Max. processing depth
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.
Max. processing height
The highest processing height provided by the aerator.
This parameter describes the maximum height above the lawn surface that the working head can be raised to. It is of practical importance only for models with scarifier functions (see "Type"): it is this type of aerator that allows you to leave the space between the working nozzle and the soil surface untouched during operation. This can be useful, for example, when removing debris from a previously fertilized lawn. But in the case of verticutters, the maximum height only affects the convenience of transportation: the higher the nozzle can be raised, the higher obstacles the unit can overcome without hitting it with knives.
Number of depth settings
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.
Shaft speed
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).
Working mechanism
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".
Motor power
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.
Front wheel diameter
One of the parameters on which the diameter of the wheels depends is the weight of the unit: a heavy powerful aerator requires large wheels, and a light model can get by with small ones. In addition, the larger the wheels, the easier they cope with various obstacles, the better the car is suitable for difficult terrain, where you have to move through bumps, stones, etc. However, the downside of such cross-country ability is an increase in the cost of the aerator.
Rear wheel diameter
One of the parameters on which the diameter of the wheels depends is the weight of the unit: a heavy powerful aerator requires large wheels, and a light model can get by with small ones. In addition, the larger the wheels, the easier they cope with various obstacles, the better the car is suitable for difficult terrain, where you have to move through bumps, stones, etc. However, the downside of such cross-country ability is an increase in the cost of the aerator.
Noise level
The noise level produced by the aerator during operation. It is worth noting that this indicator can be indicated in different ways: some manufacturers give the maximum noise level in the characteristics, others give average values \u200b\u200bduring normal operation, etc. Anyway, this information allows you to assess the noise level of the unit and, if necessary, provide protective measures — for example, get headphones in advance.
When evaluating specific loudness values, note that the decibel used to indicate the noise level is a non-linear value. Therefore, it is easiest to evaluate specific values using comparative tables. Here is a simplified table for the range that most modern aerators fit into:
70 dB — a conversation of several people in raised tones.
75 dB — high power vacuum cleaner.
80 dB — traffic noise on a busy street.
85 dB — motorcycle engine with muffler in close proximity;
90 dB — freight car at a distance of 7 – 10 m;
95 dB — noise in the subway car on the stage;
100 dB — industrial shop.