Gardening

Everyone desires to have a beautiful garden area with an eye catching grass lawn but to get control over the size of the grass growth and to maintain it properly will turn to be a big task. The lawn mowers will definitely help you in this situation of trimming the grass in your garden area. 

With lawn mowers, you can cut the grass evenly and remove it by simple push of the mower. There are different types of lawn mowers available in the market. So, choose the best one that suits your requirements. Before going into the topic, you need to keep these 3 things for purchasing the best lawn mower.

Cutting Width – The wider the cutting blades, the more quickly you can cover the lawn area and thereby the fewer rounds needed to cut the grass.

Lawn Size – Based on its size, you have to decide what kind of mower you have to buy and how much its capacity should be. 

• For small lawns (up to 100 sq.m), you can use electric or manual mowers. 
• For medium lawns (100 – 250 sq.m), use electric or battery power lawn mowers.
• For large lawns (above 250 sq.m), petrol power lawn mowers work best. 

Starting Technology – This starting technology depends on the type of the mower you’re using for mowing your yard. In general, petrol lawn mowers are a bit difficult to start rather than electric mowers.

Don’t get confused in choosing the best lawn mowers. Here we are providing you with a buying guide along with some best lawn mowers (which we pick up with some research on the market) available in the market. All you need is to go through the Buying Guide and pick the one that suits best for you in mowing your lawn.

Best Lawn Mowers in India

Lawn Mowers	Cutting Height	Cutting Width	Weight	Warranty	Height Adjustment Levels	Buy Now
Makita Japan Lawn Mower	20 – 55 mm	37 cm	14.2 kg	6 months	3 levels	Check the Price
Black + Decker Lawn Mower	20 – 70 mm	34 cm	13.5 Kg	2 years	6 levels	Check the Price
Sharpex Lawn Mower	20 – 80 mm	-------	25 Kg	180 days Off-site warranty	6 levels	Check the Price
Sharpex Classic Lawn Mower	15 – 35 mm	-------	12.8 Kg	6 month	5 levels	Check the Price
Falcon Lawn Mower	12 – 30 mm	380 mm	12 Kg	6 month	3 levels	Check the Price

5 Best Lawn Mowers in India

To reduce your confusion on purchasing the lawn mowers, here we are presenting you some best lawn mowers that are widely used in India. Go through these products and choose the best one which suits your requirements.

1. Makita Japan 1400 W Electric Lawn Mower

Makita is a prevalent brand in the power tools market in which they manufacture several tools and equipment like drilling machines, lawn mowers, chainsaw and other quality products.

Makita electric lawn mower works on push style mechanism with a foldable frame for easier storage. It works best for mowing the office lawns and normal sized yards that has 500 m2 area. It is lightweight and easy to use lawn mower built with a strong UV resistant plastic body. 

Product Information: Dimensions – 65 X 49 X 35 cm, Weight – 14.2 kg, Cutting width – 37 cm, Power – 1400 W, Noise level – 83 dB (A), Cutting height adjustment – 3 levels of 20 – 55 mm, Brine tank – 35 l, Warranty – 6 months, Electric Motor – 1.8 HP

It has 35l storage space for the grass to collect into the bag and it covers the entire lawn quickly with its cutting width. All you need is to adjust the cutting height at three levels as per your need to get the perfect trim of grass and to make your lawn look beautiful.

Pros

• Suited for normal sized gardens (500 m2 area)
• Cutting height can be adjusted in 3 levels
• Easy to assemble, use and store this lawn mower
• Body build with a strong grade plastic with 18/10 steel (chromium/nickel) to enhance the shine, durability and resistant to rust. 

Cons

• The manufacturer (Makita) is not providing you with any power cable. So, you have to buy the cable as per your desired length from outside. 
• Some users say that you have to sharpen the blades after repeated usage and not suitable for mowing your large lawns or thick grass.

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2. Black + Decker Electric 1400 W Lawn Mower

The Black + Decker electric lawn mower (1400 W) will come with bike handle for easy handling (or easy steering) and good looking which works well in keeping your lawns or garden look beautiful. It is ideal to use for small to medium sized yards (up to 400 square meters). It uses EdgeMax technology that makes it easy to cut right up to the edges using the full width of the blade. So, there is no need to go backwards and forwards to tidy up as you go.

It is equipped with 1400 W motor and a 13 inch winged blade (80% better collection) that allows for improved cutting and collection of grass. It is made of strong plastic with red and grey color. It can be accessing hard to reach areas where under garden furniture, shrubs and bushes with low profile nose design.

It has a high performance cutting system that maintains a quality stall free cut, even in long or damp grass. Its large sturdy rear wheels cope easily with bumps and rough terrain and improve maneuverability. 

Product Information: Dimensions – 75.2 X 38.2 X 41.4 cm, Weight – 13.5 kg, Power – 1400 W, Warranty – 2 years from the date of invoice, Grass collecting box – 40 l, Cutting width – 34 cm, Blade size – 13 inch

It has 6 adjustable height settings (front and back axle height adjust lever 20 – 70 cm) that make it perfect for cutting your grass and it also has a 40l grass box capacity which lasts multiple lawn mowing sessions. It comes with an indicator that alerts the operator whenever the grass collection box needs emptying. 

Pros

• The on board cable storage facility keeps the long and practical cable tidy and tangle free.
• Cutting heights of 6 level height adjustment (20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm & 70 mm) are available in one simple movement by using a simple one touch adjustment lever. 
• Consumes 1400 W power to tackle overgrowth
• Suitable for medium sized up to 400 square meters. 
• It comes with 10 meters of extension cord. 
• Made of sturdy plastic and the machine is lightweight which can be moved easily

Cons

• Longer grass (or thicker grass) cannot be cut in a single go.
• Not suitable for large lawns
• It is a walk behind lawn mower in which you have to push and walking with this lawn for proper mowing. 

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3. Sharpex 16-inch Blade 1800 W Electric Lawn Mower

Sharpex products has engineered and innovated a large range of products, including gardening and agriculture. It is mostly connected with urban and home gardening market with their appearance, shape and features.

Product Information: Dimensions – 88.89X58.39X61.02 cm, Weight – 25 kg, Grass collecting box – 55 l, Power – 1800 W to 2800 RPM, Blade size – 16 inches (cut up to 20 – 75 mm at a time), Material – Steel, Color – multicolor

It uses a powerful 1800 W electric motor for quick and efficient mowing of the lawn (sucks dry leaves, germs, etc.). Another feature in this mower is that it comes with 100 feet clearly visible fluorescent cable which help you to mow your lawn without any additional power cable set up.

It has the capacity to cut 20 mm to 80 mm height grass with its 6 level height adjustment option. Front wheel 6 inches and rear wheels 6 inches. It also has 55 Ltr grass box (hard top grass catcher) detaches easily for convenient disposal in which it comes with full metal body for repeated usages. 

It is a fully Indian made single phase that uses 220 Volt 2 hp electric motor (resemble induction type with copper winding). 

Pros

• Free accessories that include 30 meters’ visible fluorescent orange cable, one extra blade, tool kit and cleaning brush are available with this product.
• Offers a 6 level height adjustment cutting to catch all the excess grass
• The 16 – inch blade of this mower will get the job done quickly.
• It saves a lot of time and labor owing to the inbuilt grass catcher.
• Easy to assemble, use and store this lawn mower. 
• Suitable for medium to large sized lawns.

Cons

• The metal used for making the body of this mower has increased its weight, which makes you unable to pick it easily.

