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If you’re looking for the best lawn aerator machine, here is what you must know first:
Two main aerating machines exist —spike aerators and plug aerators.
Now, in general, a core aerator machine produces the best results- it aerates by removing cores or plugs of soil and grass from the lawn, unlike a spike aerator which simply tries to make the yard breathe by poking holes into compacted grounds.
The standout difference is just one:
A core aerator -also called a plug aerator- features hollow tines (it uses them to excavate plugs of soil, leaving holes on the lawn) while its competitor comes with solid tines (these penetrate the soil, poking holes).
The most important thing to note is that poking holes is not only less effective but it often causes further compaction especially in the spots around the holes.
In short, if your lawn badly needs aeration, your best bet is a core aerator, especially if you’re facing severe soil compaction.
Not all core aerators will do a rigorous job
Caveat: not all core aerators will do a rigorous job and it’s important to understand the key specs you should be on the lookout for when shopping for the best buy.
With that in mind, get this: For quality results, always select an aerator machine that gouges out soil plugs about 2-3” deep and 0.5- 0.75” in diameter, and approximately 2 – 3 inches apart.
Ignore this most significant rule of thumb and you’re likely to end up with a machine that fails to meet all of your lawn aeration needs.
Of course, these machines are mostly sold/rented in tow behind or walk behind (motorized or manually pushed) versions and it boils down to what you feel will be right for you.
Best lawn aerator machine – our 3 most recommended lawn aerators
Here, explore our top picks for an aerator machine that alleviate even the most horrible soil compaction, for a healthier, more vigorous lawn.
Needless to say, some of these machines – the finest ones- can be expensive and it only makes economic sense if you aerate more often or if you’re buying it for business.
With that out of the way, here now are the lawn aerator machines that our editors fell in love with (out of the dozens we looked at).
#1- Agri-Fab 48-Inch Tow behind Plug Aerator- best tow behind lawn aerator machine
Agri Fab offers an extensive variety of aerator machines and this is perhaps their greatest aerator for large plots.
Thanks to the crazy sharp galvanized knives (it has 32 self-sharpening tines), it tears into compacted surfaces with ease – even the super compacted types- to help your lawn breathe again.
If you’re worried about the aeration depth, worry not; this scoops out cores up to 3-inches deep to restore lush greenery on your lawn.
And if you want help with penetration, the weight tray is at hand- it holds up to 140lbs. of adds-on weights.
The transport handle is also very handy when it comes to lowering and/or raising of the tines for transport.
That you can reach the handle from the tractor’s seat is another plus.
The “flat-free tires” (made of hard rubber) will probably last for years and should conveniently help you move the unit from place to place.
And yes, this can be attached to any utility tractor thanks to the built-in universal hitch.
Pros
- Easily penetrates even the most difficult soils.
- Assembly not that difficult thanks to the pretty clear directions.
- Easy to maintain “never-flat wheels”.
Cons
- Not exactly storage-friendly (takes up a reasonable amount of space).
#2- Billy Goat PL1800V Reciprocating Aerator, 205cc, 18” – Best Walking aerator machine
This game-changing cam-driven core aerator from Billy Goat is another proven performer and a great alternative for those who prefer a walk-behind model.
On this machine, you’ll find reciprocating cam tines- cam designs have extra advantages over classic drum aerators including denser hole patterns, fewer tines (just 4 here for easy service), and deeper cores (up to 7cm deep) in all soil conditions.
And with a reliable 205cc Vanguard engine powering it on and the heat-treated hardened tines making higher plug counts per pass, this will quickly come to the rescue of your struggling turf.
Another unique thing is that it doesn’t need add-on weights to sink into difficult soil, again because it’s reciprocating.
For ease of operation and maximum safety, the PL18 Series comes with a finger-tip controlled bail (use it to smoothly engage the tines) along with a well-considered auto-stop safety feature.
The easy-folding handle helps you store and transport it more easily.
Overall, the 18” swath making it a good choice for smaller properties or rentals- note that it still aerates about 2000m2 /hour.
Pros
- Easy to steer (no lifting and no add-on weights!)
- Easy maintenance- easily removable cover and just 4 tines.
- Aerates wonderfully.
Cons
- Not too wide so not ideal for expansive yards.
The best lawn aerator machine – when to pick a spike aerator
Some soil types percolate easily and plugging may not help much.
In fact, plugging does little to nothing for lawns with super sandy soil.
Enter the spike aerator and you have a better tool- it’s worth mentioning that the equipment won’t cause much additional compaction near the holes it leaves for soil that crumbles easily.
You can also go for spike aeration if you only handle small lawns (with mild compaction).
If you’re convinced you’re in this wagon, you might want to have a look at these two spike aerator machines instead.
#1- Agri-Fab 16-Inch Walk-behind Spike Aerator
This wonderful push pike aerator perforates soil easily – unless it’s clay – and is really an inexpensive option to buy outright.
It features five (5) galvanized spike disks and with each spike disk penetrating up to 2.5” deep, it should be effective for most mildly compacted yard.
Of course, this is not intended for large area and its 16” working width confirm so.
But it compensates for this shortcoming by being great at aerating even hard-to-reach places in smaller lawns, something commercial tow-behind aerators find difficult to accomplish.
The other nice thing is that you can place 35 lbs. worth of adds-on weights to increase soil penetration when necessary.
In short, think hard about this if you want a budget-priced model and have just moderate compaction to alleviate.
Pros
- Simple operation- push and go!
- Lasting heavy-gauge steel deck (plus welded drawbar).
- Super easy to put together.
Cons
- The spikes can only dig 2.5” deep.
#2- Brinly Tow Behind Spike Aerator, 40-In
You can also aerate your lawn soundly with Brinly’s 40-inch Transport ,Pull-Behind Spike Aerator machine.
It punctures packed down soil up to 2” deep so fertilizer, seed, and water will instantly start reaching your turf’s root system.
The hard-wearing, heavy-duty spike aerator features eleven (11) galvanized steel stars and 132 tine tips to enhance aeration.
The robust steel tine shaft coupled with heavy-duty nylon spacers ensures years of reliability so you’ll have a thicker, lusher, and more beautiful yard each year.
Each 8-inch diameter star rotates separately and revolving continuously during tractor turns so no spot goes without aeration.
A fully enclosed, 14-gauge steel, 150 lbs. capacity weight tray holds additional weights, maximizing penetration when tackling insanely hard soil.
We also appreciate that it’s easy to hook-up to various brands of lawn tractors (including zero turns), ATVs, etc. owing to the universal hitch.
Pros
- Reasonably priced.
- Heavy-duty construction.
- Works great.
Cons
- May need minor modifications to fit certain tractors and utility vehicles.
Final thoughts
You now know where to start your search for the best lawn aerator machine and we believe you will find one that best suits your aerating needs.
Two key things keep in mind now about the whole process:
To begin with, before you get down to aerate, be sure the ground is moist enough- There’s nothing as frustrating as trying to aerate a lawn that’s dry as a bone.
You can, for example, undertake the chore a day after watering your lawn or after a downpour.
Secondly and finally, make sure you continue routine lawn care procedures such as proper fertilization, mowing, and watering after aerating.
Go ahead and make your lawn proud!
