Comparison AL-KO Solo 518 vs VIKING LB 540

The width of the strip processed by the aerator in one pass. The higher this indicator, the faster the device works, the fewer passes will have to be made to process a certain area. On the other hand, a wide grip noticeably affects the dimensions of the entire structure and makes it difficult to work in hard-to-reach places, if not impossible. Therefore, when choosing a model in terms of working width, it is worth considering not only the overall dimensions of the site, but also its configuration and the presence of tight areas — sometimes it is preferable to sacrifice the performance of the aerator for the sake of its manoeuvrability and patency.

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 type of waste bag provided with the aerator.

— Hard. Bags made of a hard material, usually plastic. Such containers are convenient in unloading, moreover, they are more durable than soft ones: a sharp object that has fallen into such a bin will only scratch the wall. The main disadvantages of hard bags are quite heavy and bulky — they cannot be folded or rolled up, as is the case with soft ones. In addition, in the absence of special indicators (see below), it is more difficult to control the filling of such a container than a soft container — in fact, you have to remove it every time and check the amount of garbage collected.

— Soft. Soft garbage bags are light in weight and easy to store and transport: during non-working hours, such a bag can be folded compactly, and it will not take up much space. In addition, the dimensions of the soft bin are directly dependent on the amount of content in it — in other words, the bag increases in size only as it is filled. In fact, this allows you to monitor the filling in the absence of special indicators (in fact, they are not provided in such models at all), and in general, the small size of the bag is convenient when working. On the other hand, emptying such a container is more difficult than a rigid one, and sharp, hard objects such as twigs, glass fragments, etc. can pierce soft material.

— Is absent. The complete absence of...a garbage collector in the kit. In such cases, a garbage bag must be purchased separately; on the other hand, its type and volume can be chosen at your discretion. And in some situations, a waste bin is not required at all, and its purchase would only be an unnecessary waste of money.

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.

Model of the engine installed in the gasoline aerator (see "Engine type"). The main operating parameters of the engine, usually, are indicated in the general characteristics of the unit; and knowing the model, you can find more detailed information on it — up to reviews and reviews. In addition, data on the engine model can be useful when servicing, repairing and searching for spare parts.

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).