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4. Sharpex Classic Push Manual Lawn Mower

This is another product from the Sharpex company. This is a manual grass mower in which the blades spin vertically to cut the grass by using a scissoring action. Your physical action of moving this mower will help to cut the grass to an even height with revolving blades. This mower not only cut the grass but also helps to maintain the garden area neat and clean with its grass catcher bag (as accessories). 

It is light weight and easy to operate with no maintenance that is most suited for small and medium sized lawns. You have to add ample of force to push it and blades spin around to cut the grass. The blades are made of abrasion – resistant, high carbon, nickel alloy steel which makes it resistant to bear and break. 

Product Information: Weight – 12.8 kg, Blade size – 16 inch, Material – steel, Color – multicolor, Warranty – 6 months, Cutting height – 15 to 35 mm, Height adjustment level – 5 stages

This mower and catcher is of sturdy construction with perfect combination of durable wheels with metal gear rim inside. These blades will perform an excellent cutting actions by not leaving any trimmed residue behind and thereby keep your lawn highly well-organized every time. 

Regular look over will definitely improve the lawn mowers performance and thereby extend its life. So, store the mower in an area that protects the machinery from changing weather conditions. 

Pros

• Easy to operate and maintenance free
• Detachable grass box
• Light weight and easy to assemble
• Requires no fuel or power source 

Cons

• Not suitable for rough terrain, thick and large lawns
• Some users say that it is somewhat a bit difficult to assemble the machine and suggest to have a user manual along with this product.

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5. Falcon Easy 38 Hand Lawn Mower

This Falcon easy 38 high carbon steel 15-inch hand lawn mower is used to produce the finest cutting of grass due to light weight cylinder mower. It has high impact plastic wheels with rubber tyres. The 2 parted power coated pipe handles will allow you to push it properly without any strain and it is sturdy and rust free.

There is a grass collector which is made of quality plastic virgin along with this mower to make you strain free in collecting the grass. Make sure to clear the grass collecting bag after your mowing your land. 

Product information: Cutting width – 380 mm, Number of cuts per meter – 40, Cutting height – 12 to 30 mm, Weight – 12 kg, Dimensions – 64 X 45.7 X 30.5 cm, Model number – Easy-38, Warranty – 6 months, Color – multicolor

It has powder coating paint and cylindrical suspension ball bearing which allows you to trim the grass with 3 cutting heights adjustments (12 – 21 – 30). It is easy to assemble, operate and store.

Pros

• No electricity or gas required for its working. So, it is ready to use lawn mower.
• A 3 cutting height adjustments with 40 number of cuts per meter.
• Powder coated paint to prevent it from corrosion
• Easy to handle, operate and store.
• Works well for small lawn areas that trim the grass perfectly.

Cons

• Difficult to mow on thick grass, carpet lawn or large grass lawns with its single blade.
• Not suitable for medium to large sized yards.

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Best Lawn Mowers in India – Buying Guide

Whether you’re a first time investing in lawn tools or an experience one but looking to upgrade your lawn tool equipment (like lawn mower), you need the best quality lawn mower to cut the grass in less time with more accuracy and thereby to maintain your lawn look beautiful. Just go through the buying guide in which we provide all the information essential to buy a lawn mower before purchasing it. 

What is a lawn mower?

A lawn mower (or Grass Cutter) is a simple device used to cut grasses and thereby help to maintain the lawn beautiful with even grass height. These are straightforward machines with wheels which allows you to navigate around the yard. 

Things to Consider while Buying a Lawn Mower:

Here are a few important things to keep in your mind for buying the best product in less time, as per your requirements.

Let’s get into those factors…

1.Lawn Size

The first and most important thing to consider before buying is your lawn size. Based on its size, you have to decide what kind of mower you have to buy and how much its capacity should be. As a general rule of thumb, if you have lawn area of about 1/2 acre or less, then you can choose push lawn mowers or self-propelled mower. If you have more than 1/2 acre of yard, then its best to use a riding mower.

2. Types of Lawn Mowers

Although, you will find a number of different lawn mowers that are designed efficiently to cut the grass. To make your choice of a mower easier, we have divided them into three main types, based on their working mechanism.

• Walk Behind Mowers (Most commonly used in India)
• Riding Mowers
• Tow Behind Mowers

Let’s get in to them in detail….

a) Walk Behind Mowers:

This type of mowers are traditional lawn mowers that are ideal for small to medium sized lawns. These are mostly budget friendly and environmentally geared lawn mowers. They are easy to assemble, operate and store due to their small size and light weight mechanism. This walk behind mowers comes in a variety of styles.

• Reel Mowers – Works ideal for small yards less than 1/4 acres for clean cut of grass. Some physical effort is required (to push) for its operation. 
• Corded Electric Mowers – Works ideal for small to medium sized gardens and uses some electric power source (extension cords) for its operation.
• Cordless or Battery Powered Electric Mowers – Works ideal for medium lawns and be either petrol powered (offer a high performance engine and self-propelled) or battery powered (growing popularity for performance improvements and low cost). 
• Gas Powered Mowers – Works ideal for small to large, flat or uneven yards under 1/2 an acre. It delivers more power and its tank can last till the entire yard mow. Can be self – propelled or push models.
• Rotary Lawn Mowers – Act as a versatile type of mower, as it cope up with different types of lawn like rougher areas of grass or slopping banks. It uses blades that rotate horizontally to cut the grass (for long grass or large yards) by using either electric or petrol powered.
• Cylinder Lawn Mowers – It uses a series of blades at the front of the machine to rotate against a fixed bottom blade. It is perfect for level lawns and fine, short cuts and available in hand pushed, petrol and electric powered models.
• Hover Lawn Mowers – It works the same as rotary mowers that float on a cushion of air and works ideal for garden features curved edges, borders or flower beds. Extremely lightweight to push and easy manoeuvrability. 

b) Riding Mowers:

To avoid working long periods of walking and standing for mowing your land or having a large lawn, then it comes the usage of riding mowers. These riding mowers as the name suggest ride on the lawn with cutting widths ranging from 26 – 66 inches that allow to cut a lot of grass in very less time. It appears like a small vehicle in which it requires maintenance throughout the year. This riding mowers comes in a variety of models.

• Rear Engine Riders – These are smaller in size with compared with other riding lawn mowers and works ideal for medium sized yards and also best for people lacking budget and storage space.
• Tractors – The most popular form of lawn mowers and are chosen by a lot of people due to its overall benefits. It works ideal for large lawn in which the lawn looks neat after the work due to powerful motor and dual blades that helps to mow the lawn properly.  
• Zero Turn Lawn Mowers – The zero turn lawn mowers has a turning radius of zero and have engine placed at the back. It has twin engines that handle well the rear wheels individually and thereby help to mow the lawn effectively. It works best in an unsettled terrain or obstacles area of your lawn.

c) Tow Behind Mowers:

It is most suited for mowing the commercial landscapers, professional users who have larger lawn area, or taming the wild brambles of an overgrowth field. They don’t propel themselves and need to be connected to any riding mower (It is a perfect companion to your tractor or ATV) or other vehicles. 

However, the one who has large swaths of tall grass or even small saplings will be cleared easily with the usage of tow behind mower. There are various models available like gang reel mowers, trail mowers, trail cutters, etc. but they are not that much popular in the Indian market till now. 

d) Robot Lawn Mowers:

It is an advanced invention, costly device but it makes mowing hassle free. All you need is to set the program and once installed, it will mow the lawn – cutting, mulching clippings back into the lawn. The best alternative to a ride on or petrol lawn mowers. The lawn area to be mowed depend up on the capability of the robotic models. 

