It wont start or something breaks and it just brings my work time to a screeching halt. Mary Marlowe Leverette researched and wrote this roundup. This impairs your lawns ability to thrive by limiting the depth of grass roots. What do buyers say? While you might be tempted to try aerating a lawn with golf shoes or cleats, you need actual aerator shoes to get the job done. We carry many different sizes, as well as 3-point aerators or pull behind aerators for your aeration requirements. Whether your aeration job is a lawn, sports field, or municipal facility, theres a Classen towbehind core aerator thats just right for you. You can compound the effectiveness of aeration by backfilling the core holes with quality topsoil or compost. Keep up on our always evolving product features, events, content and so much more. document.write(year) Spikes work based on the principle of poking holes into the soil to improve aeration. The plug type has two tines that will penetrate up to 3.5-inches. Slices holes in turf to allow oxygen, water and nutrients to reach grass roots. aerator plugs tow agri soil fab rust proof plug behind The flat-free tires roll smoothly and will never need to be filled. It has galvanized spikes that can penetrate to a depth of 2.5 inches and will last through many years of use. Remember this: the quality of your soil determines the health of your lawn. Whether you should rent a gas-powered aerator or buy a pull-behind model really depends on the size of your yard and the frequency that you will need to perform core aeration.

Otherwise, it would just roll over the top of the soil and tear up your grass. With 13 solid steel spikes in each shoe, penetrating up to two inches, the Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes will aerate a lawn properly. Plug aerators, by comparison, have hollow metal shafts with a spoon-section at the bottom that allows the device to plunge into the ground and pull out cores or plugs of soil. They are especially beneficial to homeowners with large yards or very rural areas where renting and using a gas-powered core aerator would be problematic. Brands Pull behind aerators do work and can provide significant benefits for homeowners with large yards. Aeration Method: Rolling tow-behind |Type: Spike |Spike Length: 2.5 inches |Width: 40 inches | Power Source: Manual | Dimensions: 31 x 48 x 18 inches | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds | Plug Size: Not noted. on wheels, 25 in. My advice is to go with Brinly or Agri-Fab. Another benefit to aeration is in the name itself. aerator aerators [online] Available at: . The first model has a 40-inch width and the second is 48 inches.

Aeration Method: Rolling tow-behind |Type: Plug |Spike Length: 3 inches |Width: 40 inches | Power Source: Manual | Dimensions: 37 x 51 x 28 inches | Weight Capacity: 150 pounds | Plug Size: 16 gauge. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home.

The spikes strap onto sturdy shoes with adjustable hook and loop fasteners. The steel trailer tongue with universal hitch pin design easily attaches to lawn tractors allowing you to plug aerate your yard all from the comfort of your lawn tractor seat. Just be sure to go with a spoon plug model and to weigh it down so that it can really dig into that compacted soil. If the soil does not stick together and falls away easily, you have sandy or loamy soil. Consider the width of the aerator and your turn radius as you shop.

Their name used to be synonymous with solid, well-built, and dependable tools but they havent kept that reputation up as well in the recent past. Nothing is more frustrating than getting up on a Saturday morning ready to get work done and realizing you have a flat. Frankly, they can be a real pain. 2021. Let Agri Supply provide you with the aeration tools and farm implements you need for a beautiful, healthy lawn. Each has rubber padded handles and a footrest for ease in pushing the aerator into the soil. Quality soil can often be maintained by aerating every couple of years while heavily compacted soil benefits from up to three times in a single year. Our 48" Plug Aerator pulls 3" plugs to break up compacted soil and develop a healthier, more robust root system. A: The Brinly dethatcher easily hooks up to any lawn and garden tractor equipped with a hitch plate. Accessibility our process. This push aerator is outfitted with spikes and works best on small lawns with loamy soils. With a three-year limited warranty, this solid steel aerator will last through many years of lawn care. Tires: 410/350-4, 2-Ply with Greasable Ball Bearings (for transport only), Height: 27 in.

Ive seen experts saying you should only aerate your lawn once every year or two but they clearly arent dealing with the same soil as I am. There are other well-established brands that I would be comfortable purchasing including the Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch model (Amazon link for current pricing). Q: Will this work with my brand of lawn mower? For Use with Lawn Tractor or ATV! Rental charges add up quickly and pushing a gas-powered core aerator around a large yard will turn your arms to jello. Lawn Tractors - What's the Difference, The 8 Best Leaf Rakes, According to a Master Gardener, The Best Weed and Feeds for a Beautiful Lawn. Craftsman also makes a pull behind aerator thats available on Amazon but Ive grown less fond of the Craftsman brand over the past few years.

