PLANTCRAFT 36-Inch Tow-Behind Spike Aerator: Guide for Australian Property Lawn Care

PLANTCRAFT TSA36 Tow-Behind Spike Aerator

The PLANTCRAFT TSA36 is a 36-inch tow-behind spike aerator designed for larger residential lawns and properties where a compatible ride-on mower, garden tractor or ATV is already available.

Its main advantage is the ability to cover a wider area than a manual aerator while adding water ballast to improve spike penetration into firmer ground.

It is important, however, to understand what this machine actually does. The TSA36 uses solid spikes. It does not remove plugs of soil in the same way as a hollow-tine core aerator.

Testing statement: Firebusters has not personally tested this aerator. Specifications and operating limits in this guide are based on the current supplier listing and PlantCraft instruction manual checked in September 2026.

PLANTCRAFT TSA36 Specifications

Spike Aeration vs Core Aeration

The TSA36 is best described as a spike aerator.

Its steel spikes push into the soil to form openings. This can be useful for routine lawn maintenance where the objective is to open the surface and improve access for water, air and nutrients.

A core or plug aerator works differently. It removes small plugs of soil rather than simply pushing a spike into the ground.

For heavily compacted or clay-dominant soil, a proper core aerator may provide more meaningful compaction relief than repeated spike aeration.

Water Ballast and Soil Penetration

The roller can be filled with up to 91 litres of water. Adding ballast increases downward force and can improve penetration into firmer soil.

The published maximum spike penetration is up to 63mm, but that should not be interpreted as a guaranteed depth on every lawn.

Actual depth will depend on factors including:

• soil moisture;
• soil density;
• ground hardness;
• amount of ballast;
• forward speed; and
• existing turf and root structure.

It is sensible to begin with less ballast and add weight only if needed rather than assuming the roller should always be completely filled.

What Can Tow the TSA36?

The supplier promotes the universal hitch for use with ride-on mowers, garden tractors and ATVs.

The manual is more specific and says the aerator should only be towed with recommended vehicles such as lawn/garden tractors and ATVs.

Before attaching it, check:

• your tow vehicle owner’s manual;
• permitted towing capacity;
• hitch design and pin size;
• maximum tongue and attachment loads;
• terrain and slope limitations; and
• braking and steering behaviour when additional weight is attached.

A “universal” hitch pin does not mean every ride-on mower is automatically suitable for towing the aerator.

Maximum Towing Speed

PlantCraft specifies a maximum operating speed of 8km/h.

This is a maximum rather than a recommended target speed for every lawn.

Reduce speed further on:

• rough ground;
• slopes;
• near ditches;
• uneven turf;
• soft ground; and
• areas requiring tighter manoeuvring.

Slower travel can also give the spikes more opportunity to penetrate the turf.

Slopes, Ditches and Rough Ground

The manual warns operators to take care on steep grades and to reduce speed on rough terrain, along creeks, ditches and hillsides.

Do not assume a tow-behind lawn attachment is safe merely because the towing vehicle can physically pull it.

Extra ballast changes the total mass being controlled by the towing machine and can affect steering, braking and stability.

For sloping properties, the tow vehicle manufacturer’s slope limits remain particularly important.

Safety Before Aerating

• Read the PlantCraft manual before assembly or use.
• Inspect the aerator before each session.
• Check and tighten hardware before operation.
• Keep children, animals and bystanders away.
• Wear suitable eye protection, gloves and work boots.
• Keep hands and feet away from moving components and spikes.
• Stay away from holes, ditches and road edges.
• Do not carry passengers or allow anyone to sit or stand on the aerator.
• Secure the aerator properly to the tow hitch before moving.
• Do not exceed the published 8km/h maximum speed.

Check for Underground Services

Because the spikes can penetrate the soil, consider what may be beneath the lawn before starting.

Potential hazards can include:

• shallow irrigation lines;
• garden-lighting cables;
• communications wiring;
• drainage systems; and
• other buried services.

If there is uncertainty about underground infrastructure, establish its location before aerating.

Assembly and Storage

The TSA36 requires assembly before use.

PlantCraft recommends another adult assist because of the size and weight of the equipment.

After assembly:

• check fasteners before operation;
• inspect spikes and moving parts;
• keep components properly maintained;
• clean soil and grass from the unit after use; and
• store it away from excessive moisture.

If water has been used as ballast, drain the roller before long-term storage.

Who Is the TSA36 Best Suited To?

Good fit:

• medium to larger residential lawns;
• acreage lawn areas;
• owners already using a compatible lawn tractor or ATV;
• open lawns where a 92cm tow-behind attachment can move freely; and
• routine spike aeration where serious soil compaction is not the main problem.

Look elsewhere if:

• you need a hollow-tine core aerator;
• the soil has severe long-term compaction;
• the lawn is small or has many tight corners;
• you only have a zero-turn mower;
• your tow vehicle is not rated for the attachment; or
• the site has unsafe slopes or rough terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How wide is the PLANTCRAFT TSA36?

Its published aeration width is 36 inches, or approximately 92cm.

How many spikes does it have?

The TSA36 has 78 staggered steel spikes arranged across 12 rows.

How deep can the spikes go?

PlantCraft publishes a maximum depth of up to 2.5 inches, approximately 63mm. Actual penetration depends on soil and operating conditions.

How much ballast can be added?

The current supplier listing specifies up to 91 litres of water ballast.

How heavy is the aerator?

The aerator itself weighs approximately 47kg before ballast is added.

Can I tow it with a zero-turn mower?

No. The current PlantCraft manual specifically says the aerator is not designed for use with zero-turn mowers.

What is the maximum towing speed?

PlantCraft specifies a maximum speed of 8km/h. Lower speeds may be appropriate on rough or sloping ground.

Is this a core aerator?

It is physically a spike aerator. It pushes solid spikes into the soil rather than removing hollow plugs like a conventional core aerator.

Sources

• 
  Edisons – PLANTCRAFT TSA36
  
• 
  PlantCraft TSA36 Instruction Manual
  

Specifications, prices, stock and package contents can change. Information checked September 2026.