3. Terrain

Consider terrain of your lawn as a factor before buying this lawn mower, whether the lawn is flat and clear or hills and obstacles? In general, small flat lawns use a standard push mower or a reel mower whereas the hills to navigate uses a self-propelled mower, which uses its engine to power the wheels for proper functioning. If you have rocks, fountains, flower beds or any other lawn decorations to mow around then consider a zero turn radius mower which is steered around the obstacles easier than any standard ride on

4. Starting Technology

The starting mechanism is very essential to check before purchasing a lawn mower to experience a trouble – free lawn mowing. This starting technology depends on the type of the mower you’re using for mowing your yard. In general, petrol lawn mowers are a bit difficult to start rather than electric mowers.

• Some lawn mowers have the electric starting systems which eradicates the pull starts and simply prime up the engine and rotate the key to get faster, trustworthy starts deprived of any preservation necessary.
• Some have automatic choke starting systems that are built for all set operation. For this, you have to engage the security handle and jerk the starter rope for a stress free start which helps to eradicate choking
• The primer starting system will work by pumping the precise quantity of gas inside the carburetor for faster and effortless one pull ignition.
• The unique ready start from the Briggs & Stratton will assist in eradicating the tension and the annoyance of starting the lawn mower. 

5. Clippings

The clippings are another important factor to consider while talking about lawn mowers. In general, most of the manual reel lawn mower will discharge the grass clippings onto the lawn. So, here bagging and mulching mowers will play an essential role.

• Bagging is a process used to gather the cut grass which is accessible as both side and rear bagging lawn mowers. This type will provide advanced maneuverability about the trees and landscaping all over the garden with ease. It helps in getting a renewed looking lawn on every single occasion you mow the grass.
• The mulching mowers will shred the grass into thin pieces with its mulching blades and return them back to the garden in which it turns into a natural fertilizer to enhance the soil fertility. Both bagging and mulching helps to cut the grass and clean the yard but the mulching eradicates the time you spent in discharging the grass out of a bagging lawn mower.

6. Cutting Width

The wider the cutting blades, the more quickly you can cover the lawn area and thereby the fewer rounds needed to cut the grass. Choose a mower with the right cutting width for the size of your lawn. For example, too small a cutting width on a large area will take much longer time to cut all the grass and vice versa.

• For small lawn – choose a mower with a cutting width between 30 cm and 34 cm (less than 50 square meters)
• For medium lawn – look for a mower with cutting width between 35 cm and – 40 cm (in between 50 – 150 square meters).
• For a large lawn – buy a mower with cutting width bigger than 40 cm (more than 150 square meters).

7. Lawn Edges

A few mowers will mow close to the lawn edges and around the obstacles, which helps to reduce the time spent afterwards for trimming the missed grass by using a grass trimmer or shears. So, choose the one that has features like grass combs for perfect mowing of your lawn.

8. Adjustable Height

Adjusting the height of your blades is also important why because it cut the grass up to the mark you want. Be ensure that it is easy to change the height by simply moving a level or change the height of each individual wheel or add spacers under the cutting blades (or remove it) to adjust the height. So, check the size and type of your yard before buying the suitable mower. 

Some lawn mowers come with a fixed length handle while other will help you to adjust it between a range of heights to make it convenient and comfortable to use. So, check the mower handle height before purchasing it. Some can be easily hung up or stored vertically to reduce the space to occupy. 

9. Leaf Managing Ability

Although, there are numerous advanced lawn mowers are coming into the market with this innovative feature. This ability will enhance the lawn mower to siphon off, tatter and thereby grab the leaves with a screen that moves in the middle of ejection chute and cutting blade. Also, check that the mowers will deliver a pristine cut, mowing grass and weeds at an even height.

10. Reliability and Warranty

This is another important thing to consider before buying a lawn mower. Some best brands are giving at least a 2-year warranty on the mower and some are including a lifetime warranty for polymer decks. Most manufacturers offer warranty only on the defects in the material or workmanship under normal use and its maintenance.

11. Durability

Make sure to check for the engine features and advanced technologies like maxi-clean filters or the overhead value technology (OHV) that help to turn the lawn mower engine last for a long time. 

12. Deck Size

The deck size will also play an important role as it indicates how wide the mower blades, simply bigger deck means bigger blades. Generally, the decks range from around 20 – 70 inches but most of the users chose the decks with a width between 30 and 60 inches.

The wider decks will cut larger paths on each pass which means less time to cut the lawn but the only thing is that it is hard to navigate around the obstacles like flower beds and bushes. Here comes the usage of smaller decks which are easy to maneuver but require more passes.

13. Attachments

Everyone want to have product that’s compatible with various attachments or accessories which helps to increase the utility of the machine. Some of those attachments may include rakes, lawn aerator, dump carts, lawn rollers, grass clipping, utility carts for transporting tools and materials, snow blowers, fertilizer spreaders, etc. 

14. Cost

Before buying anything, we need to check with the price, as we operate on a budget. Buying a lawn mower is an investment that has to last with you for a long time. So, always consider cost along with the value (that includes operating, maintaining and running cost of the mower). So, choose the best that suits in your budget. 

15. Sounds

Some mowers (old ones) produce an excessive sound while operating, which causes some irritation. A few lawn mower brands offer a specially intended mufflers to diminish (works with inbuilt technology) to the sounds of the lawn mower throughout the operation without disturbing others.

16. Brand

Most of us will check this parameter before buying any product (especially an electronic device) in which we get the assurance of quality and goodwill along with the brand. Always keep in mind that for any brand, you should read the reviews attached to know what the end consumer thinks about the product and whether it reaches your expectations. 

Expert Advice

Everyone need an expert advice to overcome a difficult situation or buying any product. Here for you, our experts (researched the market well) are giving the best advice for you before buying this lawn mower.

Sharpex 16-inch Blade 1800 W Electric Lawn Mower (or) Black + Decker Electric 1400 W Lawn Mower which is suitable most for Indian lands.

Conclusion

Choosing a good lawn mower will help to keep the grass green and healthy. Before buying any lawn mower, go through the buying guide and the best products which we provided in the article to get good idea on which you have to purchase the lawn mowers for you mowing your land. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The use of natural fertilizer will definitely help for the healthy plant growth and yield best results. Although, it is cost effective (waste from garden and kitchen) and organic but the only thing you have to do is to use a compost aerator with some regular inspection on the compost bin.

Composting is the best practice used to reduce trash in landfills and enrich the soil to help plants grow healthier. It is a nature’s way of recycling the waste and also reduces the release of methane gas (leads global warming). So, to perform this action smoothly, you have to use compost aerator.

Here, in this article, we are providing you a Buying Guide and information along with some best compost aerators, which will help you to know all about compost aerator. Just go through the guide before buying the aerator that suits your requirements. 

Best Compost Aerators

Compost Aerators	Model Type	Height	Weight	Warranty	Buy Now
Lotech Compost Crack Twist Aerator	Corkscrew	32 inches	1.5 pounds	Lifetime Limited	Check the Price
Garden Weasel Compost Aerator	Corkscrew	38 inches	2.5 pounds	--------	Check the Price
Bosmere Compost Aerator	Plunger	36 inches	2.1 pounds	--------	Check the Price
Lotech Compost Crank Compost Aerator	Corkscrew	45 inches	2 pounds	Lifetime Limited	Check the Price
Yard Butler Compost Aerator	Corkscrew	38 inches	4.5 pounds	--------	Check the Price

5 Best Compost Aerators

1) Lotech Products Compost Crank Twist Compost Aerator

The compost crank twist is especially designed for an easy, fast and highly effective way to use in any compost bin (that has just leaves and food scraps or dense sticks and vines) to enhance the composting process. You can use either one hand or both hands for performing this action comfortably.

