Best Lawn Scarifier – Buyers Guide and Reviews
Times come when your lawn is overrun with moss, thatch and piles of other dead organic matter. The problem is this pile-up of organic matter causes a barrier that prevents nutrients from getting to the grassroots. If the situation is really bad, every time you step on your lawn you are met with a spongy feel. To rectify this situation, this is where scarifying the lawn comes in. Using a dependable lawn scarifier is an easy way to get the job done but with so many different models available choosing the best lawn scarifier can be difficult, especially when you take into consideration that there are manual, electric and petrol models to choose from.
We will show you how to select the best model for your needs regardless of your budget. Whether you are in search of an electric model or a petrol model, you will find that the six products reviewed below are worth your attention as we have narrowed them down from over 20 models we originally started with during our research.
We spent a good amount of time trying to find a dependable lawn scarifier that would be accessible to many. The Bosch AVR 1100 Verti Cutter Lawn Raker came highly approved for proving 2-in-1 functions all under one hood for an affordable price and its certainly one of the best models currently available. The scarifier is perfect for small to medium gardens and the easy to maintain electric motor powers 14 rotating blades to do the work. Easy to store thanks to its compact size, this easy-to-use scarifier is hard to miss and it came out on top as our best pick as we think it is the best choice for most people.
BEST PICK
This scarifier offers the best of both worlds. It is an affordable model with interesting features to work with. Being that it is an electric model, this lawn raker is much quieter than petrol models nor does it need as much maintenance as a petrol model. Powered with a 1100w electric motor this model supports 2-in-1 functions. You will be able to scarify and rake your lawn and it does an excellent job at removing as well as collect moss and thatch from deep within the lawn. It has a decent 32cm working width, 4 cutting settings and it is easy to store among other things as its fairly compact when folded down. Its also got well over 400 reviews on Amazon.co.uk which are well worth reading through which further confirm our own finding.
Mini Buyers Guide To Choosing a Scarifier
Quick tips to use when buying a lawn scarifier
Some of the considerations you need to make are quite simple. You have to figure out the size of your garden before you select the kind of model you want.
Next, regardless of whether you choose a manual or an electric model, you have to think of getting a durable model. Scarifiers are usually made from materials like steel and aluminium and these machines will need to survive the outdoors and still provide optimal performance.
There are 3 main types to choose from, the most popular choice is electric powered models, these are the easiest to use, very low maintenance, collect the moss and thatch but you are restricted my a cable so this may restrict where you can use it. Petrol models are probably the most powerful and are not restricted by cords meaning they can be used anywhere, however they require maintain, oil changes, cleaning filters and refueling. They can also be expensive. The final choice is using a manual model, these are perfect for small lawns but they don't collect the moss and can be hard work as it's all manual work, however this is great for staying healthy and there now power source or fuelling to worry about.
You will also want to be comfortable as you work, therefore, seek a machine that works well with your height. Padded and height adjustable handles are always welcome.
Check for warranties primarily if it is your first time buying a scarifier or you are dealing with a new brand. You can read more about this in the in-depth buyers guide further down.
RUNNER-UP
Probably the best scarifier for large gardens revitalisation, this 55cc petrol model supports two functions; scarification and raking to give the soil some breathing space and let it absorb some nutrients. The easy-to-maintain model has 5 depth settings to tend to light or heavy scarification. This model is not cheap but at least you can be assured that the quality is trustworthy and AL-Ko is a respected brand. We have compared several petrol models and this is one of the best. Overall if you are looking for a good petrol scarifier, this model is well worth considering and won't disappoint.
Top 6 Lawn Scarifier Reviews
Bosch AVR 1100 Verti Cutter Lawn Raker
Pros
Handle all your thatch and moss removal from your lawn using the Bosch AVR 1100 Verti Cutter Lawn Raker. This model utilises 1100w motor and a unique jet collection system to clear old grass and moss from your garden while effective collecting the removed debris. The jet collection system works efficiently reducing the chances of. blockages which is a common problem with many scarifiers but Bosch seem to have worked out a way to overcome this which is one feature that helped it win our 'Best Pick' award.
Comprising of 14 rotating BOR steel blades and effective air inlets, this machine collects the moss, old grass, thick layers of thatch and tosses it in the large 50 litre collection bag. This is important as you need to remove as much moss as possible to help prevent it spreading or growing again. As shown in the picture below it actually does an excellent job at collecting the moss.
