How does a plug aerator differ from a spike aerator?

Plug tines pull out small cores of soil, which opens the ground and relieves compaction. Spike aerators push soil aside and leave holes, which does less for compacted turf.

What do I need to tow it?

It is designed to tow behind a riding mower or garden tractor. A machine with enough power to pull the aerator plus any added weight is needed.

How deep does it aerate?

Depth depends on soil moisture and how much weight is in the lawn tray. Adding weight pushes the tines deeper; dry, hard ground limits depth.

Can I use it on a small lawn?

It can, but the 48-inch width and tow-behind design suit larger open lawns and acreage better. Tight spaces and obstacles make turning awkward.

What happens to the soil plugs?

The tines leave cores on the surface. They break down over time or can be raked or mowed back into the lawn.

Where is the 48-Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator cheapest?

At Target, for $200.44, as of our latest check.

48-Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator

Best price now

$200.44at TargetChecked Nov 2

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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48-Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator

Best price now

$200.44at TargetChecked Nov 2

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Target

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Price facts

Last seen at $200.44 at Target on Nov 2.

Our take on the 48-Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator

This is a tow-behind plug aerator that pulls behind a riding mower or garden tractor and pulls cores of soil out of the lawn. The 48-inch working width covers ground quickly, and the heavy-duty steel tines are built for repeated passes on grass, farm and garden ground. Pneumatic tires carry it over rough turf, and a lawn tray lets you add weight for deeper plugs. It suits larger lawns and rural properties where a walk-behind aerator would take too long. Compared with smaller spike aerators, plug tines remove soil rather than just poking holes, which relieves compaction more effectively.

Best forLarge lawns and acreageRiding-mower ownersRelieving compacted soil before overseedingFarm and garden turf

Pros

48-inch width covers a lot of ground per pass
Steel plug tines pull cores instead of just spiking
Pneumatic tires roll over uneven turf
Lawn tray allows added weight for deeper plugs
Tows behind a riding mower or garden tractor

Cons

Needs a tow vehicle with enough power for loaded passes
Plug cores are left on the lawn and must break down or be raked
Weight tray is empty at the start, so depth depends on what you add
Not suited to small or heavily obstructed yards

48-Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator prices at every store

TargetNew
Availability unknown
$200.44Checked Nov 2
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48-Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator price history

Lowest price we've seen: $200.44 on Nov 2 at Target. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 2.

From Target

48-inch tow-behind plug aerator
Heavy-duty steel tines
Pneumatic tires
Lawn tray
For grass, farm and garden

About the 48-Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator

This is a 48-inch tow-behind plug aerator for lawns, farms and gardens.

It has heavy-duty steel tines and pneumatic tires. A lawn tray is included.

Width: 48 in
Type: Tow-behind plug aerator
Tines: Heavy-duty steel
Tires: Pneumatic
Includes: Lawn tray
Use: Grass, farm and garden

Specifications

Width: 48 in wide

Questions and answers

How does a plug aerator differ from a spike aerator?: Plug tines pull out small cores of soil, which opens the ground and relieves compaction. Spike aerators push soil aside and leave holes, which does less for compacted turf.
What do I need to tow it?: It is designed to tow behind a riding mower or garden tractor. A machine with enough power to pull the aerator plus any added weight is needed.
How deep does it aerate?: Depth depends on soil moisture and how much weight is in the lawn tray. Adding weight pushes the tines deeper; dry, hard ground limits depth.
Can I use it on a small lawn?: It can, but the 48-inch width and tow-behind design suit larger open lawns and acreage better. Tight spaces and obstacles make turning awkward.
What happens to the soil plugs?: The tines leave cores on the surface. They break down over time or can be raked or mowed back into the lawn.
Where is the 48-Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator cheapest?: At Target, for $200.44, as of our latest check.