Use the search function and search for "aerators." You will see numerous threads. You can do the same thing for carts. Here is a link to one of the threads.

Here is a link that might be useful: aerator thread

Thanks for the link on the aerators, thought I had searched for them but maybe not. I didn't have as much luck finding something as informative on the carts.

What are your thoughts on the poly carts? Are they as rugged as the steel ones, or will the beds, bend and crack?

JBreits

I bought the Brinley because I thought it felt better constructed, or at least with thicker steel. I like the tongue the way it's built...seems more reinforced for a likely stressed area of the aerator. Other than that, they're all pretty much similar.

I don't know about the aerators, never have not used one. I have a steel cart which works just fine for what I use it for. But I have a poly, two wheel, wheelbarrow. And I would never change from that. Infact I use that much much more than I use the cart. The two wheels make it ever so much more easy to use. The poly gets scratched up some and fades if you leave it out in the sun...but that does not matter because it is so useful. And I guess the steel would also get that way if I used it like I use the wheelbarrow. Sorry but I guess I played politician and straddled the fence...but I'd fall off on the poly side I think.....DT

I have the two wheel poly cart that doubles as a wheel barrow. I have had very good luck with it hauling mostly tree limbs and rip rap (for around the lake). You have to be careful because you will usually exceed the weight limit before you exceed the volume (unless you are hauling tree limbs or something light). Mine tilts and the hitch folds under for wheelbarrow use. I bought mine for $100 at Wally World, but have seen them on sale for $75 since. I think Lowe's has a very similar one. I do wish the center of gravity was lower, but if it was the tilt wouldn't work.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wally World Cart

I have a JD 10P poly cart that I love. Unlike my metal wheelbarrow, it doesn't get scraped up and rust, seems very sturdy, very light and easy to handle, easy to clean, etc. I much prefer it to metal at this point and have put quite a lot of weight into it a couple of times. The JD cart may be somewhat more heavy duty, however, so take teh weight commebnt with that in mind.

I bought the Brinly 40 inch. It seemed to be built better. Ther part about the handle does not matter b/c I don't think you can lift it from the seat with 160 lbs on the aerator. That's how much I put on mine. The thing is built like a tank. I've had it for a year and helped do the neighbors yards. I've done at least 20 acres worth of aerating and the thing is very durable. The tongue takes a lot of the stress when you turn or try to back up (best not to).

The center-operated lever on the Agrifab is a huge boon for me. I have to engage the wheels frequently doing my front lawn with the walkway, sidewalk, and driveway. I simply attach a thick rope to the lever and pull on it while driving the riding mower--I do not even slow down.

I have the 40" Brinly plug aerator and love it. It's very well constructed and, with two cinder blocks on the tray, will have no problem reaching deep down to pull a plug. I'm 5'11" and can easily operate the handle from the seat of my tractor by turning left, then reaching. It's not as inconvenient as it sounds.

I had the same thought process as you: get the smaller aerator so it takes up less space (it's still pretty big). When you consider that you'll have to go over each area three times to properly aerate your lawn, that extra 8 inches would come in handy, but not enough to justify the extra storage difficulty (or challenge of getting it through my door).

My neighbor has one of those poly cart/wheelbarrow jobs. We used it to carry some large rocks once and it folded in half. There is no question a steel cart is more rugged. I have a John Deere 10 steel cart which doesn't rust because I keep it in my shed. It doesn't double as a wheelbarrow, but I have a wheelbarrow, so no sleep lost there. Different tools for different jobs. The wheelbarrow gets used, abused, and left out in the elements. It's never been touched up and never will. When it rusts to the point where things start falling out the bottom, I'll take it to the scrapyard and buy a new one. It's the one piece of equipment I own which I truly do not care to maintain.
On the other hand, the Deere cart is kept in the same meticulous state as the tractor that pulls it, and will probably be handed down to my grandson one day, but that could be a while. My oldest son turns four next month.

I have the Brinly 40" that I purchased at HD and I like it other than the fact that I have to get off the tractor to raise up the spikes. I think it might be possible to hook up a rope to get that done. Has anyone tried that?

As far as carts, the Rubbermaid structural foam carts are really built tough but are a bit pricey. I have the 5660-61 which has the 1" diameter axle but the less expensive model has received decent reviews as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rubbermaid structural foam carts

Here's my cart , it's a Rubbermaid and very well built. It has large wheels w/bearings & 1" axle. I painted it JD colors to match LT & added sideboards. It also has tilt bed. I like the fact it has a ball hitch rather than a pin hitch. I plan on using it for leaves when they get real deep to haul & burn instead of mulching. It was a little pricey ($299) but got it on sale at Menard's for $179.

Here's a pic [IMG]http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq337/duker8/DSC02680.jpg[/IMG] http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq337duker8/DSC2681.jpg[/IMG]