Top 6 Best Pull behind Dethatches for a Luscious Lawn

Most lawns need some dethatching from time to time, and a pull behind dethatcher can be the perfect tool for the job.

Dethatchers are designed to clear away dead grass and matted material that accumulates over time, allowing your lawn to breathe better and remain healthy with plenty of nutrients available.

With so many models on the market, it can be tough to choose which one is right for you.

To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 6 best pull behind dethatcher models that will help ensure your lawn looks its absolute best!

Read on to discover our picks capable of transforming lawns into lush oases!

Take away key points:

• Pull behind dethatchers are an essential tool for lawn maintenance and keeping the lawn healthy.
• They help to reduce dense thatch which can improve air circulation, reduce erosion and root compaction, promote better nutrient absorption, and encourage healthier grass growth.
• By using a pull-behind lawn dethatcher regularly, you can ensure your lawn looks its best all year long.

What is a pull behind dethatcher?

A pull-behind lawn dethatcher is a type of lawn care equipment that is designed to remove thatch from a lawn.

Thatch is a layer of dead grass, leaves, and other organic matter that accumulates between the soil and the grass blades. While a small amount of all the thatch can be beneficial for a lawn, too much thick thatch buildup can prevent water, nutrients, and air from reaching the soil, which can lead to weak or unhealthy grass.

A pull behind lawn dethatcher uses metal tines to penetrate the thick thatch layers and pull it out, leaving the lawn healthier and more attractive. The equipment is designed to be towed behind a lawn tractor, ATV, or other type of tow-behind vehicle.

There are 2 two main types of lawn dethatchers available: manual and electric lawn dethatcher.

Manual dethatcher: manual dethatcher is simpler, cheaper tools that use either a series of sharp tines or a standard yard rake to loosen up and remove the thick thatch on a lawn.

Electric lawn dethatcher: electric dethatcher usually haas motorized tines or rakes, allowing you to quickly and easily move over the surface of your lawn in order to break up any compacted dirt and remove accumulated thatch.

Benefits of using a pull behind dethatcher

Using a pull behind lawn dethatcher offers several benefits for your lawn, including the following:

Improved lawn health: A pull behind lawn dethatcher can help to remove excess thatch from your lawn, allowing it to breathe more effectively. This can promote deeper root growth, better moisture retention, and healthier grass.

Enhanced appearance: Removing excessive thatch with a pull behind lawn dethatcher can improve the overall appearance of your lawn. By removing the dead, thin material on the top of the grass, the lawn can become thicker and more lush.

Improved nutrient absorption: When your lawn has too much thatch, water, oxygen, and nutrients cannot reach the soil beneath, hindering nutrient absorption by the grassroots. Removing thatch with a lawn dethatcher can enable water, air, and nutrients to reach the soil, where the roots can take it up to nourish the grass, resulting in greener, healthier grass.

Cost-effective: Hiring professional lawn care companies to dethatch your lawn can be costly. A pull-behind lawn dethatcher is a cost-effective tool for performing thatch removal independently, which can save you money over time.

Easy to use: Since a pull behind dethatcher is designed to be towed behind a lawn garden tractor or other ATV, it is easy to use and can quickly cover large yards.

How a pull behind dethatcher works?

A pull-behind lawn dethatcher works by using a series of metal tines or blades to penetrate the layer of thatch that has accumulated on top of the soil on your lawn.

When the lawn dethatcher is towed behind a lawn garden tractor or other ATV, these tines penetrate the thatch layer and bring up the dead grass, leaves, and other debris that is blocking the flow of air, moisture, and nutrients to the soil.

The dethatcher’s back basket or bag receives the thatch that the tines have pulled up as they travel across the lawn’s surface. This process is repeated until the entire lawn has been dethatched.

Once the work is complete, you can discard the thatch that the machine has removed. With the thatch removed, your lawn can breathe and absorb water and nutrients again, ensuring better lawn health and aesthetics.

