If you want your lawn to be green, healthy, and thick, you must use a lawn aerator on a regular basis to reduce soil compaction and deliver air, water, and nutrients to the root zone for proper growth and development. This article will help you choose the best commercial lawn aerator because it has everything you need to know about buying a lawn aerator, such as frequently asked questions, buyer’s guides, and so on.
Aeration is the way of increasing the availability of air, water, oxygen and fertilizers into the root zone through making holes for better penetration. The process is called ‘lawn aeration’ and the tool or chemical that is used to making holes is called ‘lawn aerator’.
Why will you read our article? It’s because our teams spend a huge time researching and analyzing the market to find out the best product, ensuring customers’ satisfaction. As a result, we have covered most of the queries that are arisen in your mind. So let’s have a look below and enjoy our article.
Aerator vs dethatcher, what’s the difference?
| Aerator | Dethatcher |
| A lawn aerator creates holes to ease soil compaction. | A dethatcher removes dead grass to let the soil breathe. |
| A lawn aerator works by punching holes a few inches deep into the soil. | A dethatcher works by pulling up accumulated layers of thatch. |
| Core, spike, and liquid are the three most common types of lawn aerators. | Manual, tow-behind, and powered are the three most common types of dethatcher. |
| People use aerators to perforate the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots. This encourages deep root growth and a healthier lawn. Aerator reduces soil compaction. | People use dethatchers to eliminate extra thatch from your lawn so nutrients, air, and water can reach the soil. |
| You should use an aerator every year on high-traffic areas or heavy clay soil. If you have sandy soil or healthy grass, aerate every 2-3 years. | You should use a dethatcher every two to three years. Excessive use of dethatcher might damage the grass. |
Types of Lawn Aerators
There are three types of lawn aerators: spiked, plug, and coring. Spiked aerators have spikes that go into the ground and pull up plugs of dirt and grass. This is the most common type of aerator. Plug aerators have a cylindrical drum with spikes that go into the ground and pull up plugs of dirt and grass. This type of aerator is good for large areas.
- Manual lawn coring tools: Manual lawn coring tools, such as Yard Butler is ideal for tiny yards.
- Simple and small aerators: Simple and small aerators are good for medium-sized yards. Greenworks and Sun Joe are two of the best aerators for this type of yard. An aerator isn’t just good at aerating the lawn, but it’s also one of the cheapest ways.
- Plug or spike aerator for large area: A pull-behind “plug aerator” (also called a “core aerator”) or “spike lawn aerator” like the Brinly 40′′ Spike Aerator is the best way to get the most out of your lawn.
In our reviews below, we will show you which types of aerators will be best for your lawn. Take into account your budget and the size of your lawn when you choose one of them.
Top 8 Commercial Lawn Aerators (comparison)
| Brand | Qualities |
| Agri-Fab 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator | Perfect for large size lawn Durable machine Wide cutting deck Easy maintenance machine Compatible with any lawn tractor 3 years warranty Made in USA |
| Brinly PA-40BH Tow-Behind Plug Aerator | Made with heavy-duty materials Compatible with sandy and clay soil Giving smooth transport with flat-proof tires Connect with the ATVs and UTVs easily Durable construction allows long time service Simple assemble and easy to maintain Ensures comfortable use 3 years warranty |
| Simple Lawn Solution Liquid Soil Loosener | Affordable price A small quantity covers a large area Improve soil’s structure and drainage Help to reach oxygen in the root zone Loosening compact soil effectivley Easy to apply and required less time |
| Agri-Fab 40-In Spike Lawn Aerator | The heavy-duty machine ensures long time service Best for sandy soil and for your lawn Durable solid rubber tires provide good traction Adjustable/folding hitch for easy storage Easy assemble allows quick operation Easy maintenance makes it handy Made in USA |
| Brinly SAT2-40BH-P Tow-Behind Spike Aerator | Galvanized steel tines resist rust and flex The weight tray can hold up to 150 pounds of weight All-steel design durable construction Turf-tread transport wheels 8” diameter star tines save time on the job Easy to attach to any rider, tractor, ZTR, or ATV |
8 Best Commercial Lawn Aerators Reviews
Commercial lawn aerators are a valuable tool for keeping your lawn looking its best. With so many brands and models to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. In this article, we will review the 8 best commercial lawn aerators on the market today. We will help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Agri-Fab 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator
The Agri-Fab 48-inch Tow Plug Aerator is a piece of fantastic lawn care equipment for aerating a large lawn. The aerator includes 32 galvanized knives that allow it to quickly penetrate the soil and remove obstructions without clogging. It can extract 3-inch soil plugs, resulting in a thick and healthy lawn.
