Brinly vs Craftsman Lawn Aerator (2026): 40 Inch Tow Plug and Spike Aerators Compared

Last updated: October 2026 · Written by the LawnVibe editorial team.

If you are shopping for a tow-behind aerator to pull behind a riding mower, Brinly and Craftsman are two of the most familiar names. Both offer a 40 inch tow plug aerator and a tow spike aerator, and on paper their plug aerators look very similar. This Brinly vs Craftsman lawn aerator comparison digs into the details that separate them: spoon and coring point design, weight trays, wheels, spike aerator width and the bundles Craftsman sells with spreaders and dethatchers.

This comparison is based on published specifications and product descriptions; we did not run hands-on tests. Specifications and bundles change, so confirm details on the listing before buying.

Brinly vs Craftsman Lawn Aerator at a Glance

Feature	Brinly	Craftsman
Tow plug aerator width	40 inches	40 inches
Plug tines	24 heat-treated, 16-gauge steel spoons	24 galvanized steel coring points
Listed plug depth	Up to about 3 inches	Up to about 3 inches
Tow spike aerator width	40 inches (SAT2-40)	36 inches (CMXGZBF7124336)
Spike design	11 tine stars, 12 tips each	9 galvanized steel discs
Notable extras	Push spike aerators, transport wheels	Bundles with spreader or dethatcher

Tow Plug Aerators: Nearly Matched

The headline models are close competitors. Both brands offer a 40 inch tow-behind plug aerator with 24 coring tines listed as pulling plugs up to about 3 inches deep, which is the depth range most homeowners need to relieve compaction. Kansas State University Research and Extension describes why removing plugs helps lawns in its guide to aerating your lawn.

Brinly's 40 inch plug aerator uses heat-treated, 16-gauge steel plugging spoons. Brinly describes its spoon shape as narrower than typical designs, which is intended to help the spoons slip into compacted soil.

Craftsman's 40 inch tow plug aerator uses 24 galvanized steel coring points listed as pulling plugs up to 3 inches deep and preparing soil for spring or fall planting. Its bundle listings also mention a weight tray of up to 70 lb, so check which tool in the bundle that figure refers to before relying on it.

The practical difference: heat-treated spoons emphasise strength and penetration, while galvanized coring points emphasise rust resistance. Either should serve a typical suburban lawn well. Your soil moisture, weight in the tray and towing speed will affect results more than the brand.

Tow Spike Aerators: 40 Inches vs 36 Inches

Brinly's SAT2-40 is 40 inches wide, with 11 tine stars, each 8 inches in diameter with 12 spike tips, listed as penetrating up to 2 inches. Transport wheels let you lift the tines off the ground to cross driveways and paths.

Craftsman's CMXGZBF7124336 is 36 inches wide, with 9 galvanized steel discs, a 10-gauge steel frame and an enclosed weight tray. Craftsman notes a universal design for riding mowers and tractors and an adjustable hitch for different tractor heights.

Brinly's model covers slightly more width per pass, while Craftsman emphasises frame strength and an adjustable hitch. Spike aerators are best for light aeration or preparing soil before overseeding rather than relieving heavy compaction. For more options, see our guide to the best spike aerator.

Craftsman Bundles: Aerator Plus Spreader or Dethatcher

One area where Craftsman stands out on Amazon is bundles. Its 40 inch tow plug aerator is sold paired with a 110 lb tow broadcast spreader, or with a 40 inch tow dethatcher. Its 36 inch tow spike aerator is also paired with the dethatcher. For a full lawn renovation, these combinations are convenient: dethatch first, aerate second, then spread seed and fertilizer.

Brinly sells its tools individually in the listings compared here, including push spike aerators that suit smaller lawns. If you only need an aerator, buying it alone avoids paying for tools you will not use.

Choosing by Lawn and Mower

Typical suburban lawn with a riding mower

Either 40 inch plug aerator is a strong match. The width is easy to tow, turns reasonably tightly and covers a half-acre to one-acre lawn in a manageable session. Choose based on whether you prefer Brinly's spoon design or Craftsman's galvanized coring points and bundle options.

Lawn with many trees and beds

A 40 inch aerator is already fairly manoeuvrable. Lift or raise the aerator before tight turns to avoid tearing turf, and finish tight areas around trees and beds with a manual core tool.

Garden tractor owners

If you have a heavier garden tractor that can tow more weight, you can load the tray more fully for deeper plugs. Check your tractor's towing guidance first.

Small lawn without a riding mower

A tow-behind aerator is not practical without a tow vehicle. A Brinly push spike aerator or a manual core tool is a better fit; see our guide to the best manual lawn aerator.

