I suppose I will weigh in with another viewpoint or two.
I think there's more to it than the initial, up front costs. Yes, the mechanical components of aeration may be fairly straightforward. I built the system that runs in the HBG pond myself, using components from Vertex as well as other suppliers. It works fine.
But, I have no "service after the sale". And while the combination of fairly simple mechanics and a hands-on ability allows me the freedom to maintain and repair my system, not everyone is willing or able to do that. Service, including answers to your questions, means something. Or at least it should.
It's springtime here in the lawnmower shop, and I've got work piled up to my eyebrows. But instead of turning wrenches, I'm busy typing on this keyboard. And the reason for me doing so, is because this subject is one I am somewhat familiar with.
I make a living servicing equipment. Lots of folks choose to service their own lawn and garden equipment, rather than bringing it in and have me do it. Nothing wrong with that. EXCEPT...when the issue is one other than service. They can do the basics, but when things require a little more thought they turn to me, out of necessity rather than choice. They use me only when they cannot do it themselves. We're all familiar with the term "gravy work"?? I believe that applies to lawnmowers just as it does to aeration. If you can't let the company make a little money, how do you justify using them only when you have no other choice?
How many times have I read a post on this forum regarding homemade aeration, where the advice given was to "call Sue"? Seriously guys, you're willing to pick their brain when you're not going to buy their product? I hate when I lay a wrench down in order to answer the phone, only to find someone on the other end who wants me to help them diagnose their problem. I walked away from a paying job to talk to this guy??
Like all of the other PB members I have been fortunate enough to meet, I have found Sue to be extremely knowledgeable, and willing to share information in order to try and help. But I would not be surprised to learn that, like me, there's a part of her that groans inwardly every time one of "those" guys calls up and starts asking questions, when it's apparent that no income will be derived from this transaction whatsoever.
I haven't taken the time to check, but I wonder if there's a banner ad across the top of the page from some commercial aeration enterprise? If so, that equates to support for this forum in my book. They don't have to advertise here, they choose to do so in the hopes it might generate revenue.
Shutting commercial concerns out of the picture for anything other than free advice just doesn't resonate well with me, but that's strictly my own feeling.
Whether aeration or lawnmowers....throw the dealer a bone once in awhile, boys. There's a good chance they may be providing support to you in a fashion that you hadn't stopped to consider.
