughout a season. Repairs were often needed when working in soils that were not ideal.
“The RanchWorx® SB outperformed competitors, requiring only routine bearing greasing for an entire season,” researchers said.
The Smarter Choice
Tine aerators struggle with deep compaction and require wet soil, while RanchWorx® aerators use heavy-duty blades and water-filled drums to fracture soil 360 degrees, improving moisture retention, root growth, and forage yield in any condition. Farmers and ranchers trust RanchWorx® for deeper penetration, faster operation, and minimal maintenance.
Ready to take your pasture to the next level?
- Download our free brochure to get expert insights on pasture management.
- Call us today for a free quote and see which RanchWorx® aerator is right for your operation.
- Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for real-world success stories from farmers like you!
By Mike McGinnis
