Abstract: A multi-purpose tool for mounting on a lawnmower to enable thatching, aerating or plugging includes a carrier for mounting to the handle of the lawnmower dimensioned to extend rearwardly therefrom and downwardly toward the ground. A rotatable plugger mechanism is connected to the carrier and includes an elongate, rotatable member dimensioned to extend at least partially across the ground, and a plurality of plugger tubes extend outwardly from the elongate member and are spaced apart for engaging the ground and receiving a portion of the soil therewithin when the lawn mower is pushed along the ground to rotate the elongate member.

Abstract: The turner for turning over and thickening a settled layer of an aggregate landscaping mulch material lying on a surface, includes a handle and a rolling head carried on the handle for rotation about an axis. The rolling head includes axially spaced endcaps supported about the axis, and elongate strips extending between the endcaps at radially spaced locations around the axis.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a grass treatment apparatus (an aeration device), including a support, a ground treatment implement mounted on the support, means for sensing the operating position of the ground treatment implement relative to the ground in use, means for adjusting the ground treatment implement in response to the sensed position of the ground treatment implement to maintain the ground treatment implement at a desired operating position following the contour of the ground, over which the ground treatment implement travels in use. Alternatively, the invention is an aeration device having a frame that supports reciprocating tines, and a frame orientation control for an aeration device, and includes a means for sensing or tracking the ground that is operatively connected to a means to control a ram and the associated ram.

Abstract: Systems for aerating soil are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes: a plurality of aerating members, each of the aerating members having circumferential ends, longitudinal end portions, an aerating portion and aerating stud members, the end portions of the aerating members being angled with respect to the aerating portion; and a plurality of aerating stud members extending from the aerating portion of the aerating members; the aerating members being configured such that a circumferential end of a first of the aerating members attaches to a corresponding circumferential end of an adjacent one of the aerating members.

Abstract: In a mobile soil working device comprising a machine frame (23), a drive for at least one penetration tool (3) adapted for up and down movement, the penetration tool (3) being adapted to be driven into the soil and to be pulled out again, a guide element (4) for at least one penetration tool (3), the guide element being guided movably at the machine frame (23), a tool holder (2) for the penetration tool (3), which is supported for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis (40) in the guide element (4) movable up and down by the drive, so as to allow a pivoting of the penetration tool (3) against a spring force while the tool is in the soil, it is provided that, between the tool holder (2) and the guide element (4), a torsion element (1a, 1b, 1c) is provided coaxially with the first pivot axis (40), which torsion element, under a force effect on the at least one penetration tool (3), allows the tool holder (2) to pivot relative to the guide element (4) and, when the force effect ceases, exerts a restoring mome

Abstract: A bracket for a greens mower plow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cutting slits in a surface, for instance a turf cover, comprising a frame displaceable over the surface, a movable cutter on the frame and oriented during use toward the surface for the purpose of cutting slits in the surface. The invention is distinguished in that the device comprises collecting means for collecting the material cut from the surface by means of the cutter. The invention also relates to a dispensing device, comprising a filler material container, a channel to an outflow opening oriented toward a slit, which channel is connected to the filler material container, and a dispensing mechanism in at least one of the channel and the filler material container.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a turf aerator having a frame and an engine with a governor that generally prevents the turf aerator from operating at full power unless the safety mechanism is engaged. A blocking mechanism and a manual actuation device are mounted to the frame. The manual actuation device is in mechanical communication with the blocking mechanism. The blocking mechanism urges the governor toward a loaded position and the engine operates at a generally low power when the governor is in the loaded position.

