9 Best Lawn Plug Aerators Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Lawn Plug Aerator Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide

 

If you want your lawn to be perfect and you need the best lawn plug aerator to help it breathe, yet you don’t have too much time at disposal to browse the many option lists available online, this paragraph might be of help. After carefully considering the features of some of the most popular items in this category, we concluded that the first option to take into account is the Brinly PA-40BH Tow Behind Aerator. The unit is committed to helping you aerate and relieve compacted soil and thus comes with a design that will remove plugs of soil and allow for water, fertilizers, and seed to reach the roots. To make sure that such tasks are carried out successfully, the item features a durable construction and an easy-to-use design. However, if this product is currently unavailable, a reliable alternative is the Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Aerator.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

9 Best Lawn Plug Aerators (Updated Reviews) in 2024

 

 

Using a quality lawn plug aerator holds great importance when it comes to how your lawn looks and how well it breathes. Finding the right one for you might not be easy, given the many models available for sale. To ease your shopping process, we have compiled below a list of lawn plug aerator reviews. Check it out for a more informed decision.

 

 

1. Brinly PA-40BH Tow Behind Aerator

 

Built to keep your lawn healthy, this aerator is packed with features that will help you cater to your lawn-needs easily and comfortably. The unit features a durable steel and thoughtful design that will make sure your lawn gets aerated and relieved.

The spoons used will penetrate the compacted soil and pull plugs of soil thus allowing various nutrients to reach the roots. Furthermore, the aerator comes with an enclosed all-steel weight tray that can hold up to 150 pounds of additional weight. To ensure strength and keep up with heavy use, the tines are heat-treated.

Thanks to the single transport lever and the treaded wheels, moving around is comfortable and easy. What’s more, the three independently rotating sections will enable you to use the unit safely and efficiently even on turns and uneven ground. The universal hitch makes it easy to attach the unit to lawn tractors, ATVs, and other such vehicles.

 

Pros

Durable and easy-to-use, this lawn aerator plug will help you keep your lawn healthy and in mint condition for a long time.

To make sure that employing it frequently is not a problem, the product sports quality steel that promises to stand the test of time.

Thanks to the three independently rotating sections, you can effectively and safely employ the unit even on uneven terrain.

To help water, seeds, and fertilizer reach the root system, the product boasts 16-gauge steel core spoons that will penetrate the compacted soil and remove plugs of soil.

The enclosed train was built to ensure flexibility and durability, and hold up to 150 pounds of additional weight.

Due to the universal hitch, you can easily attach the item to a lawn tractor, ATV, or other similar vehicles.

 

Cons

Assembling the unit might not be that simple since the item features various pieces that need to be put together.

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2. Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Aerator

 

Helping your lawn look better and stay healthy is easier with this unit as it was designed to ensure ease of operation and enhanced efficiency and durability. The product is built to loosen compacted soil and remove 3” plugs of soil. By doing so, the aerator makes it easier for water, seeds, and nutrients to reach the root system.

The 32 galvanized plug aerator knives featured will make sure that this process is carried out effectively whereas the universal hitch will allow you to attach the unit to any tractor. The three rotation sections ensure proper penetration and aeration even on uneven ground.

The tires allow for easy transportation whereas the handle can be used to raise or lower the plug easily even from your tractor seat. The item also sports a durable weight tray that can hold up to 175 pounds. Video instructions are provided to help you assemble the unit.

 

Pros

If you’re looking for a lawn plug aerator that you can easily employ to help your lawn thrive, this model might be cut out for you as it sports features that will help you do so for a long time.

Thanks to the 32 galvanized plug aerator knives, the unit will penetrate the lawn and pull out plugs of soil thus allowing nutrients and water to reach the root system.

The unit was built with ease of operation in mind and, therefore, comes with a transportation handle that you can reach even from your tractor seat to raise or lower the plug.

The universal hitch is bound to fit any tractor whereas the three rotating sections enable you to use the product effectively on turns and uneven terrain as well.

 

Cons

Some parts of this product might not keep up with heavy use and the assembly instructions might not help much.