It also has a transfer lever for convenient raising and lowering of the bar. And the cantilever handle is simple to operate. Furthermore, the flat-free tires provide a smooth ride.
This lawn aerator can penetrate a large lawn, and its strong build will last for many years, providing you with a fantastic aeration experience for a long time.
Type: Plug; Width: 48-inch; Knives: 32 galvanized knives; Wheels: 9 3/4" x 2 3/4" flat free tires, 3 welded knife sections, stable heavy-gauge steel deck; Handle: Cantilever transport handle; Hitch: A universal hitch fits any tractor. Dimensions: 35×60×36 inches; Weight: 92.5 Ibs
Brinly PA-40BH Tow-Behind Plug Aerator
The Brinly PA-40BH tow-behind plug aerator consists of heavy-duty steel and has a weight capacity of 150 lbs. Brinly created the best lawn aerators for DIYers, taking into account the health of the lawn.
Brinly PA-40BH is built of all-steel and features 24 separate 3-inch heat-treated plugs. It is a worthy buy because it comes with handles that are simple to install on UTVs and ATVs. You can connect the hitch to a tractor easily.
A transport lever can intercept the knives while you need them to run by sidewalks and driveways. In addition, the tires aren’t flat that further increases the durability and dependability of the product.
The Brinly PA-40BH is also a good substitute for the Agri Fab 40 tow-plug aerator since it includes a 40-inch broad blade and 24 heat-treated tines, as well as 16-gauge steel plugging spoons, and it takes good care of your lawn.
Type: Plug aeration; Method: Rolling two behind; Spike length: 3 inches; Plug size: 16 gauge; width: 40 inches; Power Sources: Manual; Hitch: universal steel construction; Weight capacity: 100 lbs. Dimensions: 37×51×28 inches; Item Weight: 64.5 Ibs
Simple Lawn Solution Liquid Soil Loosener
Liquid Aerating Soil Loosener is another great lawn aerator that can stop crust from forming and help break up soil that has become too compacted. Among the liquid soil looseners, Simple Lawn Solutions is best for its superb performance and customer feedback. It includes a 32-ounces bottle to aerate the lawn area near about 32000 sq. ft.
The liquid aerator is considered an alternative to the mechanical aerator. It is affordable compared to many mechanical aerators. A non-toxic ammonium lauryl sulfate is used as the primary component of this liquid aerator; ensure its application to your lawn one month before sowing new grass seed.
It is made in the United States and can be used on all kinds of grass, such as Bermuda, St. Augustine, Buffalo, Zoysia, Centipede, Florida Palmetto, Fescue, Bahia, etc.
You can apply it anytime during the spring or fall while soil temperatures are over 50 °F. Apply it 1-2 times per year; wait a minimum of 8 weeks before reapplying.
Cautious:
- Don’t mix with other solution
- Don’t apply without water
- Don’t apply at the seed germination stage
Agri-Fab 40-In Spike Lawn Aerator
Agri-Fab Spike Aerator is a fantastic option since sandy soils are much easier to aerate than clay soils. It includes 10 galvanized steel disks with 8 spikes each and a weight tray holding 100-Ibs of the balanced weight. It also has a universal hitch that can effortlessly work with any tractor or UTV.
It contains a lever for height adjustment, and the galvanized spikes penetrate to a depth of 2.5 inches. The flat-free tires move easily and will never need to be filled.
Its universal hitch makes it simple to join whatever machine you select to tow it behind. Additionally, it is easy to maintain, easy to assemble, and comes with a 3 years limited warranty.
Type: Spike; Aeration Method: Rolling two behind; Spike Length: 2.5 inches; Width: 40 inches; Aerate: 10 galvanized steel spike disks; Wheels: 7" flat free wheels; Handle: Simple cantilever handle; Power Source: Manual; Hitch: Universal hitch fits; Dimensions: 31×48× 18 inches; Weight: 40.6 lbs.; Warranty: 3 years limited
Brinly SAT2-40BH-P Tow-Behind Spike Aerator
Brinly’s innovative 3-D galvanized steel tines don’t rust and bend to break up hard soil. They have 11 tine stars with 8″ diameters and 12 spike ends. Brinly’s SAT2-40BH-P tow-behind spike aerator is made of solid steel and has a twin tow bar.
