Tow-Behind Aerator · Full Review
Brinly PA-403BH Plug Aerator Review
Model PA-403BH · 40-inch · 24 Heat-Treated Tines · Jeffersonville, IN
The aerator most residential lawns actually need. Twenty-four heat-treated plugging spoons, a 150 lb weight tray, individually replaceable tines, and a 20+ year track record in forums. Bob Vila tested it — and picked it as their overall best. The 40-inch width is the right size for properties under an acre that don't need the 48CP's premium.
Specifications
| Model | PA-403BH |
| Working width | 40 inches |
| Tine type | Heat-treated, 16-gauge steel plugging spoons |
| Tine count | 24 (3 independently rotating sections) |
| Aeration depth | Up to 3 inches |
| Weight capacity | 150 lb |
| Tines replaceable | Yes — individually, inexpensive |
| Transport | Single lever, semi-pneumatic rubber tread tires |
| Hitch | Universal — tractors, ZTR, ATV, UTV |
| Frame | All-steel, fully enclosed weight tray |
| Made in | Jeffersonville, Indiana |
| Manufacturer since | 1839 |
Score Breakdown
The replaceable tine advantage
Most tow-behind plug aerators use tines that are welded or press-fit onto the drum axle. When a tine breaks — from a hidden rock, a root, or just wear — the standard advice is to contact the manufacturer and hope for the best, or replace the machine.
Brinly designs the PA-403BH with individually replaceable plugging spoons. Each of the 24 spoons bolts on independently and can be removed with basic tools. Replacement spoons cost under $15 each from Brinly directly. In practice, this means a broken tine is a 20-minute repair rather than a $200+ replacement decision. The forum user who mentions using a Brinly aerator for 20 years and replacing the tines once is describing exactly how this works.
24 heat-treated spoons on three independent sections
The PA-403BH's 24 plugging spoons are arranged on three independently rotating wheel sections. The independent rotation matters for two reasons: it allows the outer tines to rotate faster during turns without scuffing or dragging, and it reduces the tendency to skip coverage at the inner edge of a turn that fixed-axle aerators exhibit.
The tines themselves are narrower than some competitors — Brinly specifically designs them to penetrate more easily with less weight required. This is a useful trade-off for average residential soil: you don't need to load 150 lbs to get 2.5-inch cores. On average moistened soil, 100-120 lbs is typically sufficient.
The PA-403BH produces approximately 2.5 plugs per square foot per pass. For the generally recommended 4+ plugs per square foot, plan two passes — once lengthwise, once across at roughly 45 degrees. This doubles coverage time but delivers noticeably better soil loosening, especially in compacted areas.
The transport lever note
One honest limitation: the PA-403BH's transport lever faces backward — you need to stop the tractor and reach back to engage transport mode when crossing a driveway or hard surface. The Ohio Steel 48CP's foot-operated lever solves this elegantly. For a property with one or two crossing points, stopping twice during an aeration run is a minor inconvenience. For a property with five or six crossings, it becomes meaningful. Know this before buying.
Bob Vila's tested pick
The PA-403BH is Bob Vila's tested top pick for tow-behind plug aerators, noted for its durable all-steel design, 150 lb weight capacity, and consistent 2.75-inch penetration depth in testing with 120 lbs of ballast. Bob Vila's testing methodology included multiple passes on actual turf, which puts their findings ahead of spec-sheet comparisons.
Pros and cons
- Individually replaceable tines — cheap and easy to service
- 24 heat-treated plugging spoons, pre-sharpened
- Three independently rotating sections for clean turns
- All-steel construction, fully enclosed weight tray
- Bob Vila tested — overall best pick in testing
- Indiana manufacturer with 180+ year history
- Universal hitch for tractors, ZTR, ATV, UTV
- Transport lever requires stopping to operate (not seat-operated)
- 40-inch width means more passes on large properties
- ~2.5 plugs/sq ft per pass — two passes needed for best results
- Not ideal for severely compacted clay (see Ohio Steel 48CP)
Who it's right for
- Residential lawns under 1 acre
- Average to moderately compacted soil
- Buyers who want easy long-term maintenance
- First-time tow-behind aerator buyers
- Properties with few hard-surface crossings
- Severe clay or heavily compacted soil (Ohio Steel 48CP)
- Properties over 1.5 acres (consider 48-inch models)
- Properties with many driveway crossings
- Budget-first buyers (see Agri-Fab 45-0299)
Bottom line
The Brinly PA-403BH is the default recommendation for most residential lawns. It does the job cleanly, it's built to last, it's backed by a manufacturer that has been making attachments since 1839, and it can be serviced with a wrench and a $15 tine when something breaks. That combination is hard to beat at this price.
Step up to the Ohio Steel 48CP if you have hard clay, a large property, or need the foot-lever control. Step down to the Agri-Fab 45-0299 if budget is the constraint. For most people reading this, the Brinly is the right answer.
Frequently asked questions
How deep does the Brinly PA-403BH aerate?
The Brinly PA-403BH plugging spoons penetrate up to 3 inches deep on properly moistened soil with adequate ballast. On average soil with 100-120 lbs of weight, expect 2 to 2.5 inches consistently. For full 3-inch depth, water the night before and load 130-150 lbs of ballast.
Are the Brinly PA-403BH tines replaceable?
Yes — each plugging spoon is individually replaceable. Replacement tines are available directly from Brinly and typically cost under $15 per spoon. A single broken or worn tine is a minor maintenance event rather than a reason to buy a new machine.
How much weight should I add to the Brinly PA-403BH?
For average residential soil, 100-120 lbs of ballast is sufficient. For clay or compacted ground, load to the maximum 150 lbs and ensure the soil was watered 12-18 hours before aerating. Common ballast: concrete blocks (~35-40 lbs each), sand bags, or water-filled jugs.
Can the Brinly PA-403BH be used with a ZTR mower?
Yes — the PA-403BH includes a universal hitch pin compatible with most lawn tractors, riding mowers, and ZTR mowers that have a rear hitch plate. Check that your mower has a rear hitch plate before purchasing.
What is the plug spacing on the Brinly PA-403BH?
The PA-403BH produces approximately 2.5 plugs per square foot per pass. For best results, make two passes — once lengthwise and once across — to achieve the recommended 4+ plugs per square foot.