The new grassland aerator from Bridgeway Engineering combines a roller, aerator, scarifier and seeder. ‘‘We manufacture in a range of sizes,’’ says managing director Liam Fallon. ‘‘These are 1.5m, 2.5m, 3m, 4.5m and 6.2m. The machine comes with the Bridgeway patented CAT09 (cut and twist) blade ensuring a twist and shake to the soil as it travels through it.

‘‘We went with the system of rolling first, de-compacting second, scarifying and seeding next. We have found that the whole purpose of aerating is to de-compact the ground. That is why we use a small diameter roller to just close in poaching and tractor tracks. By aerating and de-compacting in the second operation, the machine leaves the soil more open, giving the crop roots a better chance to renew growth,’’ Fallon said.

The 3m version weighs 1t and sells at €6,000, plus VAT. It requires a tractor of 80hp or more to pull it. Bridgeway Engineering is based in Shannonbridge, Co Offaly.