A 5/8 inch solid steel axle and nylon spacers between each star make it durable. For optimal soil penetration and depth, a rigid weight tray can accommodate up to 150 pounds of extra weight. With a single lever, you can turn on the turf-tread transport wheels, which make it easy to cross driveways and sidewalks.
Each 8-inch-diameter star rotates independently and continues to revolve throughout tractor turns, resulting in fewer passes due to missing areas and fewer passes overall. It’s easy to attach to any rider, tractor, ZTR, or ATV with the provided universal hitch pin.
Type: Spike; Spike Length: 2 inches; Width: 40 inches; Power Sources: Fuel or battery; Solid steel Axle: 5/8 inches; Wheels: Turf-tread transport wheels; Hitch: Heavy-duty universal; Weight capacity: 150 pounds; Dimensions: 26 x 46.5 x 24.25 inches
Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator
Coring Aerator is a manual garden tool that is very appropriate when you use it for a few compacted lawn areas. This 37-inch tool height is engineered with durable steel to minimize back strain and make it easy aeration to the whole lawn.
It has two hollow tines that have the capacity to pull around 3.5 inches of soil plugs. It also includes a well-cushioned and comfortable handle that is powerful and easy to use.
This lawn aerator manufactured perfectly and comfortably footplate makes it easy to manually aerate and penetrate every single compacted area on your lawn. Additionally, it stimulates root growth through ” pruning” the roots and strengthens heat and drought tolerance in your turf.
So, this could be a great choice if you have a relatively small yard and don’t mind putting in some physical work. However, before using this tool, water your lawn first.
Type: Plug Aeration Method: Handheld Tool Height: 37-inches Spike Length: 3.5-inches Power Sources: manual Handle: Cushioned handle grip Dimensions: 1.75 x 8.75 x 36.5 inches Weight Capacity: Not Applicable
Why Do Experts Recommend This Product?
- Suitable for selective compacted areas
- 37-inch long height offers no back pain
- Including two hollow tines can pull out removes 3.5 inches of the soil plug
- Cushioned handle and easier grip for comfortable use
- Lightweight and easy to operate
- Durable construction for long time service
- Lifetime guarantee
Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes
Aerator shoes are another lawn aerating tool; you can aerate your lawn by just walking on it. In this way, you can get an effective body workout.
The Ohuhu Yard Aerator can be engaged to the bottom of any pair of shoes and penetrates 2 inches of soil through walking on the lawn.
It can be joined under the shoes with the help of velcro straps, making it simple for you to put on. Each shoe includes 13 stainless steel spikes.
It could take a little time to walk gladly with these shoes; however, once you are familiar with them, you can do not only aerations of the lawn but also an excellent workout to hold your health and fitness.
Type: Spikes Aeration Method: Spike attach below the shoes Spike length: 2-inches Number of spikes: 13 stainless steel in each shoe Shoe Width: 5-inches Power sources: Not applicable Weight capacity: 300 Ibs Dimension: 12×5×4 inches, Anti-slip bottoms & cleaning Shovel
Why Do Experts Recommend This Product?
- Adjustable to use with any pair of shoes
- Durable
- Excellent workout
- Easy to use
- Easy to store
- Budget-friendly tool
Gardzen Hand Hollow Tine Plug Aerator
Keep the aerator on the ground and put some force on it with your foot. This process can be done by the Gardzen Plug Aeration, which has hollow tines to remove the plugs of soil from the ground. In this way, Gardzen Plug Aeration aerates the soil effectively, though it needs manual labor.
Nevertheless, it is one of the most usable aerators for people who care for the environment and have some muscles. It is manufactured with high-quality steel that ensures durability and dependable performance.
Moreover, it is again cost-effective and costs way less compared to other substitute machines. This is the outstanding option that has smaller lawns making it easy access to air, water, and nutrients.
Type: Plug Aeration Method: Handheld Tine length: 1.57-inches Handle: 2 comfortable handles to grasp Dimensions: 15 x 12.05 x 2.52 inches Item Weight: 3.63 pounds Construction: High quality steel
Why Do Experts Recommend This Product?
- Comfortable handle and easy to use
- Appropriate for smaller lawns
- Easy maintenance
- Highly affordable price
- Easy to assemble with just 4 bolts and nuts
Things To Consider When Buying An Aerator
The top 8 best commercial lawn aerators are illustrated above with their massive overviews. But some discussion is mandatory before buying the best commercial lawn aerator, especially if you are a beginner. So let’s have a look below.