Abstract: An automatic ground surface dryer, system and method for automatically, conveniently, quickly and effectively drying a ground surface without the need for manual labour and capable of quickly drying a large ground surface is described. The automatic ground surface dryer has a frame, a drying apparatus mounted to the frame, a support for the frame to facilitate movement of the frame over the ground surface, a motor coupled to the frame to move the frame over the ground surface, and a controller coupled to the motor and the drying apparatus to drive the motor and to operate the drying apparatus in response to a rainfall data signal from a rainfall data gathering system which gathers rainfall data.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a frame which is attached to the front or rear of a lawn mower, and a spike assembly attached to the frame which provides spikes on rotating collars. The spikes penetrate and are withdrawn from the soil when the mower is moved, thereby aerating the soil. Embodiments can be attached to a vertical or horizontal surface on a mower. Guards optionally may protect the user from any injury.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for towing over fields, for incorporating crop residues into soil, possessing a pair of juxtaposed, substantially parallel, spaced-apart, rotatable shafts, comprising a first forwardly-mounted shaft and a second rearwardly-mounted shaft, each mounted on a frame transversely to a direction of travel of said implement. A plurality of protruding tine members, extending substantially radially outwardly from each of said pair of shafts and longitudinally spaced along each of said pair of shafts, each tine member adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of a respective shaft, a tip of each of said tine members when rotating about said respective shaft creating a circular arc, are further provided. The circular arcs of the tine members on one of said pair of shafts interdigitate with a corresponding plurality of circular arcs of said tine members on said other of said pair of shafts.

Abstract: The lawn mower attachment provides a combination of lawn roller accessories and a spreader, the combination being attached to the rear of a self-propelled lawn mower. A frame that includes a pivotally connected roller suspension member is attached to the rear of a self-propelled lawn mower via a series of attachment brackets. The roller suspension member can be retracted when not in use. A super-retracted position is available for removal and replacement of the roller. Various style rollers are provided to enable a user to perform aeration, de-thatching, leveling, plugging, and the like. A roller extension member can provide an extra wide path of roller operation. Handle and control extensions are provided for compatibility of the lawn mower attachment with the existing lawn mower. Weights can be added over the rear wheels of the lawn mower to facilitate effective soil penetration of the roller attachment during operation.

Abstract: A turf slicer includes a gang of six slicer wheels that “walk” through the turf in response to the forward motion of the turf slicer. In the meantime, the power takeoff from the tractor vertically oscillates the slicer wheels out of phase with one another, so that every sixth wheel is being thrust downwardly to bear most of the weight of the turf slicer as the other five wheels in the gang of six are either being withdrawn upwardly or moved downwardly and do not bear much weight, so that the weight of the turf slicer is concentrated on the downwardly moving slicer wheel that is approaching bottom dead center of its movement, thereby amplifying the effective weight of the turf slicer against the turf below.

Abstract: The lawn aerating vehicle has front and rear steering sections, each of which supports an aerator drum. Each drum has multiple cutting tines extending radially outward for soil penetration during the aerating process. A hydraulic motor and a belt or chain drive connected to the front drum propel the vehicle. Steering actuators provide pivotal torque to the drums for steering. A hydraulic pump and reservoir provide hydraulic power to the hydraulic motor and actuators. A cylindrical member forms part of a vehicle suspension by connecting the rear and front steering sections. Frame members and an operator's cab are disposed above the suspension and can be pivoted around the cylindrical member to provide cab leveling by means of a cab leveling actuator. The two drums provide for double coverage per pass. External vehicle lights permit operation during nighttime and otherwise poor visibility conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating lawns or the like for forming a plurality of holes in a turf surface and the underlying ground having a wheeled frame supporting an electric motor that is coupled to a pair of perforation bits through a coupling drive which imparts rotational motion to each bit. The bits are held at a fixed vertical position relative to the frame and a pair of wheels are attached to the frame rearward of the bits, such that the frame is rotatable through an arcuate path about the center of rotation of the pair of wheels. An operator rotates the frame forward to insert the bits through the turf surface and underlying ground and rotates the frame rearward to remove the bits. The bits are designed to push the underlying ground in a direction downward and transversely to each bit as it is makes a hole to prevent the underlying ground from displacing in a direction upward and out of the hole.

Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.

Abstract: A cultivator for aerating a ground surface. The cultivator has a support frame moveable relative to the ground surface and a follower first pivotally connected to the support frame by a first pair of spaced link arms. The link arms have two pairs of equidistantly spaced pivot points for linear movement of the follower in a first direction away from the support frame. A tool support member is pivotally connected to the follower by a second pair of spaced link arms. The second link arms have two pairs of equidistantly spaced pivot points for linear movement of a cultivating tool in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A driver effects cyclic movement of the tool support member in the second direction and movement of the follower in the first direction.