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3. Field Tuff FTF-48PA3PT Plug Aerator

 

Aerating your soil is bound to be significantly easier with this product as it was designed to ensure effectiveness, durability, and comfortable operation. The item sports 54 coring plugs and each of them is 5.83″, which means that the unit will penetrate up to 3″ deep into the soil to aerate it. This renders the item ideal even for soils that have a high clay concentration.

The heavy-duty steel and powder-coat finish promise to ensure durability and corrosion resistance. The plug aerator also boasts a tray that can hold up to 200 pounds of additional weight.

The plugs can be replaced when the need arises and the feet are retractable so you can reduce wear on the plugs. The item can be easily attached to any category 0 or 1 tractor. Given that it has a working width of 48″, the aerator will help you cater to your needs fast and efficiently.

 

Pros

If you have a generous lawn you need to take care of, this 48″ plug aerator might be right up your alley as it will help you aerate it in no time, given its dimensions.

To ensure effectiveness, the unit comes with 54 coring plugs that are committed to penetrating the soil up to 3″ deep.

The quality of the material used and the way it was designed make this option ideal even for soils with a high clay concentration.

The tray featured can hold up to 200 pounds of additional weight whereas the heavy-duty steel and powder-coat finish promise to provide you with hours of efficient operation.

To help you employ the item at its full potential, the plugs are replaceable and the feet retractable.

 

Cons

You might need to add weight to the unit in order to ensure effective operation.

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4. Agri-Fab 45-0474 SmartLink

 

Without essential nutrients reaching its roots, grass can’t grow, yet thanks to this aerator you can easily help water and other vital nutrients to reach the root system of your lawn. One of the things that make this product an option worth considering is its design.

Even if the item is a great space saver and is smaller than other units in this line, the product provides effective operation thanks to the 24 galvanized knives featured. The knives were designed to ensure optimal soil penetration and remove plugs of soil. By doing so, it will help the grass grow healthily.

Since the aerator is made for outdoor use and can thus be exposed to various elements, it features rustproof knives that won’t damage anytime soon. Moreover, the powder coat paint is scratch resistant. The plug aerator can be easily attached to a SmartLINK master platform as the process requires no tools.

 

Pros

If you’re interested in a lawn plug aerator that is easy to use, effective, and durable, this product might be cut out for you.

To keep up with extended outdoor use and the various elements it can be exposed to, the item has rustproof knives and a powder coat paint that is scratch resistant.

The 24 galvanized knives will make sure the soil is loosened properly and thus water and other nutrients reach the root system to allow for grass to grow healthily.

Thanks to its design, the aerator can be easily attached to the master platform; no tools are required.

The item measures 42 x 13 x 13 inches, which makes it a great space saver; moreover, it makes it easy to attach it to the platform and carry it from one place to another.

 

Cons

Even if it shouldn’t be difficult to attach the aerator to the platform you use, no instruction manual is provided.

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5. Brinly PA-48BH Tow Behind Plug Aerator

 

Designed to keep your lawn healthy and help grass thrive, this model is packed with noteworthy features that ensure optimal soil penetration and aeration. Due to the 32 spoons, the item can penetrate compacted soil and remove up to 3″ plugs of soil. This further translates into nutrients reaching the roots of your lawn and thus healthy grass growth.

The steel used will make sure that employing the item frequently won’t damage it. The product also features a durable tray that can hold up to 200 pounds of additional weight. The rubber tread tires make it easy to transport the aerator whereas the universal hitch can fit tractors, ATVs, and other such vehicles.

What also makes this product stand out is its design featuring four independently rotating sections that are committed to ensuring consistent penetration and effective operation even on uneven terrain.

 

Pros

Sporting a thoughtful design and materials that promise to stand the test of time, this plug aerator is worth adding to your list of options if you want to keep a perfect and healthy lawn.

Thanks to the 32 spoons employed, the unit is bound to penetrate compacted soil and remove up to 3″ plugs of soil, which means that water and other nutrients will reach the root system more easily.