The working width of this model is 32cm, making it appropriate for small and medium lawns which again is large enough for most lawns. Using this on large lawns will take you more time and there is likely to be an issue with reach which is where we would recommend perhaps using a petrol model. As for the working height, it can be adjusted to suit the lawn in question and has plenty of setting, certainly enough for the home user maintaining a lawn. Using the 4 cutting settings provided you can adjust the cutting height from +5/0/-5/-10 mm.
Being that it is a push model this doesn't seem to be a problem as its fairly light weight compared to petrol models while still be heavy enough to help sink the blades into the lawn, the wheels need to be of quality so as to keep up with the constant use and being made from Bosch, the whole model seems to be very well build. Weighing in as 9.9 Kg and measuring 59.6 x 49.8 x 40.6 cm, this scarifier can be folded into a compact structure for storage, amazingly it folds sown to only 40cm. This is made possible thanks to the double folding handles installed which fold down nice and neat. This basically means you can store the scarifier without taking up too much space so will easily fit into a small shed or garden storage box.
For those concerned about the noise level, this model has a sound level of only 95dB. It may look noisy on paper but when working, this scarifier is not that noisy at all and is surprisingly quiet, especially compared to petrol alternatives which are much noisier. Finally we like that it comes with a 2-year warranty but its worth noting that you can extend the warranty to 3 years just by registering online at the Bosch website.
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AL-KO 38P Combi-Care 2-in-1 Petrol Lawnrake/ Scarifier
Pros
The AL-KO 38P Combi-Care 2-in-1 Petrol Scarifier caters to three basic functions, scarifying deep into the lawn and grass roots for a more intensive scarifying, raking for removing moss and thatch from within the grass and collection of the debris which just makes the job easier. All you need to do is interchange the respective cassettes to tackle the type of scarifying you want to do. The good news is that changing these cassettes require no tools to interchange them and are very easy to change in minutes. Just pop them in and you are good to go. Some petrol models require tools to swap the cases and this can be time consuming and not always that easy either. With this model however this is not the case and is a well though out feature which helps it score a few more points.
This is a petrol model and therefore there are no cables to hold you back from reaching remote areas of your lawn which is one of the advantages over electric alternatives. You can continue about your business scarifying or raking up your lawn without worrying about running out of power, all you need is a can of petrol and you can simply top up as needed.
As stated above different cassettes are provided to handle the scarifying and raking functions. For the raking bit, there are 24 steel spring tines that durable and effective. these are great for removing moss and thatch from within the grass itself, think above the roots. For the scarifying function, there are 14 steel blades that will remove all the moss and weeds from the lawn and deep into the roots which also helps aerate the lawn too, therefore, allowing the lawn to breathe and give a more intensive results.
With a working width of 38cm, the AL-KO 38P Combi-Care 2-in-1 Petrol Scarifier is able to cover more ground, it may not seem like much but compare to say 32cm, its much wider and really does cover more lawn much more quickly. If you have a large lawn then this model will cut down the time spent compared to model with a small working width. Additionally, the model features 5 height adjustment settings that are responsible for how deep the blades or the tines can go. If there is a lot of moss and thatch to be cleared from the lawn, the deeper the blades or tines should go into the lawn as this gives much better results one the lawn recovers.
Being that the body is made of plastic, it only weighs 20kgs which is not too heavy to manoeuvre thanks to the wheels installed but it is substantially heavier than most electric model, we feel this actually helps push the blades into the lawn. The plastic body also makes it easy to clean and maintain the model too. The 55L collection box is large enough to prevent constant emptying thus allowing you to work without interruptions.
As a safety feature, this model will automatically shut off when you let go of the handles which is reassuring as these machines can be dangerous.
This lawn scarifier also comes with a 2-year warranty for full peace of mind which is reassuring. Overall if your after a good petrol scarifier, its a close tie between this model by AL-KO and the slightly wider Hyundai 210cc 400mm Petrol Lawn Scarifier which review further down. If we have to recommend just one, I think it would have to be this model, plus it was also slightly cheaper when we reviewed the two model.
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VonHaus 2 in 1 Lawn Scarifier – 1500W Electric Garden Lawn Rake
Pros
Meet the VonHaus 2 in 1 Lawn Scarifier that is efficient and convenient for all your lawn needs and is probably one of the most affordable models worth considering. Possessing a powerful 1500w motor, this electric garden scarifier is made from quality plastic and metallic parts. The first thing you will notice is that for the price the construction is solid and that it will be able to serve you for years to come, we are a little biased as we are big fans of the range of Vonhaus tools and this model is not different. Its not in the same league as the Bosch alternative which we have already reviewed but it's a close second if looking for an electric model and its around half the price too.
This simple model caters to two main functions which are scarifying and aerating. How this was made possible is through the interchangeable scarifying and aerating rollers in the interchangeable drum. Possessing a cutting width of around 40cm, this lightweight mode, around 8.5kg will have the work done in no time.
