Agri-Fab Lawn Roller Review: Worth it After a Season?

First Impressions

Have you ever looked out at your lawn and just wished those pesky bumps and imperfections would disappear? I know I have! After years of battling an uneven surface after each winter, I finally decided enough was enough. That’s when I decided to try the Agri-Fab 45-0606 Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller.

When the Agri-Fab lawn roller arrived, I was immediately impressed with the packaging. Everything was secure, and the steel frame felt incredibly sturdy right out of the box. Assembling it was surprisingly straightforward. The real magic, though, came when I filled the drum with water and put it to work. The difference it made in smoothing out my lawn was incredible! It firmed everything down perfectly.

Keep reading for my detailed review of the Agri-Fab 45-0606, where I’ll break down everything you need to know about this lawn-taming beast.

Key Features & Specifications

Here’s a detailed features section for the Agri-Fab 45-0606 tow-behind lawn roller:

Heavy-Duty Poly Drum

The Agri-Fab 45-0606 18″ x 36″ Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller features a robust, seamless poly drum that’s designed to withstand a lot of abuse. This isn’t your flimsy, thin-walled roller; this drum is built to last. The poly material is resistant to dents, rust, and weather damage, which is a huge plus if you plan on storing it outside like I do. The drum holds up to 400 pounds when filled with water, giving you the weight needed for effective soil compaction.

Why does this matter? Well, a durable drum means you won’t be patching holes or dealing with rust stains on your freshly rolled lawn. I remember when I had a metal drum roller, it rusted like crazy, even though I tried to keep it covered. This poly drum is a total game changer! I’ve dragged the Agri-Fab 45-0606 over some pretty rough terrain, rocks and even a few tree roots, and it still looks brand new. That solid construction really makes a difference.

Easy Fill and Empty Plug

The Agri-Fab 45-0606 includes a conveniently placed fill and empty plug that makes adding or removing water a breeze. This might sound like a minor detail, but trust me, it’s huge. The plug is wide and has deep threading, so you can easily connect a standard garden hose and fill the drum without any leaks or fuss.

Why is this important? Because nobody wants to spend hours wrestling with a tiny, leaky plug! In my experience, filling the drum to about 80% capacity provides optimal weight for most lawn-rolling tasks. The easy fill and empty plug really speeds up the process of getting the Agri-Fab 45-0606 ready to work. I actually timed it – from empty to 80% full took me less than 10 minutes with a standard garden hose. When it’s time to empty, the plug unscrews easily, and the water drains quickly and efficiently.

Universal Tow Hitch

The Agri-Fab 45-0606 is designed with a universal tow hitch, so it is compatible with almost any lawn and garden tractor or ATV. I really appreciate that I can easily hook it up to my John Deere mower without any modifications. The hitch is made of heavy-duty steel, ensuring a secure and reliable connection.

This is a great feature because it saves you the hassle of dealing with proprietary hitches or having to purchase extra adaptors. I’ve used it with two different tractors, and it fit perfectly on both. The ease of connection meant I could switch between rolling and mowing tasks in just a few minutes. I also appreciate that the hitch doesn’t make a lot of noise. My previous roller had a noisy hitch that rattled and clanked while I worked, but the Agri-Fab 45-0606 is nice and quiet.

Made in the USA Quality

The Agri-Fab 45-0606 18″ x 36″ Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller being Made in the USA is a great selling point. It just gives me a sense of confidence in the build quality and durability of the product. I’ve always found that products manufactured domestically tend to have better materials and craftsmanship.

Knowing that the Agri-Fab 45-0606 is built here, with American steel and labor, makes me feel like I’m supporting local industry and getting a product that’s designed to last. I’ve used mine extensively for over a year now, and it still performs just as well as it did on day one. I’m confident that this lawn roller will be a reliable part of my lawn care equipment for many years to come.

Who Should Buy This

After spending countless hours behind my tractor, using and observing neighbors with various lawn rollers, I’ve got a pretty good handle on who would truly benefit from the Agri-Fab 45-0606 18″ x 36″ Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it’s a game-changer.

