Does it pull real plugs or just spike the lawn?

It is a plug (core) aerator with 32 hollow steel spoons, so it removes small cores of soil and leaves them on the surface. That relieves compaction better than spike aerators.

Yard Tuff lists riding mowers, garden tractors and ATVs. The hitch needs to handle the aerator's weight plus the soil in the spoons, so a small lawn tractor may struggle on wet ground.

How deep does it aerate?

Up to about 2.5 inches, depending on soil moisture and how much weight is on the frame. Aerating when the soil is slightly damp gives the deepest plugs.

Do I need to add weight?

There is no separate weight tray; the steel frame provides the downforce. In very hard soil, owners sometimes set extra weight on the frame to drive the spoons deeper.

The aerator and its coring spoons. Assembly tools are not provided, so have a socket set and wrenches on hand.

Is it good for a small lawn?

It is built for acreage and large properties. On a small lawn the 48-inch width and turning effort make a smaller walk-behind or tow-behind unit easier to handle.