10 best verticutters

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Verticutters pierce the soil with steel needles, allowing air to flow to the plant roots. Installed knives cut through moss and turf to remove the layer that is interfering with growth. This procedure is carried out on lawns twice a year: in the fall after the last mowing of the grass and in the spring, to remove an additional fallen layer of leaves and dried stems. For this, electric and gasoline scarifiers have been developed, called aerators or scarifiers. Models differ in power and aisle width, as well as cost. To make your choice easier, we have prepared a ranking of the best verticutters based on an analysis of their characteristics and customer reviews.

Rating of the best verticutters

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Electric Scarcers	1	Greenworks G40DT30 (2504807)	RUB 16,990
	2	Viking LE 540	RUB 24 490
	3	BOSCH AVR 1100	RUB 13,728
	4	STIGA SV 415 E	RUB 12 918
	5	Makita UV3200	RUB 8,900
	6	CHAMPION ESC1840	RUB 9 850
	7	AL-KO Combi Care 38 Е Comfort	RUB 8,719
The best gasoline cutters	1	Viking LB 540	RUB 39,990
	2	Daewoo Power Products DSC 4000	RUB 32,990
	3	AL-KO Combi Care 38 Р Comfort	RUB 20,250

Best Electric Scarcers

Electric cutters can be operated from a 220 V network or a battery. In the first case, they are suitable for a small lawn near the house, and in the second for a more spacious lawn next to a cottage, office building, kindergarten. Electric models are quieter, cleaner and lighter for easy transport. Here are the top electric aerator options our experts and users have liked in reviews.

Greenworks G40DT30 (2504807)

Rating: 4.9

The first place in the rating is taken by the product from the world's leading manufacturer of garden equipment Greenworks. The verticutter is equipped with a 1000 W electric motor and covers a strip width of 320 mm. To start the unit, you must first press the safety button, and then push the bracket. The handle of the scarifier is foldable, which simplifies storage and is liked by customers in reviews. The rubber grip on the handle provides a secure grip on the verticutter and dampens vibration of 2.5 m / s². The deck is made of plastic and helps to reduce the weight of the equipment.

We rated the Scratcher as the most durable battery-powered model for continuous operation. The equipment is so well assembled that having bought it once, you will not have to look for another in a few years. Thanks to the built-in battery, there is no restriction on the distance from the outlet. The 20 liter grass catcher requires fewer interruptions to empty. The blades rotate on the shaft at 3500 rpm, so you can work quickly.

Advantages

• power 1000 W;
• mowing 32 cm in width in one pass;
• has its own bag of 20 liters;
• foldable handle;
• safety button prevents unauthorized starting.

disadvantages

• weight 14 kg;
• high price;
• turns are not regulated;
• it is required to push the operator;
• volume of work 84 dB.

Viking LE 540

Rating: 4.8

The second place in the rating is given to goods from another well-known company Viking. The LE540 verticutter is equipped with a powerful 1.6 kW electric motor. The body has four double bearing support wheels, which owners love in reviews, and a folding metal handle. The rev starter bracket is stretched through the entire handle, so it is convenient to press it with both the right and left hand. The model has 7 knives acting on the soil with 14 cutting edges. In one pass, the unit captures 380 mm in width. The aerator works only from a 220 V network, so an extension cord is needed for it. To prevent the wire from being pulled out under strong tension, a clamp is provided for unloading.

In our opinion, the verticutter has the right to be in the rating of the best due to the presence of a regulator on one of the racks. The switch has six positions and affects the height of the knives through the cable. Thanks to this, the operator can, without interrupting the process, set the depth of cut in the soil in the range from 0 to 25 mm, which is practical for a versatile large lawn.

Advantages

• engine power 1600 W;
• suitable for lawns with an area of ​​800 m²;
• foldable handle;
• suitable for right-handers and left-handers.

disadvantages

• the model weighs 28 kg;
• no rubber pad on the handle;
• shallow tread on wheels slips on tall grass.

BOSCH AVR 1100

Rating: 4.7

The third place in the rating belongs to the German electric verticutter from Bosch. The device works with an 1100 W electric motor and has 4 depth adjustment modes: +5, 0, -5 and -10 mm. The body is molded from lightweight and durable polypropylene, so the total weight of the model is 9.9 kg. The system of a roller with knives includes 14 blades made of carbon steel, so the equipment retains its sharpness for a long time and does not dull even when it collides with stones. The long handle folds in two places and the verticutter is placed on the shelf in the pantry. A separate handle is provided for carrying the grass catcher for increased ease of use. The aerator pierces a strip of 32 cm in width.

The verticutter is included in the rating because of its spacious 50 liter grass catcher. This allows you to process a large area without interruption for cleaning. Users in the reviews note that the capacity of the scarifier is filled to the very top, and not 70%, as in other models. The aerator also has a low gear, which facilitates a thorough passage and gentle influence on the lawn.

