5 Best pull behind lawn aerators that you deserve

The best pull behind lawn aerators can help you keep your lawn looking great by removing plugs of soil and thatch. This can improve water and air penetration, allowing the grass to grow more healthily. Several different aerators are available on the market, so it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. In this article, we will look at the five best aerators on the market and explain why they are worth considering.

Tired of thin turf, dull grass, and bare patches? Your lawn may have compacted soil. Difficulty in reaching the roots of your lawn due to compacted, hard soil. Excessive lawn thatch or dense organic waste beneath the grass can also choke roots. 

The 5 Best Pull Behind Lawn Aerators Reviews

Although there are many different types of lawn aerators available on the market, five stand out among the rest. These are the best pull behind lawn aerators that can be used on any type of lawn.

Agri-Fab 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator

Aerate your lawn in just minutes with the Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator. This aerator is a great way to keep your lawn healthy and vibrant.

The Agri-Fab 48” 45-0299 Plug Aerator will quickly improve your lawn. The 48” Plug Aerator will release compacted soil. It will remove 3” of dirt to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach your lawn’s roots. This will help your grass grow strong and healthy, giving it that professionally trimmed look. The 48” plug aerator incorporates a 140 lb weight tray for extra soil penetration. 

The unit has 32 self-sharpening plug aerator knives. The flat-free tires make travel easier and require less maintenance. The transport handle makes lowering the plug aerator from the tractor seat simple. 

The plug aerator’s universal hitch fits any tractor. This 48” Plug Aerator Tow Behind Lawn Groomer from Agri-Fab will last for years with appropriate care. Our items have a 3-year warranty.

Agri-Fab 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator
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Why Do Experts Recommend This Product?

  • A weight tray on the 48-inch plug aerator for further soil penetration.
  • The unit has 32 self-sharpening plug aerator knives.
  • The 9 3/4” x 2 3/4” flat-free tires make transporting easy and maintenance-free.
  • The plug aerator’s universal hitch fits any tractor.
  • The transport handle makes lowering the plug aerator from the tractor seat simple.
  • 3 welded knife parts spin individually for optimum coverage when turning.

Brinly PA-40BH Tow Behind Plug Aerator

The Brinly 40” Towable plug aerator is ideal for lawns with compacted or clay-rich soil. Since 1839, Brinly has been making outstanding lawn and garden accessories. 

This plug aerator has 16-gauge heat-treated steel plugging spoons that break up 3-inch soil obstructions, allowing water, oxygen, and fertilizer to reach the roots. For easier penetration, Brinly plugs are narrower with pointed tips. 

Steel construction with an enclosed weight tray holds up to 150 pounds for optimal soil penetration and depth. Heat-treated tines are strong. Longevity is ensured by no-flat wheels.

The Brinly plug Aerator’s transport mode uses 10” semi-pneumatic rubber tread tires. The aerator has a complex system of gears and levers that helps it stay stable while turning or traveling over rough ground. This allows the aerator to work safely and effectively on turns and uneven terrain.

A single pin universal hitch fits most lawn tractors, ztrs, and ATVs. You can service each plugging spoon individually, making it easy to replace if a Tine breaks.

Brinly PA-40BH Tow Behind Plug Aerator
Click the image to check the price on Amazon

Why Do Experts Recommend This Product?

  • 16-gauge heat-treated steel plugging spoons
  • Steel construction with an enclosed weight tray
  • 10” semi-pneumatic rubber tread tires
  • Heat-treated tines and no-flat wheels
  • A single pin universal hitch fits most lawn tractors
  • You can service each plugging spoon individually

Craftsman 36-Inch Tow Spike Lawn Aerator 

The Craftsman 36-Inch Tow Spike Lawn Aerator is a great way to aerate your lawn. It’s easy to use, and it will leave your yard looking fantastic. The Craftsman 36-inch tow spike lawn aerator is a must-have for any homeowner who wants to improve the quality of their lawn.

This spike aerator weighs only 40 lb, making it easy to move around. For easy maneuverability, portability, and storage in your garage or garden shed without a lot of fuss. It looks hard, but it is pretty easy assembling this spike aerator. Just take your time and be ready to roll.