Abstract: A novel drill for the aerification of turf grasses is disclosed. The drill comprises a chuck and a fluted turf drill bit held by the chuck. The chuck includes a locking mechanism which permits the chuck to rotate freely about its longitudinal axis when loaded in compression (as when the drill is inserted into the ground) but which locks, preventing rotation, when the drill is loaded in tension (such as when the drill is withdrawn from the soil). The drill bit has a smooth upper section and a fluted lower section. The smooth section decreases the probability of entangling the turf in the drill bit with subsequent lifting of the turf when the drill is withdrawn. The tip of the drill bit is adapted to provide a torque to the drill bit during insertion into the ground. Thus, the bit spirals into the ground upon insertion, but locks upon removal, thereby permitting the flutes of the bit to cut a cylindrical hole in the ground while removing soil from the hole by retaining it in the space between the flutes.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has gangs of soil aerator tools. Each gang includes a set of integral multi-tine units mounted on a frame for rotation in unison. Each tine unit has a hub with tines. The hub has a first surface defining a first set of indexing receivers and a second surface defining a second set of indexing receivers. At least one indexing spacer separates each tine unit from the next tine unit. Keys of the indexing spacers assemble with selected ones of the first set of indexing receivers or the second set of indexing receivers to establish and maintain a predetermined pattern of rotational index positions among tine units in a group and groups in a gang. A method of rotationally indexing agricultural tools in an assembly. One method includes providing a shaft, tine units, and indexing spacers.

Abstract: A ground maintenance apparatus which may be used for slicing, scarifying, dethatching and mowing of grass or turf is disclosed. The apparatus may also be used for sweeping and vacuuming of turf, and is particularly directed at ground or turf aeration apparatus.

Abstract: A device for reconditioning a damaged sports surface. The device includes at least one rotatably driven shaft with two ends, one of which is connected to a frame, the other end being disposed towards the surface. The driven shaft is disposed orthogonal relative to the surface. A work head is connected to the shaft and is in contact with the surface. The work head is rotated by the shaft relative to the surface and reconditions the surface. A mobile device is disclosed.

Abstract: A planar, turf cutter blade formed from either high carbon or stainless steel has planar cutting teeth that extend radially from the periphery of a central part of a planar disc in which a centrally located hole is formed. A turf aerator that uses the turf cutter blades aerates turf by slicing or cutting turf and does not punch holes into the turf.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing aggregates for lawn improvement. Aggregates are delivered to the site in a primary dispensing vehicle, which is configured to allow a smaller secondary dispensing vehicle to be loaded with the aggregate directly from the primary vehicle. The process includes aerating the soil, distributing a variety of soil amendments evenly over the area to be treated and then dragging a unique drag mat over the area to make a smooth contour and to even the distribution of the aggregate.

Abstract: An aerator plug-core cleaning system for ground surface collection of turf cores extracted from a turf core-aerating apparatus. The core-cleaning system comprises a core-cleaner that primarily attaches to either a walk-behind or tractor pulled aerator machine. The core-cleaner entraps and pushes the extracted cores along behind the core-aeration machine until being lifted in about a vertical manner by secondary attachment to a rear raise-able portion of the core-aeration machine at which point the cores are left in a pile for disposal.

Abstract: An auger to assist in ground-burrowing or mixing paint or concrete, is used by attaching it to an electric or cordless power source. The major advantages over previous augers are: a hex head design prevents slipping in the drill chuck, an offset boring tip provides better digging, and a removable extension allows for the digging holes from a sitting or standing position possible without straining. The cutting edge of the auger's discs is sharpened for easier digging in hard soil. A single spring pin lock connects a first shaft to the extension shaft.

Abstract: A cultivator for aerating a ground surface. The cultivator has a support frame moveable relative to the ground surface and a follower first pivotally connected to the support frame by a first pair of spaced link arms. The link arms have two pairs of equidistantly spaced pivot points for linear movement of the follower in a first direction away from the support frame. A tool support member is pivotally connected to the follower by a second pair of spaced link arms. The second link arms have two pairs of equidistantly spaced pivot points for linear movement of a cultivating tool in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A driver effects cyclic movement of the tool support member in the second direction and movement of the follower in said first direction at a substantially constant rate during at least a selected portion of the cyclic movement corresponding to ground engagement of the cultivating tool.

