No More Manual Lawn Aerators: There's A Tool Specifically For Your Zero-Turn Mower

Over time, the soil under your lawn gets compacted, making it difficult for air, water, and important nutrients to get to the grass roots. The lawn can become patchy, and weeds and moss will move in. An aerator is a device designed to solve such problems, and is one of the essential tools for healthy green grass. Many aerators are manual, from spiked overshoes to large rollers. They can be effective, but they're hard work, especially if you have large acreage. Fortunately, if you have a zero-turn mower, a front-mounted aerator will do the job in a fraction of the time.

Although there are some hidden downsides to zero-turn lawn mowers, if you have a relatively flat expanse of grass — particularly one dotted with trees or other obstacles – their speed and maneuverability make them difficult to beat. However, the ability to make tight turns could potentially cause problems with the standard tow-behind aerators often used by people with lawn tractors. 

This isn't a power issue; your mower should be capable of pulling the weight without a problem. But trying to make tight turns with something on the back creates lateral forces that could strain either the aerator or the mower itself. It's something that is best avoided, which is why owners with zero-turn mowers can use front-mounted models designed to suit their machines' unique performance attributes and make aeration — a key habit of people who keep their lawns lush and well manicured — a breeze.

If you're prepared to make long, slow turns, then a tow-behind aerator should be okay, but that's probably not why you bought a zero-turn mower. Front-mounted models have been designed to overcome the problem and allow you to use your machine to full advantage. Most models are core aerators, which actually remove a plug of soil and, generally speaking, are considered superior to the spiked alternatives. 

There are several models of front-mounted lawn aerator, and you'll need to assess each before making a decision. Typically, they will allow you to aerate going forward, backward, and while making turns without sacrificing speed. Some have a mechanically operated push-down activation, while others have an electrical switch mounted to the mower's control arms. They lift up from the lawn's surface when necessary. Attachment methods vary, but they are usually relatively quick and easy to remove when the job is finished.