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Heavy soil compaction often messes the health of your lawn- it leads to issues like turf thinning, injury, and even death because of crushed leaves, stems, and crowns.
The good news is that core aeration helps relieve soil compaction and can be your best bet particularly for deeply compacted soils (spike aerators simply poke holes into grounds and are generally less effective).
In addition, annual core aeration is a sure way to prevent excessive thatch buildup in home lawns.
Now, while a riding core aerator machine maximizes your productivity, a walk behind core aerator (also called “plug” aerator) is a better option than manual core aerators (ordinary manual aerators are extremely fatiguing to be super effective).
Furthermore, walk behind core aerators are unbeatable when it comes to reaching tight spots.
So, what is the best walk behind core aerator in the market today?
Well, here are our three top picks…
Best walk behind core aerator – our most recommended models
These three units get the job done perfectly for reinvigorated growth and optimal lawn health.
#1- BillyGoat PL1800V Vanguard-Powered Reciprocating core Aerator, 205cc, 18″
#2- Ryan walk behind aerator- easiest to use
#3- Toro Procore Aerator
Keep reading for complete reviews..
#1- BillyGoat PL1800V Vanguard-Powered Reciprocating core Aerator, 205cc, 18″
This compact 18-inch core aerator is perfect for smaller yards aeration or rental business.
While it’s very well built generally, its most outstanding feature are the 4 reciprocating cam tines – they punch tine core depths up to 2.75 in. (even in extremely hard soil conditions).
It’s a quick unit too- according to the manufacturer, the product can aerate upto 2.000m2/ hour making it a favorite among homeowners.
It’s pretty simple to operate, easy to steer (the semi-pneumatic wheels are a godsend) and works amazingly well without add-on weights.
Other attractions in this self-propelled unit are the easy-folding handle (for compact transport/storage) and the easy to remove one-piece hood for easier access to components during maintenance).
The controls are extremely user friendly as well- use the finger-tip controlled bail to engage drive/tine.
The other highlight is the well-thought-out auto stop feature (for your safety).
Pros
- Reliable 205cc high-performance vanguard-powered engine.
- Durable tines- machined and heat treated.
- Easy to service.
Cons
- Nothing noteworthy.
#2- Ryan walk behind aerator– easiest to use
Some of the traditional walk behind core aerators are difficult to get the hang of for DIYers –the controls are too complicated to master at times and you may even end up damaging the grass!
Enter this patented core lawn aerator and core aeration becomes easy and even fun..
You see, this high-quality, high performance device is designed differently..
To be clear, the throttle is placed on the operator’s handle for convenience during operation- the vibration-reducing grip also makes it perfect for prolonged operation periods.
Turning to the, the 30, ¾” hollow, austemper-hardened steel tines aerates thoroughly and puncture even the toughest surfaces without issues.
Thanks to the 19-inch operating width, this self propelled lawn plug aerator can cover 29.000 sq. ft an hour so it gets your job done in less time.
More importantly, the powerful 118cc of power supplied by HondaGX 120 engine keeps it going and going.
Finally, the heavy-duty construction makes it resilient for day-to-day use in harsh conditions.
Pros
- Extremely heavy duty.
- Friendly customer service by the vendor.
- Aerates well even in harder soils.
Cons
- Quite pricey.
#3- Toro Procore Aerator
The Toro ProCore® 648 aerator stands out simply because everything about it is extra ordinary (for lack of a better word).
From the large 48 inch (122cm) aeration swath to the innovative placement of the wheels (the wheels are in front of its aeration head so they won’t drive over your freshly aerated turf), not a single thing is ordinary in this high productivity aerator from Toro.
Most of all, the unit delivers an uncommonly smooth operation- the tine arms (modeled after a 6-cylinder car engine) work in pairs so they even out the coring action flawlessly.
The precise machine setup also virtually eliminates rocking, hopping, and unnecessary vibration.
To improve efficiency, the aerator automatically calculates then maintains the most suitable tine depth depending on the ground undulations so the coring depth (up to 4”) is consistent.
In addition, the tines enter and exit the surface cleanly leaving top quality results thanks to the unique geometry.
I must add that the variable hole spacing -ranging from 1.5 in to 3 inches apart- will give you more control.
In sum, this is arguably the best walk behind core aerator for larger areas from Toro.
Pros
- Excellent traction.
- Easy to operate- there’s a single switch (on the handle) to control tine head.
- Great results even when working in reverse.
Cons
- Another pricey model.
Wrapping it up
Today, self-propelled aerators take the hard labor out of aerating your yard.
The above walking aerators are self-propelled and this fact, together with their other largely impressive features makes them the most efficient and productive core aerators on the market.
Choose your favorite – remember to read the reviews from past buyers before making the final decision- and say goodbye to a struggling lawn (and welcome the greener grass you deserve in its place).
