40-Inch Spike Aerator TA-400WW

For the price it's okay. Considering how often I'll be using it , it should last pretty well. The item arrived missing parts. I received it on 04.10.2013 and contacted the mfg on 04.11.2013.They didn't ship the parts until 04.19.2013. and I received them on 04.26.2013.I rated the product 3 stars but I would rate the mfg at 1 star.

Received the 40" Spike Aerator on time. There were no assembly instructions. The assembly was not that difficult. One of the 5/16-18x1.5 bolts included was a blank. This means the threads were not rolled on to the screw in the threading roller. Using the picture on the box for assembly there is no way the spikes can reach the soil due to positioning of the wheels. With the wheels removed full penetration appears to be achievable. With no wheels manuaverability becomes difficult by hand. You pay for what you get especially when you buy cheap. The aerator was replaced with a quality unit from Northern Tool for $240.00.

The unit is pretty heavy duty and seems very strong and durable once put together. With the exception of the tires. The tires should be a lot wider for when trying to left the spikes from the ground and having a heavy load on the weight shelf. Which by the way, you will need a very heavy load to place on the shelf...otherwise the spikes will not penetrate the ground. And another thing... BE sure to have raked and/or picked up all the leaves before starting to use this item, otherwise the leaves will collect on the spikes and then they will not penetrate any further than the leaves will allow.The Aerator was fairly hard to put together...even following the instructions...and I am a Handy Man by trade. The problem is getting the spike's on the shaft in a good and balanced order. I had to cut in half one of the plastic spacers in order to "balance space the spike "star wheels" on the shaft.I thought about returning this item, but figured I could make some modifications to it later that may make it better.

Item received without hardware package. Took about four phone calls and two weeks, but the screw package was finally sent...minus a half inch nut and washer. Trip to Ace Hardware, that problem resolved. On the upside, customer service very friendly, unit is very good quality and a bargain for the price.