The best verticutters

Keeping a lawn in order requires the use of special gardening equipment. We are talking about the best verticutters that can be found in this ranking. This tool is also known as scarifier and aerator. It is needed not only for cutting dry and fresh grass, but also for puncturing the soil with the subsequent saturation of the soil with oxygen. 7 gasoline and electric models cope with such tasks with dignity, the advantages and disadvantages of which are discussed below.

Rating of verticutters

Before writing the rating, the expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ team studied in detail the reviews of farmers and gardeners, consulted with the sellers. Also, special attention was paid to the opinion of buyers.

The analysis took into account the following parameters:

• Functions performed - verticutter and aerator;
• Engine type - gasoline or electric;
• Power;
• The presence of a waste bin and its volume;
• The quality and quantity of knives;
• Body material;
• Allowable width and depth of the processed surface;
• Number of adjustment steps;
• Launch method;
• Protection of the motor against power surges and short circuits;
• Possibility to adjust the length of the working handle;
• Shaft rotation speed;
• Noise level;
• Recommended processing area;
• The weight;
• Wheel size.

The rating also took into account the best value for money. After a detailed study and comparison of the above characteristics, 7 winners were selected from more than 20 applicants.

Petrol Scratchers

Such devices are classified as professional equipment. Thanks to the use of an internal combustion engine, they have increased power and excellent performance with a small time investment. These models are characterized by a long service life and extended functionality, are relevant for the processing of large areas. The experts studied the characteristics of 7 nominees. Based on the best performance, 3 winners were selected.

Viking LB 540

The Viking LB 540 petrol verticutter-aerator is powered by a single-cylinder 4-stroke engine. The volume of the tank is 1.5 liters. Its power - 2300 W and 2800 rpm is enough for conditioning and cleaning of soil up to 2000 sq. m. In one pass, the unit processes a strip 38 cm wide. Its working body consists of 7 fixed rigid knives with 14 cutting edges. Their depth is adjustable in 6 steps using a synchronous central switch on the handle. It has a soft cover for user comfort.

The model is made of high-quality polymer with a high level of protection against shock, ultraviolet radiation and temperature drops. The verticutter weighs 32 kg, but it is easy to move as it has 4 wheels. They are equipped with double bearings, which provide excellent directional stability and good traction. This device allows the use of a 50 L grass catcher, but must be purchased separately.

Advantages:

• Folding handle;
• Overhead arrangement of engine valves;
• Working depth indicator - 25 mm;
• Protective cover for the motor unit;
• Integrated starter rope holder.

Disadvantages:

• High noise level - 81 dB.

Customers appreciate the convenience of the product thanks to the carrying handle. It is integrated into the front of the case and also serves as an additional shock protection function.

Husqvarna S 500 Pro

The Swiss scarifier is equipped with a 4-stroke gasoline engine, characterized by high power - 4200 W and high shaft rotation speed - 3600 rpm. The unit has proven itself to be effective in removing lawn debris and trimming the root system to improve soil condition and appearance. It uses a cutting system of 28 retractable knives made of high quality steel.

The verticutter design is optimized for easy storage, ease and smoothness in movement. It has a foldable rubberized handle and wide ball-bearing wheels. Compared to the previous model, the Husqvarna S 500 Pro is characterized by a shallower working depth - up to 5 mm. Its advantage is a decent working width of 50 cm. If necessary, the user can buy a separate garbage bag.

Advantages:

• Large volume of the fuel tank - 3.4 l;
• Compact dimensions - 120 x 82 x 83 cm;
• Possibility to adjust the position of the steering wheel;
• Warranty period - 2 years;
• High performance;
• Wide fuel filler neck.

Disadvantages:

• Large weight - 65 kg;
• Loud motor operation - 100 dB.

In the reviews, buyers write about the high strength of the structure. They also distinguish the resistance of the paint coating to the appearance of rust on the metal case.

Caiman CESAR 60H

This lawn scarifier-aerator with a petrol four-stroke engine cleans the grass cover from the accumulated dead plant parts, cuts the grooves for seeds and loosens the soil in areas up to 15 acres. In one pass, it processes 40 cm in width. The working mechanism of the device consists of a shaft with 15 cold rolled steel knives. The penetration depth can be adjusted here from 0 to 22 mm. The maximum torque reaches 10.3 Nm at 2500 rpm.