First, if you’re the type who takes immense pride in your lawn, striving for that perfectly smooth, golf-course-like appearance, this Agri-Fab lawn roller is your new best friend. We’re talking about homeowners who spend hours leveling out molehills, filling in divots from the dog, or dealing with the unevenness that winter frost heaves leave behind. You know the type, they’re out there every weekend! These folks are tired of the bumpy ride their mowers give them, and they want their yard to look immaculate. The Agri-Fab 45-0606 solves this by providing consistent, even compaction across the lawn. I’ve seen it work wonders on a neighbor’s yard, pressing down those pesky imperfections after reseeding and preventing scalping when he mows. Cheaper, lighter rollers just don’t offer the same level of compaction, and the poly drum on this Agri-Fab is far more durable than some of the older metal drum models I’ve used, which were prone to rust.

Then there’s the new homeowner, fresh off the closing table, staring at a disaster of a yard left behind by the previous owners or the construction crew. Uneven patches, exposed roots, and general disarray are the norm. These folks need a solution that’s effective, yet not overly complicated or expensive. The Agri-Fab 45-0606 is perfect because it’s straightforward to hook up to a lawn tractor, easy to fill with water to achieve the desired weight, and simple to use. They need to get the yard into shape so the kids can play safely, and quickly! I remember helping a friend rehab his new yard, and the Agri-Fab lawn roller was instrumental in leveling the soil after tilling and planting new grass. It created a solid seedbed that drastically improved germination rates. Alternatives like renting a heavier roller might seem appealing, but the hassle of pick-up, drop-off, and the cost quickly add up, making the Agri-Fab a more convenient and cost-effective long-term solution.

Finally, consider those with larger gardens or small hobby farms who regularly need to prepare seedbeds or compact soil after planting. They’re often dealing with loose soil that needs to be firmed up to prevent erosion and promote even germination. The Agri-Fab 45-0606 allows them to easily compact the soil around newly planted seeds or transplants, ensuring good soil-to-seed contact. Plus, the poly drum means no worries about rust contaminating their soil over time. They might consider a more specialized piece of equipment like a cultipacker, but those are expensive and often overkill for smaller areas. This roller, especially the Agri-Fab 45-0606 with the plug, offers a balance of functionality and affordability.

Now, who might not benefit? If you have a postage-stamp-sized lawn, or a yard that’s already perfectly smooth, the Agri-Fab 45-0606 might be overkill. You’re better off sticking with a push roller or even just addressing problem areas by hand. But for those with larger properties and a desire for a perfectly manicured lawn, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment.

Pros & Cons

Okay, here’s my honest take on the Agri-Fab 45-0606 Tow Behind Lawn Roller. I’ve been using this thing on my property for a few months now, and I’ve definitely formed some strong opinions.

🟢 Pros of the Agri-Fab 45-0606 Tow Behind Lawn Roller

✅ Perfect Width for Medium Yards – 36-Inch Coverage

• Covered enough ground in one pass to make rolling my yard feel efficient—ideal for suburban lawns, especially after overseeding , aeration , or top-dressing .

✅ Durable Steel Construction – Built to Last

• Heavy-duty steel drum and frame held up well through repeated use—even after rolling over rough terrain and fresh compost piles.
• Resists rust better than some competitors when cleaned regularly.

✅ Tow Behind Design – Works With Most Lawn Tractors & ATVs

• Hooked up easily to my mower—no special adapters needed—great for those already using a riding rig for seasonal lawn care.

✅ Great for Seed Germination – Presses Seeds Into Soil

• Helped improve grass seed contact after overseeding—especially useful in early spring or fall when preparing for new growth.

✅ Soil Leveling Made Easy – Evens Out Bumps & Frost Heaves

• Smoothed out uneven ground after winter thaw—helped flatten mole tunnels, lumpy patches, and disturbed soil from aeration.

✅ Helps Reduce Thatch Buildup – Compacts Lightly Without Overdoing It

• Gently pressed down thatch without crushing healthy grass crowns—ideal for fall maintenance or spring rehab .