Since this activity requires a durable plug aerator, this model sports quality steel; moreover, it comes with a tray that can hold up to 200 pounds of additional weight.

Transporting the aerator is easy as the unit comes with rubber tires; plus, attaching it to tractors or ATVs is a simple process as it boasts a universal hitch.

 

Cons

Going around the house and corners with this unit might be a bit difficult, given its dimensions.

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6. Craftsman CMXGZBF7124213 Red

 

If what you want is a durable, effective, and easy-to-use aerator, this model might be what you need as it checks all the boxes. To ensure such benefits, the product comes with 24 galvanized knives that can remove up to 3″ plugs of soil.

This means that you can get the soil ready for spring and fall planting and that the root system will get the water and nutrients it needs to thrive. In case you need tougher coring action, you can use the wide tray included to add extra weight. It can hold up to 140 pounds.

The flat free tires ensure easy and smooth transportation whereas the universal fit hitch can be attached to any brand tractor. The transport handle ensures comfortable and rapid raising and lowering. What’s more, the plug aerator features a design that makes it easy to store the product.

 

Pros

Committed to keeping up with extended use, this plug aerator features durable materials and a design that ensures ease of operation and storage.

To penetrate the soil deeply and remove up to 3″ plugs of it, the unit boasts 24 galvanized knives.

Since the item has a universal fit hitch that can be attached to any brand tractor, you can employ the unit to aerate while you mow.

The product also comes with a durable weight tray that can hold up to 140 pounds in case you need to add additional weight for tougher coring action.

The tires will make it easy to transport the aerator; they also ensure hassle-free maintenance.

The handle will make it easy for you the raise or lower the item whereas the product’s design ensures ease of storage.

 

Cons

Assembling the plug aerator might be a bit tedious and take time, especially if you’re new to this.

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7. Field Tuff FTF-60PA3PT 3 Point

 

Built with big lawns in mind, this plug aerator shouldn’t be ignored before you make your final decision as it promises to ensure fast and effective aeration even when employed for wide lawns. Given its features, the item can be used even to aerate soils with a high clay concentration.

The 60″ unit has 66 coring plugs to deliver such results. Each plug is 5.83″ and can penetrate the soil up to 3″ deep. By doing so, the item allows the soil to breathe and nutrients to reach the roots. The plugs are replaceable, so you can easily get new ones when the need arises. The heavy-duty steel and powder-coat finish ensure durability and corrosion resistance.

The weight tray included can hold up to 225 pounds of additional weight and the unit can be easily used with all category 0 and 1 tractors.

 

Pros

If you’re on the lookout for a durable and effective plug aerator for wider lawns, this product might be right up your alley as it has a working width of 60″, which makes it stand out.

Due to the 66 coring plugs featured, the item can penetrate the soil up to 3″ deep and thus help your lawn thrive.

To help you use the aerator at its full potential, the plugs can be replaced with ease when the need arises.

Since this a plug aerator designed for tough jobs, it boasts quality heavy-duty steel and a powder-coat finish that will keep up with extended use and resist corrosion.

What’s also great about this particular model is that the weight tray employed can hold up to 225 pounds of additional weight, which is quite impressive.

 

Cons

Given the product’s dimensions and design, you will have to raise it in order to turn.

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8. Strongway 32 Coring Plug Aerator

 

Getting the soil ready for spring or fall is easier when using this plug aerator as it was built to ensure effective, fast, and easy operation. To deliver such results, the item sports 32 coring plugs that can penetrate the soil up to 2 ½” deep, which means that the root system will get the water and nutrients needed to thrive.

Given the product’s working width of 48″, you can aerate your lawn faster and do so effectively. Furthermore, thanks to the weight tray featured, you can add up to 140 pounds of extra weight for tougher coring action.

The 10″ pneumatic tires ensure smooth transportation whereas the pin-style hitch makes it easy to attach the unit to your ATV or lawnmower as no tools are required. The powder-coat finish used further enhances the product’s durability and the handle enables you to lower the tines and raise the wheels off the ground.

