A neat and clean lawn is a decoration of the garden and personal plot. Today it is easy to maintain it in proper form with the help of special devices - aerators and scarifiers. They are designed to make lawn maintenance easier and save time for more enjoyable activities. In order for our readers to be able to find a suitable product in terms of price and quality, the editorial staff of "I found" prepared recommendations for choosing and an overview of the most popular models, according to buyers.
Content
- 1 What is aerator and scarifier?
- 2 The main types of aerators
- 3 Criteria for choosing aerator and scarifier
- 4 Rating of the best mechanical aerators and scarifiers
- 5 The highest quality and most inexpensive gasoline aerators and scarifiers
- 6 Rating and description of popular, budgetary aerators with an electric motor
What is aerator and scarifier?
Aeration is the process of increasing the oxygen content of air, water, or soil.
An aerator is a device designed to ventilate the top layer of the soil, eliminate fallen leaves, grass and debris.
In fact, an aerator is a modern substitute for a rake that performs the following lawn care functions:
- Cleans the soil from debris, weeds, old grass, straw;
- Evenly loosens the surface, contributing to its saturation with oxygen and moisture, which prevents the appearance of stagnation and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the lawn;
- Helps fertilizers penetrate deeper into the soil and nourish plant roots.
Experts recommend using such devices no more than once a month. If you carry out a similar procedure more often, you can oversaturate the soil with oxygen or moisture and face unpleasant consequences in the form of rotting or drying out of the roots. The aerator is suitable for soft soil, for hard and hard surfaces it is better to use a scarifier or scarifier.
The latter is intended for all-round clearing of the lawn from weeds, old dead plant roots, dense turf. Some models have the ability to sink into the soil, but only to a shallow depth, since this unit is used for thorough shallow cleaning.
The scarifier acts as a "comb" for the lawn, which can be used no more than two or three times a year, otherwise the lawn will be cleaned not only of debris, but also of the grass you planted.
The main difference between the aerator and the scarifier lies in the design of the main operating mechanism.
- At the aerator, the shaft looks like a complex of hollow springy spokes designed to pull out small pieces of soil, which then spill out. Do not be afraid of damage to the fertile black soil, because as a result, narrow cracks and holes will form for oxygen and nutrients to enter the deep layers of the soil.
- The structure of the scarifier consists of curved metal knives attached to a circular rotating drum by means of a shock-absorbing spring. After applying the mechanism, the soil is not only cleaned of debris, but also becomes soft, loosened and pliable.
Many modern models combine the functions of an aerator and a scarifier, due to the presence of two or more replaceable nozzles in the form of rotating shafts.
The main types of aerators
The generally accepted classification of these devices divides them according to the type of engine operation
- Mechanical aerators
They work due to the application of physical efforts on the part of its owner. Such devices are used for small areas of the lawn, including remote ones.
Advantages:
- Environmentally friendly, do not pollute the air;
- Small size;
- A light weight;
- Do not make strong sounds;
- Economical to use, do not consume fuel or electricity;
- Low cost compared to gasoline or electric devices.
Disadvantages:
- The need to apply physical strength;
- It is impossible to handle large areas of the lawn;
- The work process takes a long time.
- Gasoline aerators
They work automatically after switching on, if there is fuel in the tank. This type of device is used over large areas.
Advantages:
- High engine power;
- High productivity: a large area is processed in a short period of time;
- Durability and reliability;
- They rarely overheat.
Disadvantages:
- Heavy weight, the device is not suitable for women and the elderly;
- They run on gasoline, emitting exhaust gases into the atmosphere;
- Some models make noise;
- Relatively high price.
- Electric aerators
They are powered from the mains, turn on and work automatically. Suitable only for plots near the house, since they depend on the source of electricity.
Advantages:
- Compactness and light weight;
- Do not harm the environment;
- Ease of use;
- They efficiently process the lawn in a short time;
- Most models do not make loud sounds.
Disadvantages:
- The need to be near the power source and use additional extension cords;
- Impossibility of application in areas remote from home;
- High power consumption;
- Relatively high cost.
Criteria for choosing aerator and scarifier
- The size of the plot with a lawn. For large areas, a gasoline aerator is suitable, and for small areas you can be content with a mechanical model.