Body Material – It is made of 3/8-inch stainless steel material (with anti-rust finish) and equipped with a non – slip comfortable grip. The depth of 29 inches and height of 32 inches will make it as an effective product with light weight of about 1.5 pounds.

Working Mechanism – It is a corkscrew compost aerator that works by simply grasping the curled handle and start twisting the tool clockwise down into the pile. Then lift it straight up without turning. This action will pull the compost up from the bottom and thereby mixes thoroughly and aerates. 

The process of twist in and twist back out will create air holes and spread moisture. Twist in the center, lift out and shake compost to the side to dig a hole and bury fresh material which makes this compost crank twist a complete and high quality composting tool.

Pros

• The aerator never clogs
• Highly durable 
• Easy to use, clean and store
• Lifetime limited warranty
• Rated as one of the best corkscrew compost aerators – produced by Lotus products, USA.

Cons

• It breaks clods from the bottom after lifting

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2) Garden Weasel Compost Aerator

The Garden Claw is a versatile garden tool which is specially designed to cultivate, loosen, aerate and weed (CLAW) your land. It also works best in turning your compost material into composter. 

Body Material – This medium duty tool is great for many soils and bins (small or big). The tines are made of durable stainless steel material in which its design and construction is in line with industrial standards and requirements. The weight of this product is 2.5 pounds with dimensions 6X12X38 inches. 

Working Mechanism – Just stand fully upright over the area and place the head on the soil or compost bin and then turn the comfort grip handles to aerate your compost. The tool has four turning tips that produce twisting action to turn the contents of your compost for enhanced aeration and quick decomposition. It also works best in aerating your land.

So, this compost turner is great for any compost bin with its spiral turn action and no bending feature. It is easy to hang and has comfortable grip handles. 

Pros

• Easy to clean and store
• Fully assembled and ready to use
• Made of sturdy material 
• Alternatively used as a lawn aerator
• Won’t experience any bending or lifting while using this tool for turning any material or soil.
• Allows you to reach a decent turning depth with its 38 inch height and use for any taller compost bins (commercial use).
• Cost effective and time saving
• Rotates moisture in the ground and packs the compost with air

Cons

• Cause a little muscle strain while turning in closely packed materials
• The tines may clog while using this aerator for commercial purposes

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3) Bosmere Compost Aerator

The Bosmere compost aerator comes under the design of plunger aerator. This aerator will activate the compost heap at all different levels and thereby assist the decomposition. 

Body Material – It has two sects of activating wings which fold to push into the compost and open out to aerate. The tool is made of non-rust steel with a vinyl hand grip. You can adjust the handle for left or right handed use. It weighs 2.1 pounds with 36-inch height. 

Working Mechanism – Place this aerator over your compost and push down and pull up to mix the compost heap. When folded, the wings give a streamline structure that makes it easier to push turner into the pile and pull the tool upwards to activate the wings. This process will enhance the mixing and aeration for proper decomposing. 

Pros

• Suitable to aerate the compost heap at all different levels
• Durable and effective tool
• The wings fold for easier penetration
• Handle can be adjusted for left handed or right handed use. 

Cons

• Some users say that the wings are a bit fat which makes it hard to push into the pile.

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4) Lotech Products Compost Crank Compost Aerator

Another effective tool manufactured from the Lotech Products is compost crank compost aerator which works well for compost tank that has high walls. It is a highly effective tool that penetrates any material easily and can be suitable to use in any type of compost bins.

Body Material – It is an American product and the machinery are made from recycled parts. The tool is highly durable made of solid 3/8-inch stainless steel with comfortable free spinning glass filled nylon handles and stainless steel washers with anti-rust finish. The most important feature in this tool is 45 inches tall with an effective depth of 29 inches and weight of 2 pounds that makes it easily work through vines and other troublesome ingredients. 

Working Mechanism – All you need is to simply grasp the free spinning handles and then crank clockwise into the pile. Lift it upwards without turning and repeat the same action layer by layer for proper aeration and to enhance decomposition. Here the corkscrew pulls compost up from the bottom to get thoroughly mix and aerate the compost.

When once the material is loosening with repeated actions then you can go deeper into the pile. You can reach every corner of the bin with this tall compost aerating tool 

Pros

• Highly durable and easy to use
• Effective at turning and aerating compost
• Comes with lifetime limited warranty
• Handcrafted in USA
• Taller turner at 45 inches
• Featured with free spinning glass filled nylon handles and stainless steel washers.

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5) Yard Butler Compost Aerator

The extra wide high leverage handle and weight centering middle step plate of this Yard Butler Twist Tiller will make it as an effective aerator tool that works best for both your lawn and compost. This is widely used for mixing compost, adding soil amendments and digging holes for planting. 

Body Material – It weighs 4.5 pounds and 38 inches tall with a step plate that centers you over the tool for proper pushing. It has solid 1/2-inch powder coated steel shaft and a wide 12 inches T handle that helps to reduce the effort of twisting.  

Working Mechanism – Simply drive the six claw spikes of this tool deep into the compost and twist it by using the force of your body to rotate the sharp angled claw tines. Pull it to mix the compost heap. Repeat it till the contents in your compost pile are mixed thoroughly.

Pros

• Yard Butler offers a full No Risk 30-day satisfaction guarantee
• Durable
• Used as a best lawn aerator
• Solid steel shaft – unbreakable tines

Cons

• The tines may clog if used for a longer time.
• Not suitable for big compost bins (or) for commercial purpose.

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Best Compost Aerators – Buying Guide

What is a Compost Aerator?

A compost aerator is a garden tool that specializes in aerating and turning the contents of a bin or compost pile. By using this aerator, you can speed up the whole process of distributing oxygen, moisture and bacteria in the compost pile without getting your hands dirty. 

Before buying a compost aerator, let’s know all about a compost aerator in detail.

1.Models of Compost Aerators

Basically, there are two major types of compost aerator designs – plunger and corkscrews. Both these aerators are easily inserted deep into the compost heap and disrupt it. The pulling action will move the contents and circulates air in the compost.

Plunger:

• A plunger has a pointed pole and has two folding tines (or retractable blades) in which the tines get close when the aerator is pushed into the pile and open up when it pulled. 
• This process will create air packets and it is suitable for compost that has a lot of dry heaps. 
• The T handles of this aerator will make it easy to push and pull the content of the compost without straining your muscles. 

Corkscrew:

• The one who wants to use this aerator tool should twist the tool into the compost and then pull it out to create air and spread moisture evenly into the compost mix. 
• Most gardeners suggest that this tool works effective for light compost (the material in the compost should not be heavy) why because twisting and pulling may somewhat strain your muscles.

2. Body Material & Durability

The material used in preparing the tool will decide the longevity of the tool. Most aerator tools are made of stainless steel or aluminium in which they have protective coating to handle the constant use without bending or rusting (anti-rust finish). This will make the material firm whether you are twisting, plunging or pulling.

3. Length & Design

One should check the design and length (height) whether it reach their general comfort for aerating process before buying this compost aerator tool or else it results in uneven decomposition. 

