Aerator attachments for zero turns/ best pull behind plug aerator

A tow-behind aerator can be used with a zero-turn mower only when the mower manufacturer permits that attachment and the machine has the correct approved hitch. A universal hitch label does not establish compatibility with every zero-turn.

For compacted turf, a plug aerator removes soil cores. A spike aerator makes holes without removing soil, so the two tools should not be treated as equivalent compaction remedies.

The two Agri-Fab attachments below provide a 40-inch spike option and a 48-inch plug option. For a different ground-maintenance tool, see our compact-tractor flail-mower guide.

Also included towards the end of the article is a shopping guide to help you pick the best model of this handy farm equipment.

Aerator attachments for zero turn: product reviews

Compare the aeration method, working width, hitch and total loaded weight before choosing an attachment.

Check your mower’s towing, hitch-load and slope restrictions. Include the attachment’s own weight and any ballast; do not infer capacity from mower engine power alone.

Plan wide, gradual turns. A zero-turn mower’s ability to pivot on the spot does not mean an engaged tow-behind aerator can do the same.

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1. Agri-Fab 45-0544 40-Inch Spike Aerator

The Agri-Fab 45-0544 is a 40-inch tow-behind spike aerator. Its ten galvanized steel disks make holes in the lawn without removing plugs.

This is the solid-spike option in the comparison. For substantial compaction relief, consider the plug aerator below rather than expecting spikes to remove compacted soil.

Spike penetration depends on soil moisture, soil type and ballast. Solid spikes displace soil around their holes, which can be a drawback in already compacted soil.

The weight tray permits up to 100 pounds of added ballast. Secure it as instructed and stay within the mower’s towing limits; added weight does not guarantee a particular depth.

The transport handle raises and lowers the working disks. Follow the manual’s procedure when changing position.

The 40-inch working width is narrower than the 48-inch plug aerator below. A folding tongue helps reduce storage space.

Flat-free wheels support transport. Raise the working disks before crossing hard surfaces, and avoid assuming debris-filled or steep ground is suitable.

Consider it only if its spike action suits your lawn and your mower is approved to tow the loaded attachment.

Pros

• 40-inch working width with ten galvanized spike disks
• Up to 100 pounds of secured ballast permitted
• Folding tongue and transport wheels

Con

• Does not remove soil cores
• Mower compatibility and loaded towing limits must be checked

Check Agri-Fab 45-0544 40-Inch Spike Aerator on Amazon

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2. Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Plug Aerator

The Agri-Fab 45-0299 is a 48-inch tow-behind plug aerator. Its wider working path can reduce passes on open lawns, provided the mower can manage the attachment.

Unlike the spike model, this tool removes small cores from the soil. That makes it the more relevant choice here when relieving compaction is the goal.

Its 32 galvanized plugging knives remove cores. Inspect and maintain the points as instructed; the manual describes sharpening them when needed rather than relying on a permanent self-sharpening effect.

Agri-Fab specifies plugs up to 3 inches deep, depending on soil and operating conditions. This is not a guaranteed depth or an immediate lawn-health result.

Use only the secured ballast allowed by the instructions supplied with your unit, and remain within the mower’s limits. Agri-Fab’s operating manual specifies up to 140 pounds; check the exact revision before loading.

The steel tray, drawbar and rotating knife assemblies need inspection and maintenance like other tow-behind equipment.

Clean soil from the working parts and follow the lubrication and storage instructions to limit wear and corrosion.

The manual instructs the operator to dismount before raising or lowering an aerator carrying added weight. Do not rely on reaching the handle from the mower seat.

Raise the knives for paths and driveways. Avoid extremely sharp turns with the knives engaged so the attachment does not tear the turf.

Pros

• 48-inch working width and 32 plugging knives
• Removes soil cores rather than only puncturing the surface
• Transport position for crossing hard surfaces

Cons

• Wide footprint and increased towing load when ballasted
• Requires a suitable approved mower/hitch combination

Check Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Plug Aerator on Amazon

Best pull behind plug aerators: Buying guide

Like any purchase, knowing the options available in a towable aerator is a useful way to make a good purchasing decision.

Start by choosing the aeration method, then check the attachment’s compatibility with the mower.

Here is our take:

The following video shows a separate Brinly plug-aerator model. It provides an example of the tool type; it is not a demonstration of either Agri-Fab model compared here.

Plug Vs. Spike aerator

The key thing to have in mind here is the design difference and how it affects aeration efficiency.

A spike aerator uses solid points to make holes by displacing soil. Larger excavations need a different tool, as discussed in our post-hole digging guide.

A plug or core aerator uses hollow cutting points to remove small cores, leaving channels through which water and air can move.

For compacted lawns, including those on clay soil, core removal is generally more useful. Spike holes can compact adjacent soil rather than remove it.

University extension guidance favors core aeration for relieving compaction. Match the treatment to the lawn’s actual condition instead of selecting by working width alone.

A spike attachment remains a different surface-puncturing tool; it should not be presented as producing the same result as core removal.