Boosting the health of any lawn typically means increasing the access of new seeds and older blades to essential soil nutrients. This generally requires the use of a powerful aerator, which uses small pins to punch downward into the soil and expose new pathways of nutrients for the existing lawn’s grass as well as any new seeds that are put into place in an effort to thicken the turf. Exmark has long been a leader in this area, offering several models that help homeowners and commercial landscapers create thicker, more beautiful lawns throughout the year. Two of its models stand out the most, however, as the best choices for both commercial and residential buyers. The company’s ARS180KA21 is compact and efficient, while its higher-powered SAR481KA30 is large and offers stand-on operation for bigger tasks.
Similarities: Where These Two Key Aerators are Aligned
There are plenty of differences that separate these two popular Exmark aerators, but some similarities between these two options do exist. First and foremost, both pieces of equipment have been designed with highly durable, reinforced steel. That’s essential when aerating the lawn, since this process involves quite a bit of downward force that would otherwise damage less durable materials. Despite the use of durable and reinforced steel materials, both pieces of equipment have been designed as compact options for those with minimal storage space around the home. Despite the width of their tines, both models are comparably smaller relative to aerators from competing manufacturers.
Both models come with rather large tires, especially when compared to the competition, and this is a thoughtful trait that Exmark has applied virtually across the board when developing its latest landscaping offerings. Larger tires are simply more adept at handling tough terrains and steeper grades. They’re also better at absorbing the bumps and shocks associated with rolling over dry ground and pumping tines into harder soil. That means less operator fatigue and a lower risk of repetitive stress injuries on the job.
The company’s two most popular aerators are also able to clean their own tines. This self-cleaning feature makes ongoing maintenance considerably easier when compared to the competition, and it allows operators to focus on more pressing maintenance concerns like fuel levels, oil changes, filter maintenance, and much more. Each tine is also fully, individually replaceable, which means any repair costs incurred will be minimal and far easier to incorporate into an existing budget.
Differences Between Exmark’s Flagship Aerator Models
For every similarity between these two popular pieces of equipment, several stark differences exist. These differences will necessarily guide buyers toward one model or the other, based largely on the size of their lawn and their unique needs during operation. It all stars with the company’s ARS180KA21 aerator. The equipment offers 21 continuous inches of tines backed by walk-behind operation. The same is not true of the larger and higher-powered SAR481KA30. Instead of walking behind this aerator, buyers actually stand on top of it and drive it as if they were using a riding lawn mower. In contrast to the 21-inch, walk-behind model, this piece of equipment offers 30 inches of continuous tines for quicker, easier work in larger outdoor areas.
The different methods of operation for each of these aerators also means that customers will come in contact with completely different methods of powering the equipment forward, turning it around tighter corners, and otherwise getting the job done. The stand-on model comes with a series of control levers and foot pedals that can be used to turn the equipment, power it forward, and handle larger spaces. The walk behind model, by contrast, comes with no foot pedals and a series of hand controls designed to guide the equipment around obstacles throughout the lawn.
Due to the larger size of the SAR481KA30, the equipment comes with a hydraulic transmission used to push the tines downward. The same mechanism is not included with the walk-behind model, since it has fewer tines and is a bit easier to manipulate without a dedicated hydraulic system. While both models power the tines with a Kawasaki engine, the SAR481KA30’s engine is far more powerful. That’s necessary, of course, since the equipment has more tines to control and a much heavier weight to propel across the lawn.
Two Great Models for a Variety of Consumers
While the SAR481KA30 is a great aerator for those with larger lawns or commercial landscaping businesses, it’s not really the best option for those with smaller outdoor areas to manage. For those buyers, the 21-inch, ARS180KA21 with walk-behind operation is simply a better purchase. Even so, buyers benefit from the choice between these two great, very different models. There really is something for everyone.
Finding the right aerator is made all the more simple by ShanksLawn.com. Long an expert in home power equipment, the company helps homeowners and commercial business owners find the right equipment, parts, and accessories, for any of their Exmark aerators or other products. Get started today to experience a healthier, more robust lawn that’s easier to maintain. If you are in the Cumberland Valley or I-81 Corridor, stop by to visit our location and our knowledgeable staff.