The best pull behind dethatchers 2023 for your needs: Top 6 reviews

Agri-Fab 40-Inch Tine Tow Dethatcher – The Agri-Fab is an exceptional machine that effectively lifts and loosens thatch for improved lawn health. It’s rust-proof and replaceable heat-treated tines; however, it’s not suitable for larger areas.

Brinly DT-480BH-A 48″ Tow Behind Grass Dethatcher – For large lawns, the Brinly DT-480BH-A 48″ Tow Behind Grass lawn Dethatcher is an excellent option with its wide 48″ working dethatcher width and durable stainless steel tines construction. However, it can be difficult to manouver.

Craftsman CMXGZBF7124315 Detatcher 40-Inch – The Craftsman CMXGZBF7124315 Detatcher 40-Inch Tow Lawn Dethatcher is a cost-effective and easy-to-use machine that offers deep penetration into the thatch layer with its 70 lb. weight tray. But, it’s only suitable for large yards.

Brinly 42″ Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper with Dethatcher – The Brinly Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper with Dethatcher and Hamper Windscreen is a great option for lawn surface care, offering high-performance dethatching and sweeping in one machine. However, the performance depends on the lawn size.

Brinly Front-Mount Dethatcher – The Brinly Front-Mount Dethatcher is a powerful and effective tool for clearing away dead grass and thatch, offering great results in just a few passes. However, it’s too much work for large yards.

HDURCIR 48″ Tow Behind Grass Dethatcher – The HDURCIR Tow Behind Grass lawn dethatcher is an ideal choice for anyone looking to quickly and efficiently remove thatch buildup from their lawn. The heavy-duty dethatcher includes extra-durable, heat-treated tines and wide working tow behind width to provide great results with minimum effort.

#1. Agri-Fab 40-Inch Tine Tow Dethatcher – Best lawn dethatcher

The Agri-Fab 40-Inch Tine Tow Dethatcher is the best lawn dethatcher choice for a dependable and effective tow-behind dethatcher. Many customers have confirmed its efficiency in removing and loosening thatch, which is necessary for growing healthier and more beautiful grass.

One of this machine’s most notable qualities is its capacity to uproot dead, matted grass swaths up to 40 inches long. This allows you to cover a huge area of your grass in a short period of time, considerably speeding up the de-thatching process. With 20 rust-proof, interchangeable, heat-treated tines, you can rely on this tow-behind dethatcher to last and operate well over time.

The Agri Fab 40-inch groomer comes with two 7-inch flat-free wheels, making it simple to move the equipment over your lawn. The cantilever transport handle with padded grip is easy to use and enables for effortless tine lifting and lowering no matter how much thatch you have to remove.

Another beneficial element that improves the thatch removal operation is the Agri Fab 40-inch weight tray, which can carry up to 70 lbs. Adding weight to the machine allows the tines to penetrate deeper into the thatch layer, resulting in a more efficient and comprehensive de-thatching.

This Agri Fab dethatcher is definitely worth consideration, whether you’re a professional gardener or a homeowner wanting to maintain your grass.

#2. Brinly DT-480BH-A 48″ Tow Behind Grass Dethatcher – Runner up

If you have a large lawn and want a tow behind a dethatcher that can handle larger greenspaces, the Brinly DT-480BH-A 48″ Tow Behind Grass Dethatcher is a great option.

This tow behind dethatcher effectively removes thatch from the grass, encouraging a healthier root system, thanks to its wide 48″ operating tow behind width and two rows of 12 independently flexing spring steel tines.

The Brinly DT-480BH-A 48″ Tow Behind Grass tow behind dethatcher is also tough, with spring stainless steel tines and an all-steel frame. A safety rod is designed to catch the time and avoid contact with lawn mower blades in the unusual case of a breakdown.

The 8″ never-flat transport wheels are positioned below and in line with the tray to reduce footprint width and ease leveling, making transportation simple.

The Brinly DT-480BH-A 48″ Tow Behind Grass Dethatcher boasts 24 triple-coil spring stainless steel tines that ensure performance and a single, heavy-duty universal hitch pin that makes attaching to any rider or tractor simple.

