Genuine parts deep dive: everything you need to know about tines

This article follows the Toro genuine parts guide to winter mower oil and filter replacement in our Genuine Toro Parts series, focusing on Toro genuine aeration tines: what they do, why tine choice matters and why genuine Toro tines deliver better results than non-genuine alternatives.

What do tines do – and why quality matters

During the aeration process, tines penetrate the soil profile to create channels that allow air, water, oxygen and other nutrients to reach the rootzone. This process relieves soil compaction, improves drainage and encourages deeper, stronger root growth – all essential for healthy, resilient turf.

However, the results offered by different types of tines can vary significantly. The shape, diameter, depth, material and finish of a tine all influence:

• The size and consistency of the hole created
• How cleanly and deeply the soil is penetrated
• The level of surface disruption
• The speed of turf recovery
• The stress placed on the aerator itself

A poorly manufactured or ill-fitting tine can tear the surface, smear the soil profile or place excessive strain on the machine. Over time, this leads to slower recovery, uneven surfaces and avoidable wear on valuable aeration equipment.

This is where genuine Toro tines stand out.

Designed to fit perfectly with Toro machinery, such as the pedestrian Toro ProCore 648s or the Toro ProCore 864 tractor aerator, they are engineered as part of a complete system – not as a generic, one-size-fits-all solution.

Genuine Toro tines: options for all needs

Toro offers one of the largest ranges of aeration tines available, with over 150 options designed to suit a wide range of machines, turf types and maintenance goals.

Understanding the role of each tine type helps ensure the right results at the right time, especially when paired with Toro aerators.

Hollow tines

Hollow tines are typically used during renovation programmes to relieve heavy compaction, reduce the build-up of thatch and organic matter and improve drainage. By removing small soil cores, they open up the profile and create more space for air, water and nutrients to reach the rootzone compared to other aeration methods.

However, since the process is more disruptive, hollow tine aeration is best carried out during periods of active turf growth, most commonly in spring and early autumn, and is frequently used on greens and other high-wear areas.

Solid tines – also known as needle tines

Solid tines aerate by punching small holes into the soil rather than removing cores, helping turf recover rapidly and making them well suited to lighter, more frequent aeration with minimal surface disruption.

Often used for in-season maintenance, solid tines improve gas and nutrients exchange, soil conditions and root growth without causing excessive turf stress.

Deep tine aeration

Deep tine aeration targets compaction deeper within the rootzone, helping address long-term drainage and structural issues while encouraging deeper root development.

Typically carried out in spring or autumn, this method requires accurate depth control and robust tine construction to perform effectively and minimise turf damage.

Key considerations when replacing tines

Genuine Toro replacements ensure correct fit, alignment and performance. However, aftermarket alternatives can introduce vibration, uneven wear and mechanical stress.

When choosing tines, always consider:

• Your maintenance goal: drainage improvement, decompaction, in-season venting, and recovery timeline
• The season: hollow tine aeration is mostly performed during active turf growth, in spring and early autumn
• The surface type: greens, tees, fairways or sports pitches

Reesink’s parts and technical team work closely with turf professionals to tailor tine selection to both machine and turf conditions, ensuring optimal results from every aeration pass.

For a more in-depth explanation of how different tines work, explore our ultimate guide to hollow and solid tines.

Genuine vs non-genuine tines: why the difference matters

At first glance, genuine and non-genuine aeration tines can look almost identical. However, once they’re working in the soil, the difference is hard to ignore.

From material quality to aeration precision and long-term costs, tine choice plays a critical role in both turf health and equipment durability. What may seem like a short-term saving can quickly turn into increased downtime, compromised turf playability and avoidable repair bills.

Here are some of the key differences between genuine Toro tines and non-genuine alternatives:

The real cost of non-genuine tines

While non-genuine tines may offer a lower upfront price, the long-term impact tells a different story. Poorer hole quality, slower turf recovery, unexpected breakages and increased strain on aeration equipment all add up, financially and operationally.

Choosing genuine Toro tines isn’t just about performance; it’s about protecting your machinery, maintaining consistent turf quality and avoiding unnecessary disruption during critical maintenance windows.

Achieve aeration excellence with Toro tines

Tines can often be overlooked, but their impact on drainage, turf health, surface quality and machine longevity is significant. Trusted by leading golf courses and sports venues, genuine Toro tines ensure:

• Cleaner aeration holes
• Faster turf recovery
• Reduced machine stress
• Longer service life
• Better long-term value

Now is the time to review your tine strategy and ensure you’re using the right tools for the job. To discover the best Toro tines for your aeration needs, speak to your local Reesink branch, visit www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk or call 01480 226800 to speak with one of our experts.