Abstract: A soil aerating machine includes in combination a skid-steer and a basket resembling a loader bucket adapted for attachment to the skid-steer boom. An air pressure tank, an elongate air nozzle pipe, an air hammer, and air control valves for the air nozzle pipe and air hammer are carried within the basket. The elongate air nozzle is attached to the basket using a pivotal bearing surface, which permits controlled motion therebetween. The air hammer is used to assist with the driving of the elongate air nozzle pipe into an earthen medium. A blast of air is then released through the air nozzle pipe into the earth, to loosen and aerate packed or clogged soil. A method of restoring a septic system using the preferred apparatus is also described, as are various alternative apparatus and method steps.

Abstract: An outboard tine device for soil-aerating equipment is disclosed comprising a hub having an aperture, a rotatable shaft within the aperture and mounted on the soil-aerating equipment, an outboard tine assembly comprising a plurality of outwardly protruding tines, and a securing member adjacent an outboard side of the outboard tine assembly removably securing the outboard tine assembly to the hub, wherein the securing member and hub are respectively positioned on opposing sides of and adjacent to the outboard tine assembly, wherein the outboard tine assembly, hub and securing member are positioned outboard of the mounting assembly resulting in the outboard tine assembly being cantilevered from the shaft. A dual outboard tine device is also disclosed. The outboard tine device is directed to uniform aerating and enabling easier replacement of damaged tines.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed earth perforating tool consisting of a rectangular top plane and a convexly bowed base from which protrudes a plurality of spikes or times. A length of strap or rope is attached to each short end of the rocking plane to assist user balance. When stood upon and rocked side to side the spikes on the underside of tool easily penetrate the earth and hundreds of small holes are made at one time for aeration purposes or for the introduction of seed, fertilizer, herbicides, or any other matter. The user's centered body weight enables maximum use of centrifugal force effectively eliminating most of the physical strain associated with manual earth perforation and puncturing tools.

Abstract: A utility vehicle or other device for excavating soil or the like includes a utility mechanism, such as, e.g., a trencher, an auger or the like, with a motor-driven utility drum. In preferred embodiments, the motor is contained substantially entirely inside the drum. Preferably, the drive shaft is operatively connected to the drum to rotate the drum at a connection location that is displaced inward from ends of the drum. In some embodiments, the drive shaft is also preferably operatively connected to a second utility mechanism, such as, e.g., a trencher chain. In some embodiments, a planetary transmission is also located inside the drum.

Abstract: A tine assembly comprising a plurality of individual tines, each tine with an arcuate shaped base section and a blade section. Each tine is mountable between a pair of hubs suds that each blade extends radially outward therefrom. The base portions are clamped, secured, or otherwise engaged between the hub assemblies. The blades may be positioned to be twisted in various angles about a line extending substantially radially outwards, by the use of wedge-shaped, arcuate blocks. The blocks and individual tines may be positioned in a multitude of different configurations to providing desired rotational positioning of the tine blade sections.

Abstract: A lawn aerator is attached to the front of a self-propelled lawn mower.

Abstract: An aerator is provided having a front axle, including a differential and a tine wheel assembly which may be raised from the ground during maneuvers of the aerator while power continues to be supplied to the front axle, and a tine wheel assembly is provided which allows the operator to repair and change the configuration of the tines of the tine wheel assembly.

Abstract: An aerator is provided having a front axle, including a differential and a tine wheel assembly which may be raised from the ground during maneuvers of the aerator while power continues to be supplied to the front axle, and a tine wheel assembly is provided which allows the operator to repair and change the configuration of the tines of the time wheel assembly.

Abstract: A shovel apparatus for extracting soil plugs, has a linearly extensive tubular member engaging, a handle at one end and a pair of spaced-apart, opposing, shovel blades at the other. Each of the shovel blades has a blade base with an extensive stem placed approximately vertically. The blades provide a blade tip configured for insertion into a soil medium. Each of the extensive stems is pivotally joined with an actuating link. An actuating rod moves linearly within the tubular member and is joined with the actuating links for providing pivotal motion to The actuating rod is further joined with a lever arm extending laterally from the tubular member. Lever action of the lever arm moves the actuating rod linearly within the tubular member, and thereby moves the actuating links in rotational angular motion, and thereby draws the extensive stems of the shovel blades toward and away from each other for first gripping a plug of the soil medium, and then releasing it.