Heavy-duty spikes made of PE net can go up to 2-1/2 in. to dig down into the soil. It helps grassroots get the oxygen and water they need for healthy growth when you aerate your lawn.

This aerator has a 10-gauge steel frame for durability. The enclosed weight tray keeps the spikes weighted down to penetrate the ground quickly.

The adjustable hitch ensures a perfect fit with any tractor or ATV, making quick aerating your lawn. The universal design means this aerator can be used with any standard 2” trailer ball, making it easy to get started right away.

Finally, the Craftsman 36-inch tow spike lawn aerator comes with galvanized nine spikes in the shape of stars that penetrate deeply into the soil.

Craftsman 36-Inch Tow Spike Lawn Aerator 
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Why Do Experts Recommend This Product?

  • Weighs only 40 lb
  • It can go up to 2-1/2 in.
  • 10-gauge steel frame
  • Enclosed weight tray
  • Adjustable hitch
  • Universal design

Agri-Fab 40” Pull Behind Spike Aerator

The Agri-Fab 40” Spike Aerator can improve your lawn in no time. Air, water, and nutrients reach the root system through aeration. Aerating your grass in the spring breaks up the compacted soil caused by the cold winters. 

With 10 galvanized spike disks that quickly penetrate the soil. Its 40” operating width maximizes the affected area. The aerator spike is pre-assembled, saving time. Smooth transport with two 7” flat-free tires. The weight tray can be increased by up to 100 lbs. 

Easy-to-use cantilever travel handle for blades. The universal hitch fits any lawn tractor. The Agri-Fab 40” Spike Aerator will survive for years with careful care and application. This product is covered by a 3-year limited warranty.

Agri-Fab 40” Pull Behind Spike Aerator
Click the image to check the price on Amazon

Why Do Experts Recommend This Product?

  • 10 galvanized steel disks
  • 7” flat-free wheels
  • Heavy gauge steel deck 
  • Welded drawbar
  • 100 lbs weight capacity
  • 3-year limited warranty
  • Easy assembly and maintenance
  • Universal hitch with folding option

Brinly PA-482BH-A Tow Behind Plug Aerator

Brinly’s 48” core aerator is the perfect solution for removing detrimental soil compaction and revealing a lush lawn. Since 1839, the Brinly-Hardy Company has made great lawn and garden equipment in Indiana.

16-gauge heat-treated Steel plugging spoons break up 3-inch soil obstructions, allowing water, seed, and fertilizer to reach the roots. For easier penetration, Brinly plugs are narrower with pointed tips.

All-steel design with fully enclosed The weight tray may withstand up to 200 pounds of extra weight for enhanced soil penetration. Heat-treated tines are strong. Longevity is ensured by no-flat wheels. 10” semi-pneumatic rubber tread tires make transport simple. It is possible to work securely in curves and on uneven terrain.

A single-pin universal hitch mounts quickly and simply to any lawn tractor and most ztrs and ATVs. Individually serviceable plugging spoons allow for easy replacement of each plugin.

Brinly PA-482BH-A Tow Behind Plug Aerator
Click the image to check the price on Amazon

Why Do Experts Recommend This Product?

  • 48” width core aerator
  • break up 3-inch soil obstructions
  • 16-gauge heat-treated steel plugging spoons
  • 10” semi-pneumatic rubber tread tires
  • Withstand up to 200 pounds of extra weight
  • A single-pin universal hitch

What To Look Before Purchasing A Pull Behind Aerators?

You should keep in mind a few things when looking for the best pull behind aerators. Price, features, and quality should all be considered when making your purchase. Hopefully, this article has helped you narrow down your choices and find the perfect pull behind the lawn aerator for your needs.

Which is better: spike or plug aerator? – Spike aeration is best suited for small lawns with mild compaction. In contrast, plug aeration is best suited for large areas with severe soil compaction and repairing extreme soil conditions.

Unlike spike aerators, plug aerators draw up cores of grass and soil from the yard. This decreases soil compaction and allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. This allows the soil “plugs” to dissolve and return nutrients back into the soil, fostering healthy grass growth.

