The Maxim plug aerator 36-in. tow-behind model is the ideal solution for clay soils and larger lawns. Easily attach it to your riding lawn mower and start aerating with its bolt-in, replaceable spoons that remove plugs of soil, allowing oxygen, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the turf. This process reduces soil compaction and encourages healthy root growth. The tow bar design lets you quickly rotate the drum for aeration or transport, while the durable 410/350-4, 2-ply tires ensure smooth movement during transport. Add up to 24 gallons of water for an additional 200 pounds of weight to penetrate the thickest soils.IMG_1-FEATURES_MAXIM_MSP36_PLUG_AERATOR_36IN

How The Maxim MSP36.MAX Compares To Other Aerator Options

Homeowners and landscaping crews evaluating plug aerators usually face this question: should I get the wider 48-in. plug aerator, this 36-in. model that easily fits through most gates, or a spike aerator that skips the visible soil plugs?

Here's the honest comparison:

Feature Maxim MSP48.MAX Plug Aerator ($1,312) Maxim MSP36.MAX Plug Aerator ($1,158) Maxim MSAT36.MAX Spike Aerator ($891)
Aeration Method Pulls soil plugs, leaves visible cores Pulls soil plugs, leaves visible cores Spikes slice holes, no plugs left behind
Aerating Width 48 in. 36 in., fits through most gates 36 in., fits through most gates
Number Of Tines 44 36 78
Core Depth 4 in. 4 in. 2.75 in.
Added Weight Capacity 32 gal. of water for up to 267 lbs. 24 gal. of water for up to 200 lbs. 24 gal. of water for up to 200 lbs.
Spoons Bolt-in, replaceable Bolt-in, replaceable Welded steel spike tines
Gate Access Wider, may not fit narrow gates Easily fits through most gates Easily fits through most gates
Best Suited For Wide-open properties, deep core needs Clay soils, larger residential lawns with gate access Sandy soils, faster turf recovery

Why The Maxim MSP36.MAX Is Worth The Investment

This isn't just a tow-behind plug aerator, it's built to reach deep into clay soils with a 4-in. core depth while staying narrow enough to fit through most residential gates.

The MSP36.MAX specifically addresses the needs of homeowners and landscaping crews with clay soils and gated backyards who need genuine plug aeration without the width of a 48-in. unit.

Deep Core Depth In A Gate-Friendly Width. At 36 in. wide with a 4-in. core depth, this aerator reaches as deep into clay soil as Maxim's wider 48-in. model while still fitting through most residential gates, giving clay-heavy properties real relief from compaction without access issues.

Built For Effective Compaction Relief

Bolt-in, replaceable spoons remove plugs of soil, allowing oxygen, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the turf

Reduces soil compaction and encourages healthy root growth for a stronger, more resilient lawn

Rotate the tow bar to lower the drum for aeration or raise it for transport, simplifying operation

Engineered For Durability

The 1-in. drum shaft with greasable ball bearings supports long-term durability under regular use

Add up to 24 gallons of water for an additional 200 pounds of weight to penetrate the thickest soils

410/350-4, 2-ply tires ensure smooth movement during transport without going flat

Real Savings

Bolt-in, replaceable spoons reduce the cost of maintaining the machine compared to fixed, non-replaceable tines

Gate-friendly width eliminates the time and hassle of removing fencing to access backyard clay soils

4-in. core depth reduces the number of passes needed for effective compaction relief in tough clay

Free shipping and no sales tax through Summit Forge Supply keeps the total cost down compared to buying elsewhere and paying tax and freight separately

The Bottom Line Homeowners and landscaping crews with clay soils and gated backyards can't afford an aerator too wide to reach the lawn or too shallow to relieve real compaction. The Maxim MSP36.MAX is built with a 4-in. core depth and a 36-in. width that fits through most gates, so it delivers genuine plug aeration where wider units can't go. For anyone treating clay soil in a gated residential yard, this is the aerator built to get through and get the job done.

  • For clay soils and larger lawns
  • Easily attach to your riding lawn mower
  • Bolt-in spoons
  • Utilize replaceable spoons to remove plugs of soil from the turf to allow oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots
  • Reduces soil compaction
  • Encourages root growth
  • Rotate the tow bar to lower the drum for aeration or raise the drum for transport
  • 410/350-4, 2-ply tires (for transport only)
  • 1-in. drum shaft with greasable ball bearings
Equipment Type Aerator
Aerating Width 36 In.
Capacity 24 Gal / 200 Lbs.
Core Depth 4 In.
Country of Origin Made in the USA (with US and imported components)
Dry Weight 125 Lbs
Mounting Tow-behind
Number Of Tines 36
SKU MSP36.MAX
Tires 410/350-4, 2-ply (transport Only)
Walk-Behind No

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