- The remoteness of the site in need of processing from the house or source of electricity. If the lawn is close to the house, it is best to use an electric aerator, but for remote areas this option is absolutely not suitable.
- Material, quality and shape of the teeth of the main working mechanism. Devices with teeth made of steel are considered the most reliable and convenient.
- Engine power. It is especially relevant when choosing a gasoline-powered aerator. Devices with a four-stroke system are considered the best option.
- Device weight. If elderly people or the fair sex are planning to work with the device, then you should not give preference to large, heavy technical equipment.
- Processing depth. The best quality devices penetrate into the soil by at least 10 cm, otherwise moisture and minerals will not be able to fully reach the roots of plants.
- The number of modes. The more of them, the more effective will be the cleansing and loosening of the soil.
- The width of the covered surface. This parameter is important when working on large areas, because the larger it is, the faster the process goes. For large areas, you should pay attention to devices with large wide teeth, which are capable of processing large areas in one go.
- The presence of a protection system against failures and surges of electricity is an important factor when choosing an aerator on an electric motor.
- The presence of a grass catcher in the device set will greatly facilitate the process of waste disposal. To eliminate hard sod and weeds, grass collectors with a rigid base are best suited, and for dry grass, leaves, straw it is more convenient to use devices with collectors in the form of bags. The former are easy to clean with water, while the latter can be simply shaken out.
- The presence of a drive on the wheels of the unit is important for massive gasoline aerators, since in this case the equipment will be able to move automatically, without any effort on the part of its owner.
Rating of the best mechanical aerators and scarifiers
Gardena 03395
The simplest tool that combines the functions of an aerator and a scarifier.Easily and quickly removes moss and old grass from the site, loosens the topsoil. The main element is a rotating drum with metal teeth, made of high quality stainless steel and equipped with wheels and auxiliary support. Average price: 4400 rubles.
Advantages:
- Simple operation process;
- Made of high quality reliable material;
- Serves as an aerator and scarifier;
- A light weight;
- Stable during work;
- The wheels are equipped with special protective elements.
Disadvantages:
- Suitable for small areas only;
- Requires physical strength;
- A small number of functions.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Gardena 03395 |
|---|---|
| A type | Manual, mechanical |
| Material | Metal |
| Working surface width, see | 32 |
The highest quality and most inexpensive gasoline aerators and scarifiers
AL-KO Comfort 38 P Combi Care
Famous gasoline aerator. The main advantage of this model in its category of goods is its low price with good quality of equipment and functionality. Main functions: cutting and piercing the lawn, removing debris. Equipped with a spacious grass catcher. Average price: 22,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Can be used in areas remote from home;
- Low price compared to other models of this type;
- Simple control system;
- Roomy soft grass catcher;
- The ability to quickly change the working shafts.
Disadvantages:
- Pollutes the air;
- Heavy weight;
- Quite high noise level;
- Not suitable for plots over 15 acres.
Main characteristics:
| Name | AL-KO Comfort 38 P Combi Care |
|---|---|
| engine's type | Petrol |
| Power, W. | 1300 |
| Processing width, cm. | 37 |
| Collector type | Soft |
| Grass-box volume, l. | 55 |
| Weight, kg. | 20 |
| Noise level, dB | 99 |
Eurosystems SC42-H
Powerful and comfortable gasoline powered aerator. High performance is ensured by the vertical arrangement of the shaft and the belt mechanism for transferring rotation from the engine to the working elements. The body is complemented by a robust steel frame that protects against damage and reduces noise levels. Cost: 48,000-49,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Powerful 4-stroke engine from a famous brand;
- The ability to adjust the depth of eruption;
- Wide wheels;
- The presence of a metal frame;
- The cutting elements are made of durable material;
- Due to the folding design, it does not require much storage space.