4. Warranty

Check the warranty given by the tool manufacturer before buying this gardening tool. Warranty will allow you to test the strength and functionality of any tool. Sort out the best which suits your requirements. 

5. Padded Handles 

Checking ergonomic factors has been quite common in these days before buying any product.  Some gardeners suffer from arthritis, sore muscles and other ailments in which they need tools that are designed to keep the hands and muscles comfortable with proper grip on handles without applying too much strain on your body parts throughout the process.

6. Price

Before buying any product, you should decide how much to spend on that product. It may depend on the need and features as per your requirement. It is also advisable to go through customer reviews to know the pros and cons of that tool.

How does a Compost Aerator Work?

It creates an aerobic environment by adding vital oxygen and moisture to the mix. The pointed ends of the aerator will stab the compost pile to create large pockets of air deep inside the compost. This pulling and pushing action will spread the moisture, air and heat up the pile for proper decomposition. 

Some gardeners might use a pitchfork or shovel for performing this process but it works only if you have a single bin/ smaller heaps. 

Reasons behind using a Compost Aerator?

Always remember that aerating your compost regularly will provide the regular influx of oxygen to the pile and thereby speed up the process of getting compost in 5 – 8 weeks instead of 4 – 8 months.

If you don’t use a compost aerator, then the pile will only collect bacteria for decaying. So, without enough supply of oxygen, the decomposition process will get slow down and thus results in some problems like strong odor (smells like ammonia), compost attracting unwanted critters (like mice, insects, flies, rats). 

Have a look at the few reasons that explain why you should use a compost aerator.

• Reheats the Pile:

Do you know that the center of a healthy compost pile should be at 120 degrees Fahrenheit? Circulation of fresh air and periodic influx of oxygen will fluff the whole pile to some degree which are essential for proper decomposition process. Also, the organic materials (produce nitrogen) in the compost bin helps to produce heat and make it stay in an aerobic state.

• Creates Passageway for Moisture:

Whenever the material starts to decompose then the pile will begin to shrink and compress in its size, which in turn cause the pile to cool down sooner without decomposing the rest of the compost. So, to prevent this problem, you have to use a compost aerator to expose more particles and to fluffs up the mixture to speed up the decomposition process (allows the pile to reheat itself) with proper spread of air, heat and moisture.

• Eliminate Odors:

The compost pile becomes stale if left without aerating for a longer period of time. The odor is an indication that the pile has too much moisture or nitrogen. So, if you aerate the compost (frequent turning of the mix) will help to reduce the odor.

How a compost aerator works best than other composting tools?

Most of the gardeners think that why should purchase a compost aerator tool when we have tools like a shovel or forks or spades. Here are a few reasons that explain you why the aerator works best than others. 

• They are specially designed to get into the bottom of the compost and turns the heap evenly in a big, compacted piles or in a bin (somewhat difficult with a fork or spade) to ensure the air and moisture present for decomposition process. 
• The usage of aerator will make you work without getting messy, as it works without splashing the liquid compost or making the hands dirty.
• The handles on the aerators will allow you to work without much strain on the back or shoulders unlike a trowel or hand forks do.
• The aerators are easy to use, clean and maintain and you can easily manage the compost without the accumulation of odors.

Expert Advice:

The products mentioned in this article will work best in aerating the compost but one will differ somewhat best when compared with others. So, have a look on expert advice which will help you in choosing the correct product for your compost aeration. 

If you prefer Corkscrew aerator model, then go for Lotech Compost Crank Compost Aerator (or) Garden Weasel 91316 Garden Claw

If you want to use Plunger aerator model, then use Bosmere P845 Compost Aerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion:

Compost aerator is an essential gardening tool that helps to spread the air, heat and moisture throughout the bin by fluffing the compost to enhance the decomposition process and thereby to get a natural fertilizer. So, choose the best aerator which offers features like comfortable grip handles, build quality, height, easy to use, durability to use in a longer run.

Hope the detailed buying guide and the products mentioned above will help you in investing the best compost aerator that suits perfect for your need and requirements.

A evening walk in a beautiful lush green lawn will definitely make you feel happy and enhance your health. Also, it turns to be a perfect playground to your kids or place to gather your family or friends. 

So, to maintain your lawn look green and healthy then you should know how and when to aerate your yard to help the soil absorb air, water, nutrients and fertilizers to reach the roots of the grass for their perfect growth. 

Here, in this article, we are providing a Buying guide along with some best lawn aerators that are available in the market. Before you thought to buy a lawn aerator, just go through this guide and products that work best in aerating your lawn. 

Best Lawn Aerators

Lawn Aerators	Type / Power Source	Suitable for Area	Weight	Warranty	Buy Now
GreenWorks Lawn Aerator	Corded Electric	Larger Lawns	25.92 lbs	4 years	Check the Price
Yard Butler 6C Lawn Aerator	Self-propelled	Small Old Lawns	3.72 pounds	-------	Check the Price
Sun Joe Lawn Aerator	Corded Electric	Medium to Larger lawns	27 lbs	2 years	Check the Price
Scuddles Lawn Shoes	Self-propelled	Small lawns	2 pounds	Lifetime	Check the Price
Mantis Lawn Aerator	Battery Powered	Medium compact clay soil	17.5 pounds	2 years	Check the Price
Abco Tech Lawn Aerator Shoes	Self-propelled	Small lawns	2.25 pounds	------	Check the Price
Brinly Lawn Aerator	Battery (lawn tractor)	Heavy Compacted or clay-rich soil	64.5 pounds	------	Check the Price
Agri Fab Tow Plug Aerator	Battery Powered	Larger Yard	85.9 lbs	3 years	Check the Price
Yard Butler M – 7C Lawn Aerator	Self-propelled	Small Compacted soil	2.25 pounds	Lifetime	Check the Price

Best Lawn Aerators

1.GreenWorks 27022 10 Amp 14 Corded Dethatcher / Scarifier Lawn Aerator

Type – Corded dethatcher / Corded electric

This GreenWorks 14-inch 10 Amp corded dethatcher 27022 is powered by a precision built electric motor that has to be connected to a power supply of 120 volts, 60 Hz alternating current (AC) but never ever operate this dethatcher on direct current. It also ensures a zero carbon footprint. 

Body and Material – It has an adjustable handle with an ergonomic padded grip that adds user comfort while you remove the thatch from the lawn. It also contains adjustable tine depth of 3 positions which provides greater control by removing matted layers. The sharp stainless steel tines will provide reliable performance and it also includes full set of replacement tines for a total of 18.

It is also recommended to have a wire gauge size at least 14 for an extension cord 50 feet length or less to prevent a drop in line voltage that may result in overheating or loss of power. It weighs 25.92 lbs with dimensions 25.3x18x12.5 inches. 

Working Mechanism – The only thing is that you have to purchase some heavy duty power extension cable (as it works with electricity) to use this device in your lawn. Push on the button given on the side of the device and just slightly pull it on the way you want to aerate and dethatch the lawn area. 

Pros:

• Suitable for medium to large sized lawns
• Cost effective and time saving
• No pollution (air or sound) which in turn improves the health and appearance of you and your lawn
• Easy to use and highly effective (works like aerator and dethatcher)
• 4 year warranty
• Easy to assemble

Cons:

• Need to buy a power extension cable
• Works only if there is adequate power supply
• Some users say that the handle will break after a few usages of this dethatcher (as it is made of plastic).

