Tow-behind aerators are attachments for lawn tractors or ride-on mowers that enable you to aerate a medium to large lawn with ease. They come in the same variations as manual aerators with some models having hollow tines and some going for a blade or solid spike aerator approach. The other key differentiators between models, other than their construction and materials quality, is their track or width and the method of applying additional weight to push through even the most stubborn of thatch or hard ground.
There are two main methods of increasing the weight of a tow-behind aerator, adding solid blocks such as cinder blocks or by filling the drum with liquid. For the largest of aerator attachments this can add up to 400lbs of additional weight to the device so ensure that your lawn tractor has enough power (or just don’t add so much weight!).
This is by far the easiest way to the aerate even a medium sized lawn and certainly gets our recommendation.
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The Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator has a 4 feet wide track and 32 tines that can be weighed down by up to 175 pounds of dry weight. Great value.
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The Yard Tuff Drum Plug Aerator – 36in.W, Model# DE-36 features 54 removable tines on an 18″ diameter drum that can be water filled to add 400lb weight.
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The Precision Products PA42GY 42-Inch Plug Aerator features 32 steel tines and independent tine motion that allows you to make turns as you tow the aerator.
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The Brinly-Hardy Spike Aerator – 40in., Model# SAT-40BH represents excellent value with 132 spikes across the 40″ axle giving excellent aeration potential.