TOP 8 best verticutters of 2020 - a new selection from our editorial team, based on user reviews and analysis of offers on the market. The review presents both traditional scarves and combo models that combine the function of an aerator. Verticutters have appeared relatively recently, but have become very popular among private users and in the service sector. The modern machine is designed for lawn care - it quickly and effectively removes a layer of dry grass, moss or other plant debris, leaving it clean and well-groomed. Verticutters-aerators are more functional, the equipment perfectly loosens the soil, which contributes to its saturation with fertilizers and water.
The best verticutters
The rating of the best verticutters is made up of four models of narrow specialization from leading brands in the field of tools and garden equipment - Bosch, Makita, AL-KO, STIGA. There is no doubt about the quality of the products of these brands.
The main features of classic verticutters:
- Models with an electric drive are good for small adjoining areas, garden lawn maintenance. They are mains dependent but quiet.
- Cordless verticutters are suitable for medium-sized areas - they are more often purchased for processing office, retail territory, as well as for large private areas.
- Gasoline vehicles are the most durable and productive, good at fighting dense moss. The equipment is designed to care for large areas of parks, squares, but also copes well with small private areas devoid of electricity.
1. BOSCH AVR 1100
The electric cutter of the famous Bosch brand is very popular among the owners of plots and lawns, as it is able not only to collect old grass, but also to thin out fresh grass, and also be used as an aerator. This functionality is achieved due to the depth of the working part, which can be changed in four positions. All collected garbage, cut moss and vegetation fall into a spacious, 50-liter grass catcher, and the processing width in one pass is 32 cm.According to customer reviews, this model is optimal for areas up to 10 acres and is suitable for both old and for young lawns.
Advantages:
- removes moss and dry grass well;
- quality carbon steel knife;
- spacious trash box;
- more efficient engine;
- 4 depth modes;
- compact design with folding handle.
Disadvantages:
- when turning makes "bald spots" if you do not raise the front part.
2. Makita UV3600
The popular verticutter model is equipped with a powerful electric motor and a wide working section that captures a strip of 36 cm at a time. The enlarged front wheels make it easier to pass on loose soil. The stepped depth adjustment allows you to remove moss, dry grass and leaves, as well as cut off bumps and bumps to level the area. This reliable scarifier is easy to use and easy to use. On the downside, users include a small grass catcher that requires frequent cleaning in heavily clogged areas.
Advantages:
- increased wheel diameter;
- justified cost;
- powerful electric motor 1.8 kW;
- large width of capture;
- comfortable handle with adjustable tilt and height;
- sharp knives.
Disadvantages:
- small collector.
3. AL-KO SF 4036
The main advantage of this model is in an independent power source - from the battery, which gives greater freedom of movement and independence from centralized power supply. This design is especially convenient if the plot or lawn, in addition to grass, is planted with shrubs or flowers that you have to bend around. At the same time, in terms of technical characteristics and quality of soil cultivation, this good and inexpensive verticutter is not inferior to wired counterparts. Its knives have a width of 36 cm, and the depth is changed by means of the adjusting wheel in five positions. According to reviews, in a combination of price and quality, it has practically no equal.
Advantages:
- adjustment to 5 positions;
- there is a charge indicator on the battery;
- well-developed security system;
- low noise level;
- low cost;
- large grass box;
- collects grass and leaves well.
Disadvantages:
- on dense soil the battery will drain quickly.
4. STIGA SVP 40 B
Professional verticutter SVP 40 B is produced by the world-famous Swedish company Stiga. The advantages of this manufacturer's equipment are the highest quality workmanship and modern technology. The popular Briggs & Stratton 550 Series 4-stroke engine is no exception to this popular petrol-powered scarifier, which stands out for its extended durability, ability to tackle the most challenging lawns and a dedicated floating blade system. The versatility of this device makes it ideal for large areas that low power scarcutters cannot handle.
Advantages:
- powerful 4-stroke 3 HP motor;
- 32 knives;
- high quality workmanship and reliability;
- works well the soil of any complexity;
- durable metal body;
- great resource.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- large mass.
The best verticutters-aerators
Verticutters-aerators are combined models that combine two key functions: lawn cleaning and soil aeration. The first provides quick cleaning of grass from last year's shoots, residues of vegetation after cutting, moss and other debris. The second is effective treatment of the topsoil, the aerator pierces it, ensuring high-quality saturation of the root system with the fertilizers and water used.
