What are people’s thoughts on the NZLA Aerator?
Looking to pull the trigger on one. Just wondering what people think of them, as it’s a bit of an investment. Ive got some problem areas I want to target over winter. I’m thinking I’ll core and fill the holes with sand to help drainage.
Obviously I’m a bit biased, but here are my thoughts anyway.
I had one of the Cyclone aerators and modified it with the better tines welded on. Once I’d done that, it actually worked really well.
At the time I kept it in my click & collect container and hired it out with an honesty box in there. People would chuck $15 in and use it for the weekend. After around 10–15 hires (and a few uses from me as well), the weld where the handle joins the upright pole started cracking. Once that happened it was basically useless and ended up in the landfill, which was a shame.
That’s really where the difference is. The build quality isn’t even comparable. The NZLA Aerators use heavier steel, and the welding is done locally here in New Zealand by an engineering shop. The imported units are mass produced, and whether they’re machine welded or assembled on a production line, the weld quality just isn’t in the same league.
You really do get what you pay for. The cheaper units will aerate a lawn, but if you’re planning on keeping it for years or using it regularly, the build quality and durability of the NZLA Aerator is on another level.
The tines on the Cyclone ones are also a knock off of the Turf Tines ones out of Australia. The cost of the tines I use on these are not far off the cost of the whole Cyclone aerator.
It’s excellent. But you need to dial in the soil/turf moisture levels. Too dry and it’s hard work, too wet it clogs up. Just right and it pulls nice cores. In my view worth the investment.
@Tynestein yeah agreed, the tool is only half the equation. Solid compacted ground they’ll be a nightmare. Even the big machines bounce all over the place when the ground is compacted.
I was a cheap skate at went for the Temu version first was very average, then bit the bullet and brought the NZLA one ,totally different ball game ,.well worth the money. It's definitely a good workout make sure you get the ground conditions right