Advantages

• the high handle is suitable for people of different heights;
• carbon steel edges;
• rigid grass catcher;
• compact handle fold due to two folds.

disadvantages

• high price;
• during intensive work, the motor heats up and the protection is triggered;
• when lowering the blades to maximum, it tears a lot of fresh grass.

STIGA SV 415 E

Rating: 4.6

The fourth place in the TOP-10 is occupied by a verticutter from a Swedish manufacturer. The aerator is manoeuvrable due to the narrower arrangement of the front wheels. To quickly deliver it to the place of work, a handle is provided on the engine compartment, but the weight will have to be 18 kg, so only a strong person can do this. The lawn care unit has a power of 1,500 W and runs 38 cm in width at a time. Like the previous model in the ranking, the scarifier is endowed with a rigid 50 l grass catcher, which, judging by the reviews, is easy to clean from the grass. The commutator engine is characterized by increased resource and endurance. To quickly connect to the network, the plug is placed on the handle.

In the opinion of our experts, the verticutter should be included in the rating due to the configuration with two shafts at once. One has 20 knives for cutting moss and sod, and the second contains 44 springs, with which it actively pierces the black soil. Changing the shafts does not take much time and expands the possibilities of the garden apparatus.

Advantages

• working width 38 cm;
• convenient power connector on the handle;
• there is a central depth adjustment;
• grass catcher for 50 liters.

disadvantages

• weighs 18 kg;
• high price;
• it is difficult to put on the garbage container;
• plastic clips are unreliable.

Makita UV3200

Rating: 4.5

The Japanese verticutter with a 1300 W electric motor continues our ranking in fifth place. The working depth is adjustable in the range of 10 mm, for which there is a lever next to the right front wheel. The processing width of the scarifier is 32 cm. The body is assembled from plastic, and the 30-liter grass-catcher is made of dense fabric, which has reduced the weight to 12 kg. Customers in reviews love that the handle has a non-slip rubber grip and is height adjustable. To turn on the device, you need to push the bracket on the right. The owners also praise the product for the Japanese electric motor, which has a long service life.

In our opinion, the verticutter should definitely be in the rating of the best due to its increased cross-country ability and maneuverability. This is achieved through the use of large diameter front wheels, which significantly exceed the rear ones. This design provides easy overcoming of uneven terrain and prevents the vehicle from getting caught in the nose.

Advantages

• hook for hanging the power cord;
• 10 knives with 20 cutting edges;
• grass catcher for 30 liters;
• increased maneuverability;
• the handle is adjustable for the height of the operator.

disadvantages

• high price;
• trigger bracket only on the right side of the handle;
• adjustment of the immersion depth of the blades in the lower part of the case – you will need to bend over.

CHAMPION ESC1840

Rating: 4.4

The sixth place in the rating is occupied by a stylish verticutter in a black and yellow case from a domestic manufacturer. The car design, reminiscent of a powerful jeep, immediately catches the eye. The scarifier moves confidently on the lawn thanks to the large front wheels with pronounced tread. A handle is provided at the top of the case for quick carrying. The owners are enthusiastic about the easy movement of the verticutter, even on a lawn that has not been scratched for 5 years. Gardening equipment is distinguished by a particularly thick overlay on the handle, which removes vibration. The depth adjustment on the lever has grooves, like a slide in an automatic transmission, and does not get lost from shaking.

Our experts took note of the model and included it in the rating because it is the most powerful verticutter in the electric gardening machine category. Its 1800W motor is suitable for confidently cutting through moss, dense turf, last year's deciduous carpet. The model is also the most productive due to the processing width of 40 cm. The third reason is the 55 l grass catcher, which allows you to work for a long time without technical breaks.

Advantages

• 4 adjustment modes;
• powerful electric motor;
• garbage bag for 55 liters;
• two replaceable work rollers with needles and teeth.

disadvantages

• depth adjustment at the bottom of the case;
• the soft grass catcher is a little flimsy.

AL-KO Combi Care 38 Е Comfort

Rating: 4.4

The rating of electric verticutters is completed by a German model assembled in China. The aerator is endowed with a power of 1300 W and works in width by 38 cm. There is a central height adjustment in the form of a switch above the knives. To start the motor there is a safety button and a bracket on the right side of the handle. The verticutter features enlarged front wheels and foldable struts. The set includes two shafts: a loosening shaft for 14 knives and an aerator shaft with 24 springs. The owners in the reviews note that it is easy to determine the degree of filling by the fabric bag. The grass catcher clogs up to the top, so you don't have to carry a half-empty bag.

