aerating a large lawn on the cheap?

 Just a quick one:

I have about 1.5 acres of 'lawn', the soil appears to be fairly compacted
and so I'd really like to aerate it as it clearly needs doing so.

I also want to introduce clover seed and other varieties as well, so yet
another reason it needs doing.

Anyway, I'd be interested to hear of any ideas of how to do this without
spending hundreds (or more) on equipment.

Any good ideas on building something to do the job perhaps? I have a ride-
on and ATV to tow any such gadget around if need be.

TIA.

 Jeßus wrote:

Have a look here http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s1893717.htm
watch the video and you can expand on that idea .

There is or was a thing called the billy goat lawn aerator  had a honda
or briggs on it about 5 hp  but was less than 20 inches wide

However, if you have a welder  do what I did ages ago
get some old tynes off a seeder  or rotary hoe
weld the tynes onto a plate that can then be bolted onto your wheel
studs  :)  then take the car vehicle for a shake rattle and roll about
the paddocks  being sure not to snap off the studs :(

I later refined that idea to welding the plates  on a a frame type thing
with a centre axle and the plates ran along  that axle (axis)
Had 2 x 44 gal drums on their sides and just altered the weight by water
fill/empty and took the thing for a drag via the tow ball on the landie .

That thing still lives in Tassie  as I loaned to a bloke up at Exeter
before  I left

Try a scale model with just star pickets or channel bar and go from
there  however a POWERED version is much better  albeit more expensive

But your a bright lad    hope this helps .

There are the Sheppard Boys  (clan)  in your neck of the woods
"Big nose" is handy on such solutions    RED & White Boat  was a Cray
scallop fellah back in the late 80's if he is still around

top bloke  fine mind  and would help you I am sure

 On Sun, 14 Dec 2008 08:55:45 +0900, PhilC wrote:


Thanks for all the info Phil. I'll have to ask about the "Sheppard Boys",
cannot recall hearing their name before.

I do have a Mig welder - still all shiny and never used, bought 2 or 3
months ago. Also have to teach myself the art of Mig welding, which I'll
do when time permits :) I have a lot of projects on the go here, cheers

 

You could pay a contractor to plough, harrow and seed it.

David

 

 On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:34:35 +1100, David Hare-Scott wrote:


I could - or might be able to - but thats not a good long term solution.

Unless you know a local with the right gear and skills, the only other
option is DIY. Try getting an electrician or plumber out here, for
example - forget it! :)