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2. Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator 6C

Type – Coring Aerator

The Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator is a manual lawn plug aerator and dethatcher that reduce the compaction and thatch of the soil and thereby let the air, water and fertilizers down to the root zone. Although, it works best for small lawn areas but it strengthens drought and heat tolerance in the turf. 

Body and Material – The heavy duty powder coated steel handheld lawn corer is built for a lifetime of use. It enables you to extract a 2 ½ inch X 3 ½ inch area to reduce the amount of soil compaction, encourages turf growth and promotes vigorous root growth. 37-inch tool height is designed to reduce the back strain and thereby eases you to aerate the whole yard. It weighs 3.72 pounds (lightweight) with dimensions of 1.8 X 8.8 X 36.5 inches

Working Mechanism – Simply place your foot on the foot platform of this aerator and apply pressure to drive the aerator deep into the ground. It enables you to experience extra leverage as it takes off some of the pressure from the arms and shoulders. 

Pros:

• Easy to clean and store this light weighted aerator
• Durable, safe and convenient product
• Ease to use – no assembly required
• Cost effective
• Lifetime guarantee

Cons:

• More physical exertion and time consuming
• Tines get clogged

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3. Sun Joe AJ801E 13 in. 12 Amp Electric Scarifier + Lawn Dethatcher

Type: Corded Electric

Let your lawn breath with this Sun Joe AJ801E electric scarifier and lawn dethatcher. It is powered by a robust 12 amp motor that make the dethatcher rakes a 12.6 inch wide path in a single pass. This aerator comes with a scarifier and scraper which make you easier to reseed scraped areas of your lawn. 

Body and Material – There is a 5 position depth control knob that tailor the raking depth from –0.4 in. (10 mm below the soil) to + 0.4 in. (10 mm above the soil)  that depends on the lawn’s scarifying or dethatching needs. The spring steel tines works on air boost technology for maximum thatch pickup. It weighs 27 pounds with dimensions of 21 X 23 X 41 inches

Working Mechanism – This aerator / dethacter is very easy to assemble within a couple of minutes. It also contains a hatch bag to clean the area and collect the grass. This electric dethatcher Joe starts with the push of a button and gets its job done quickly without polluting the air with toxic carbon emissions. Use the scarified function to cut the grass roots for thicker growth and thereby healthy lawns. The detachable thatch collection bag makes it easy for grass disposal.

Pros:

• Picks up thatch efficiently
• Suitable for larger lawns
• Powerful engine and safe to use
• Dethatcher and scarifier are easy to swap
• ETL approved and comes with 2 year warranty

Cons:

• Changing the dethatcher for the scarifier requires a 10 mm wrench.
• Works only if there is adequate power supply

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4. Scuddles Lawn Shoes 

Type – Spike Aerator Shoes

The scuddles lawn aerator shoes are like your gardening tool that helps to break up compact soil for maximum airflow and water absorption and thereby increases the lawn’s health. 

Body and Material – This adjustable lawn aerator shoes are made up of sturdy plastic base that provides an excellent heel support. It comes with 13 pre assembled stainless steel spikes (30 mm spikes) and 3 adjustable straps with durable buckles on each sandal will help to get best results of healthy grass growth. It is lightweight (2 pounds) to wear for every repeated cycle.  

Working Mechanism – Just simply stand on the sturdy plastic base and buckle the shoes to your feet with the 3 adjustable straps. When once you’re secured then simply walk around the lawn to pierce the ground with 13 heavy duty stainless steel spikes. Always remember that not to wear this spike aerator shoes on barefoot, as it causes injuries. 

Pros:

• Cost effective when compared with other alternative machine aerators
• Easy to wear, use and maintain it
• Provides life time warranty
• High quality buckles are strong and durable that can withstand the continuous usage of steel construction. 
• Heavy coated finish which means risk free product.

Cons:

• Time Consuming
• Labor intensive
• Some users complaint that strap design is not up to the mark. 

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5. Mantis 7321 Power Tiller Aerator

Type: Aerator / dethatcher

The mantis 7321 power tiller aerator is a perfect lawn tool to use in compact, clay soil. Lawn aeration and dethatching are very essential to maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn. So, you will get this lawn tool mantis tiller/cultivator in a combo pack that used as aerator and dethatcher. 

Body Material – The lawn aerator has a set of 4 tempered steel blades which help to punch holes in the soil properly. It offers 60 spring steel picks that help to dethatch a 15-inch swath with a single pass. This mantis 7321 power tiller has dimensions of 15 x 8 x 9 inches and weighs 17.5 pounds. 

Working Mechanism – Here the aerator cuts into the soil under the lawn and the dethatcher removes thatch quickly. This combo will ensure you to receive the best performance and flexibility to make you garden clean and healthy.

Time Saving – Performing both aerating and dethatching at a time will help you to save a lot of time in maintaining a healthy green lawn area.

Cost Effective –Buying both aerator and dethatcher at a single cost will make you feel it as a cost effective product. 

Pros:

• Gives lifetime guarantee on tines along with 2 years’ warranty from the date of purchase for the defects in material and workmanship. 
• Performs both aeration and dethatching
• Dethatch a 15-inch swath in one stroke.

Cons:

• A little bit difficult to handle this equipment and should have proper balance on machine before operating this device. 
• Some people find difficulty in its installation.

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6. Abco Tech Lawn Aerator Shoes

Type – Aerator spike shoes

The Abco Tech lawn aerator spike shoes are suitable for small sized yard with its professional grade aeration. These shoes look simply like a sandal but have spikes that dig the ground to reduce compact on the soil’s surface. It makes you to reach the most difficult areas of your lawn. 

• Material & Body – This abcosport lawn aerator shoes are made of a sturdy plastic base with an excellent heel support. It has 13 heavy duty metal with 48 mm spikes on each sandal. It also has 3 adjustable straps with strong buckles that are designed to be highly durable and anti – corrosive. It fits easily, stay firmly on the feet and hold the shoes tightly for proper functioning. The feature dimensions of this spike shoes are 11.8 inches’ x 5 inches with nail length of 2 inch each and weighs 2.5 lb.
• Working Mechanism – Simply strap these shoes below your own shoes and tie the three straps. The sharp spikes of these shoes will effectively dig the soil as you walk to make it more fertile. It acts as an effective core aerator.
• Installation – Abcosport aerator shoe yard tools will come with a free small wrench used to install it easily. Once it is done then you can simply strap it over any of your strong shoes. 
• Time Saving – Wearing this lawn aerator spike shoes and walking around your lawn will save your time by performing both tasks of walking, mowing and aerating the lawn.
• Cost Effective – Abcosport lawn aerator shoes are the best alternative over the professional lawn aerating tools that comes at an affordable price.
• Longer Life – Buying these shoes are a one-time investment which goes for several cycles of yard aeration and also costs less for its maintenance. If maintained properly, then it even works for lifetime. 

Pros:

• Made of superior quality and risk free product
• 2 – inch spike penetration that allows air, water, fertilizer and nutrients to seep into the roots. 
• Comfort to wear and easy to assemble
• Best alternative to many other machine aerators

Cons:

• If not adjusted properly then you feel slipping and may cause puncture to your shoes (thinner sole shoes). 
• Time timing and requires physical exertion
• Small straps which doesn’t suit for many people.

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7. Brinly PA – 40BH Tow Behind Plug Aerator

Type – Plug / Core aerator

This Brinly PA – 40 BH Tow Behind Plug Aerator works well on turns and uneven terrain with its three independently rotating, welded tine sections that minimize the turf damage during turns and helps for consistent penetration on uneven ground.