Thanks to the clever design, the equipment copes equally well with both functions. The working area is a verticutter cutter, easily removed and changed to aeration.
Our review of the best combo models features four versions from trusted brands. Stihl, AL-KO, Patriot and MTD products are the best in the market for gardening equipment and have long won approval from users.
1. STIHL RLE 240
Stihl RLE 240, according to customer reviews, is the best verticutter-aerator in its price category. Its delivery set includes two shafts, one of which is for cutting and collecting grass, and the other is a needle shaft for piercing the soil. Replacing them is very simple and takes less than one minute. The efficiency of the device is at a high level, with its help even a neglected lawn or area can be put in order, and if necessary, remove irregularities. There are practically no complaints about the quality of the equipment, and the owners call the 6-stage depth adjustment one of its main advantages.
Advantages:
- affordable cost;
- multi-stage depth adjustment;
- high ergonomics;
- quick change of equipment;
- ease of storage and transportation;
- good efficiency.
2. AL-KO Combi Care 38 E Comfort
The professional verticutter-aerator has entered the rating of the best thanks to the competent design - the working knives are located as close to the front of the body as possible. The layout allows you to effectively process the lawn near various obstacles - curbs, paths, buildings. The technical characteristics are also at the level - the power is 1.3 kW, the width of the knives is 38 cm. The kit includes a shaft for cleaning with 14 knives and for aeration with 24 spokes-springs.In the reviews, the owners noted the ease of use and maneuverability due to the enlarged front wheels. The baggy grass collector has also become a plus - the operator can easily determine the degree of its fullness and do not have to take out a half-empty bag.
Advantages:
- replacement of the working shaft without keys;
- combination of price and performance;
- increased volume of the grass-catcher - up to 55 kg;
- comfortable work due to the competent constructive part;
- large front wheels foldable racks;
- height adjustment.
Disadvantages:
- difficult to maneuver over uneven terrain;
- flimsy back cover.
3. PATRIOT SCG 212
Inexpensive, but very powerful scarifier-aerator has earned popularity as the best model in terms of price and quality. This powerful equipment easily overcomes irregularities in the lawn and quickly covers even very large areas. For this, the device was equipped with a powerful 4-stroke engine, a spacious 3.6L fuel tank, wide blades that immediately grab 40 cm of the lawn. The model can easily cope with a summer cottage or cottage area of 20-30 acres, as well as a large area - a park or square. The only negative, according to customer reviews, is the small volume of the collection for grass.
Advantages:
- high performance;
- large fuel tank;
- 20-step height adjustment;
- wear-resistant steel body and handles.
Disadvantages:
- a 45 liter grass catcher requires intermittent stops.
4. MTD Optima 38 VO
It is difficult to find negative customer reviews about this model because it is one of the best verticutters on the market. A high-quality petrol-powered scarifier-aerator is very popular. According to the owners, the device efficiently cleans the lawn from old grass, leaves, branches, moss, turf and other debris. The verticutter is comfortable, easy to maneuver over a small or large area with a heterogeneous relief. Weighing 39 kg, it is a fairly compact petrol-powered verticutter, and the large collector capacity reduces stoppages when working on large areas.
Advantages:
- maneuverable and not bulky;
- grass collector with a volume of 50 liters;
- effective lawn cleaning and high-quality aeration;
- keyless replacement of working shafts;
- high power of 4 hp;
- six-step height adjustment.
Disadvantages:
- there are no objective flaws, according to users.
Which verticutter is better to choose
To buy a lawn scarifier that fully meets your needs, it is enough to understand more deeply its characteristics:
- Power - directly affects the performance and endurance of the device. Electric and battery ones start from 1 kW, less powerful ones "get tired" too quickly, even from moderate loads.
- Processing width - the larger it is, the less time it takes to process the site.
- Power type - from the mains, from the battery or equipped with a gasoline engine. The latter are equally easy to cope with any tasks, rechargeable batteries are the "average option" for office or suburban areas. Network, with its capacity, cannot function stably at a distance from the energy source, which limits the area of operation.
- Aeration is essential for quality lawn care.
Before choosing the best verticutter, you need to analyze where and how it will be used. This equipment belongs to a narrow specialization, so it must fully cope with the tasks.