Abstract: A device (1,1′) for treating the soil by aeration includes a frame (10,10′) and tools (11, 12, 11′, 12′) which are moveable and which perform core boring in the ground for aeration purposes, whereby the cores (8) are ejected from the tools, the device being able to be displaced and raised, characterized in that a receiving member (2, 3, 101) for the cores, having through openings (23) for the tools and integral with the frame, is disposed between the soil and the ejection area of the cores so that the ejected cores are stored therein (8′). The receiving member includes a flexible belt (2) which includes raised elements and/or elements in series of chevrons (25) enabling the core holes (7) to be filled with sand. The receiving member can be modular in a transversal and/or longitudinal direction and the modules (102, 103, 104, 108, 109) are hinged to each other (106,107). Sand which accumulates at the rear of the device can be brushed afterwards.

Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, the frame carrying a coring head having a plurality of side-by-side tine assemblies. The wheels define a wheelbase which is substantially equal to or less than the width of a coring swath and the wheels are located in advance of the coring head to keep the wheels from passing over the holes or soil cores left in any preceding coring swathes formed by the aerator. The vertical position of the coring head is adjustable up and down as the ground contour changes to keep hole depth substantially constant. The tine assemblies are reciprocated by a single crankshaft driven by a single pulley, the crankshaft being assembled from multiple crank arms that are splined and bolted together. Sealed bearings connect drive arms that drive the tine assemblies to the crankshaft. The crankshaft can be disassembled to allow the sealed drive arm bearings to be replaced. Integral core deflectors are used on the drive arms.

Abstract: An aerator that allows the operator to make a turn with the machine while the tines are still in contact with the turf through the use of a differential shaft and brakes that enhance the maneuverability of the machine. The aerator is fitted with a mechanical gear type differential on an intermediate drive shaft that provides for automatic, separate and variable rotational motion of the individual halves of the tine shaft. This differential apparatus also provides constant and equal torque application to both sides of the tine wheel assembly simultaneously while the machine is operating. This insures that tine penetration into the turf is equal on both sides at all times. The tine shaft halves are designed and mounted in such manner as to allow each half (left and right sides) to be driven by separate chains from the differential shaft. This design results in a desired variation in the speed of rotation of the two halves that facilitates turning the unit.

Abstract: In the case of a lawn aerator with a roller which is mounted in a rotatable manner in a chassis, is joined together from individual disks and has elastic radially projecting aerator elements in the form of wire spring arms, the wire spring arms are arranged in pairs in each case and are combined at their inner end by a connecting clip. This connecting clip of the aerator element which is produced by virtue of a single piece of wire being bent causes the two spring arms to spread laterally. In the central section of said spring arms, anchoring means are provided by the individual wire spring being bent correspondingly at opposite locations, said anchoring means allowing anchoring to take place on opposite walls of radial recesses of a pair of carrier disks.

Abstract: A device for reconditioning a damaged sports surface. The device includes at least one rotatably driven shaft with two ends, one of which is connected to a frame, the other end being disposed towards the surface. The driven shaft is disposed orthogonal relative to the surface. A work head is connected to the shaft and is in contact with the surface. The work head is rotated by the shaft relative to the surface and reconditions the surface. A mobile device is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for aerating soil proximate to a plant with root system using a hand drill system, made of a polymer drill bit having a shaft with a vertical axis that is generally cylndrically shaped having a connector end and a drill end, an indentation in the drill bit between one-fourth and one-third of the overall length of the polymer drill bit from the drill end, and a drill with a connector to engage the polymer drill bit for forming a bore hole in soil adjacent a plant with root system.

Abstract: Carriage (10) attachable to a prime mover (41) for travel over turf or grass wherein the carriage (10) has idler rollers (12, 13 and 14) and a ground aeration mechanism in the form of a support axle (15) having a plurality of slicer blades (16) attached thereto. There is also provided a housing (11) having a hollow interior (33) which houses rollers (12, 13 and 14) and ground aeration mechanism (15 and 16). In use, when carriage (10) travels over turf or grass, both rollers (12, 13 and 14) and the ground aeration mechanism (15 and 16) operate simultaneously to not only roll the grass but also slice it for the purpose of facilitating moisture penetration.