Body and Material – It contains 40 inches working width with 24 heat treated, 16 gauge steel plugged spoons to penetrate deep into the compacted soil and also removes up to 3 –inch plugs of soil. Its narrow design with sharpened ends will help for easy penetration and absorption of air, water, seed and nutrients to reach the roots. 

It offers durability and complete steel design with a fully enclosed weight tray that holds a region of 150 pounds (extra weight) for deep soil penetration. It weighs 64.5 pounds with feature dimensions of 37x51x28 inches 

Work Mechanism – For crossing drives and rooted areas, this aerator includes a single transport lever to engage transport mode using the 10 never flat rubber tread tires. Universal hitch, a single pin gets easily attaches to every lawn tractor, ATV or mowers. The tines do not get clogged up with the plugs during its usage. 

Installation and Maintenance – One can easily assemble the body parts of this aerator by simply following the pictorial or user manual instructions. After each usage of this aerator, you have to clean and store it in a safe place for further usage. Each plugging spoon is individually serviceable by quick and easy replacement of the parts.

Pros:

• Single transport lever
• Ease to use across the entire garden area
• Tines don’t get clogged 
• Universal hitch
• Cost effective and time saving
• Suitable for heavily compacted or clay rich soil
• Best in quality (USA) and easy to operate

Cons:

• Shipping the products with some small parts missing
• Taking long time to assemble the aerator
• Not suitable for turning too many corners.

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8. Agri Fab 45 – 0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator

Type – Tow plug aerator

This Agri Fab 48 inch tow style plug aerator is suitable for medium or large sized lawn (or heavy compacted soil) which experiences heavy foot or transport traffic. It works well in bring back the life to the dry and hard soil by making it fertile. 

Material and Body – The Agri – Fab plug aerator is designed and assembled in the U.S.A with some imported materials. It has a durable heavy gauge, rust proof steel deck and welded drawbar that are attached to ride-on mowers or tractors. 

It has 48 inch wide working width (has a weight tray of 175 pounds capacity for increased soil penetration), 32 galvanized and sharpened plug coring knives with flat free transport tires. It weighs 86 pounds with feature dimensions of 53×17.5×7 inches.

Working Mechanism – All you need is to attach this aerator to ride – on mowers or tractors and drive the on the lawn area. The eight spools of aerator knives will dig the ground to provide a high level aeration and dethatching performance. It has simple to use cantilever transport handle that allows you for easy raising and lowering.

Cost – This plug aerator is a bit pricier than some lawn aerators but works best for large sized lawns and has longer lifespan.

Pros:

• Strong, powerful and best tow plug aerator model
• Heat treated aeration knives
• Cantilever transport handle
• Time saving
• Suitable for land that has uneven terrain and heavy compacted soil.
• 3 year limited consumer warranty is available for this product.
• Works as a detacher by simply removing the layer of dead organic material build up on the lawn.
• Universal Hitch

Cons:

• Assembly may take a little bit time – not like manual or spike aerator.
• Hard to turn in tight corners
• Most of the users complaint about some missing parts / pieces (while packing) which are used to assemble this aerator.

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9. Yard Butler M – 7C Lawn Spike Aerator

Type: Manual aerator

Is your lawn gasping for oxygen? Then simply use this yard butler spike aerator which has sharp spikes that easily slip into the ground to loosen the soil. The lawn receives the necessary hydration, air and nutrients by this aeration to stimulate the regrowth of the grass roots.  

Body and Material – The four 3 – inch spikes are a heavy duty fork that will penetrate and loosen the compacted soil. It works in various conditions such as rocky lawns, highly compacted ground and sticky soil. It comes with dimensions of 37x10x1 inches and weighs 2.25 pounds. 

Working Mechanism – All you need is to exert the right amount of pressure by inserting the foot into the foot hole to dig your lawn. It has powder coated resin finish that makes it rust – resistant. 

Less Cost – This china lawn spike aerator costs less when compared with other manual or expensive lawn aerators. It has a comfortable vinyl grip handle and works ideal for small lawns.

Pros:

• It comes with lifetime warranty and guarantee against any material or manufacturing defects.
• Works well in rocky soil or the soil with high clay content. 
• Easy to clean and store 
• Low in maintenance and last for a longer time 
• Durable and lightweight

Cons:

• Not suitable for aerating large areas of lawn
• Soften the hard soil before aerating to prevent the breakage of spikes if used in densely compacted soil. 
• Time consuming and labor intensive.

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Best Lawn Aerators – Buying Guide

Everyone wants to have a fresh, healthy and lush lawn, all you need to purchase the best lawn aerators which is listed below to help loosen up the dry and compact soil and thereby to make it more fertile and beautiful. 

What is a Lawn Aerator?

A lawn aerator is a simple device that used to break up the compacted soil to allow the air, water and key nutrients get penetrate deep into the roots of the plant/grass. It helps the grass and plants to grow better by alleviating the soil compaction. 

How to Choose the Best Lawn Aerator for your Lawn?

To purchase the best lawn aerator, you have to keep a detailed list of some of these factors. Let’s have a look at it.

1) Types of Aerator to be used?

In general, there are two types of lawn aerators which include spike aerators and plug aerators (by depending on the type of soil and the lawn area to be aerated)

Spike Aerators 

These are designed to punch holes in the soil and are mostly used for light grounds but not for heavy compacted soil. These are manual aerators and can be used at any time of the year, especially during fertilization or preparing the lawn surface for overseeding.

Plug Aerators / Core Aerators 

These are designed to punch holes and remove the soil or debris from the surface. It is most suited for compact soil or with heavy clay soil. These aerators can be electrical, battery or gas based and that works well when the soil is moist but not saturated with water.

Kinds of Lawn Aerators:

By depending on these two types, there are various kinds of lawn aerators available in the market. Before buying a lawn aerator that suits best for your yard, you have to understand its types and their usage. It works either by pushing or pulling across the garden or lawn. 

A) Spike Aerators / Manual Aerators:

There are various manual lawn aerators available in the market. They look like a garden fork with open tines or spikes to punch holes in the soil. These handheld or manual aerators are inexpensive and works best for the small yards but it is time consuming and labor intensive (use your hands or feet to push the aerator). 

1A. Spike (tine) Aerator:

• This spike or tine or step aerator is ideal for small-sized lawns or yards but not for medium or large-sized lawns/yards. 
• It resembles like a fork with 4 – 5 spikes that help to loosen the compacted soil. 
• You have to place your foot on the foot hole and then push down so that the spikes sink into the ground. Then pull it out and repeat the same process throughout the lawn. 

2A. Spike Core Aerator:

• This spike core aerator works well for an older lawn which is densely compacted soil and has a lot of debris. 
• It is designed like a garden fork with two sharp tines of about 9 – inches apart that helps to penetrate deep into the compacted soil.
• It also removes 2 – 3 inch cores of thatch and thereby stimulates the growth of grass root. 

3A. Spike Aerator Shoes:

• If you love gardening or mowing, then you can choose a pair of spike aerator shoes which works effectively in aerating your yard. 
• Simply strap these sharp shoes onto the feet and walk around by performing gardening chores so that those sharp spikes of the shoe will poke into the soil or yard. 
• Make sure to handle these shoes with care and avoid playing games.

B) Plug / Core Aerators:

Most of the gardeners prefer this as a most effective and easy method of aerating the lawn. It uses either electricity or battery or gas to fertile the soil. There are various types of aerators that are widely used to aerate the lawn.

