Abstract: An aerator for a turf surface has a traction control, an OPC bail, and an aeration bail capable of single handed operation. A controller automatically lowers a tine head to begin aerating at a start location marked when the aeration bail is closed and lifts the tine head to end aeration at an end location marked when the aeration bail is released. The controller further causes the tines that enter the turf surface at the start location to penetrate to a desired hole depth. The controller also automatically adjusts ground speed to maintain a desired hole spacing during an aeration pass, but permits the operator to speed up during a turnaround between passes with a steerable front wheel freewheeling to mitigate wheel scrubbing. A handle assembly having a spring counterbalance is height adjustable and automatically engages a parking brake when placed in an upright non-operating position.