Plug Cutter (hole) vs. Digging Tool & 3 Edged Flap

[grumpyolman]

I have been following some posts about plug cutters. Whether you like them or not, one thing I have not been able to find out is which one is better for the grass and soil. Does one do less damage to the yard, park, school, etc? I know the circular cut plug with a Lesche, Predator, or any like that, is frowned upon as a mower can kick the flap out and the grass will die. I have always done a 3-sided flap, put my hole dirt on a cloth, found the targe, put the dirt back into the hole, replaced the flap and leveled the flap with my foot. However, if those in the know think it will be a 'cleaner' way to dig in someone elses grass, I would be up for trying it. Your comments will be appreciated. Thanks...Jim

 

[Erik in NJ]

Hi Jim,

I'm probably one of the few here that have actually used the TargetBuddy and I can tell you that a properly cut plug that is replaced is almost invisible to the eye and I doubt very much that an animal or lawnmower can pull it up like some of my hand-cut plugs. Now if we could only get that 6" - 8" unit custom made.....

 

[Crash620]

n/t

 

[Erik in NJ]

The edge has been done in such a way that it cuts right through small roots - I don't like to cut very thick roots myself, usually just hand dig around them if they're there. As far as rocks - it would have to be a good sized one to stop it otherwise it just gets forced into the plug or outside it. I don't ever recall hitting a big rock, but it shouldn't hurt the tool - it's pretty heavy gauge steel.

 

[grumpyolman]

Erik...I have piqued my own interest in the subject and am trying to research the best way to do this. I am asking various universities' 'soil and lawn' professors what they think. I just started asking the questions and if and when I get answers from them I'll post what I've uncovered.
If I could get a good picture of the way the Target Buddy is built, I might be able to engineer one that has a larger diameter. That is unless the Target Buddy folks will make them larger and make them available to us. Don't want to compete with a commercial business, but if they can't be purchased from someone, then I guess it's OK to build one for myself and one for a friend. Jim

 

[Crash620]

n/t

 

[Erik in NJ]

n/t

 

[Hungry]

Good Day Jim. I gave up on the Plug cutter, couldn't get the plug to come out easily, I now use a 1 1/2" diameter tube type scoop I made, and just plunge this into the ground and push it side ways to open up the hole, big enough to get the probe down to locate the coin. Then all you have to do is stamp the the hole shut and there is no dirt and no indication that you have been there. hope this helps. Bob I posted a picture of it on the Classroom forum a couple of days ago.

 

[Eddie in Poulsbo]

I have always used the three sided plug method leaving a hinge and the smaller the plug the better. If the soil is real dry then there will always be brown spots until the next good rain. I have seen other hunters at places where they either used a round plug cutter or just cut round plugs with a digging tool and some of those plugs were uprooted by lawn mowers and yes, I have even seen crows pick at these plugs and flip them out of the ground. Leaving a hinge seems to be the best method as far as I am concerned. Just my two cents worth. HH.

Eddie

 

[Erik in NJ]

Hi Jim, Glad someone is looking into this - I always like to leave an area better than I found it if possible and I hate to cause brown patches in parks etc. I for one would be very interested in what you find out. You can see the unit at www.targetbuddy.com and I can get you some detailed pics of my unit sometime next week as it's at another location and I have to go and get it. Sorry for the delay on this. I think they have a video on the site so you might be able to see it from all vantage points. Best, Erik