Furthermore, this model is equipped with a safety button that needs to be pressed before activating the trigger.
To collect all the debris removed from the lawn, this model is equipped with a 28L capacity box, when you compare it to our 'Best Pick' by Bosch which has a 50 litre collection box, this is actually a little on the smaller side which just means more emptying. This box can be easily detached for emptying into your green recycle bin or compost bin. The model also features a 10m cable for easy reach which is probably long enough for most smaller gardens.
For each function, there are 4 depth settings available. For the scarifying function, the depth ranges from -12mm to -4mm. For the aeration function which is really just a deep scarifying into the roots, the working depth ranges from -15 to -7mm. Depending on the work to be done, you have plenty of room adjust the depth accordingly.
Overall this is a fantastic affordable electric model for smaller gardens, the quality is good and the performance is also just as good, plenty of features to play around with. it also comes with a 2 year warranty for full peace of mind.
If your looking for a larger alternative then our next pick which is the electric version of our top recommended petrol pick by AL-KO is well worth considering and is more suitable for larger gardens.
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AL-KO Combi-Care 38 E Electric Scarifier
Pros
We have already dealt with the AL-KO 38P which uses petrol and now we are looking at the AL-KO Combi-Care 38 E 1300w Electric Scarifier which is a very impressive machine, the downside is that its quiet expensive, however we think its well worth the extra cost for those with larger lawns and don't want the maintenance of a petrol model. They are basically the same model with near identical specifications with the exception of the power source, as mentioned the major difference is just the power source they use as this model is of course electric.
The AL-KO Combi-Care 38 E also caters to three functions which are scarifying deep into the lawn and into the roots aerating the soil and removing thatch from deep into the root, raking moss and thatch and of course collection of the moss and thatch and other debris. It clears all the moss and thatch that prevents air and nutrients from getting to the grassroots which encourages a thicker, better more healthy lawn.
To facilitate effective scarifying or raking of the lawn, this model has to be fitted with the right cassettes. There are cassettes provided to cater to each function. You can interchange them as you go along depending on the process you are undertaking. These cassettes require no tools to install them which makes it much easier to swap between the two. The scarifying cassette contains 14 steel blades and the raking cassette possesses 24 steel spring tines to gather all the moss from within the grass which is better for more regular maintanance.
To get to the required depths of the soil, this model features 5 depth adjustment settings. There is a knob dedicated to finding the right depth right at the hood of the machine. Weighing approximately 14kgs, this electric model is much lighter than its big petrol powered brother and still comes with a large 55 litre collection bag that is easy to empty. It is also equipped with a 12 meter cord so that you are able to reach further without the need for extension cords, that being said would be nice to see a longer cable fitted at even the budget models usually comes with at least 10 meters of lead.
Finally this model also features handle adjustment so that you can find the right working position for your height. Just like the petrol alternative it also comes with a 2 year warranty.
Overall its has plenty of power and is probably just as good as out best pick by Bosch, it certainly gives more options with the type of scarifying you can do because of the interchangeable cassettes. However it's a new model so how its stands the test of time is yet to be seen which is why it is not our best pick but we will be keeping a close eye on this model.
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Wolf Garten Multi-Change URM3 Roller Moss Remover
Pros
If you need a simple scarifier to remove moss and thatch from your lawn then the Wolf Garten Multi-Change Moss Remover would work perfectly, we will add that it will take a lot of effort on your part. Fetched at an affordable price, this simple but very well made scarifier clears moss and thatch using cleverly designed pendulum action that pulls or pushes the steel blades against the surface of the lawn. The motion of the back and forth allows the blades to snatch up the moss and thatch every time you pull back as the tines catch the moss, when you push it forward the tines lift to smoothly move along the grass before pullback and catching the moss again.
Weighing 9.07g, this tool possesses a working width of 30cm which isn't bad. This more than adequate with to cover small to medium sized lawns but remember the larger the lawn, the more demanding it will be so it's perhaps better for smaller lawns. What we do like is that this tool is designed to work when you are standing upright. You don’t have to bend to correctly position the tines and end up straining your back which is a nice design feature. It is also equipped with wheels which just makes it much easier than trying to use rake.
This tool is part of the Wolf Garten Multi-Change system. This allows you to select the right height handle from the range of 11 provided. This is a brilliant strategy because everyone’s height needs will be catered too. Moreover, you have the choice to select whether you want an aluminium or wooden handle so it just gives you more choice.
