You will agree that a heavily compacted lawn is not the best sight to have in the backyard.
There is a solution: using an aerator to soften the soil and make the air to access the ground.
But you need the best pull behind plug aerator on the market to do that and more.
The article lists the top five models that can make your work easier.
Table of Contents
Pull Behind Plug Aerator: Top 5 Model Reviews
We will get straight into the id-depth review of pull behind plug aerators.
1. Brinly PA-40BH Tow-Behind Plug Aerator
The 40-inch coverage of this aerator relieves and aerates compacted soil within minutes.
It contains 16-gauge, 24 heat-treated steel plugging spoons that penetrated the soil for up to 3-inch.
That allows the soil to receive enough fertilizer, seed, and water, giving the roots the required nutrients.
One great feature is the narrow ends that make it possible to penetrate the ground with less weight.
The model was designed to last longer thanks to the steel material and unique design.
You can add up to 150 pounds of weight to ensure that the spikes penetrate even hander surfaces.
Another notable thing is the no-flat wheels that assure you durability.
You can pull the aerator behind your ATV and have the confidence it will turn smoothly even on an uneven surface.
2. Brinly SA-40BH Tow-Behind Spike Aerator
You can count on the 40-inch coverage of this aerator to give you a soft lawn within minutes.
The system contains up to 10 tine stars of 8-inch diameter and 12 spikes for penetrating up to 2-inch in the ground.
That makes it the right model to use when creating space for seed, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.
Another thing is galvanized steel material used to make the stars to prevent rusting.
Besides, the system is quite durable and holds a maximum weight of 110 pounds.
Add the weight to enjoy maximum penetration to the surface.
The other great thing is the ability of the stars to rotate independently as this can save time.
It is a system that attaches to an ATV and requires little assembling.
3. Brinly PA-48BH Tow-Behind Plug Aerator
If you thought the first two models could save you time, this 48-inch unit would save you even more time.
It was designed to relive and aerate compacted soils using the 16-gauge, 32 heat-treated steel plugging spoons.
They are of quality construction and reach up to 3-inch in the soil to allow ease flow of seed, fertilizer, and water.
Also, the model is narrower at the end to ensure that it gets into the surface without requiring a lot of weight.
With that said, the aerator comes with a tray that holds up to 200 pounds to guarantee adequate aeration.
It also comes with a single transport lever that lets you engage the transport with ease.
4. Craftsman CMXGZBF7124213 Tow Plug Aerator
The product covers up the top 40-inch to ensure that you take less time preparing the soil for planting.
It comes with flat-free tires that roll smoothly on the lawn to guarantee easy operation.
Another notable thing is the lift handle that makes it easier to store the aerator against a wall.
You can count on the durability of this unit, thanks to the long-lasting heavy-gauge deck.
There is also a cantilever transport handle that makes it easy to use when lowering or raising the system.
Additionally, the 24 galvanized steel plugs let you aerator under wet conditions, and they reach up to 3-inch deep.
You can also add up to 140 pounds on the weight tray to enjoy deep reach.
5. Strongway Tow-Behind Plug Aerator
Strongway Tow-Behind Plug Aerator is a product that covers up to 48 inches when uncompacting the soil.
It features 32 independent coring plug spikes that reach up to 2.5-inch deep.
Another great thing is the weight tray that supports about 140 pounds of material.
You can cement blocks inside the tray to provide the force needed for the spike to reach deep in the surface.
The product has 10-inch pneumatic tires that make it possible to roll over different terrains.
Another notable feature is the pin-style hutch that enables you to attach or detach the aerator on your ATV.
The model lasts for years, thanks to the durable coating.
Buying Guide: Pull Behind Plug Aerator
You might have already chosen the right model for your need from the above review.
However, if you have not found one yet, here are some things that can guide you through this process.
Consider the Lawn’s Size
A large lawn can take hours to aerator if you choose a model with limited coverage.
With that said, you should consider picking a wide plug aerator that can cover a large surface at once.
You should also consider a system with a lot of spoons.
Soil Type/ Compaction Level
The type of soil determines the level of compaction you will experience in your yard.
For instance, clay soil often results in more compaction when compared to other grounds.
That is because of the fine particles.
Another thing that can affect compactness is the traffic that gets in your yard.
A place visited by many people often get harder than one less visited.
Here it would help if you had additional weight to ensure that the plug gets deep into the soil.
Hence, you should consider a tow-behind aerator with a tray that can hold a lot of weight.
Materials and Build Quality
Always pick a machine made of long-lasting material that gives it durability.
One thing to consider is galvanization, as it helps to prevent rust or corrosion.
That way, you can use the system when the soil is wet and have the confidence it will not get damaged.
Warranty and Reviews
A warranty gives you an idea of whether a product can last for years or months.
Some of these products come with a 3-month warranty while other covers up to 3-year.
The warranty ensures that you get a replacement if something occurs within that period due to the manufacturing process.
You can also check at the review of other buyers to know if a plug is worth buying.
Go online and look for both positive and negative feedback.
That way, you can buy your tow-behind aerator, knowing how it is likely to perform.
Ease of Operation/Movement
You want a product that you can low and lift without any hassle.
Also, get an aerator that you can attach to your ATV with ease.
It should also roll-on grounds with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pull Behind Plug Aerator
Here are some questions that lawn owners ask about tow behind plug aerators.
Q: How Well Do Pull Behind Aerators Work?
A: Tow behind an aerator might not match the aeration process of a core aerator, but they help to remove the soil’s cores and soften the ground.
They are useful if you have a large yard or a place you rent regularly.
You might not want to use a gas model to uncompact such an area.
Q: Is it ok to Aerate in the Summer?
A: It is advisable to aerator when spring is coming to an end and through the summer.
You will help your yard during this time but avoid aerating during a drought or heatwave.
It can easily damage the lawn instead of making it look better.
Q: Which Aerator is Better: Spike or Plug?
A: Plug and spike aerators help to alleviate the effect of compacted ground on your grass.
A plug model is more effective than a spike one as it does not compact the soil further like a spike one.
The spike model does that when penetrating the soil.
Q: What Should I do Before I Aerate My Lawn?
A: You should mow the lawn and water it before you aerate it.
Ensure that you water it at least two days consecutively to the day of aeration.
The times will penetrate the wet soil better than the dry one.
Final Words
The best pull behind plug aerator is designed to allow you to add seed, water, and air to flow in your lawn.
We have looked at five models that you can choose out there and even a buying guide.
Pick the one that meets your needs.