The VERTIcutter Advantage: Achieving a Healthy and Vibrant Field

A luscious, vibrant field is the dream of any turf manager, farmer, or landscaper. While various tools and techniques can assist in achieving this, the VERTIcutter offers a unique edge that cannot be duplicated by other means. 

Rooted in modern agricultural science, this equipment is a testament to how innovation can significantly transform the health and vitality of fields. Let’s discuss the advantages of the VERTIcutter and why it’s an indispensable tool for those seeking excellence in turf and soil management.

The Science Behind Vertical Cutting

The foundation of any healthy field lies in the soil’s depth. Soil can compact over time due to traffic, natural settling, or inadequate maintenance. Compacted soil struggles to absorb water, air, and essential nutrients. 

When you’re only cutting horizontally, you are not addressing the needs of the soil. If the soil is lacking in nutrients or if it becomes too compacted, the horizontal cutting of the turf allows these issues to persist. 

Here’s where the VERTIcutter comes into play. Unlike traditional horizontal cutters, it digs vertically into the soil, reaching depths that are often untouched. This action not only breaks up the compacted layers but also stimulates root growth, leading to stronger, more resilient grass.

Moreover, using a vertical turf cutter cuts through the thatch – a layer of organic matter that builds up between the grass and the soil. While a minimal amount of thatch can be beneficial, an excess can prevent essential elements from reaching the roots. By addressing this barrier, the VERTIcutter ensures a healthier environment for grass to flourish.

Aeration: Breathing Life into Your Field

A thriving field’s vitality hinges on its capacity for aeration, a process that introduces vital air into the soil. The VERTIcutter, with its precision engineering, achieves this by making fine perforations in the ground, promoting the efficient circulation of air, water, and essential nutrients.

This invigorates the soil at its core, fostering deeper root growth. As a result, what once may have been an underperforming terrain gradually evolves, flourishing into a lush and vibrant landscape.

Tackling the Thatch Challenge

Thatch, often unnoticed, poses a significant threat to the health of a field. Its dense accumulation acts as a barrier, preventing grass from accessing vital nutrients and moisture, rendering even the most diligent maintenance practices ineffective. The VERTIcutter is innovatively designed to combat this issue.

With its specialized blades, the VERTIcutter penetrates this organic obstruction, allowing the underlying soil to absorb the essential resources it requires. Through regular and effective thatch management using tools like the VERTIcutter, a field not only remains receptive to care but also showcases sustained vitality and growth.

Flexibility and Precision: Tailoring to Your Needs

Every field is unique, and recognizing this, the VERTIcutter offers adjustability. Whether it’s the depth or spacing of the blades, users can fine-tune the equipment to suit specific needs. This versatility ensures that whether you’re maintaining a golf course or an agricultural expanse, the VERTIcutter can be tailored to deliver optimal results.

Durability and Compatibility: A Reliable Partner

In the turf and field management profession, equipment reliability is key. The VERTIcutter is constructed with longevity in mind. Designed to withstand regular use across diverse terrains, it promises consistent performance over the years.

Furthermore, its compatibility with various tractors and vehicles makes it a versatile tool. Regardless of the size or type of field, the VERTIcutter is equipped to handle the task, making it a valuable addition to any maintenance arsenal.

Prepping for Seeding: Laying the Groundwork

For people who work in agriculture or turf management, getting the seeding right is a foundational priority. It sets the stage for everything that follows. The VERTIcutter plays a pivotal role in this initial step. By cutting into the soil and letting it breathe, it creates a welcoming environment where seeds can really settle in.

With the soil prepped just right, the seeds get off to the right start. This not only ensures they sprout more consistently but also paves the way for a richer crop. It’s all about giving those seeds the best possible beginning to ensure a bountiful end.

Get the VERTIcutter for Your Turf Management Operations

Achieving a healthy and vibrant field is an art, backed by science and the right tools. The VERTIcutter is an essential tool for anyone who is looking for an innovative solution to improving and maintaining turf health. 