Experts have included the verticutter in the rating due to the proximity of the knives to the front of the case. This design allows you to comb the lawn as close to the curb or path as possible when approaching them in front. This reduces the time for lawn maintenance and eliminates the need for additional maneuvers along the obstacle.

Advantages

• increased duty cycle due to the 55 l grass catcher;
• large front wheels do not spoil the grass;
• two rollers with knives included;
• easy shaft replacement without a key.

disadvantages

• weight 14 kg;
• the rear wheels are very small and difficult to move on uneven lawn;
• weak back cover;
• inconvenient cable suspension clip.

The best gasoline cutters

The use of an internal combustion engine in the cutters provides increased power. This potential is applicable on densely overgrown lawns that have not been combed out for several years. Working on gasoline gives autonomy and allows you to take care of the green area far from the power source. But such equipment emits increased noise and exhaust gases. It is worth choosing gasoline cutters for the maintenance of golf courses, stadiums, spacious lawns around cottages and various institutions.

Viking LB 540

Rating: 4.9

The first place in the ranking of petrol verticutters is occupied by the Austrian model. It is powered by a 3.2 hp four-stroke engine, equivalent to an electrical rating of 2300 W. The knife system has 14 blades and 6 depth adjustment modes with a range of 25 mm, which surpasses the capabilities of other participants in the rating. The body is molded from impact-resistant polymer, so a collision with stones and curbs will not harm the device. The owners in the reviews note the convenience of the carrying handle – it extends from the front of the case and helps to quickly rearrange the verticutter over the obstacle. The motor block is equipped with a protective cover that provides air cooling, but prevents branches from bumping when caring for the lawn around the bushes.

We noted the gasoline verticutter in the ranking as the most convenient, since the operator does not need to bend over to work. The recoil starter rope is placed on the handle and fixed in a loop – to start the engine, you just need to pull it (the SmartChoke easy start system is implemented). The lever for adjusting the depth of immersion of knives is also at the very top. The throttle bracket runs through the entire handle, so you can hold the aerator with either hand.

Advantages

• bearings instead of bushings in the wheels;
• 7 double-bladed knives;
• high impact polymer body;
• powerful engine producing 3.2 hp

disadvantages

• low tire tread glides on the grass;
• weight 32 kg;
• the motor runs loudly;
• the grass catcher is purchased separately.

Daewoo Power Products DSC 4000

Rating: 4.8

The second place in the rating belongs to a verticutter with a gasoline engine, 5 hp. The device is equipped with a belt transmission of torque from the motor to the shaft with knives, so hitting a stone or a large branch will not harm the power plant. For this technical feature, the product is praised in reviews. The shafts in the verticutter vary depending on the needs of the lawn – there is a needle shaft and with 18 knives. The height of the arrangement is set from -15 to +5 mm. With a working width of 40 cm and rotation of the shaft at a speed of 3600 rpm, the unit has a high performance.

Our experts have added the petrol model to the rating for several reasons. Firstly, the verticutter has a steel body, which makes it more durable and stable for everyday use in a spacious area. Secondly, the scarifier has tall wheels, making it easy to drive over uneven terrain. Thirdly, the garden device has a transport mode that raises the knives to the highest possible position so that they do not touch the soil – this allows the unit to roll freely across the road, sidewalk or yard, so as not to dull the blades and lift weight.

Advantages

• two shafts for combing out and cutting;
• the height of the knives can be changed from -15 to +5 mm;
• foldable handle;
• belt drive.

disadvantages

• depth adjuster at the bottom of the verticutter;
• high price;
• weight 35 kg.

AL-KO Combi Care 38 Р Comfort

Rating: 4.7

The rating of gasoline verticutters is completed by a product from a German brand. The garden unit for soil aeration and removal of old grass with moss is equipped with a 1.7 hp engine. In one pass, the installation processes 38 cm in width. The included soft grass catcher holds 55 liters of rubbish, so you need to spend less time cleaning it. Despite the gasoline engine, the verticutter weighs 20 kg, which is a rarity in this category of equipment and is liked by buyers in reviews. The central adjustment of the knife position is placed on the left side of the lower platform and has 5 steps. The knives are located close to the front of the body, so combing out will turn out at the very curb. The maximum area for which this device is suitable is 1200 m².

Verticutter earned a place in the ranking due to the presence of special knives. The 14 blades feature a serrated end (3 teeth each) to help cut through even the oldest turf with confidence. This petrol model also costs half the price of the leader of the rating. Despite the budget, the aerator is equipped with a 55 l grass catcher, two shafts and a central depth adjustment.

Advantages

• shockproof plastic case;
• 5 steps of knife height adjustment;
• the profile of the wheels is gentle on soft grass;
• attractive price.

disadvantages

• several passes are required – does not collect all the moss in one go;
• lumps of dry grass remain;
• small rear wheels.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.