This multi-change system extends to the tool heads also. You can select and fit any other tool head provided in that range of products. The head fits on the handle easily using an interlock mechanism. It is such a user-friendly tool and to make it better, it is accompanied by a 10- year warranty.
You can be sure that this tool is made with high-quality materials that are able to give you 10+ years of service. Overall manual models don't pick up as much moss and thatch up as an electric or petrol model but they still do a very good job and are worth considering if you have a smaller lawn.
We have reviewed Wolf Garten tools before and they make some of the best tools you can buy, in terms of a manual scarifier, this model is probably the best one currently on the market. Just take note that it does take a lot of effort to fully scarify a lawn manually though, even a smaller lawn.
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Hyundai 210cc 400mm Petrol Lawn Scarifier & Aerator
Pros
The Hyundai 210cc 40cm Petrol Lawn Scarifier & Aerator is one of the better petrol models we have reviewed and is perfect for all sizes gardens, being 4 stroke it also easier to fuel as you don't have any mixing petrol with oil to worry about like alternative models with 2 stroke engines.
It is powerful enough to dig deep and remove layers that have been preventing nutrients from getting to the grass. This model is powered by Hyundai's own OVH 210cc 4-stroke engine so its has plenty of power and is reliable. Compared to our other petrol model in this review, this model is a little more beefed up, probably the better of the two if you have a larger garden but it is more expensive so this needs taking into consideration. It is a low-fuel-consumption model which will prove economical in the long run.
To get to all the moss, thatch and other debris covering your lawn, the model working end is equipped with 19 hardened steel blades. The blades are designed to penetrate deep and collect all the debris. Once the debris is lifted, your lawn can breathe and get nutrients again which is the whole idea of scarifying your lawn and making it a job for early spring and then autumn.
To avoid doing further damage to your lawn, this model does weight 38kg so its very heavy but has been fitted with wide wheels. The wide tread wheels will not dig into the ground thanks to the weight distribution on the wheels, this just helps give an overall better finish.
No lawn scarifier will be complete without depth adjustment. This model features 5 depth adjustment settings ranging from 15mm to -15mm so you have plenty of room to play with and get the perfect depth. Use the adjustment dial availed to access all of the 5 depth settings. This is a model that would cater to small and large sized lawns with ease thanks to its 40cm working width, we feel this is not too wide for smaller lawns but still enough width for larger lawns. As always, the wider the width of the scarifier, the larger the coverage per square feet.
For ease of use, the model is fitted with a large 45 litre polyester collection bag. The collection bag is easily detached and attached to the system for emptying purposes, nice and smooth no awkward clips to worry about. Additionally, the machine has soft grip handles for ergonomic purposes. If you are working for long periods, the soft grip handles will be a simple but welcomes feature.
Finally the handles can obviously be folded over the steel deck creating a smaller footprint for storage. This is crucial typically when you have little space to spare. This heavy duty model comes with a a 3-year warranty for full peace of mind.
Overall if you have a large garden then this model is probably going to be the best choice, it will handle larger lawns better than the AL-KO model but it is more expensive but everything about it is a little bit better, wider coverage, more powerful engine and longer warranty. The choice between the two petrol models is difficult as they are both really good models.
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Scarifier Buyers Guide
There are always factors to consider before purchasing any product whether online or in person. In this section, we discuss some of the factors one needs to consider before purchasing the best lawn scarifier. But first, we have to look at when it is important to scarify and when it should be done.
Why scarify your lawn?
- It is crucial in removing moss from your lawn which tends to block nutrients from reaching the roots of the grass.
- Revitalises the lawn allowing it to increase water intake.
- Removes dead organic matter from the surfaces allowing the soil to breathe.
- It gets rid of the spongy feel associated with the build-up in dead organic matter.
- Helps prepare the lawn for weed and feed applications that eventually promotes new growth.
- Promotes a healthy green lawn.
When is the best time to scarify?
The last thing you want is to scarify at the wrong time. You need to give your lawn ample time to heal before new growth sets in. In most cases, scarifying is done in either spring or autumn. The spring scarification is done around April when the weather starts getting warm. This is more of light scarification to remove the layers of moss and thatch.
Around August/September before the cold weather comes through happens to be the best time to do heavy scarification. It will look messy for a while but when the lawn has rested and new growth comes in, you will be jumping for joy and it's well worth doing.
Factors to consider when choosing the best lawn scarifier
Petrol, Manual or Electric?
The type of scarifier you choose will heavily depend on the amount of work to be done and your personal preference plus how much maintenance you're willing to do.