Disadvantages:
- The garbage container is not included in the basic set of the device, it must be purchased separately;
- During operation, it emits exhaust gases that negatively affect the air condition;
- Large weight;
- High price.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Eurosystems SC42-H |
|---|---|
| engine's type | Petrol |
| Power, h.p. | 4 |
| Processing width, cm. | 42 |
| Working depth, mm | Up to 25 |
| Weight, kg. | 33 |
Rating and description of popular, budgetary aerators with an electric motor
Bosch AVR 900
One of the most popular and effective lawn care products according to buyers. It has a high power, due to which the rollers rotate at high speed, and the process of cleaning and surface treatment is significantly reduced in time. Works in 4 main modes at different depths, depending on the task. Due to a special system for moving air flows, dry grass, leaves, moss are sent directly to the bin. Price: from 10,700 to 14,800 rubles.
Advantages:
- High power;
- Quickly cleans and processes the site;
- Quality build from one of the most trusted brands of garden equipment
- Works in 4 modes;
- Capacious waste bin;
- The drum is equipped with floating blades that easily handle any type of debris;
- The handle and waste bin fold down to make the aerator more compact.
Disadvantages:
- Relatively high price;
- Dependence on the source of electricity;
- The instruction manual contains little information.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Bosch AVR 900 |
|---|---|
| engine's type | Electric |
| Power, W. | 900 |
| Processing width, cm. | 32 |
| Number of adjustment modes | 4 |
| Grass-box volume, l. | 50 |
| Weight, kg | 9.4 |
| Producing countries | Germany, UK |
Black & Decker GD300-QS
One of the easiest to operate and inexpensive models on the market today. Suitable for small areas close to home. Light weight, clear instructions for use and lightweight functionality make this model optimal for use by people far from technical innovations. The cost varies from 5600 to 7500 rubles.
Advantages:
- Simple, accessible interface
- Relatively low price;
- A light weight;
- The ability to adjust the length of the handle depending on the height of the person.
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for large areas
- Low power;
- Small volume of grass catcher;
- Small width of surface treatment.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Black & Decker GD300-QS |
|---|---|
| engine's type | Electric |
| Power, W. | 600 |
| Processing width, cm. | 30 |
| Grass-box volume, l. | 30 |
| Weight, kg | 7 |
Champion ESC1840
A model that combines the functions of an aerator and a scarifier. The main distinguishing feature is the large surface treatment width. Thanks to the powerful motor, the device can operate at maximum aeration and scarification depths. Equipped with four wheels for excellent cross-country ability on any terrain. Average price: 9850 rubles.
Advantages:
- Powerful engine;
- Can move even on uneven ground with stones and other obstacles;
- 4 adjustment modes;
- Penetrates the soil to the maximum possible depth;
- Large surface treatment width;
- The presence of two pairs of wheels;
- The package includes a convenient depth adjustment lever;
- Capacious waste bin.
Disadvantages:
- Heavy enough;
- Relatively high price.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Champion ESC1840 |
|---|---|
| engine's type | Electric |
| Power, W. | 1800 |
| Number of adjustment modes | 4 |
| Processing width, cm. | 40 |
| Collector type | Soft |
| Grass-box volume, l. | 55 |
| Weight, kg | 12 |
| Noise level, dB | 104 |
Greenworks G40DT30
Electric aerator, powered not from the electrical network, but from the battery. In this regard, its owners have the opportunity to use the device in areas remote from home. The model has three modes for adjusting the depth of penetration of the working mechanism into the soil. Reviews for this product indicate that the battery is not included in the basic package and will have to be purchased separately. Price: from 15,000 to 25,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Powered by a battery and does not depend on the presence of an outlet nearby;
- Environmentally friendly technical means;
- The ability to regulate the process of the device;
- High-quality assembly;
- Made from durable, reliable material;
- Simple to exploit;
- Detailed and understandable instructions.
Disadvantages:
- The battery is not included with the model, it must be purchased separately;
- Small volume of a bag for collecting garbage and grass;
- High price.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Greenworks G40DT30 |
|---|---|
| engine's type | Electric |
| Battery voltage, V. | 40 |
| Drum rotation speed, rpm. | 3200 |
| Number of adjustment modes | 3 |
| Processing width, cm. | 35 |
| Depth of processing, mm. | 10 |
| Grass-box volume, l. | 20 |
| Weight, kg. | 12 |
| Noise level, dB | 93 |
We told you what aerators and scarifiers are, what they are and reviewed the most high-quality and popular models. If you have experience with similar devices, please share your opinion on their effectiveness in the comments.