Let’s we know them in detail…

1B. Push Style Roller Aerator:

• This aerator is helpful to those people who don’t want to expend a lot of energy. 
• It looks like an old manual style roller lawnmower and suitable for small to medium-sized yards rather than large-sized lawns. 
• It is made from tubular steel with two sturdy plastic wheels and a tray that contains steel sharp spikes to dig into the soil up to 1-inch depth. 
• Remember that it is not designed for a heavy compacted soil or uneven terrain. It is meant for a quick and easy tool for maintaining your lawn.

2B. Tow Style Plug Aerators:

• This plug aerator is the best one to use for larger lawns which uses a tractor, ATV, or riding mower. 
• This aerator comes in different sizes that range from 42 – 48 inches. 
• It is made up of heavy-duty steel with a steel reinformed towing bar. 
• The weight will help to increase the penetration level for compact soil areas and thereby keeps it well balanced. 

3B. Gas Powered:

• These gas powered models are suitable for professional or commercial purpose.
• A gasoline engine placed over the top of the knives to provide the weight needed to pull cores. 
• It is narrow in width when compared to tow behinds and also loud and emit exhaust fumes.
• The best thing is that it aerates the lawn, cleans the grass faster than a tractor or ATV. 

2. Power

Always remember that the more power the lawn aerator has then the longer will be its lifetime and also it aerates the harder soil. So, choose the one which has more power rather than small electric aerators that dead after a couple of usages.

3. Width of the Blades

To spend less amount of time on lawn aeration, you have to choose the proper width of the aerator blades. The wider the aerator then the time taken will be less. The width of the blades depends on the type of soil. 

The width of the aerator plays an important role in aerating the lawn on a single pass and thereby saves time. For example, an aerator with 4 feet width will aerate 33 percent more soil when compared with a unit measuring 3 feet wide aerator. 

4. Body Material

The body can be made of plastic or metal in which the plastic aerators weighs less and won’t get a problem of corrosion while as the strength and durability of the plastic is less than the metal. So, choose the best one that suits you. 

5. Knives

Some aerators have needles and while others have spikes to pierce the ground. Also, there are some other aerators that contain special knives to clean the old grass and weed. So, choose the best one with perfect knives for lawn aeration. 

6. Grass Collecting Bag

Some people prefer to have a grass collecting bag rather than cutting and cleaning the lawn after aeration while some others leave the grass to compost and make the soil richer. 

7. Cost or Price of a Lawn Aerator

We already know that lawn aerators are used twice or thrice a year so that wise decision is to buy pocket-friendly aerators. The size of the yard which has to be aerated will decide the type of aerator to be purchased and thereby its price. 

You can get a reasonable aerator shoe for about $20 and it can be cleaned or stored quickly. Handheld manual aerators cost twice then the aerator shoes whereas the large aerators (lawn tractor or tow models) cost $150 to $200. 

8. Warranty / Reliability

Just like most of the garden equipment, this lawn aerator has warranty given by the manufacturer’s. Although they don’t cover any damages that caused to the equipment due to natural wear and tear or any user error. These aerators mostly come with 2-year warranty and thereby cover flaws in the manufacturing process or materials. 

9. Maintenance

Maintenance is very essential to keep any equipment clean, safe and to ensure a long life span. At the end of the usage, clean the equipment thoroughly and apply oil all the metal parts lightly. Here are some tips that you have to follow after every usage of this lawn aerator to make it clean and durable. 

• Rinse dirt or mud off the lawn aerator by using garden hose
• After finishing your work, remove any tiny soil cores that remain in the lawn aerator.
• Whenever the plug points lose their edge then it has to be sharpened individually with a small grinder. 
• Oil the lawn spool, shaft and wheel hubs as needed to protect it for a longer time. 

10. Effectiveness

Everyone wants to get the best thing for the money they invested. So, make sure to check that the lawn aerator is made by a reputable manufacturer with high quality material to keep the product safe and durable that increases the likelihood of reliability across its lifespan.

11. Ergonomic Handles

Whether you’re using manual, electric or petrol lawn aerators, ergonomics plays an important role in buying the aerators. The finish on the models should be smooth to avoid straining your back or getting blisters. The quality of the wheels and handles (well positioned) is essential for the overall durability of the product. 

Why do we need to use a lawn aerator?

A lawn aerator is basically used to keep the lawn area clean and green with a healthy turf growth. We know that soil become dry and compact, particularly in the hot and humid climate which makes the soil unable to absorb air, water and other nutrients. 

Here are some benefits that explain you the need to use this versatile gardening tool.

• It alleviates the soil compaction, increases the uptake of oxygen, water and other nutrients and also removes the buildup of organic debris on the soil’s surface.
• It strengthens the roots of the grass and thereby it helps for proper and healthy growth of grass or plants.
• It prevents water logging issues and removes patchy or bare grass along with making the land more fertile to reseed the lawn. 
• It creates more heat and drought resistant lawn. It reduces the water runoff which is caused due to heavy rains. 
• Some lawns may experience human or animal traffic in which the soil become compact (unable to stick even a pencil). So, this type of lawns requires regular aeration for best results. 

The Best Time to Aerate the Lawn:

To maintain a perfect garden, every gardener should have this lawn aerator and they should know how often they have to use this lawn aerator.  It is recommended to aerate the lawn for twice a year, especially for compacted soil or the soil with clay content to loosen the soil and make it absorb the water and nutrients. 

The best time to aerate the lawn is during the growing seasons (before seeding). For warm – season grasses, aerate the lawn in late spring or early summer. For cool – season grasses, aerate the lawn in early spring or early fall. 

How Does a Lawn Aerator Works?

The simple mechanic in the lawn aerator is that it has rows of spikes or hollow tines which go into the soil surface by making small holes to get air, water and nutrients into the soil to alleviate the soil compaction. The process of lawn aeration will fertilize your land and make it more resistant to heat and insects to help the grass grow greener and thicker.

So, aerate the lawn before reseeding or fertilizing for best results. Avoid using the lawn aerator in a dry and hot weather. 

What Steps to take before Aerating the Lawn?

• The most important step is that you should cut the grass short which is less than 1.5 inches to make the soil for proper aeration. 
• For proper aeration of the lawn, you have to water the land the day before aerating to moisten the soil but won’t water too much to make it wet. 
• Be sure that all the irrigation pipes, power lines, valve boxes, and other pipes should be marked below this aeration level. 
• Also, remove all the weeds before using this lawn aerator to prevent the spread of these weeds all over the lawn.

Before beginning the usage of lawn aerator, you have to understand what type of soil you’re dealing with. Like hard soil need stronger blades to penetrate into the soil and clay soil need longer blades for this aeration process. Another important factor is size of your lawn to be aerated regularly. 

Don’t think that choosing a lawn aerator that perfectly meets your needs as overwhelming or tedious process. I hope this guide will definitely help you in understanding all about lawn aerators and thereby simplify your search. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert Advice:

Although, all the products that are mentioned above will work best in aerating your lawn but here are some expert advice that help you in choosing the right product for your yard aeration.

For large lawn aeration – Use Greenworks 10 Amp Corded Dethatcher (or) Sun Joe AJ801E 12 Amp Lawn Aerator 

For small spaces – Use Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator ID – 6C

For medium sized lawns – Use Agri Fab 45 – 0299 48-inch Tow Style Plug Aerator

Conclusion

Aeration is the best practice to be performed once or twice a year to achieve a beautiful lush green lawns. So, choose the one that best suits for your lawn as per your requirements.