MANUAL VS TOW LAWN AERATOR
These are two numerously used aerators for lawn by people all over the world. Tow lawn aerators have adjustable settings, but manual aerators do not. As tow-behind aerators can be used with tractors or ATVs, they can minimize physical work effort. On the other hand, manual lawn aerators need a physical effort that can be tiring.
TYPE OF SOIL
One of the most important considerations when purchasing a lawn or yard aerator is the type of soil. Because the appropriate aerator varies based on the soil type. For example, if you have hard, clay soil or water pools in your grass after a storm, you should use a plug aerator.
Removing the larger chunks or plugs of dirt, air, water, and nutrients may enter the root zone of the lawn grass more easily. However, if your soil is loamy or sandy, the narrow puncture of a spike aerator is the ideal solution for your grass.
SPIKE LENGTH
The spike length is an important factor in the lawn aerator. Select a lawn aerator that has enough spike length to penetrate the soil deeply. The deeper you penetrate, the more healthy and thick grass you get on your lawn.
SIZE OF YOUR LAWN
Tow-behind aerators can’t perform well in small or narrow areas. Actually, tow-behind aerators are suitable for yards or lawns larger than one-half acre and aren’t irregular in shape.
On the other hand, a push aerator, aerator shoes, or handheld model is appropriate for smaller lawns and includes irregular-shaped grass spaces.
EASY TO USE
There are two types of commercial lawn aerators worldwide, one is manual, and another is powered or motorized lawn aerators. You may be exhausted or find it difficult to use a manual aerator, but it will be mostly lightweight.
On the other hand, the powered or motorized lawn aerators are easy to use; however, you need to check the weight, size, and material used before buying.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT AND STORAGE SPACE
A tow-behind aerator must need a tractor, ATV, or small utility vehicle. Tow-behind models and push models also require weights to assist them in penetration. Moreover, you need to consider the storage space required by all of this equipment.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Some frequently asked questions and answers will help you in buying an aerator.
Is aerating your lawn worth it?
Lawn aeration is very necessary for keeping the beauty and health of the lawn. Almost all lawns achieve an advantage from aeration while a great lawn demands it. Lawns that suffer from massive foot traffic, obsessive thatch ( >1 inch thick), or arise on heavy soil will benefit most.
When is the best time to aerate my lawn?
Professionals suggested aerating your lawn two times a year. However, it isn’t a strict rule. Feel free to aerate your lawn whenever you observe it is more compact, especially if it has more foot traffic monthly. In spring, try to aerate the lawn once, then do it again in the fall.
Should you buy a spike or plug aerator?
We recommend purchasing a plug aerator because it is more efficient in solving the issue of composite soil. In addition, the plug aerator removes mass from the yard rather than only poking, unlike the spike aerator; therefore, you can achieve the best results at last.
To what depth should you aerate the lawn?
The minimum depth of aeration should be three inches. You can go a minimum deeper by 0.5″, which should be enough to increase grass growth.
How do lawn aerators work?
Every type of lawn aerator makes small soil holes to allow water, air, and nutrients to the root zone.
- Plug aerators are best for clay soil; they are towed behind or handheld a lawn tractor and use hollow tines to dismiss plugs of soil.
- Spike aerators are best for sandy soil, and loose loam; they are pushed, shoes, handheld towed to puncture the ground with long spikes.
Should you aerate before you seed?
It is best to aerate your lawn during or before your grasses touch their peak time for natural growth. Though aeration is good for yards or lawns, it can stress grass if timed inaccurately. Also, excessive dry soil can be hard to aerate, so choose when there remains enough moisture.
Spike aerator vs plug aerator – which one is better?
To poke holes into the ground with a solid tine or fork, a spike aerator simply uses the tool. On the other hand, plug aerators remove a plug of grass and soil from the lawn. For getting the best results, choose an aerating machine or tool that really removes plugs of soil. Plug aerators work better in thick clay soil lawns than spike aerators because the solid tines compact the clay soil more when pushed into it.
How long should lawn aerator spikes be?
The aerator’s spike should be nearly 4 inches long. The aerator allows air, water, and nutrients to enter the soil deeper. Confirm that aerating your lawn takes the plugs out.
Final Verdict
A full list of the top commercial aerators for lawns of all sorts, such as small, medium, and large lawns, is covered above, as well as a comprehensive buyers guide for novices to select the best one. Then, simply select one of them based on your needs. We recommend a manual lawn aerator such as Yard Butler for a very small yard. Agri-Fab or Brinly plug or spike aerator is strongly recommended for a large lawn.
