Choosing the Right Tow Behind Aerator

For an average-sized model, expect to spend $300-$700. With rental prices of around $100 a day, purchasing one will eventually save you money. Plus you can avoid the hassle of transporting it to and from the aerator rental center each time you need it.

Be sure that the aerator you choose can be correctly attached and pulled by the lawn mower or tractor you own. Their size, width, length and weight vary by model, so read specifications carefully. Most are 3-4 feet wide and about 5-6 feet long. They typically weigh 500-1000 pounds before any additional weight is added. On average, a tow-behind will aerate at up to 4mph, or around 1.5 acres per hour.

Most tow aerators have multiple tine wheels that rotate as they move over the ground. Choose ones with hollow tines that will remove dirt cores over those that have solid spikes for the best results. Curved models will follow the contours of the ground better and will more consistently aerate in uneven areas. Be sure that the design allows you to turn when the tines are in the ground, making it much easier and faster to maneuver.

How to Use an Aerator

Begin by properly attaching the tow lawn aerator to the tractor or lawn mower. If necessary, add additional weight with lead, sand or water depending on how the aerator is designed. The extra weight helps the tines get farther into the compressed soil. Start aerating, then check to see that they are getting in deeply enough. If not, try adding additional weight.

Tow aerators  or pull aerators are wider than other kinds of aerators. This means that more area is covered in a faster time, with more tines putting more holes into the ground. They make quick work of larger lawns. However, the additional width makes them more awkward to maneuver. It is best to go in long rows or in a circular pattern around the lawn. Be sure to carefully clean dirt and any small stones from the tines after each use.

When to Aerate

Aerating should be done at least every three years. Ground that is heavily compacted or easily compacted will need to be aerated more frequently, every year or two. It is important to have good soil conditions for lawn aeration before beginning. If the dirt is too hard, it will be difficult for the tines to get far enough into the ground and make quality holes. If the soil is too soggy, the holes will not last very long and the process will not be as beneficial.

Also pay attention to the time of year you plan to aerate. In general, aerate in the early spring or late fall. The grass will do best with a month of cool (but not cold) temperatures and plenty of water. Aeration is stressful on the grass plants and can cause them to dry out more quickly, so it is best not to aerate in the summer. After aerating is a great time to overseed and fertilize. You’ll see the most benefits from all three when you do them in conjunction.

How does aerating benefit my lawn?

Using a tow behind aerators to aerate you lawn, helps your lawn look greener and reduces the cost of watering by:

1) Reducing soil and root compaction

2) Reducing water run off and improving drainage.

3) Reducing drought stress and the probability of drought damage.

4) Helps to break up and decompose thatch.

5) Aerating allows water, air, nutrients and fertilizers direct access to the root system.

6) Helps lawns get established and helps with reseeding.

How do pull aerators work?

Pull aerators attach to a tractor or a riding lawn mower. If soil is dry or compacted you will need to add weight to the aerator to get it to work properly. For best use, tow the aerator either in straight lines back and forth or in a circular pattern. Some lawns will get the best results by making two passes over the lawn with a tow behind aerator.

How do I use a Pull aerator?

5 steps to using a Tow Behind Aerator:

1) First, attach the tow behind aerator to your riding lawnmower or tractor.

2) Fill aerator with weight, either by adding lead, water, or sand.  The amount of weight needed depends on how dry or compacted the soil is.

3) The next step is to test the pull aerator to make sure it is going to desired depth.

4) Aerate lawn as mentioned above. Make two passes if necessary.

5) Clean out tines using water,  a rag and if needed a small flat screwdriver to dislodge dirt and small rocks.

The major advantage of a pull aerator is that they are typically wider than most other kinds of aerators so they save you a lot of time when you aerate.  Because they are wider they are a little harder to maneuver. Another advantage is that they are relatively cheap because you don’t have to buy the mower.  Lastly they can often do two things at once, such as aerating and over seeding or aerating and fertilizing.

In the long run, buying a pull behind aerator is a lot less expensive than renting.  Pull behinds range in price from $100 to $700 versus $70 to $110 dollars to rent a tow behind aerator for a single day.  It doesn’t take very many aerations to pay for your tow behind attachment. Plus having an attachment can also save you a lot of time.  If you already have a riding lawn mower or a tractor, a towable aeration attachment will upgrade the capabilities of your rig.