With consistent use and proper care, it can transform any field into a lush, thriving expanse. So, for those seeking excellence in their turf or soil management endeavors, the VERTIcutter is the way forward. 

If you are looking to upgrade the way you care for your turf, the 1st Products VERTIcutter is where your search begins and ends. With the most complete range of turf care equipment on the market, crafted with the precision that you expect, we have everything you need to keep your outdoor spaces looking their best. 

To get started, find a dealer near you. 

10ft MULTI-drill | ND-120

STARTING AT $24,340.28

Drill Type: No-till/Conventional
Meter System: Slide Plate control
Overall Width: 140 in.
Working Width: 126 in.
Dry Weight, (No Aux Box): 4800 lbs
Hitch Type: Cat. II, Cat III 3 point lift (standard) or tow (tow kit optional)
N# of Openers: 14
Spacing: 9 in
HP Required: 80+
Machine Length: 94 in
Machine Height: 64 in
Transport Height: N/A

SEED CAPACITY
Main Box: 18 BU
Aux. Box Weight: 440 lbs.
Small Box: 6.6 BU
Depth Range: 0”-3”
Weight Bracket Capacity: 1000 lbs.

5ft MULTI-drill | ND-60

COMING SOON

Drill Type: No-till/Conventional
Meter System: Slide Plate control
Overall Width: 80 in
Working Width: 54 in
Dry Weight, (No Aux Box): 1780 lbs
Hitch Type: 3 point lift
# of Openers: 6
Spacing: 9 in
HP Required: 40+
Machine Length: 59 in
Machine Height: 64 in
Transport Height: 76 in

SEED CAPACITY
Main Box: 7.7 BU
Aux. Box Weight- 220 lbs.
Small Box: 2.8 BU
Depth Range: 0”-3”
Weight Bracket Cap.: N/A

CM7000-LD

This round module spear can be adapted to loaders, tele-handlers and many other types of lifts.

  • Length- 33” (without spears)
  • 103” (with spears)
  • Width- 65”
  • Height- 56” (storage position)
  • Weight- 841 lbs.
  • Hitch: Mounting Plate Required
  • Lift System:
  • Lifting Capacity: 7000 lbs.
  • Spear:
  • 2 ¼ Round Special Alloy Steel
  • Torque Requirements:
  • ¼ UNC Standard Bolt: 11 ft. lbs. (14 N-m)
  • 5/16 UNC Standard Bolt: 21  ft lbs. (28 N-m)
  • ½ UNC Standard Bolt: 85 ft. lbs (120 N-m)

CM7000-L

This 3 pt. lift round module spear is great for staging modules in the field or at the gin.

  • Length- 33” (without spears)
  • 103” (with spears)
  • Width- 65”
  • Height- 56” (storage position)
  • Weight- 1265 lbs.
  • Hitch- CAT III, IVN, or IV
  • Lift System:
  • Lifting Capacity: 7000 lbs.
  • Module Clearance Height: 30” or Higher (depending on tractor)
  • Spear:
  • 2 ¼ Round Special Alloy Steel
  • Torque Requirements:
  • ¼ UNC Standard Bolt: 11 ft. lbs. (14 N-m)
  • 5/16 UNC Standard Bolt: 21  ft lbs. (28 N-m)
  • ½ UNC Standard Bolt: 85 ft. lbs (120 N-m)

CM7000-HL

Carry cotton high over stalks to prevent tearing and ripping.

  • Length- 58” (without Spears) 146” (with spears)
  • Width- 74”
  • Height- 58” (Storage position)
  • Weight- 2891 lbs.
  • Hitch- CAT III, IVN, or IV
  • Hydraulic Cylinder- 
  • Bore: 6”
  • Stroke: 20”
  • Max Working Pressure: 3000 psi
  • Lift System:
  • Lifting Capacity- 7000 lbs.
  • Module Clearance height: 
  • 60” Lift Links @ 39” or higher (depending on tractor)
  • Spear:
  • 2 ¼ Round Special Alloy Steel
  • Torque Requirements: 
  • ¼ UNC Standard Bolt: 11 ft. lbs. (14 N-m)
  • 5/16 UNC Standard Bolt: 21  ft lbs. (28 N-m)
  • ½ UNC Standard Bolt: 85 ft. lbs (120 N-m)

