I got a simple hitch pin pull behind Agrifab 48” 1/2” core aerator that works well with the tray filled with CMU’s behind my riding mower. Of course any core aerator is limited by the quality of your soil and moisture. Sometimes I get 1/4” long plugs other times 2” or less. These can be found for around $300 new to $75/100 barely used.
Not applicable to your need, but I did graduate to a 6’ 3/4”, 3 point hitch unit and that really shaves time: still, the plug length vary in the soil.
Edit: Unlike a 3 point, the pull behind will work well with a zero turn because the hitch prevents damage to the tines when turning.