Petrol based scarifiers are perfect for larger lawns since they are not restricted by cords. They also tend to be more powerful and noisy compared to the other models. These models also require more maintenance to maintain their good working conditions so some basic knowledge on maintaining engines is needs such as changing air filters and oil as well as spark plugs. If you live in areas where electricity is not available, these models will do just fine, especially if you have a medium to large sized lawn.
Manual scarifiers are intended for light scarifying on small sized lawns. They do take some muscle power to operate but they are ideally cheaper compared to the rest.
Electric scarifiers cater for small-medium sized lawns. Since they have cords, they are limited to the areas they can reach. They are easy to operate and require little maintenance making them the favourite for most home gardeners.
Size of the area to be covered
The size of the area to be covered and the intensity of scarification are important. You cannot select a manual scarifier to handle intense work on a large lawn. It only makes sense to look for a petrol based model or a good quality electric model if you have access to power. Think of the area you need to be covered and the model that will make that process the simplest to deal with.
Quality of the claws / tines
Whether you are using a hand-held scarifier or an electric one, the blades/claws have to be made with strong reliable materials which is where many cheap models failed. Materials that are able to keep up with the outdoors without rusting or bending easy and withstand the work in general. That is why it is common to see steel being used to make these claws and blades. Even scarifiers with aerators possess steel spring tines to remove moss effectively. A good example of this is the AL-KO Combi-Care 38 E Electric Scarifier.
Working width
Consider the working width of the machine so that you can complete your work faster. A model with a narrow width will force you to go on more laps before completing the whole lawn. A larger model with a wider width has more coverage and therefore, will end up taking fewer laps to complete the whole lawn. A scarifier like the Hyundai 210cc Petrol model has a working width of 40cm which can cater easily to large gardens.
Adjustable depth settings
This is a crucial feature when it comes to light or heavy scarification. Using lower depth settings is usually needed for heavy scarification. Higher depth settings are intended for light scarification such as removing moss from the grass. Be sure to check these settings before beginning work so as not to cause accidental damage to the lawn by going in too deep.
Ease of use
There are simple things on a product that changes how we experience our time with the product. When scarifiers are mentioned, here are a few features that make life a bit easier for us.
Handles
Check for soft padded handles as they remove any discomfort caused by using the machine for too long. Also, if the handles are height adjustable, the user will be able to find the best working position for their height.
Tool-less cassette/roller changes
There are machines that require you to interchange rollers/ cassettes so as to cater to aeration/raking or scarifying functions. If you find a model that offers a tool-less exchange of these rollers/cassettes, well and good. It will save you some time and frustration and some of the model that use tools to change the tines are time consuming and not always the easiest to change.
The capacity of the collection bag
The size of the collection bag determines how often it has to be emptied. A larger collection box/bag facilitates seamless work because you can empty it when the work is done. a smaller collection bag will force you to stop, empty and then get back to work.
Compact storage sizes
There are models like the Bosch AVR 1100 Verti Cutter Lawn Raker whose handles can be folded over the body for easier storage. Such models that can be stored in a compact size come in handy when you are tied down for space. If you have adequate space then this feature doesn’t really matter.
Safety features
Overlooking safety means accidents are around the corner. Look for model that have a safety feature like the lock-off switch present in the VonHaus 2 in 1 Lawn Scarifier model. There are also models that automatically switch off when you let go of the handles. Regardless of what safety feature is used, make sure there is at least one that can prevent preventable accidents from happening.
Product warranty
Many of the scarifying machines come with a 2+year warranty. The length of the warranty will differ from brand to brand. Regardless, of whether it is a long or short warranty, make sure you acquaint yourself with the terms and conditions. This will indicate what is covered if the scarifier is used domestically or commercially. Many warranties don't cover professional use.
Our Final Conclusion
There are even more expensive models in the market than the ones featured here. What matters is if the scarifier you purchased meets all your needs. Our best lawn scarifier does not claim to be top of the line but its quality is absolutely dependable. The quality of the materials and features presented matters more than the price. When it is all said and done, you will be thankful when you finally see your lawn healthy and moss-free.
Feel free to comment in the comments section below if you have any questions or comments.
BEST PICK
This scarifier offers the best of both worlds. It is an affordable model with interesting features to work with. Being that it is an electric model, this lawn raker is much quieter than petrol models nor does it need as much maintenance as a petrol model. Powered with a 1100w electric motor this model supports 2-in-1 functions. You will be able to scarify and rake your lawn and it does an excellent job at removing as well as collect moss and thatch from deep within the lawn. It has a decent 32cm working width, 4 cutting settings and it is easy to store among other things as its fairly compact when folded down. Its also got well over 400 reviews on Amazon.co.uk which are well worth reading through which further confirm our own finding.
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