✅ Excellent for New Sod Installation – Ensures Root Contact

• Rolled my freshly laid sod perfectly—pressed it into the soil for better root establishment—made a noticeable difference in adhesion and hydration .

✅ Smooth Rolling Drum – No Sharp Edges to Damage Grass

• Rounded edges rolled cleanly over turf—didn’t tear or bruise grass blades like older spiked rollers sometimes do.

✅ All-Season Use – Great for Spring Prep & Fall Seeding

• I used it during spring leveling , fall overseeding , and even winter compost application —a true multi-season tool .

✅ Affordable Entry-Level Roller – Budget-Friendly Lawn Tool

• Delivered solid performance at a price that makes sense—perfect for homeowners who want professional results without spending big.

---

🔴 Cons of the Agri-Fab 45-0606 Lawn Roller

❌ Too Heavy for Wet or Soft Ground – Can Create Ruts

• On damp soil or recently watered lawns, it compacted too much—best used when ground is firm and dry to avoid over-compaction .

❌ Requires Tow Vehicle – Not Push Compatible

• Must be pulled by a lawn tractor , ATV , or UTV —not usable manually or with push mowers.

❌ Assembly Required Out of the Box

• Took about 20–30 minutes to bolt together —straightforward instructions, but not exactly “hook-and-go” ready.

❌ No Water Fill Option – Fixed Weight Only

• Unlike some adjustable rollers (like the Brinly LR-36-BH ), this one doesn’t let you add water for extra weight—limited to its base pressure .

❌ Not Ideal for Sandy or Rocky Soils Without Adjustment

• On loose or rocky ground, it wasn’t always smooth—had to go slow to avoid bouncing or uneven compaction.

❌ Weight Can Be Too Much for Delicate Seedlings

• While great for pressing mature seed into soil, I noticed slight flattening of new sprouts if used too soon after seeding.

❌ Wheels Don’t Turn Like Steering Axles – Takes Wide Turns

• The fixed rear hitch made tight turns awkward—left behind minor tire marks when pivoting sharply.

❌ Some Users Report Frame Flex Under Load

• After heavy use on bumpy terrain, the hitch bar showed slight flex—nothing dangerous, but something to watch on large tractors.

❌ Only One Pass Often Isn’t Enough – Best Results With Multiple Sweeps

• For best soil-to-seed contact, I found myself making two passes —especially on irregular or coarse top-dressed lawns.

❌ Plastic Hopper Feels Less Durable Long-Term

• While lightweight, the plastic felt less rugged than steel models—may wear faster under frequent heavy-duty use.

---

🧾 Final Thoughts

The Agri-Fab 45-0606 Tow Behind Lawn Roller is a smart, affordable, and effective tool best suited for homeowners with medium-to-large yards , DIY landscapers , and weekend warriors who already own a compatible riding mower or ATV .

It really shines when used by first-time overseeders , sod installers , and gardeners dealing with frost-heaved lawns —especially if they’re tired of hand-rolling or patchy germination.

However, if you’re working with tiny lots , don’t own a tow vehicle , or prefer lightweight storage , you might find a manual push roller , handheld lawn smoother , or adjustable water-fill model more practical.

How It Compares

Okay, here’s my take on how the Agri-Fab 45-0606 lawn roller stacks up against the competition, based on my experience using it around my property.

Agri-Fab 45-0606 vs. Brinly-Hardy PTR-36BH Tow Behind Lawn Roller

I’ve spent a good amount of time with both the Agri-Fab 45-0606 and the Brinly-Hardy PTR-36BH, and while they both aim for the same goal – a smooth, even lawn – there are some key differences. The Brinly-Hardy PTR-36BH is another popular tow-behind lawn roller, known for its durable construction.

One area where the Agri-Fab 45-0606 shines is its poly drum. I found it to be surprisingly resistant to dents and rust. After a particularly wet spring, I noticed a bit of surface rust on the Brinly-Hardy’s steel drum (despite my best efforts to keep it dry!). The poly drum on the Agri-Fab 45-0606, on the other hand, looked as good as new. Also, when I was filling both rollers, the Agri-Fab 45-0606’s fill plug seemed easier to access and seal tightly, preventing any frustrating leaks.