12ft MULTI-drill | ND-144

STARTING AT $25,308

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Weight Bracket
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed
  • Plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

8ft MULTI-drill | ND-96

STARTING AT $14,052

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Weight Bracket
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed
  • Plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

6ft MULTI-drill | ND-72

STARTING AT $12,699

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Weight Bracket
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed
  • Plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

5ft MULTI-drill | ND-60T

STARTING AT $10,602

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Self-Contained Lift
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

AG144 AGRI-vator - 12'

Facilitates seed growth and helps you get the results you want for your farm. Break apart the soil without doing damage to the surface turf.

  • Weight 2825 lbs
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:1.5 Tee
  • End Drive 3 Cx Belts (Left End)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @ 540 PTO RPM = 1026 Cycles/Min
  • Side-to-Side Tine Travel 2 1/4 inches
  • Vibrating Depth 6 Inches
  • Aeration Density 5 Holes per sq. ft.
  • Tines 3/4 X 6” Forged And Hardened (144)
  • Rotor Bearings Double Sealed Tapered Roller
  • Drive Line 1 3/8” Spline w/ Safety Shield
  • Finish Black Acrylic w Grey Trim
  • Tractor HP required- 45, 60, 80

AG96 AGRI-vator - 8'

Facilitates seed growth and helps you get the results you want for your farm. Break apart the soil without doing damage to the surface turf.

  • Weight 2045 lbs
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:1.5 Tee
  • End Drive 2 Cx Belts (Left End)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @ 540 PTO RPM = 1026 Cycles/Min
  • Side-to-Side Tine Travel 2 1/4 inches
  • Vibrating Depth 6 Inches
  • Aeration Density 5 Holes per sq. ft.
  • Tines 3/4 X 6” Forged And Hardened (144)
  • Rotor Bearings Double Sealed Tapered Roller
  • Drive Line 1 3/8” Spline w/ Safety Shield
  • Finish Black Acrylic w Grey Trim
  • Tractor HP required- 45, 60, 80

AG72 AGRI-vator - 6'

Facilitates seed growth and helps you get the results you want for your farm. Break apart the soil without doing damage to the surface turf.

  • Weight 1630 lbs
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:1.5 Tee
  • End Drive 3 Cx Belts (Left End)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @ 540 PTO RPM = 1026 Cycles/Min
  • Side-to-Side Tine Travel 2 1/4 inches
  • Vibrating Depth 6 Inches
  • Aeration Density 5 Holes per sq. ft.
  • Tines 3/4 X 6” Forged And Hardened (144)
  • Rotor Bearings Double Sealed Tapered Roller
  • Drive Line 1 3/8” Spline w/ Safety Shield
  • Finish Black Acrylic w Grey Trim
  • Tractor HP required- 45, 60, 80

AE40E AERA-vator Tow Behind

If you have tight spaces that need maintaining, the AE-40E: AERA-vator is the turf aerator for you. As a tow-behind used in conjunction with small mowers or other vehicles, its versatility is unmatched.

  • WEIGHT: 577 lbs.
  • OVERALL WIDTH: 47″
  • WORKING WIDTH: 40″
  • ENGINE: 11 HP Honda w/ 6:1 Reduction
  • END DRIVE: 2- Power Rated Belts
  • TINES: 9/16″ x 3 ¾ Forged and Hardened
  • TINE VIBRATION FREQUENCY: 825 Cycles/Min @ 3600 RPM
  • OUTSIDE-TO-OUTSIDE TINE TRAVEL: 1 3/8″
  • VIBRATION DEPTH: 3 ¾” including tine Nut
  • AERATION DENSITY: 8 holes per sq/ft.
  • ROTOR BEARINGS: Double sealed tapered Roller
  • FINISH: Black & Grey Acrylic
  • VOLTAGE: 12 V
  • TONGUE DRAFT PULL: 100 lbs. (Operation)
  • WEIGHT CAPACITY: 400 lbs.

