Comparison MTD Optima 38 VO vs AL-KO Combi Care 38 P Comfort

The greatest depth to which the aerator nozzle is able to penetrate the ground during operation.

This parameter is relevant primarily for models that support verticutter functions (see "Type") — the very format of operation of such units implies "biting" into the ground. For scarifiers, the processing depth is often not indicated at all, because. they work mostly above the surface.

The number of nozzle depth adjustments provided in the design of the aerator. Note that we can talk not only about the depth, but also, in the case of scarifiers, about the height of processing (for more details, see above). Anyway, the more depth (height) settings, the wider the choice of the operator, the more accurately he can choose the optimal value for a particular situation.

Rotation speed of the aerator shaft in normal operation.

Manufacturers select the shaft speed in such a way that the device is guaranteed to be able to cope with the tasks for which it is designed. So in most cases, this parameter is more of a reference than practically significant. At the same time, for verticutters (see "Type"), it can also have a practical meaning: lower speed, with the same power, provides higher tractive effort and allows you to better cope with dense soils and thick rhizomes. So for such conditions, it is worth choosing a model with lower revolutions, and for a favorable environment, on the contrary, higher (high revolutions have a positive effect on performance).

The design of the working mechanism provided in the aerator, in other words, the number and types of working elements installed on the shaft. For verticutters (see "Type") such elements are blades, for scarifiers — spring teeth. For combined models, in this case, the design of both working shafts is indicated, for example "14 knives / 20 spring teeth".

The total volume of the garbage collection bag provided with the aerator.

The larger the bag, the more garbage it can hold, the less often it will have to be emptied. On the other hand, the weight and dimensions of a capacious container will also be considerable (this is especially true for rigid varieties, in which the size does not depend on fullness — see "Bag Type"). Yes, and carrying too much garbage “with you” is not always convenient, especially with the small size and weight of the unit itself. Therefore, manufacturers, usually, choose this parameter taking into account the specifics of the use of the aerator. So, in low-power models designed for small areas, the volume of the bag is also small, and in high-performance professional devices it can exceed 50 liters.

The volume of the petrol engine installed in the corresponding type of aerator (see "Engine type"). Usually, the larger the engine (with the same type of internal combustion engine, see above) — the higher its power and the more fuel it consumes. In general, this parameter is for reference: manufacturers select it in such a way as to provide the necessary practical characteristics (in particular, the same power).

Aerator engine power expressed in horsepower (hp). In the case of aerators, this unit is used only for models with gasoline engines (see "Engine type"). Note that some time ago, the designation of power in horsepower was standard for internal combustion engines, but now watts are increasingly used for this; so hp is used more as a tribute to tradition than as an urgent need, and most often these data are duplicated in watts. However, even if there is no such duplication, some units can be easily converted to others: 1 hp. approximately corresponds to 735 watts. For more information about the value of engine power, see the paragraph of the same name below.

The power of the aerator motor, expressed in watts. Today, the watt is the common unit of power and is used for both electric and petrol models (see "Engine type"). In general, the more powerful the motor, the higher the performance of the unit, the greater the depth of processing and the working width (see above) can be provided in the aerator; however, the consumption of electricity / fuel also directly depends on the power. Therefore, when choosing an engine for their equipment, manufacturers proceed from a reasonable compromise between these properties, and in general, engine power allows you to evaluate the performance of the unit and its suitability for large volumes of work.

— Plastic. Plastic is characterized by relatively low weight, low cost, ease of processing and good suitability for creating integral parts of complex shape. Its strength is somewhat lower than that of aluminium alloy and, especially, steel. On the other hand, there are many varieties of this material, and some of them are quite suitable even for powerful heavy units. Therefore, most modern plastic aerators are relatively modest electric-powered devices (see “Engine type”), but quite powerful gasoline models are also found among them.

— Steel. Steel housings are far superior to plastic housings in terms of strength and reliability, making this material suitable for even the most powerful and heavy aerators designed for difficult working conditions. On the other hand, steel is characterized by a rather large weight, and it costs much more than plastic. Therefore, steel cases are used mainly in advanced high-power units — usually gasoline, but electric ones are also found.

— Aluminium alloy. This material combines some of the advantages of plastic and steel: on the one hand, it is light, on the other hand, it is quite durable and resistant to adverse effects. The main disadvantage of aluminium is its high cost.