Self-Propelled Aerator Speeds Pasture Growth

Self-Propelled Aerator Speeds Pasture Growth TILLAGE EUIPMENT Miscellaneous 32-1-2 Grass grows faster in well-aerated soils, but Farrell Johnson lives in an area in Florida where the soil packs hard - especially when it's under hoof. To maximize pasture growth, he built a self-propelled aerator. "At the time I built it, I worked in a factory that built both aerators and field choppers," says Johnson. "I decided to build a self-propelled one using an old Deere combine." Johnson found a Deere 55 that was in excellent shape and stripped away everything he didn't need. When he was done, he had the engine, front axle assembly, gas tank and cab. The rest was sold for scrap. "I built a new articulated frame from 1-in. steel with replaceable pins and bushings," explains Johnson. He mounted the combine's drive axle and cab on the front section. A swivel system at the articulation point allowed the aerator on the rear section to oscillate. The aerator drum is 30 in. in diameter with 6 by 6-in. hard alloy steel plates with gussets. They are welded every 6 in. in the shape of tire treads and staggered front to back. Filled with water, the drum provides more than enough weight to penetrate and open even the most heavily compacted ground. A hydraulic wheel assembly was mounted behind the aerator drum for road transit and hauling. The 6-cylinder gas engine was mounted over the aerator frame, as was the hydraulic pump and reservoir. "I built a new engine and radiator cover to protect them from the elements," says Johnson. "I used the belt drive, clutch and transmission from the combine, which allows for three forward speeds and reverse." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Farrell Johnson, 6578 Gordon Rd., Zolfo Springs, Florida 33890 (ph 863 735-0402).

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