Craftsman 40 Inch Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 24 Galvanized Steel Coring Points and 140 lb Weight Tray

What It Is

The Craftsman 40-inch tow-behind plug aerator is a pull-behind attachment designed for use with lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers. Its 24 galvanized steel coring points penetrate the soil to remove plugs, reducing compaction and improving water/nutrient flow for medium-to-large lawns (½ acre or more).

Fitment & Compatibility

• Hitch requirement: Standard 1¼-inch or 2-inch receiver hitch (check your tow vehicle’s hitch size). Most lawn tractors and ZTRs with a clevis pin or ball hitch work, but confirm the hitch height aligns with the aerator’s tongue.
• Towing capacity: Your tractor must be able to pull the unit plus the 140 lb weight tray (optional ballast). Tractor weight under 400 lbs may struggle on slopes or wet turf.
• Deck clearance: The aerator is 40 inches wide. Ensure your mower deck’s discharge chute doesn’t interfere when turning—measure from hitch point to deck edge.
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is a Craftsman-branded unit, not a universal fit. No adapters included—verify your tractor’s hitch type before ordering.

Key Things to Know

• Assembly required: Expect 30–60 minutes. Tools needed: wrench set, socket set, and a torque wrench for the tine bolts. Instructions are clear but tine alignment is critical—misaligned tines cause skipping.
• Weight tray: The 140 lb tray is for adding ballast (sand, concrete blocks, or weight plates). Without ballast, the unit may skip on hard soil. Adding too much weight can bend the frame or overload your tractor.
• Tine durability: Galvanized steel coring points hold up well in loamy soil but can bend in rocky or clay-heavy ground. Inspect tines after each use—replace any bent ones immediately to avoid uneven aeration.
• Maintenance: Clean mud and debris from tine slots after each use. Lubricate the wheel bearings annually with grease. Store indoors to prevent rust on the weight tray.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a ½-acre or larger lawn, a compatible tractor with a standard hitch, and need a durable, weight-adjustable aerator for annual or semi-annual coring. Skip it if your soil is rocky (tines will bend), your tractor is under 400 lbs (traction issues), or you prefer a spike aerator over plug removal.