The advantage of the Caiman CESAR 60H model is the strength and durability of the case made of pressed steel 3 mm thick. The design includes a foldable rubber-braided handle that provides a comfortable grip and protects against vibrations. A useful option is a lever to release the rotor, which stops the rotation of the knives without turning off the engine. It also uses an eccentric belt tensioning system to facilitate the adjustment process. The set includes a soft grass catcher with a wide discharge opening for 40 liters.

Advantages:

• High power - 3675 W;
• Top valve arrangement;
• Synchronous depth adjustment;
• Good quality knives;
• Wheels on bearings;
• Capacitive fuel tank 3.6 l.

Disadvantages:

• Not found.

There are many positive comments in the reviews about the small size (73 x 60 x 59 cm) and the optimal weight (34 kg) of the verticutter. Users note its convenience when moving and storing.

Electric Scarcers

Unlike gasoline-powered ones, electric cutters are less powerful. Such models can be powered by a battery or 220 V network and are characterized by low weight, maneuverability, simple design, low noise during operation. These devices are suitable for the treatment of small and medium-sized lawns. 10 models participated in the selection. Based on high performance and safety, ease of use, 4 winners were selected.

AL-KO SF 4036

This lawn aerator-scarifier is suitable for combing dry grass, moss, fallen leaves and other debris in small areas (up to 250 sq. M.). The design is compatible with the aerator roller, so the scarifier is perfect for conditioning lawns and lawns. The knife system of the model includes 12 quality steel blades. There is a 5-level roller height adjustment performed by a synchronous central switch.

The brushless motor of this German rig is powered by a 4 or 5 Ah lithium-ion battery. It provides 2 hours of battery life on a single charge. The gardening machine is highly efficient. The shaft rotation speed is 2700 rpm, and the maximum working width is 36 cm. 2-wheel axles contribute to the maximum maneuverability and stability of the AL-KO SF 4036 model. A 50 L cloth bag can be used to collect the grass.

Advantages:

• Autonomous work;
• Low noise level - 75 dB;
• Mobility;
• Easy roller change;
• The warranty period is 2 years.

Disadvantages:

• The set does not include aerator roller, grass catcher, battery and charger.

Makita UV3600

The device functions as a verticutter and aerator. With its help, you can get rid of dry vegetation and accumulated debris, as well as loosen the soil for air saturation. The Makita UV3600 model is equipped with a 1800 W electric motor powered from a 220 V network. It is characterized by a constant rotation rate at a speed of 3700 rpm. During operation, you can select one of 4 steps of adjustment: +5, 0, -5 and -10 mm.

The garden aerator-scarifier is distinguished by good maneuverability thanks to the presence of wheels with wide treads. For ease of operation, the handle height can be adjusted. It can be folded when storing or moving. The width of processing with this scarifier in one pass is 36 cm. The set includes a soft bag for collecting garbage with a volume of 40 liters.

Advantages:

• The recommended processing area is up to 500 sq. m;
• Light weight - 18.3 kg;
• Possibility of using shafts of aerator and scarifier;
• The presence of an emergency engine switch;
• Installed cord clip.

Disadvantages:

• It makes a lot of noise during operation - 86.9 dB.

Buyers speak positively about the durability of the plastic case of the device - it does not scratch and can withstand temperature extremes.

Bosch AVR 1100

The Bosch AVR 1100 is equipped with a 1100 W electric motor. The verticutter is used for the delicate cleansing of lawns and lawns from weeds, fallen leaves, moss and dry grass. The device also provides soil aeration. The roll structure consists of 14 rotating steel knives. As in the previous device, there are 4 levels of blade penetration depth adjustment: +5, 0, -5 and -10 mm. A strip 32 cm wide is processed in one pass.

The advantage of the verticutter is the plastic tank for collecting grass and debris. It has a large capacity (50 l) and is easy to empty. The design provides for a handle that is adjustable depending on the height of the user. It can be folded if necessary. The scarifier is equipped with wide wheels, which contribute to good maneuverability and ease of movement.

Advantages:

• Light weight - 9.9 kg:
• High-quality plastic case;
• Ergonomic design
• Convenient transportation;
• Effective work.

Disadvantages:

• Not found.

Customers like the low noise level during the work process - just 76 dB.

