Tine and Blades: Myth vs. Reality
Myth: Tine/spike pasture aerators can achieve the same result as a drum/blade aerator
REALITY: Weight, cutting surface of the blades, and ground speed make the drum/blade aerator more productive than the spike/tine type. Not only is the drum/blade aerator much heavier, but the drum weight is also fully adjustable with water. This water weight is transferred directly to the blades rather than being dispersed onto a frame and axle. A spike/tine aerator relies on concrete blocks or sandbags that have a fixed weight and must be purchased separately. This added weight is carried high on the frame, which often stresses the entire framework along with the axle, bearings, and leads to broken tines.
RanchTech® blades cut 6” wide per blade opposed to a tine that may cut up to 1.5” per tine. A typical 12’ unit has a cutting surface of nearly 6′ per row. This is vital for cutting the thatch layer (Rhizome) and piercing compacted soil. Tine/spike poke small holes (assuming the soil is moist) and do very little to cut through the rhizome.
Two-to-four mph is recommended for a spike/tine unit, which equals to 17-35 acres in 8 hours with a 10′ model. On the other hand, the drum/blade aerator works best at higher speeds. six-to-twelve mph is recommended, allowing you to cover 47-94 acres in the same amount of time.
The combination of weight and speed of RanchTech® blades striking the ground produces a deep shattering effect. Increased speed not only generates greater energy but also amplifies striking force and momentum, leading to more efficient soil penetration and aeration. Whereas the spine/tine unit only leaves small holes in the ground (assuming the ground is moist enough to allow the tine to penetrate the soil).
Myth: Tine/spike aerators are just as durable as drum/blade aerators
REALITY: Run a tine/spike aerator over a few rocks and you will incur major maintenance costs and downtime. Not to mention, additional weight riding on top of these aerators increases the likelihood of needed bearing and axle repairs. All these issues give tine aerator a lifespan of only a few years. Alternatively, the drum/blade is constructed with a thick steel drum and forged blades. The blades have a beveled/tapered edge that sharpens with use. The aerator has little maintenance cost (grease and go). It is so durable that RanchWorx® guarantees our RanchTech® blades with a lifetime warranty*. The drum/blade aerator is expected to last more than 20+ years. Its low maintenance and high durability make the drum/blade aerator perfect for rental or custom work.
Myth: They open the soil. There is no difference
REALITY: The promise of “greener grass” by tine/spike aerators can be deceiving as the roots will only be a few inches deep. The tines will poke holes in only moist/wet ground, but only 1″ to 3″ of soil will open. Grass roots will stay at this depth to collect moisture and fertilizer, while the soil dries quickly with sun and wind exposure. This shallow root system will create a rootbound problem along with hardpan beneath the root line.
Large drums, combined with wide angled/beveled RanchTech® blades, easily penetrate hard/dry soil (cutting the root and rhizome) fracturing to a depth from 6″ to 20″. This deep fracture allows water to percolate deeper increasing the field capacity. Where the water goes, so goes grass root. The roots grow downward making a hardy stand. When drought conditions arrive, deep roots pull that “banked” deep water and keep grass growing.
And let’s not forget brush management. You need the right equipment to do the job, and only a drum/blade can withstand this type of heavy-duty work.
Myth: Cheaper is better
REALITY: Drum/blade aerators tend to be much heavier because of the amount of steel used in the design. This makes the drum/blade style more expensive but highly effective and much more durable. Those who want “aeration” and try to spend as little as possible often end up purchasing a bar/tine setup. Like many times in life, purchasing the cheapest or the lowest price leaves consumers less than satisfied with the results. Aeration not only works with the proper equipment; it works very well. With maintenance/repair, tine replacement, and overloaded weight, it is not uncommon to spend $800-$1,200 annually on tine/spike aerators. The annual cost of maintenance for a blade/drum would only be the cost of grease.