Groundmaster® 360: AERA-vator

The Groundmaster® 360 works with four of the 1st Products 60” shafts (AERA-vator 60” Shaft, Slicer 60” Shaft, Multi-tine 60” Shaft , Coring 60” Shaft) enhancing and complimenting the versatility of the GM®360. Order below or click here for more information about the Groundmaster commercial aerator.

  • Weight 479 lbs
  • Working Width60″
  • Overall width 66″
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:3 Rt. Angle
  • End Drive (4) BX 46 Belts (left end)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @2000 PTO RPM=800 Cycles/Min
  • Lift manual or optional Hydraulic Top Link
  • Finish Black Acrylic w/ Grey Trim
  • Power Source see specs of Toro Groundsmaster 360
  • Universal Shaft System

Universal AERA-vator 60T

The UA60T AERA-vator is a self-contained, towable 60” AERA-vator that trails easily behind any UTV or commercial grade mower. Its features are desirable for any school, municipality or sports complex. The self-contained aerator is powered by a 23hp engine and operated by a remote lanyard. The Universal Shaft System is integrated into the UA60T for added versatility.

  • Weight 1041 lbs
  • Working width 60″
  • Overall Width 94″
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:3 Rt. Angle
  • End Drive (4) BX Belts (left end)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @3600 Engine RPM=800 Cycles/ Min.
  • Engine Gas Honda 28 HP Horizontal Shaft
  • Finish Black Acrylic w/ Grey Trim
  • Lift Hydraulic
  • Electric 12V Electric Clutch Actuated
  • Operation Controller Tethered Handheld
  • Operation Position rear or offset
  • Transportation DOT approved for Highway use (for transport only)
  • Provided with Certificate of Origin

DO40 AERA-vator Mini Skid Steer

Our 1st Products DO-40: AERA-vator is a versatile soil aerator attachment for your mini-skid steer /compact utility loader and is the perfect tool for construction and renovation projects. The DO-40 side to side tine movement levels heavy traffic areas and prepares a great seedbed with less prep work. With the optional seeder, seed placement is broadcast on top of the rotors allowing seeding in both forward and reverse, reducing turnaround time.

  • Weight- 312 lbs.
  • Drive- Hydraulic motor
  • End Drive- 2” BX42 belys (left end)
  • Side to Side tine travel- 1 3/8”
  • Vibrating depth- 3 ¾”
  • Overall Width- 44”
  • Working width- 40”
  • Aeration density- 9 holes per sq. ft.
  • Tines- 9/16”x 3 ¾” forged and hardened
  • Rotor Bearings- Double Sealed Tapered Roller
  • Finish- Black Acrylic w/ Gray Trim
  • Minimum of 1800 PSI @ 8 GPM

VC40/VC60 Sprig Digger

The VC40 and VC60 can both be converted into a sprig digger simply by changing the VERTI-cutter shaft to the Sprig Digger shaft. Both have a 40″ working width.
 
  • Weight- 91 lbs
  • Blade- ¼” Hardox Banana Blade
  • Working width- 36”
  • Spacing- 3”
  • Rotation- forward

VC 60 VERTI-cutter

The VERTI-cutter’s patented swing-hitch allows the unit to turn during operation increasing maneuverability and the belt drive with 12” diameter blades provides a faster blade RPM (tip speed) improving quality of cut.

  • Working Width: 54”
  • Blades: 10GA Carbide Tip, 10GA Hardened Steel
  • Blade Spacing: Rollers 1.5 – 2″, Skids 2″ Only
  • Blade Depth Control: 0 – 1 7/8”
  • Blade Shaft: 1 5/8” Hex Stress Proof
  • Blade Rotation: Forward
  • Hitch: Patented 3 PT CAT.1 Trailing Hitch
  • Drive: 540 PTO Gearbox, 3 belts
  • Required HP: 20-45 Varies by Cutting Depth
  • Frame: All Welded Steel Construction
  • Weight: 900 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 70” w,46” l, 41” h
  • Gearbox: Heavy Duty 42 HP (31 KW)

VC 40 VERTI-cutter

1st Products introduces a smaller, compact version of the same quality. The VC40 offers tighter blade spacing from and ½”-2” spacing and an optional thinner blade, makes it the best VERTI-cutter for compact tractors.