The 24 heat treated 16-gauge steel core plug spoons pull 3 soil cores of soil to the surface, allowing water, seed and fertilizer to reach your lawns root system. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. You see, heavily compacted soil does not allow for air that is necessary for worms and many beneficial bacteria that spend their days and nights working your soil and improving its nutrient quality. If you have a small yard or really rich soil, you can probably get by with renting. Great Northern Equipment Distributing, Inc. But let me tell you why this is not the best option. Q: What are the dimensions of the weight tray? Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes with Hook & Loop Straps, The Best Gardening Shoes to Keep Your Feet Dry and Protected. Consider the storage space required for all of these items. They also include no-flat tires and Im really partial to features like that. The problem with this approach is two-fold. http://images.salsify.com/image/upload/s--L4qncvFB--/wy6lssnf5xxanuyttdkv.jpg, [{"id" : "21","Name" : "Spike & Plug Aerators"}], A: You can order replacement parts online at, Tines penetrate soil up to 3 in. Tow-behind aerators are rather large pieces of garden equipment and wont perform well on small lots or narrow spaces. If the lawn is part of new construction and the ground has been compacted by all of the equipment used during building, you may need aeration to ensure water reaches the roots of freshly laid sod. Ive studied up on these and learned quite a bit. Grab a handful of the soil and squeeze. Be the first to review Aerators Tow-Behind. This means that you are physically removing the substance from the ground, allowing for the actual expansion of the surrounding soil. Aerating your lawn can greatly improve the condition of the soil and while renting a stand-alone gas-powered core aerator is a good approach for some, those with a large yard or who dont live close to a rental center can benefit from a pull behind aerator. Brinlys high-performance 40 Tow-Behind Plug Aerators are the best method for helping your lawn breathe!

Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, centipede) should be aerated in the spring. It is 38-inches high, weighs about 27 pounds, and has a small footprint for storage. Able to hold 140 pounds of weight (4 concrete blocks), the steel construction will withstand years of use. If you have hard, clay soil or water puddles in the grass after rain, then you should choose a plug aerator.

If the soil is sandy or loamy, then the more narrow puncture of a spike aerator will give you the aeration needed. The fully enclosed all-steel weight tray offers flexibility for adding additional weight; up to 150 lbs. Field Cultivator Points & Reversible Points, The average rating for this product is 5 out of 5 stars, Drum Spike Aerator, 48 in. Our top pick is the Brinly-Hardy 40-inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator (view at Amazon), which works well on clay and sandy soils, and has a heavy-duty steel construction that will last for years.

Those are both solid manufacturers. Tow-behind aerators are best for lawns larger than one-half acre and regular in shape.

Many pull behind lawn aerator tools like the Brinly PA-48BH (link to Amazon) are designed to allow you to place cinderblocks or sandbags on them to ensure proper soil penetration. Aeration allows water and nutrients necessary for growth to reach grass roots, increasing the health of the roots and encouraging deeper growth. These heavyduty core aerators are easily used with the average 15 hp riding mower or tractor. In fact, it can be like digging in concrete if it is dry and has a heavy clay content. The galvanized spikes can penetrate to a depth of 2.5-inches, and it has a lever for height adjustment. The 40-inch width and 24 3-inch plugs help cover large areas quickly. Fits all riding lawn and garden tractors, and ZTR mowers, A: You can order replacement parts online at https://shop.brinly.com/. When properly weighted and designed with spoons vs spikes, pull behind aerators can be very effective at removing cores of soil to decrease compaction and allow for backfilling with nutrient-rich matter such as compost. productslearn more about If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Again, there is added benefit to backfilling those core holes with quality soil.

Brinly-Hardy PA-40BH Tow Behind Plug Aerator.

It takes a bit of practice to find your rhythm. This depends a lot of the type of soil and grass that you have. Let Brinly help you get the lawn of your dreams. Compacted soil can be very difficult to dig. The key to how well a pull behind aerator really works comes down to two things: Lets explore each of these and why they are so critical for a pull behind aeration tool to work. They work well on loose loam or sandy soils.

The 24 heat-treated 16-gauge steel plug spoons pull 3 soil plugs from the lawn, decompressing the soil and allowing water, seed, and fertilizer to reach the root system. -. Aeration Method: Liquid |Type: Not applicable |Spike Length: Not applicable |Width: Not applicable | Power Source: Not applicable | Dimensions: 5 x 2.25 x 8 inches | Weight Capacity: Not applicable | Plug Size: Not applicable, Does not penetrate soil as deeply as mechanical or manual aeration. Let us know what you're looking for and one of our knowledgeable team members will contact you with more information. When is the Best Time to Aerate Your Lawn?