Abstract: An aeration machine 10 comprising a drive mechanism 16 connected to sets of tines 18 by a vibration absorbing linkage arrangement 34. The arrangement 34 enables the tines 18 to remain vertical when extending into the ground thereby avoiding elongation of the holes formed thereby.

Abstract: An aerator that allows the operator to make a turn with the machine while the tines are still in contact with the turf through the use of a differential shaft and brakes that enhance the maneuverability of the machine. The aerator is fitted with a mechanical gear type differential on an intermediate drive shaft that provides for automatic, separate and variable rotational motion of the individual halves of the tine shaft. This differential apparatus also provides constant and equal torque application to both sides of the tine wheel assembly simultaneously while the machine is operating. This insures that tine penetration into the turf is equal on both sides at all times. The tine shaft halves are designed and mounted in such manner as to allow each half (left and right sides) to be driven by separate chains from the differential shaft. This design results in a desired variation in the speed of rotation of the two halves that facilitates turning the unit.

Abstract: A tine assembly comprising a plurality of individual tines, each tine with an arcuate shaped base section and a blade section. Each time is mountable between a pair of hubs suds that each blade extends radially outward therefrom. The base portions are clamped, secured, or otherwise engaged between the hub assemblies. The blades may be positioned to be twisted in various angles about a line extending substantially radially outwards, by the use of wedge-shaped, arcuate blocks. The blocks and individual tines may be positioned in a multitude of different configurations to providing desired rotational positioning of the tine blade sections.

Abstract: A lawn aerator sulky adapted for attachment to a selflawn vehicle, such as a walk-behind mower or fertilizer spreader. The sulky includes a frame supported with wheels, a first platform on which an operator can stand and ride while not aerating, and a second platform carrying one or more aerator tine assemblies on its underside. The second platform and tine assemblies are moveable by the operator selectively transferring his/her weight to position the tine assemblies in a ground-engaged or ground-disengaged position. The sulky includes a device to support the second platform and its tine assemblies in the disengaged position when the operator steps off the platform, and a latching device to hold the second platform and its tine assemblies in the engaged position when the operator steps off the second platform.

Abstract: A lawn aerator sulky adapted for attachment to a selflawn vehicle, such as a walk-behind mower or fertilizer spreader. The sulky includes a frame supported with wheels, a first platform on which an operator can stand and ride while not aerating, and a second platform carrying one or more aerator tine assemblies on its underside. The second platform and tine assemblies are moveable by the operator selectively transferring his/her weight to position the tine assemblies in a ground-engaged or ground-disengaged position. The sulky includes a device to support the second platform and its tine assemblies in the disengaged position when the operator steps off the platform, and a latching device to hold the second platform and its tine assemblies in the engaged position when the operator steps off the second platform.

Abstract: A multi-functional water jet weeder, cultivator, root waterer, and soil aerator device comprising a telescopic rod with an inclined handle grip, and having at least two inter-changeable spraying heads of different size with two rows of multiple metal spikes surrounded by water jets, combinable with a water hose having a quick disconnect unit at the opposite end of the device, and an on/off water control switch on the handle grip. A fertilizer or herbicide can be added by attaching a reservoir on the handle grip.

Abstract: A turner for quickly, easily, and aesthetically turning over and aerating and thickening a settled or compacted layer of an aggregate landscaping mulch material, and a method for doing so. The present turner includes an elongate cylindrical barrel having an outer cylindrical surface having a diametrical extent of less than about 5 inches and a plurality of elongate projections extending generally radially outwardly from the cylindrical surface at spaced locations thereon. The turner includes a handle supporting the cylindrical barrel for rotation about a cylindrical axis thereof. The present method includes holding the handle to push or pull the cylindrical barrel across a region of the layer of the landscaping mulch material to rotate the barrel such that the projections will penetrate into the mulch material and lift and reorient portions thereof to thicken the layer, without substantially disturbing the underlying surface.

Abstract: An aerator is provided having a front axle, including a differential and a tine wheel assembly which may be raised from the ground during maneuvers of the aerator while power continues to be supplied to the front axle, and a tine wheel assembly is provided which allows the operator to repair and change the configuration of the tines of the tine wheel assembly.