35" Tow Spike Aerator Tool Tow Behind Lawn Aerator, 200 LBS Pull Behind Aerator Riding Mower with Steel Nails, Tractor Aerator for Farm Planting, Black Review

Overview

The 35" Tow Spike Aerator from Tow is a budget-friendly, pull-behind lawn aerator designed for homeowners with larger lawns who want to improve soil health without renting heavy machinery. Priced at $39.99, it’s built to be towed behind a riding mower, lawn tractor, or ATV, using steel spikes to punch holes in compacted soil. This model is best suited for those who need a lightweight, no-frills solution for core aeration on flat, open turf—not for heavy-duty commercial work or steep terrain.

Who Should Buy This

• Homeowners with 1/2 to 2-acre lawns who want to aerate annually without spending hundreds on a gas-powered unit or rental fees. It’s light enough for a riding mower to pull, and the 35-inch width covers ground efficiently.
• DIY landscapers on a tight budget who need a functional, basic aerator for occasional use. At under $40, it’s a fraction of the cost of premium pull-behind models.
• Owners of subcompact tractors or garden tractors (like John Deere 100-series or Cub Cadet XT1) with at least 200 lbs of towing capacity. The unit itself is lightweight, but the 200-lb pull rating ensures it won’t strain small mowers.
• Farmers or hobbyists prepping small planting beds who want to loosen soil for seeding or overseeding. The steel nails can penetrate moderately compacted soil, making it a quick prep tool.

Key Features Breakdown

• 35-Inch Working Width: This is a solid middle-ground size—wide enough to cover a 4-foot path in two passes, but narrow enough to maneuver around trees and garden beds. For a 1-acre lawn, you’ll finish in about 30-40 minutes behind a typical riding mower.
• 200-Lb Pull Rating: The unit weighs roughly 30-40 lbs empty, but the 200-lb rating refers to the load it can handle when filled with weight (e.g., concrete blocks or sandbags). This is critical: without added weight, the spikes may not penetrate hard, dry soil. Plan to add 100-150 lbs for effective aeration.
• Steel Nails (Spikes): These are solid steel rods, not hollow tines. They poke holes rather than removing cores (like a plug aerator). This is fine for relieving compaction in clay or loam, but won’t extract soil plugs. For overseeding, you’ll get decent seed-to-soil contact.
• Tow Hitch Compatibility: Uses a standard 1-7/8-inch hitch pin (not included). It attaches to most riding mowers and lawn tractors with a clevis or trailer hitch. No tools required for hookup, but you’ll need to buy a hitch pin if you don’t have one.
• All-Steel Frame Construction: The frame is painted black steel, which resists rust better than bare metal but may chip over time. It’s not heavy-duty, but for occasional use, it holds up fine. The nails are welded to a crossbar—check for loose welds upon arrival.

Pros

1. Price is unbeatable. At $39.99, it’s the cheapest tow-behind aerator on the market. If you only need to aerate once or twice a year, this is a no-brainer compared to renting a machine for $75/day.
2. Lightweight and easy to store. It weighs about 35 lbs, so you can hang it on a garage wall or toss it in a shed corner. No engine maintenance, no fuel, no oil changes.
3. Works with most riding mowers. As long as you have a hitch and a mower that can pull 200 lbs, you’re set. Even older lawn tractors with 12-15 hp handle it fine.
4. Quick assembly. Comes mostly pre-assembled—just attach the hitch bracket and add weight. You’ll be aeration-ready in under 15 minutes.
5. Effective on moderately compacted soil. For lawns that haven’t been aerated in 1-2 years, the spikes penetrate 2-3 inches deep (with added weight), improving water and air flow.
6. Versatile for farm use. Beyond lawns, it’s handy for breaking up crusted soil in small garden plots or food plots before planting.

Cons

1. Requires added weight for decent penetration. Without at least 100 lbs of extra weight (sandbags, cinder blocks, or water-filled barrels), the spikes barely scratch the surface on hard or dry soil. This is a major oversight for a “ready to use” product.
2. Spikes are solid, not hollow tines. This means no soil cores are removed, which is less effective for relieving compaction than a plug aerator. For heavily compacted clay, you’ll need multiple passes.
3. Weld quality is inconsistent. Several user reports mention nails snapping off or welds cracking after a few uses on rocky or root-filled ground. Inspect all welds before each use.
4. No weight tray included. There’s no built-in rack or tub for holding weight. You’ll have to bungee-cord sandbags or strap on cinder blocks, which can shift during operation.
5. Hitch pin not included. A minor but annoying detail—you’ll need to buy a standard 1-7/8-inch hitch pin separately (usually $5-10 at any hardware store).

Bottom Line

The 35" Tow Spike Aerator is a passable entry-level tool for homeowners who want to aerate a large lawn on a shoestring budget, but it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it solution. You’ll need to add significant weight (100-150 lbs) and accept that it only pokes holes—no core removal. For $40, it’s a solid value if you’re handy and willing to rig up a weight system, but if you have rocky soil, heavy clay, or expect professional-grade results, save up for a plug aerator with hollow tines. Best for: flat lawns, occasional use, and budget-conscious DIYers who don’t mind a little tinkering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to add weight for it to work?
Yes, absolutely. The unit itself is too light to penetrate most soil. Add at least 100 lbs of sandbags, cinder blocks, or water-filled jugs strapped to the frame. Without weight, the spikes will just ride on top of the grass in dry conditions.

Q: Can I use this on a zero-turn mower?
It depends on your zero-turn’s hitch setup. Most residential zero-turns have a rear hitch rated for 200-300 lbs. If your mower has a standard 1-7/8-inch hitch receiver, it’ll work. However, zero-turns have limited rear clearance—check that the aerator won’t scrape the