2021 DR Power DR 48" Tow-Behind Plug Aerator (408070). They are a great solution for large yards when attached behind a riding mower. You have to remove some of the compacted soil and replace it with nutrient-rich dirt or compost that does not compact easily. By allowing moisture to more easily soak deep into the soil, you improve the root health of your lawn by encouraging deeper growth. Since sandy soils are much easier to aerate than clay soils, the Agri-Fab Spike Aerator is a great choice. my five-step approach to improving clay soil, water can be seen sitting on top of the soil, using a soil conditioner to soften the soil, Simple Yard Tool Cleanup: Giraffe Tools Wall-Mounted Pressure Washer, 5 Most Common Electric Chainsaw Issues (and What To Do), Reduced soil compaction to improve deeper root growth, Improved drainage and saturation of water into the soil, Improved air movement to encourage beneficial microorganisms. Great Northern Equipment Distributing, Inc. All rights reserved | privacy policy. First, by pressing into the ground to create a hole, you are actually causing an increase in compaction of the surrounding soil (source). When is the best time to aerate your lawn? Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Aerating Soil Loosener, These Are the Best Fertilizers to Nourish Your Plants, Best Handheld: Spike aerators are handheld, pushed, worn on shoes, or towed to puncture the soil with long spikes. The rigid, fully enclosed tray design provides durability and maximum support for additional tray weights. I cannot stress the importance of this enough. To make the task easier, lightly water the lawn for easier penetration. There are several companies that manufacture pull behind plug aerators and best is a very subjective term. About Us Core aeration can help with this by breaking up the compaction of the soil, allowing for better drainage through soil saturation. Shallow root growth is often the result of frequent, short waterings where the water does not effectively soak deeper into the soil. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The proprietary mixture of surfactants and other ingredients breaks apart soil colloids to improve water and nutrient absorption.

By removing larger pieces or plugs of dirt, nutrients can penetrate more easily to the roots of the grass. Alexandra Kay is a writer, fact-checker, researcher, and editor who checks The Spruce articles for accuracy and adds source citations.

In both cases, Brinly uses 16 gauge steel for their plugging spoons that are designed to plunge up to 3 inches into the soil. Of course, there are exceptions. Tow-behind models and push models also need weights (usually several concrete blocks) to help them penetrate the soil. You can find more of her work on The Spruce. With a universal hitch that can attach to any lawn tractor, UTV, or ATV, this Brinly-Hardy plug aerator is the best choice for anyone with a large lawn. Taylor Outdoor Power Equipment is committed to your privacy. 40 Tow-Behind Spike Aerator with Extra-Strength Double Tow Bar & Transport Wheels | SAT2-40BH-P, 40 Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines | SA-401BH, 40 Spike Aerator with Transport Wheels & 3D Galvanized Steel Tines | SAT-401BH, 40 Combination Aerator Spreader | AS2-40BH-G. Brinly-Hardy designs, builds and distributes quality lawn and garden tractor and ATV / UTV attachments and equipment to help you attain a healthy, green and vibrant lawn or garden and sustain it. I will tell you that I usually recommend the Brinly PA-40BH for a smaller riding mower and the Brinly PA-48BH for larger mowers (these are links to Amazon).

Brinly-Hardy PA-40BH Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 7 Best Grass Seed Products to Restore a Patchy Lawn, Best Tow-Behind Spike: You must have a lawn tractor, ATV, or small utility vehicle. The single transport lever and large treaded wheels make crossing driveways and walkways simple. Cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass) should be aerated in the fall. Transport with spikes in UP position, then when ready to begin aeration, simply fold hitch over top of unit and hook to mower and begin aeration.

For best results, secure the blocks with bungee cords to prevent shifting during use. Make your lawn greener and healthier by stepping up to professional style aeration. The hitch folds up for easier storage. But I hate having to rent equipment. In fact, by adding a quality soil or compost, you are introducing those helpful microbes into your lawn. Each has an enclosed weight tray to hold cinderblocks or sandbags and a lever to quickly lift the spoons when crossing driveways or sidewalks. Not sure what type of soil you have? Plug aerators are handheld or towed behind a lawn tractor and use hollow tines to remove plugs of soil. Aeration Method: Rolling tow-behind |Type: Plug |Spike Length: 3 inches |Width: 48 inches | Power Source: Manual | Dimensions: 35 x 60 x 36 inches | Weight Capacity: 140 pounds | Plug Size: 3 inches. Constructed of 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 solid steel (not square tubing), Heavy-duty core aerator with weight tray for optional added weight, Aerate up to 4 deep with solid steel 1.5 x 1.5 core tines, Tine shafts operate independently for greater turning ease, Built 1.5 x 1.5 solid steel (not square tubing), 1 sealed ball bearings for low maintenance, o Can be mounted with 3-point mount or hitch mount. A handheld aerator is much easier to store and can get into tight places where a tow-behind aerator cannot go. She is a Master Gardener and has extensive personal and professional experience testing, reviewing, and writing about home and garden products. Thriving Yard aims to simplify the unnecessarily complex process of growing and maintaining a healthy, thriving lawn. The impact of this can vary depending on the type of grass you have. There are basically two types of aeration methods that people use to reduce soil compaction: Spikes and Plug Spoons. Toro Yard Care Blog. The product mixes with water and is used at a rate of one ounce per 1,000-square-feet of grass.