Stiga SV 213 E

This device uses a collector motor that is connected to a 220 V network. Its power of 1300 W and a shaft rotation speed of 3900 rpm is sufficient to operate on 5-10 acres. The Stiga SV 213 E model is designed to saturate the soil with air and remove debris, dry stems and moss. For this, the kit includes 2 replaceable shafts. The aerator shaft consists of 36 steel spring elements and the ripper is equipped with 16 steel knives.

The electric lawn cutter processes a 32 cm wide strip in one pass. The narrower rear wheels reduce ground pressure and improve maneuverability. The working depth is controlled by a central synchronous switch with a working range of -9 to +4 mm. The frame of the Stiga SV 213 E aerator-scarifier is made of metal, and the body is made of high-quality plastic.

Advantages:

• Protection of the motor against power surges and short circuits;
• The set includes a 40 l grass catcher;
• High performance;
• Light weight - 10.2 kg;
• Reliable construction.

Disadvantages:

• Loud noise during operation - 94 dB.

For maximum ease of use, manufacturers have equipped the unit with a control handle that adjusts to the user's height and folds if necessary.

How to choose a verticutter

When choosing verticutters, you need to pay attention to their purpose. Depending on the purpose of use, they are characterized by different indicators of power, width and working depth. Also, these devices differ in the type of engine.

Appointment

There are classic verticutters (scarifiers) that are used to cut the root system and clean the top layer of soil from dried grass, stems, moss, foliage and other plant waste. These models are suitable for those who wish to improve the quality of the grass and stimulate its growth, as well as give the lawn a beautiful, well-groomed appearance.

If the grass lacks density and saturation in color, then it is better to use a highly specialized technique - aerators. Most often, universal devices are used scarifiers with a similar function, since they help to solve all problems at once.

engine's type

There are 2 types of engines: gasoline and electric. The first is suitable for use in large areas - golf courses, school lawns, stadiums or a courtyard area of ​​considerable size. Their advantage is increased power, autonomy and advanced functionality. The downside is the high noise level and exhaust fumes.

Electric motors for verticutters will be a good option for working on garden plots and other small and medium-sized areas. These models can be powered by battery or mains, so they can be conveniently used away from home.

Power

This parameter is measured in horsepower (for gasoline) or kilowatts, watts (for electric). In large areas (up to 2000 square meters), devices from 2300 W function well. For a smaller area (up to 250 square meters), appliances from 1100 W are suitable. The more powerful the device, the higher the parameters of the width and depth of processing and the faster it will cope with the task. The operating time of a gasoline lawn scarifier depends on the volume of the fuel tank, and the electric one depends on the battery capacity.

Working width and depth

The time that needs to be spent on processing the site depends on the working width. As mentioned above, this indicator depends on the engine power. Therefore, wishing to spend a minimum amount of time on lawn processing, it is better to pay attention to powerful models with a high processing width parameter. The level of penetration of the working part into the ground depends on the depth. Typically in verticutters, it is adjusted in several steps in the range of 3-30 mm.

Which verticutter is better

Gasoline cutters are great helpers in large areas. They are quite powerful, efficient and versatile. Electric models are distinguished by their environmental friendliness, quiet noise level, light weight and maneuverability. They work well in medium to small size areas.

In many ways, the choice of verticutters depends on the size of the area that it will process:

• For working with lawns up to 2000 sq. m fit "Viking LB 540". It has a capacitive grass catcher, 6 adjustment modes, and features a robust and stable structure.
• Another good option for large areas is the Husqvarna S 500 Pro. This model is characterized by high power, optimal working width and a large fuel tank.
• For the territory up to 15 hectare it is better to buy "Caiman CESAR 60H". There is a wide range of depth adjustment and an optimal tank volume for collecting waste.
• The best option for tillage on an area of ​​up to 250 sq. m will be "AL-KO SF 4036". It is battery operated, has 5 adjustment steps and a durable knife system.
• If the required area is up to 500 sq. m, then "Makita UV3600" will do. It is a versatile instrument with 4 levels of depth adjustment and good power.
• For those who wish to purchase a lightweight unit, the Bosch AVR 1100 is an excellent option. It features an ergonomic design and good collection capacity.
• On the territory of up to 10 acres, the Stiga SV 213 E will do the job well. This model has a wide range of depth adjustment and has 2 replaceable shafts.

The best way to cleanse the soil of plant waste, improve its appearance and stimulate grass growth is to use a garden verticutter aerator. The TOP contains the most versatile, effective and safe models.