Overall, this tow behind dethatcher is an excellent purchase for any household with a bigger lawn or a professional landscaper looking for long-lasting and effective lawn care equipment.

#3. Craftsman CMXGZBF7124315 Detatcher 40-Inch – Budget-friendly pick

The Craftsman CMXGZBF7124315 Detatcher 40-Inch Tow Lawn Dethatcher is a wonderful alternative if you’re searching for a low-cost and simple-to-use tow behind the dethatcher.

One of its distinguishing characteristics is its weight tray, which can carry up to 70 pounds and allows for deeper penetration into the thatch layer, resulting in a more successful dethatching operation.

Another advantage of this tow behind dethatcher is its automated raking action, which makes it simple to use and ensures consistent lawn covering. The cantilever transport handle is extremely simple to use, enabling for effortless tine lifting and lowering.

The universal hitch allows you to effortlessly attach this tow behind dethatcher to any lawn tractor, regardless of brand, so you can start to work fast and easily. When completed, this machine measures 41 in. W x 40 in. D x 41 in. H and is small enough to be housed in a garage or shed.

Overall, the Craftsman 40-Inch Tow Lawn Dethatcher is dependable and efficient equipment that will suit homeowners with tiny lawns well, and it keeps a healthy lawn along the way.

Its user-friendly features and ability to deliver deep penetration make it an excellent choice for those wishing to maintain the health of their lawns on a budget.

#4. Brinly 42″ Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper with Dethatcher – Best sweeper & dethatcher combo tool

The Brinly STS-42BHDK-A 42″ Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper with Dethatcher and Hamper Windscreen is an effective and flexible piece of machinery that makes it simple to get a spotless appearance for your lawn.

By dethatching and sweeping your lawn at the same time, which is possible thanks to the high-performance design of this sweeper/dethatcher combination tool, you can save time.

When not in use, the adjustment handle may be used to elevate the tines, making it easy to transition between jobs without having to remove the dethatcher from the equation.

It is also possible to lock the tines in the transport position, making it unnecessary to remove them even when working with thick leaves.

The high-velocity 6-brush design and 5:1 brush-to-ground ratio assure maximum pick up of thatch and debris, such as leaves, pine needles, twigs, and grass clippings, among other things.

Additionally, because it has a huge hamper that is 20 cubic feet and a sweep that is 42 inches, you will make fewer passes over the yard, which means that emptying it won’t be an issue.

The revolutionary upright folding storage design guarantees convenient storage with less space required, and the durable steel tines give two rows of 12 independently flexing and rust-resistant tines. These tines are designed to extract the largest amount of thatch possible.

#5. Brinly Front-Mount Dethatcher – Best for medium-sized yards

Mulching or collecting the removed thatch is possible thanks to the front-mounting design of the Brinly Front-Mount Dethatcher, which is an excellent solution for the care and upkeep of a medium-sized yards.

Its 24 robust triple coil spring steel tines provide improved efficiency and strength, as well as a one-bolt clamping mechanism that allows for simple connection to the lawn mower or riding mower without any adjustments being necessary.

Additionally, there are two swiveling caster wheels that provide excellent performance by following the curves of your lawn.

The heavy-duty steel plating has a strong powder-coat finish that resists rust. Two rows of tines will clear out dead grass and thatch from your root system and help your roots absorb water and nutrients.

The Brinly DTZ-48BH-A ZTR Front-Mount Dethatcher is a powerful tool with some great advantages, but there are a few drawbacks to consider. Firstly, the fit guide can be difficult to interpret, which could lead to an improper installation.

Additionally, the dethatcher can leave behind visible lines in the lawn due to its tines cutting into the soil. Ultimately, dethatching can be labor intensive, requiring multiple passes over large areas for best results.

#6. HDURCIR 48″ Tow Behind Grass Dethatcher – Best for efficient results

Lastly, we have the HDURCIR grass dethatcher!