He knows exactly what the challenges are to nurturing a thriving yard in difficult soil.He takes a practical approach to yard improvement and enjoys putting best practices and golden rules of lawn care to the test. "When is the Best Time to Aerate Your Lawn?" Both aerators are made of steel, measuring 37-inches high and weighing around four pounds. For smaller lawns and irregularly-shaped grass spaces, choose a push aerator, handheld model, or aerator shoes. I have Centipede for example which is more drought tolerant than some grasses but still needs to be able to dig its roots in to really thrive (source). Ill share what Ive uncovered but first, lets deal with the most pressing question of all: Do Pull Behind Aerators Work? If thats your situation, plan to aerate at least a couple of times a year.

My point is this: your soil type will determine how often you need to aerate and your grass will show tell-tale signs when the compaction is restricting its growth. But its not just about the hassles of renting equipment. Something always seems to go wrong. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. A top-quality lawn aerator creates soil-deep holes that allow air, water, and fertilizer to reach the roots of your grass, keeping your lawn healthy, nourished, and looking its best. 2021 DR 48" Tow-Behind Plug Aerator (408070), {"item":"2021 DR Power DR 48\" Tow-Behind Plug Aerator (408070)","locationid":35417,"itemUrl":"http://www.tayloroutdoorequipment.com/new-models/2021-dr-power-dr-48-tow-behind-plug-aerator-408070-28191234b","leadValue":"$349.99","productId":28191234,"itemYear":2021,"itemMake":"DR Power","itemModel":"DR 48\" Tow-Behind Plug Aerator (408070)","itemPrice":"Starting at $349.99","msrp":349.9900,"itemThumbNailUrl":"//cdnmedia.endeavorsuite.com/images/ThumbGenerator/Thumb.aspx?img=http%3a%2f%2fcdnmedia.endeavorsuite.com%2fimages%2fcatalogs%2f21240%2fproducts%2fdetail%2f382b1e91-2730-41f6-abb6-15a06ab7ef62.jpg&mw=180&mh=135&fz=1","originalItem":"2021 DR Power DR 48\" Tow-Behind Plug Aerator (408070)","isUnitInventory":false,"usageStatus":"","vin":null,"bestprice":"$0.00","unitprice":"$349.99","itemType":"Residential Aerators","itemTypeId":4153,"itemOriginalPrice":"$349.99","itemDisplayPrice":"$349.99","itemIndustry":"Ag and Lawn","itemMakeId":1090,"itemOnSale":null,"itemSubtype":"Lawn Aerators","itemSubtypeId":99192,"itemCustomImageCount":4,"itemVideoExists":0,"itemDescriptionCount":0,"salePrice":null,"discountAmount":0.0,"stockNumber":""}. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years.

A: The 40 aerator will hold up to 150lbs of weight. Start with small steps and use a walking stick or tool handle for support until you get the hang of it. Agri-Fab 40-in Spike Lawn Aerator, Best Tow Behind Plug: Unlike corporate website companies who write articles from an office overlooking a major city, the authors on this website live in small towns and regularly use many of the tips and recommendations provided in their own garden and lawn care. Agri-Fab is a solid brand and Ive met anyone whos had a negative experience using their products. If its getting compacted or if you are seeing your grass beginning to brown from the roots being strangled and suffocated, then its probably time to aerate. You cant improve the compaction of soil by compacting it more. In fact, that is one of the key steps in my five-step approach to improving clay soil. By aerating, you are removing cores of compacted soil and giving the surrounding dirt room to expand.

There can be many benefits to aerating your lawn but the key benefits really come down to these three things: When soil is compacted, it can restrict root growth (source). The best way to determine how often to aerate is to evaluate the compaction and health of your soil. The best time to aerate the lawn is dependent on the type of lawn grass. 6 Alternatives To Composting Piles: Put Kitchen Waste To Use. When she isn't writing or fact-checking for print or online articles, Alex is an associate professor of English at a community college. This website uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The 6 Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Easy Yard Maintenance, The Best Keyboard Cleaners to Tidy Up Your Home Office, The Best Push Lawn Mowers to Maintain Your Yard, We Researched the Best Electric Lawn MowersHere Are Our Favorites, The 7 Best Chipper Shredders for Making Mulch, These Are the Best Battery-powered Lawn Mowers for Any Size Yard, The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers for Your Yard, The Best Log Splitters That Are Fast and Powerful, Riding Mowers vs.