Assembly and Storage

Both brands' tow-behind aerators arrive needing assembly, typically with common hand tools. Allow time and follow the instructions carefully, especially for hitch and axle components. Once built, a 40 inch aerator takes up a meaningful amount of garage or shed space, so measure before buying. Removing weights from the tray before storage protects the frame and makes the aerator easier to move. Bundles add more tools to store, so consider space before choosing one.

Building a Lawn Renovation Routine

A typical renovation with tow-behind tools follows a simple order. Mow the lawn a little shorter than usual. If thatch is thick, pull a tow dethatcher across the lawn and rake or collect the debris. Water the lawn a day or two before aerating so the soil is moist. Make overlapping passes with the plug aerator, then a second pass at an angle on compacted areas. Finally, spread seed and a starter fertilizer while the holes are open, and water lightly and regularly until new grass establishes.

Timing matters. Cool-season lawns are usually renovated in early fall, with spring as a second option, while warm-season lawns respond best in late spring to early summer. Our guides on how to core aerate a lawn yourself and how to aerate and overseed a lawn in the fall cover the steps.

Getting Better Penetration

The most common complaint with tow-behind plug aerators of any brand is shallow penetration. The fix is usually the same: aerate when soil is moist, add weight to the tray within the manufacturer's limit, and slow down. Concrete blocks or sandbags work well as weight. Our troubleshooting guide on how to fix a core aerator that is not penetrating the soil explains more.

Maintenance for Tow-Behind Aerators

After each use, knock or hose dried soil out of plugging spoons and coring points, because packed soil stops tines from cutting cleanly next time. Let the aerator dry fully before storage to limit rust, even on galvanized parts. Check tines for bending, especially after hitting hidden rocks or roots, and straighten or replace them. Inspect the hitch pin, axle and wheel bearings each season and apply lubricant where the manual recommends. Our guide on how to clean a lawn aerator after use covers the basics.

Towing Safely

Keep towing speeds low, especially on slopes and when the weight tray is loaded. Added weight changes how your mower handles and brakes, so avoid steep inclines and wet grass. Stop the engine before adding or removing weight and keep hands clear of tines. Never let anyone ride on the aerator, and keep children and pets away while you work. Raise spike aerators onto their transport wheels, or remove weight from plug aerators, before crossing driveways or paths.

Rent, Buy or Share?

If you aerate once a year and do not own a riding mower, renting a gas core aerator from a local hire shop is often simplest. If you already own a riding mower or garden tractor, buying a tow-behind aerator from either brand usually pays for itself within a few seasons compared with repeated rentals. Neighbours sometimes share one aerator between several lawns, which spreads the cost even further. Whichever route you choose, aerating at the right time and following up with seed and fertilizer matters far more than the specific tool.

What to Do With the Plugs

Leave soil plugs on the lawn. They break down within a couple of weeks and return soil and microbes to the surface, so there is no need to rake them up.

Signs Your Lawn Needs Aerating

Look for water pooling or running off after rain, soil that is hard to push a screwdriver into, thin grass in high-traffic areas and patchy growth despite regular feeding. These signs point to compaction that a plug aerator can relieve.

How Often to Aerate

Most lawns benefit from core aeration once a year. Clay soils and high-traffic lawns may need it twice a year, while sandy, lightly used lawns may need it only every couple of years. Spike aeration can be repeated more often as a light treatment before overseeding. Watch for signs such as puddling, hard soil and thinning grass to decide when it is time.

Brinly vs Craftsman: Pros and Cons

Brinly strengths: heat-treated plugging spoons with a narrower design, a wider 40 inch tow spike aerator with transport wheels and push spike aerators for smaller lawns.

Brinly trade-offs: tools are sold individually in the listings compared, so a full renovation set costs more to assemble.

Craftsman strengths: galvanized coring points that resist rust, an adjustable hitch on the spike aerator, a durable 10-gauge spike aerator frame and convenient bundles with spreaders and dethatchers.

Craftsman trade-offs: narrower 36 inch spike aerator; bundles may include tools you do not need.

Which Should You Buy?

• Best plug aerator for penetration-focused design: the Brinly 40 inch tow plug aerator.
• Best plug aerator bundle for renovation: the Craftsman 40 inch tow plug aerator with tow dethatcher.
• Best plug aerator and seeding bundle: the Craftsman 40 inch tow plug aerator with 110 lb tow spreader.
• Best wider tow spike aerator: the Brinly SAT2-40.
• Best spike aerator with adjustable hitch: the Craftsman 36 inch tow spike aerator.
• Best for small lawns: the Brinly 18 inch push spike aerator.

For more aerators from other brands, see our main guide to the best lawn aerator or our head-to-head Agri-Fab vs Brinly lawn aerator comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions