10 best lawn aerators and scarifiers
To grow a well-groomed lawn, it is not enough to organize an irrigation system and regularly cut the grass. It is also required to promptly remove dead plants and debris, loosen the soil, thereby accelerating the natural growth of the root system. Doing it manually on 10-15 acres is hard work and a lot of time, but with special electric machines, a scarifier and an aerator, getting a beautiful grass carpet becomes a feasible task even for busy people. There are many models on the market, the advantages and disadvantages of which there are various reviews from users. We have studied them, compared them with the technical characteristics and now we present to your attention a subjective rating of the best lawn care equipment.
TOP 10 best electric scarifiers and aerators
What is the difference between these two tools, you can understand by comparing them with conventional agricultural tools. If the scarifier (it is also correct to call it a verticutter) is intended to replace a hand rake, then the aerator is an electric analogue of a pitchfork. When choosing both devices, it is recommended to evaluate the engine power, housing material and the presence of a dustbin. Particularly popular are 2 in 1 units. It should be noted that if the processing area is large (20 or more acres), or if there are plans to provide services for aeration and scarifying, preference should be given to gasoline units.
10 Greenworks G40DT30
If the lawn is located away from the house, and it is difficult to bring a cable from the household power supply to it, the homeowner should purchase a scarifier with a rechargeable battery to care for it - the Greenworks G40DT30 will do just fine. It is easy to use, does not emit harmful fumes into the atmosphere in the same way as network electrical counterparts, and you do not need to pull an energized wire with you, risking damage to it.
It should be noted that the basic configuration does not include a charger and 40V battery. If they are already on the farm, then the buyer can save 7-8 thousand rubles. When using a battery with a capacity of 4 Ah, the autonomy of the device lasts about an hour, and according to reviews, this is enough to process a plot of 400 square meters. m. In addition, among the advantages, users note the quality of assembly and materials, the presence of clear instructions and a 24-month warranty.
9 GARDENA ES 500
Easy to operate and compact - these are the basic requirements for a care unit for a small flower bed or lawn with an area of about 400 sq. These are the characteristics of the GARDENA ES 500 Aerator. Its weight does not exceed 10 kg, the width of the spring rake is 30 cm, so that the device can handle mini-lawns and lawns with complex patterns and decorative elements. The PowerPlus electric motor briskly pushes the wheels and sets the spring block in motion - the operator does not need to exert effort, but only to control and guide.
To move the aerator over a paved or asphalt area, it must be moved to a transport position with hidden sharp edges. The device is stored in the same way, and the handle can be removed for compactness. By the way, in case of damage or normal wear and tear, any failed spring can be replaced, due to which the service life of the aerator is significantly extended.
8 Viking LE 540
The manufacturer recommends operating this device without stopping the engine on an area of up to 800 square meters. m. Despite the fact that it is classified as a 2-in-1 device, it does not have a cylinder for aeration. All the work is carried out by a cutting mechanism of 7 pairs of knives, if necessary, immersed to 25 mm - this is the maximum for which electric cutters are designed.
Unlike gasoline counterparts, which can be difficult for an inexperienced user to start, the electric version is turned on with one press of the starter. Do not forget that electrical engineering is much more environmentally friendly and works quieter - the sound power of this particular unit does not exceed 89 dB. The wheels are mounted on double bearings for ease of running and long life. But it also has disadvantages: so that when cutting through the lawn soil, cleaning is carried out at the same time, it is necessary to purchase a special fabric container.
7 MTD Optima 37 VE
The Optima verticutter from the renowned American manufacturer of gardening equipment MTD has earned its place in the list of the best thanks to its successful design. Its performance and equipment (electric motor 1.6 kW, working width 37 cm, soft 50-liter grass catcher) cannot be called either record or original. However, the device is perfectly balanced and, according to reviews, provides trouble-free loosening of the topsoil while cutting vertical roots on a small lawn lawn.
A decent weight (15 kg) provides a smooth trajectory of the scarifier, and the ergonomic handle makes it much easier to operate. The wheels have a pattern that does not leave marks on the lawn. The set includes a scarifier shaft with 24 springs and a verticutter shaft with 14 double knives made of strong steel, capable of gently penetrating the soil to a depth of 0 to 12 mm. Unlike most devices, this model provides not 4, but 5-step adjustment of the immersion of the knife mechanism.
6 CHAMPION ESC1840
"Jeep", "tractor", "all-terrain vehicle" - such flattering nicknames are given by owners of lawns to this unit in their reviews. In appearance, it really resembles an off-road car: wide-spaced large wheels, a "radiator" grille, a depth adjustment lever reminiscent of a gearbox. However, "Champion" and in practice shows itself accordingly.
Equipped with two long working shafts, it is able to work as a scarifier or aerator with a considerable working width - 40 cm.The powerful (1.8 kW) electric motor easily drives the mechanism even at the maximum depth of scarification or soil aeration (9 or 13 mm, respectively) ... Two wheel sets easily overcome obstacles, and the textile storage of the collected grass holds a volume of 55 liters. All this makes lawn maintenance an easy and pleasant experience.
5 STIGA SV 213 E
For an area of up to 0.04 hectares, the light and maneuverable STIGA SV 213 E tool is optimal, providing simple and safe lawn care: removing old sod, cutting furrows and loosening the soil. Its operating mechanism with 16 knives and 36 springs penetrates 4‒9 mm deep, and this is enough for better penetration of oxygen and moisture into the soil.
The wheels are of different sizes, the diameter of the front is 20 cm, the rear - 9.4 cm. When moving, the weight (10 kg) falls on them, which ensures the maneuverability of the device. The handle is adjustable in height - women, teenagers and old people can work.
The aerator with the scarifier function is powered by an electric motor and is equipped with a movable cord holder, which prevents it from falling under the cutting surface. All elements are assembled soundly, from the highest quality materials - steel and plastic, so that the manufacturer guarantees a device life of at least 5 years.
4 Daewoo Power Products DSC 2000E
The DSC 2000E verticutter is equipped with an electric 2-kilowatt motor of Daewoo Power's own production, completely protected from moisture and overheating and does not require frequent maintenance. The working width is 38 cm, so it is better to use the model in the care of a relatively small lawn, even if it is too run-down and compacted. The device is capable of operating in the mode of a scarifier, aerator and litter cleaner, for which there are 2 shafts (with 16 knives and with a "comb"), as well as a volumetric grass catcher.
The working depth is set by the central adjusting wheel to the desired level depending on the work being performed. In general, the design gives the impression of a well-assembled and durable unit, which is indirectly confirmed by a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. Especially in the reviews, they note the body deck made of ABS plastic, a polymer with the best indicators of wear resistance and strength today. As a result, the model itself weighs only 14 kg, but at the same time its body is able to withstand the impact of a stone that accidentally flew out from under the spring.
3 AL-KO Combi Care 38 E Comfort
The German non-self-propelled aerator, in addition to piercing the lawn, also has a scarifying function, that is, it can also be used as a scarifier. To do this, it provides for the replacement of the aerator shaft with a ripper shaft, carried out without the help of tools - a clamping screw with a knurled head. To save time and effort when harvesting combed hay, a spacious 55 liter bag is included as standard. Its volume is sufficient to make cleaning and reinstallation breaks as seldom as possible.
The adjustment of the depth of the 14 cutting tools is carried out centrally using a 5-step switch. The start levers are located on the height-adjustable verticutter control handle. In addition to ergonomics, users consider the technical potential of its engine to be the most important advantage of this device, namely, high overload capacity and resistance to voltage fluctuations in the household electrical network.
2 Caiman CESAR 1800EL
Semi-professional aerator Caiman CESAR 1800EL is perfect for companies engaged in the maintenance of estates, landscape designers and home gardeners. The device is equipped with a 1.8 kW electric motor, which is protected against dew, is characterized by quick start-up and minimal noise. The body, made by stamping from a single sheet of metal with a thickness of 3 mm, gives special strength to the structure.
The aerator weighs more than 34 kg, but at the same time it is quite maneuverable. The grass is brushed out with 15 hard-wearing double blades made of cold rolled steel with an oxidized surface. They are rigidly fixed to the rotor, which is supported by bearings in cast iron flanges. This design is typical for professional units costing 80-100 thousand rubles. It is no coincidence that the manufacturer gives a 5-year warranty, and the brand owner, Unisaw, provides a comprehensive "Full Service" service program.
1 BOSCH AVR 1100
It is no coincidence that England is considered a legislator in the art of arranging lawns, and Bosch is a leader in the production of garden equipment. Within a week after processing the site with the AVR 1100 scarifier, the old dead grass becomes young and green, and all thanks to the high-quality cleaning of dead wood and moss. Depending on the task at hand, the user is offered to choose one of 4 working depths, while the powerful (1.1 kW) motor ensures fast work of the rolls.
A cut of the dead layer of soil, the so-called. felt, made by 14 floating blades, which are not afraid of stones and bumps. Thanks to the Jet-Collect system, a powerful air flow is generated during the movement of the carrier axle, which directs the collected debris into the 50-liter bin. Another advantage of the model is the foldable design of the handle and waste container, due to which it takes up a minimum of space during storage. In general, the owners are very pleased with the device, they call it super-robbers, but they note that the operating instructions are not very informative.
