5 Best Toro Lawn Aerator Models (Stand-On & Walk-Behind)

Aeration is one of the most effective ways to revive compacted, struggling turf, and choosing the right equipment makes all the difference. At Denton Lawn Care, we've spent over 25 years maintaining lawns across Leander and the greater Austin area, which means we've put countless aerators through their paces. When it comes to commercial-grade reliability, a Toro lawn aerator consistently delivers the performance that professionals demand.

Whether you're a landscaping contractor looking to expand your fleet or a property manager handling large turf areas, investing in the right aerator saves time and produces better results. Toro's lineup includes stand-on models built for speed and efficiency, plus walk-behind options ideal for tighter spaces or smaller operations. Understanding the differences between these machines helps you match the tool to your specific workload.

This guide breaks down five of the best Toro aerator models currently available, covering key specs, ideal use cases, and what sets each apart. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of which machine fits your needs and budget.

1. Toro 30 in stand-on aerator 29521

The Toro 30 in stand-on aerator 29521 represents the gold standard for contractors who need to cover large properties quickly. This machine features a 30-inch aerating width and stand-on operator platform, allowing you to work at walking speeds while reducing fatigue. The design centers around twin reciprocating arms that drive tines into the soil, creating clean, consistent plugs without tearing turf.

What it is and how it aerates

This stand-on model uses a reciprocating tine system that penetrates up to 3 inches deep, pulling cores as the machine moves forward. You control the speed with intuitive steering levers while standing on a platform that absorbs vibration. Tine spacing adjusts from 2 to 5 inches on center, giving you flexibility for different soil conditions. The weight distribution centers over the tines, ensuring consistent penetration even in harder clay soils.

Best fit lawns and operators

Landscape contractors handling multiple large properties benefit most from this aerator. The stand-on design lets you transition between sites quickly, and the 30-inch width handles open turf areas with speed. Property managers overseeing sports fields, golf courses, or commercial campuses also find this model efficient. You'll appreciate the maneuverability around obstacles while still maintaining productivity on straightaways.

If you regularly service properties over 20,000 square feet, the time savings from a stand-on unit directly impacts your bottom line.

Key specs to compare before you buy

The 29521 weighs approximately 640 pounds and requires a 14 HP Kawasaki engine to drive the tine arms. You get 24 tines total across the 30-inch width. Transport speed reaches 6.5 mph, while working speed adjusts between 0 and 4 mph. The unit measures 70 inches long and fits through most gates at 34 inches wide.

What to budget

Expect to invest between$10,000 and $12,500 for a new Toro 30 in stand-on aerator, depending on dealer location and any add-ons. Used models in good condition typically run $6,000 to $8,000 if you find them with under 500 hours.

2. Toro 21 in hydraulic aerator 33515

The Toro 21 in hydraulic aerator 33515 brings professional-grade hydraulic power to a more compact footprint. This walk-behind unit delivers hydraulically driven tines that penetrate consistently through varying soil conditions, making it a solid choice when you need precision without sacrificing punch.

What it is and how it aerates

This model uses hydraulic cylinders to drive 16 tines into the ground, pulling cores up to 3 inches deep. The hydraulic system provides consistent force regardless of engine speed, which means you maintain uniform aeration depth across the entire property. Tine spacing adjusts between 2.75 and 4 inches on center, letting you customize coverage based on soil compaction levels.

Best fit lawns and operators

Landscape professionals working residential and light commercial properties find this aerator hits the sweet spot between maneuverability and productivity. You can navigate through narrower gates at 24 inches wide while still covering ground efficiently. Solo operators appreciate the walk-behind format when managing smaller crews or handling properties with more obstacles.

The hydraulic drive system eliminates the inconsistent penetration that sometimes plagues mechanical tine drives on harder soils.

Key specs to compare before you buy

The 33515 weighs 480 pounds and runs on a 13 HP Honda engine. Transport speed reaches 3.5 mph, while working speed adjusts from 0 to 2.5 mph.

What to budget

New units typically cost $7,500 to $9,000, with used models averaging $4,500 to $6,000 depending on hours and condition.

3. Toro ProCore 648 walk-behind aerator

The Toro ProCore 648 represents a step up in build quality and features for professionals who demand precision. This walk-behind model combines deep-tine technology with adjustable working parameters, making it a favorite among golf course superintendents and property managers who need consistent results across varied turf conditions.

