When soil compaction or thatch build-up becomes a source of concern on your lawn then the need to perforate the turf so that air, water, and nutrients are able to penetrate the roots of the grass. There are 2 ways to aerate your lawn via either manual aerator methods or via lawn mower/ATV/tractor attachments. In this post we will review the top 3 pull behind core aerators.
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The 3 Best Pull Behind Core Aerators
Aerator tools come in two types:
- Solid Tine Aerators (spike and flat).
- Hollow Tine Aerators (core or plug).
We recommend you use hollow tine aerators (also known as core aerators or plug aerators). We have explained the reason for using hollow tine core aerators on our post the best way to aerate a lawn, but knowing how to aerate is only half the story; you also need to know which lawn aerator is the best choice for you.
1. Agri-Fab 45-0299 48″ Plug/Core Aerator – best commercial pull behind core aerator
The Agri-fab pull behind core aerator is the perfect choice for those of you who need a big player. It can handle not only the toughest of turfs but is also one of the best tow-behind aerators for uneven ground.
The cantilever transport system of the Argi-fab 45-0299 48″ pull behind core aerator can easily be attached to a lawn mower or ATV in a matter of seconds via the universal hitch. Attaching the aerator requires no tools.
It is capable of opening up compacted soil and penetrating thatch by removing “plugs” from the turf in order to allow air and moisture to reach the lawn grass roots as you tow it.
Offers the best soil penetration
Penetrating the soil is a breeze thanks to its 32 sturdy galvanized “knives” (four on each one of its 8 spools).
To ensure an effective soil penetration, this plug aerator comes with 48″ weight tray. This tray is capable of holding up to 175 lbs of weight.
The capacity to added extra weight on the aerator ensures that the aerator’s knives can penetrate even the hardest of turf.
The aeration depth can be adjusted up to 3-inches.
If you have very challenging turf this is the perfect aerator for you.
Highly durability
The 45-0299 is built to last.
It has extremely durable 10″ by 4″ pneumatic flat-proof tires that allow for smooth transportation and that require zero maintenance.
It allows for a smooth movement over all kinds of terrain.
The galvanized 8 spools of curved aerator knives are not only very durable but are completely rust-proof.
They are made of high quality galvanized steel which means they are very resistant to rust and should remain rust-free if they are cleaned after every use.
Very easy to operate
The aerator knives can be lowered or raised easily from the driver’s seat via the ergonomically placed transport handle.
This allows it to be moved across the affected ground with ease.
Main features of the Agri-Fab 45-0299 pull behind core aerator
- 48″ working width.
- 175lbs weight tray capacity.
- Capable of penetrating the toughest soil types.
- Coring-points are made from heat-treated steel, so they won’t buckle or break under heavy loads.
- Plug/core type towed pull behind aerator.
- Pneumatic tires that provide great traction and maximum manoeuvrability while also being gentle on the turf.
- 32 galvanized steel core points – 8 aeration-spools (with 4 knives per spool).
- Aeration depth can be adjusted up to 3″.
- Single lever engagement operation from driver’s seat via the cantilevered handle.
- A universal hitch-pin.
2. Brinly PA-40BH Tow Behind Plug/Core Aerator
The Brinly 40″ core aerator is slightly smaller than the Agri-fab and can’t handle as much weight.
However, it is the perfect choice for anyone who wants the same type of quality results but who doesn’t need as big an aerator as the Agri-fab and who don’t have very uneven ground to work on.
The 24 sturdy steel plug spoons of this 40″ Brinly tow behind core aerator are capable of penetrating up to 3″ of compact soil.
It is a high performing aerator which decompresses the soil and breaks through tough thatch to allow for air, water, and nutrition to penetrate the root system.
Offers great soil penetration
The three independently rotating sections of this product contain 24 core points constructed of 16 gauge steel.
The aerator can penetrate the toughest of turf up to a depth of 3″.
The durable weight tray is designed to offer maximum support for extra weight up to 150 lb so the core points can penetrate even very tough turf.
Unlike the Agri-fab the tray is fully enclosed which ensure the weights will not fall off even on very uneven terrain and at higher speeds.
This ability helps to improve the effectiveness of this product on uneven hard clay or soil that is heavily compacted or filled with deep thatch.
Very durable
The PA-40BH is very durable and made from high quality materials.
Each 16 gauge steel spool is rust-resistant though they can be replaced individually to enable inexpensive and quick servicing should the need arise.
The 10.5″ x 3.5″ transport wheels are semi-pneumatic.
The Semi-pneumatic tires are more than capable for most turf though if you have very uneven and challenging ground this aerator may struggle.
Easy to operate
A single lever engages and disengages the spools for easy transport between areas.
Main features of the Brinly PA-40BH pull behind core aerator
- 40″ working width.
- 150lbs weight tray capacity.
- Capable of penetrating the toughest soil types.
- Coring points are made from heat-treated steel, so they won’t buckle or break under heavy loads.
- Plug/core type towed pull behind aerator.
- Semi-pneumatic tires that provide decent traction and manoeuvrability.
- 24 aeration 16-gauge steel core plugs.
- Aeration depth up to 3″ maximum.
- Single lever engagement operation from driver’s seat.
- A universal hitch-pin.
3. Precision Products PA42GY 42″ Plug/Core Aerator
The Precision Products PA42GY is a compromise between the Agr-fab 45-0299 and the Brinly PA-40BH having a mix of attributes from both.
It is a 42″ wide pull behind core aerator with a 150 lb load capacity and 32 steel core points.
Reasonable soil penetration
The 32 core plugs can penetrate hard turf easily.
The core plugs can reach up to a depth of 21/2 inches – a 1/2 inch less than the Agri-fab and Brinley.
But, their 13 gauge steel means they can penetrate even the hardest of soil.
The 42″ weight tray offers a generous 150 lb capacity ensuring the core plugs can penetrate even very hard turf.
Superior durability
Precision Products have constructed the frame of this 42″ pull behind core aerator from 11 gauge steel for durability and rust-resistance.
The 10″ pneumatic wheels mean this tow-behind aerator can handle rough terrain and higher speeds.
The 11 gauge steel frame has a yellow dichromate finish for extra durability and a longer-life.
32 core points re made from 13 gauge steel for extra strength and durability.
Very easy to operate
The PA42GY has an easy to use single-lever action for engaging the aerator directly from the driver’s seat.
Main features of the PA42GY pull behind core aerator
- 42″ plug width.
- 150lbs weigh tray capacity.
- Capable of penetrating most turf.
- The core points are made from 13 gauge treated steel so they can withstand heavy loads.
- Plug/core type towed pull behind aerator.
- 10″ pneumatic tires.
- 32 aeration steel core plugs.
- Aeration depth up to 2 1/2 inches.
- Single lever engagement operation from driver’s seat.
- A universal hitch-pin.