 

Pros

Give this product a try if you want a plug aerator that can help the soil breathe and get various nutrients down to the root system.

With a working width of 48″ and 32 coring plugs, the item will help you aerate compacted soil rapidly and successfully.

What makes this item so effective is that the plugs can penetrate the soil up to 2 ½ ” deep, so the water and other nutrients can reach the deeper roots.

In case your needs call for tougher coring action, you can easily add up to 140 pounds of extra weight to the tray featured.

Smooth transportation is ensured by the 10″ pneumatic tires; what’s more, the handle will help you lower the tines and raise the wheels off the ground when needed.

 

Cons

In case the soil in your yard has a high clay concentration, it is best to use the aerator once there’s steady rain to ease the process.

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9. Brinly AS-40BH Aerator Spreader

 

In case you’re time-poor and you’re interested in getting a product that will help you aerate the soil and drop seeds and fertilizers at the same time, this model is worth paying attention to. The 2-in-1 unit will help you cater to such needs simultaneously and thus save you precious time and effort.

The heavy-duty aerator features 8″ galvanized tine spikes will penetrate the ground up to 2″ deep as well as a steel drop spreader that will enable you to drop seeds or fertilizers directly into the aerated soil. All this translates into fast and effective aeration and fertilization.

Moreover, the unit can hold up to 120 pounds of seeds and fertilizer, which means that you won’t have to stop too often to refill it and get the job done faster. The flow control featured can be adjusted so you can spread the granular materials with minimal waste.

 

Pros

Featuring a 2-in-1 design that helps you aerate and fertilize the soil at the same time, this unit will help you cater to your needs faster saving you not only time but also effort.

Using it is nothing complicated as the item sports a heavy-duty aerator with galvanized spikes to penetrate the soil and a steel drop spreader to drop fertilizers and seeds.

By dropping seeds and fertilizers directly into the aerated soil, you will get that lush lawn with less effort.

To further save you time, the unit comes with a special tray where you can add up to 120 pounds of seeds and fertilizer, so you won’t have to stop too often to refill it.

Thanks to the adjustable flow control, accurate spread patterns and minimal waste are ensured.

 

Cons

Assembling the unit might not be a simple and easy process and some of the product’s parts might bend on hard ground.

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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Whether you’re new to gardening or you’ve already gained some experience in this field, you need to make sure that you use the best gardening tools and equipment in order to achieve the best results. A lawn aerator is vital if you want your lawn to be healthy and green.

A lush lawn starts with healthy soil. Such a product will help you make sure that the soil breathes and the water and nutrients needed for the grass to grow reach the lawn’s roots. Soil can dry or become compact, especially in a hot climate area. This means that the deeper soil won’t have access to water, fertilizers, and nutrients when that happens.

Here is where lawn aerators come into sight. They create long holes that allow for vital elements to reach the roots so your lawn can thrive. However, if you don’t know where to start your shopping process, here is a list of key features to consider before making a purchase.

Types of lawn aerators and your lawn area

A quick online search will show you that there are different lawn aerator types. Choosing between them is what might make the entire process a bit challenging and time-consuming. Think of your particular needs and identifying the right unit will be easier.

The market offers manual lawn plug aerator and push lawn plug aerator models that are ideal for medium-sized gardens. Keep in mind that since these types are manual, aerating your lawn will require your physical effort.

In case you have a small lawn, you can also go for aerator shoes. Such products make a great option especially if you have to deal with trickier or narrower lawn areas. They also fall into the manual lawn aerator category, though, as you will have to strap the shoes onto your feet and then walk around your lawn to penetrate the ground using your bodyweight.

For larger lawns, it is best to choose a gas-powered or tow-along aerator over a manual one since a traditional manual push or plug unit would require greater physical effort. Not to mention that the entire process might be time-consuming. Powered or tow-along aerators will cover a greater area with minimal effort on your behalf.

If you decide on a tow-along aerator, make sure that the vehicle you use ensures easy attachment. Such units can be employed with ATVs, lawn tractors, and ride-on mowers.