What it is and how it aerates

This toro lawn aerator uses reciprocating tine arms powered by a heavy-duty hydraulic system that drives tines up to 4 inches deep into the soil. You control penetration depth through a simple adjustment mechanism, and the machine pulls clean plugs without tearing surface grass. Weight transfer over the tine heads ensures consistent penetration even when transitioning from soft to harder ground.

Best fit lawns and operators

Turf managers handling premium properties where appearance matters most benefit from this aerator's precision. Golf courses, high-end commercial landscapes, and athletic fields see the most value. You get professional results without the investment required for a stand-on unit, making it practical for smaller operations that still demand quality.

The ProCore 648 delivers the consistency that separates acceptable aeration from work that truly transforms turf health.

Key specs to compare before you buy

The unit weighs 530 pounds and runs on a 13 HP Honda engine. Working width measures 19 inches with 12 tines. Transport speed reaches 3.8 mph.

What to budget

New ProCore 648 models cost $8,200 to $10,000, with used units running $5,000 to $7,000 based on condition.

4. Toro Turf aerator 686

The Toro Turf aerator 686 brings heavy-duty construction and larger coverage to properties that need serious aerating power. This walk-behind model features a 26-inch working width and weighs substantially more than smaller units, translating that mass into consistent tine penetration across challenging terrain.

What it is and how it aerates

This toro lawn aerator employs reciprocating tine arms driven by a robust hydraulic system that punches tines up to 3 inches deep into compacted soil. The 686 model uses 20 tines spread across its wider deck, creating more holes per pass than narrower machines. Weight distribution centers directly over the tine heads, letting you maintain consistent depth even when transitioning between different soil types.

Best fit lawns and operators

Contractors managing larger commercial properties find this aerator's width improves productivity without requiring a stand-on investment. You cover approximately 25% more ground per pass compared to 21-inch models, making it practical for open areas like athletic fields or large apartment complexes. Medium-sized crews appreciate the balance between productivity and the lower price point versus stand-on units.

The 686's wider footprint means fewer passes to complete a job, directly reducing labor hours on every property.

Key specs to compare before you buy

This unit weighs 620 pounds and runs on a 13 HP Honda engine. Transport speed reaches 3.5 mph while working speeds adjust from 0 to 2.8 mph.

What to budget

New Turf aerator 686 models cost $9,200 to $11,000, with used units averaging $5,500 to $7,500 depending on hours.

5. Toro Turf aerator 687

The Toro Turf aerator 687 takes everything proven in the 686 model and adds increased tine capacity for even more aggressive aeration. This walk-behind unit delivers professional results with a wider tine spread and heavier construction, making it the choice when you need maximum soil penetration on challenging properties.

What it is and how it aerates

This toro lawn aerator uses 24 tines across a 26-inch width, creating more holes per pass than the 686 model. The hydraulic system drives tines up to 3.5 inches deep, and the added weight helps maintain consistent penetration in harder clay soils. You adjust tine spacing between 2.5 and 4.5 inches to match soil conditions.

Best fit lawns and operators

Large-scale contractors handling severely compacted properties see the most benefit from the 687's aggressive tine pattern. Athletic fields, heavily trafficked commercial landscapes, and properties with clay-heavy soils require this level of penetration. Higher-volume operations appreciate the productivity gains from increased tine density.

The 687's extra tines mean you complete aeration faster while creating more channels for air and water movement.

Key specs to compare before you buy

This unit weighs 680 pounds and runs on a 14 HP Honda engine. Transport speed reaches 3.5 mph.

What to budget

New 687 models cost $10,500 to $12,500, with used units running $6,500 to $8,500 based on hours.

Next steps

Selecting the right toro lawn aerator depends on your property size, soil conditions, and how often you need to service multiple locations. The stand-on models deliver unmatched productivity for contractors covering large areas daily, while walk-behind options provide professional results at lower investment levels. You get what you pay for in this equipment category, and choosing based on your actual workload prevents both overspending and underperformance.

If you'd rather leave aeration to professionals who already own and maintain this specialized equipment, Denton Lawn Care brings over 25 years of experience to every property in Leander and the Austin area. We handle everything from soil management and aeration to comprehensive fertilization programs that keep your turf healthy year-round. Contact our team to schedule a consultation and discover how proper aeration transforms struggling lawns into the green space you want.