You can attain better soil and give your lawn a boost in no time with the help of the HDURCIR 48″ tow-behind grass dethatcher.

This instrument is one of the best on the market for removing dead grass and dethatching lawns. You will be able to cover greater areas quickly and simply because to its wide working width of 48 inches, which will also save you time-consuming and labor-intensive work in the process.

Its all-steel design and extremely robust heat-treated tines give an enhanced degree of strength and durability in comparison to other goods, guaranteeing that your dethatcher will last as long as possible so that you may continue to use it for many years to come.

In addition, its weight tray has a capacity of up to 70 pounds, which enables it to ensure deeper soil penetration, allowing you to get the most out of each pass and making it simpler to break down thatch accumulation.

The HDURCIR 48″ Tow Behind Grass Dethatcher is, all things considered, very good gardening equipment that ought to serve any homeowner or landscaper quite well for a goodly number of years.

FAQs

Do tow behind dethatchers work well?

Yes, tow-behind dethatchers are an effective tool for removing thatch buildup from lawns. They allow you to cover larger areas quickly and easily, providing greater coverage in less time than hand-operated models.

What time of year should you dethatch your lawn?

It’s best to dethatch your lawn in the early spring when the grass is just starting to grow. This allows the new grass shoots to fill in any bare spots or thin spots caused by the removal of thatch.

Dethatching should be followed with regular aeration and overseeding for optimal results.

Are liquid dethatchers effective?

Liquid lawn dethatchers can be an effective way of removing thatch buildup from lawns. They are easy to use, don’t require any large equipment, and their fast-acting nature makes them ideal for quickly ridding lawns of thatch without needing to wait for the process to take effect.

The downside is that liquid lawn dethatchers may not penetrate as deeply as mechanical or tow-behind models and are not suitable for tougher thatch buildup.

What is the difference between a scarifier and a dethatcher?

A scarifier is a machine that cuts into the soil to remove moss, dead grass, and other debris, while a dethatcher is designed to remove the layer of dead grass, roots, and stems known as thatch that accumulates on top of the soil.

Scarifiers are more physically invasive than dethatchers and are usually used for heavy-duty jobs such as deep aeration or renovation. Best dethatchers are less aggressive and only target the thatch rather than the underlying soil.

Is a power dethatcher better than a pull behind?

It depends on what type of job you are trying to do. Power lawn dethatchers are usually more expensive and powerful than pull behind models but can cover larger areas in a shorter amount of time.

Pull-behind models tend to be more affordable, can maneuver into tighter spaces, and can be used for lighter touchups. In the end, it comes down to how much you need the power of a power dethatcher versus the convenience that a pull-behind model offers. However, you will always need a reliable outdoor power supply and an extension cord with the electric dethatcher.

What is the difference between a lawn rake and a dethatcher?

A lawn rake is used for raking leaves and other debris from the lawn, while a dethatcher is used to remove the layer of dead grass, roots, and stems known as thatch that accumulates on top of the soil.

Lawn rakes can also be used to loosen compacted soil or to prepare an area for seeding or fertilizing.

Best lawn dethatchers are often motorized and have tines that penetrate the soil deeper than a lawn rake. They are used to clear away thick layers of thatch and promote better air circulation in the soil.

How many times should I go over my lawn with a dethatcher?

It depends on the condition of your lawn.

If it’s a healthy and well-maintained yard, then it might only require dethatching once every two to four years. If the thatch layer is more than one-half inch thick, more frequent dethatching is recommended.

A general rule of thumb is to go over the lawn two or three times with a dethatcher while maintaining a shallow cutting depth.

Conclusion

Best lawn dethatchers that are attached on a riding lawn mower are an effective tool for removing excess thatch from lawns.

They can be used for both shallow and deep dethatching. They can help improve air circulation within the soil, reduce erosion and root compaction, promote better nutrient absorption, and encourage a healthier lawn.

With proper use, pull behind best lawn dethatchers help to keep your lawn looking its best.