 

Materials used and durability

The efficiency of a lawn aerator depends on a variety of factors. The parts used to penetrate the soil lead to other aerator categories. You will find aerators that feature needles or spikes to penetrate the soil and units that come equipped with knives. Choosing between these options is a matter of personal preference.

However, you should not be flexible on the materials used for the aerator. Even if your budget only allows you to purchase a cheap lawn plug aerator, don’t compromise on quality as less durable materials might actually cost you more in the long run.

More expensive units come with heavy-duty steel and even a powder-coat finish to ensure extended use. Think of your lawn area and the effort required to aerate properly and choose accordingly.

 

Aerator width and weight tray capacity

Once you’ve decided on the type of aerator you want for your garden, you need to consider its working width. A larger lawn area calls for a wider aerator as such a model will help you aerate the soil faster. Still, if you have lots of bushes and other plants in your garden, a wider aerator might stop you from reaching the trickier areas and taking corners.

If a smaller aerator would imply too much effort and time and your budget is not limited, you could buy a wider aerator for the clear area and complete the aeration equipment with a pair of spiked shoes as we’ve mentioned before. The shoes would help you aerate the narrower areas and thus cover the entire lawn.

Some lawns might require tougher coring action. Here is where the weight tray capacity plays an important role. Quality and durable aerators feature trays that allow you to add up to 200 or even 225 pounds of extra weight. Think of the type of soil in your area. If additional weight is needed, choose a model that comes with a wider and durable tray.

 

Ease of use and assembly

Keeping your lawn healthy shouldn’t involve great physical effort or get you exhausted. Consider the way an aerator is designed and the ease of operation provided. Today’s offers include many affordable lawn plug aerator models that are easy to use, transport, and store.

Such products usually require assembly and, since most of them include various parts, the assembling process might not be simple. Look for units that come with instructions to help you get it together.

It is always a good idea to read a lawn plug aerator review before buying a product and see what other buyers say about it. You might thus find out more about the pros and cons of a certain model.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What is a lawn plug aerator?

A lawn plug aerator is a garden tool that creates holes in the soil and thus helps nutrients and water reach the roots of your lawn. Soils that are compacted and have a high clay concentration will make it difficult for your lawn’s roots to access oxygen and other essential nutrients.

You can aerate your lawn with a spike or plug aerator depending on your lawn and its particular needs. Spike aerators come with a roller and several spikes that will puncture the soil in order to create space for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots.

Plug aerators make use of hollow tines that remove plugs of soil. Such units also leave small gaps in the soil to allow essential nutrients to reach the root system. The market now offers both manual and powered aerators. You can even find spike shoes for narrower lawn areas or trickier parts.

Q: How often should you aerate your lawn?

Aeration is recommended at least once a year, preferably twice, and should be done just before or during periods when the grass should grow. The type of grass you have will help you determine the aeration frequency as some grasses require aerating more often.

For example, if you have cold-season grasses such as fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass, it is recommended to aerate the soil during the grass’ period of growth in the spring and fall. If warm-season grasses including zoysiagrass and buffalograss make up your lawn, you can aerate the soil between late spring and the beginning of fall.

If you want to aerate in the spring, make sure you do so after you’ve mowed the lawn. There are a few important steps to take after you’ve aerated the soil in order to enhance its benefits. Watering the lawn and applying fertilizer after aeration are recommended.

 

Q: What’s the difference between spike and plug aerators?

Even if their purpose is the same, spike and plug aerators do come with a few differences and each type is more suitable for certain conditions. Spike aerators feature a roller with several solid spikes that puncture the soil to create space for water, air, and nutrients to reach the lawn’s roots.

Plug aerators, also known as core aerators, feature hollow tines that remove plugs of soil and leave gaps in the lawn soil. This helps the roots access air, water, and other nutrients. Core aerators are usually employed for soils with a high clay concentration. Spike aerators might compact this type of soil even further since the solid tines they feature push into the ground.

Both types of aerators come with advantages, yet spike aerators ensure more of a temporary benefit. However, in order for both types to be effective, the aeration process should be carried out in specific conditions.