  • Working Width: 35 1/2”
  • Blades: 10GA Carbide Tip, 16GA Carbide Tip, 10GA Hardened Steel
  • Blade Spacing: Rollers 1/2” – 2” (1/4” Increments)
  • Blade Depth Control: 0 – 1 7/8”
  • Blade Shaft: 1 5/8” Hex Stress Proof
  • Blade Rotation: Forward
  • Hitch: Patented 3 PT CAT.1 Trailing Hitch
  • Drive: 540 PTO Gearbox, 3 belts
  • Required HP: 20-45 Varies by Cutting Depth
  • Frame: All Welded Steel Construction
  • Weight: 800 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 51” w, 24” l, 44” h
  • Gearbox: Heavy Duty 42 HP (31 KW)

500-1750 lb Fertilizer Hopper

The new low profile box is wider and easier to fill. The variable speed ground drive allows for 75 quick-rate changes and requires NO TOOLS to adjust.

  • 2, 3, or 4 Outlets Stainless Steel Hopper and Auger
  • Mounts available for Flat, 3 1/2 – 4” Diamond, and Pittsburgh Cultivators (order kit bundles)
  • 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 row Tool bars available 
  • Removable Auger Trough for easy cleaning
  • Stainless Steel Latches
  • Ground, Hydraulic or Electric Drive
  • Variable Speed Ground drive- 60-1750 lbs/ac.
  • Hydraulic Drive- 70-1825 lbs/ac.
  • 500 lb Hopper capacity
  • Additional 500 lb and 750 lb extensions available for more capacity.
  • Stainless Steel screen 
  • Stainless Steel Bridges 
  • Box Covers
  • Flexible Hoses

Orchard Fertilizer Applicator

Designed to apply granular material to orchard rows, vineyards, and trees.

With adjustments to accommodate up to 12’ Rows, each hopper has its own variable rate electric drive that will apply 31lbs up to 2000 lbs per acre depending on row spacing. The Orchard Frame bar can be operated with 1 or 2 hoppers.

The 250lb. stainless’ hoppers capacity can be doubled to 500lbs. per hopper by adding the optional extension. The optianl stainless steel lid keeps yur material dry over night. The spouts and hoses can be adjusted for precise fertilizer placement.

  • Up to 12’ rows
  • Variable rate electric drive
  • 31-2000 lbs. per acre
  • 1 or 2 row
  • 250-500lb hopper capacity
  • Stainless Steel hopper and auger
  • Removeable trough for easy clean out
  • Optional stainless steel lid

250-500 lb Fertilizer Hopper

The Economy Fertilzer Applicator is the ideal setup for small acres such as food plots, home gardens, and vegetable growers. This all stainless steel hopper consists of 2 or 3 outlets, removeable auger trough for easy cleaning, 250 lb. capacity hopper. Add the 250 lb. extension to increase capacity to 500 lbs.

  • 2 or 3 outlet Stainless Steel Hopper and Auger
  • Removable Auger Trough for Easy Cleaning
  • Stainless Steel Latches
  • Flexible hoses for maximum elasticity 
  • Ground or Electric Drive available 
  • Ground drive- 42-600 lbs/ac (depending on row spacing)
  • Electric Drive 31-2000lbs/ac (depending on row spacing)
  • 250 lb. hopper capacity
  • Optional 250 lb. stainless extension available for more capacity
  • Optional Stainless Steel lid available
  • Mounts for Pittsburg, 2 ½ Diamond, and Flat Tool Bar included.
  • Side Dress 3-pt frame and Pittsburg Frame available separately.