Aerator width – If you have a large property, choose a wide aeration width aerator like Agri-Fab 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator. If you have a small property, choose a wide aeration width aerator like Craftsman 36-Inch Tow Spike Lawn Aerator.

Spoons number – The more spoons you have, the better. Wide aeration width versions have more spoons, removing more soil cores every pass.

Core depth – Aeration improves soil nutrient and water penetration. 3 inches core depth is ideal for most compacted situations.

Tray weight capability – Pull behind variants have a weight tray to help push the spoons into the soil. A 100 lb tray is sufficient for most compact areas; however, tougher soils may require a bigger capacity tray.

Pneumatic vs. flat-free tires – Pneumatic tires with air might get flat when using an aerator over rough terrain. Flat-free tires do not deflate and are more expensive than pneumatic tires.

Why Do You Choose A Plug Aerator?

Many landscapers overlook the need for lawn aeration. A lawn’s roots may lack oxygen and nutrients without aeration. The best way to keep your lawn looking healthy and green is by aerating it regularly. This can be done with a manual aerator or a pull behind plug aerator. 

A manual aerator is a small tool that you use to poke holes in the ground. A pull behind plug aerator is a larger tool that you attach to your lawn tractor or ATV. It pulls behind the vehicle and pokes holes in the ground.

Plug aeration removes soil plugs to allow air, water, and fertilizer to reach the root system. The soil “plugs” are left on the lawn to decompose and replenish important nutrients after aeration. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some frequently asked questions will help you aerate the lawn.

Does pull behind the aerator work?

Pull behind aerators operate and can be very useful for large yards. Choose a spoon plug model and weigh it down to truly dig into that compacted dirt. People also use a soil conditioner to soften the soil before aerating.

Should I pick up plugs after aerating?

These plugs are important for the health of your lawn. After the lawn has been aerated, don’t try to “clean” it. Do not remove the plugs.

Can you walk on the lawn after aeration?

No, you can’t. The seeds and fertilizer require time to settle, and the soil could become overly compacted. Walking or mowing on a newly aerated lawn can stunt seed germination and deplete soil nutrients.

How long does it take grass to grow after aeration?

Keep the seeds moist but not soggy after aeration and overseeding. Germination takes 10-21 days after overseeding, and the top 1” of moist soil helps this process.

What should I put on my lawn after aerating?

After aerating your grass, let soil plugs or additional soil dry. They’ll crumble or break down in the rain, adding healthy soil and organic matter to your grass.

Should you seed after aerating the lawn?

After aerating, overseed, fertilize, and hydrate your lawn within 48 hours. Seed, fertilizer, and water will best penetrate the aerator’s holes if applied soon after aeration.

Should I water grass after aeration?

Your lawn’s watering requirements following aeration and overseeding will differ from usual. Your lawn will need less water but more often. You must keep the soil moist but not for too long.

What month should I aerate my lawn?

Aerate your lawn in the spring or fall for cool-season grasses and late spring to early summer for warm-season grasses.

Can you Dethatch After aerating?

You can dethatch and aerate at the same time, especially if you have grass debris and compaction issues in the spring. It will help establish better grass next season.

Why do we need soil aeration?  

Soil aeration is important because it helps to improve drainage, water infiltration, and root growth. It also helps break up soil compaction, which can lead to poor plant growth. Aeration can be accomplished using a tiller, spade, or fork to loosen the soil or an aerator machine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a lawn aerator is a great tool to have in your arsenal for keeping your lawn healthy and looking great. It is a quick and easy way to improve the look and health of your lawn, and it is a relatively inexpensive tool to own. If you are looking for ways to improve your lawn, then I would highly recommend investing in the Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator, a great aerator for your lawn. This aerator will give you the perfect lawn you deserve.

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Jeffrey Bromley
Jeffrey Bromley

Jeffrey Bromley is an experienced lawn care professional with over 13 years in the industry. He is the owner of The Lawn & Landscape Company and the founder of Lawn Gardeners Blog. His passion for lawn care extends beyond his business ventures, with a personal commitment to helping individuals take better care of their yards.

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