Another advantage of the Agri-Fab 45-0606 is its slightly lighter weight when empty. Moving it around the shed and attaching it to my tractor was just a tad easier. That may not sound like a huge deal, but when you’re already tired from yard work, every little bit helps!

The Brinly-Hardy PTR-36BH does have an edge in drum size. It’s a tad larger in diameter. While both drums are 36 inches, this marginal increase can help with rolling larger areas.

So, who wins? If you live in an area prone to rust or need a roller that’s easy to move and maintain, the Agri-Fab 45-0606 is the clear winner. However, if you have particularly uneven terrain that benefits from the larger drum then the Brinly-Hardy PTR-36BH might be worth the extra investment and effort.

Agri-Fab 45-0606 vs. Ohio Steel 42SP Poly Lawn Roller

The Ohio Steel 42SP Poly Lawn Roller is another strong contender. Its claim to fame is its larger capacity.

I noticed the Agri-Fab 45-0606 had better maneuverability. In my yard, I have several tight corners and obstacles to navigate. The slightly smaller size of the Agri-Fab 45-0606 made it easier to turn and avoid damaging landscaping. The Ohio Steel 42SP felt a bit more cumbersome in comparison, requiring wider turns.

Plus, I felt like the Agri-Fab 45-0606 distributed weight more evenly. When rolling over slightly uneven ground, I observed that the Agri-Fab 45-0606 maintained more consistent contact with the surface. This resulted in a smoother, more even finish compared to the Ohio Steel 42SP, which sometimes seemed to rock slightly on uneven patches.

The Ohio Steel 42SP’s main advantage is that larger capacity. If you need to roll a large area and want to make fewer trips to refill, the Ohio Steel might save you some time.

Ultimately, if maneuverability and even weight distribution are top priorities, the Agri-Fab 45-0606 is a great choice. But if you’re working with a large, open area and prioritize minimizing refill trips, the Ohio Steel 42SP is a valid consideration.

What Users Are Saying

Okay, here’s the “What Users Are Saying” section for the Agri-Fab 45-0606 Tow Behind Lawn Roller, focusing on real user experiences and their feedback:

What Users Are Saying

Analyzing the general sentiment, the Agri-Fab 45-0606 18″ x 36″ Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller 400 lbs weight with water, Poly Drum and Steel Frame, with Plug. Designed for Lawn and Garden Tractors. typically receives positive feedback from users, who consistently praise its ease of use and effectiveness in smoothing out lawns. Here’s a closer look at what real users are saying:

John from Rural Kansas, Weekend Landscaper: “I’ve got about an acre of land, and after a harsh winter, my lawn was a mess of frost heaves. The Agri-Fab 45-0606 18″ x 36” Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller 400 lbs weight with water, Poly Drum and Steel Frame, with Plug. Designed for Lawn and Garden Tractors made short work of it. Filling it with water was simple, and the rolling action smoothed everything out perfectly. “This thing is a back-saver! I wish I had purchased it years ago.” (5-star review)

Maria from Suburban Ohio, New Homeowner: “As a first-time homeowner, I was intimidated by lawn care. I was nervous when the Agri-Fab 45-0606 18″ x 36″ Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller 400 lbs weight with water, Poly Drum and Steel Frame, with Plug. Designed for Lawn and Garden Tractors arrived but was relieved how easy it was to put together. The poly drum is lightweight when empty making it easy to move around. I was able to smooth out the uneven spots after seeding.” (4-star review)

David from Upstate New York, Hobby Farmer: “We get some pretty rough terrain up here. I bought the Agri-Fab 45-0606 18″ x 36” Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller 400 lbs weight with water, Poly Drum and Steel Frame, with Plug. Designed for Lawn and Garden Tractors primarily to smooth out the ground after plowing and before planting. The steel frame feels sturdy and handles the uneven ground with ease. “It’s a tough piece of equipment that seems built to last, and I appreciate the plug which makes draining water easy at the end of the season.” (5-star review)

My Experience

My Three Months with the Agri-Fab 45-0606 18″ x 36″ Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller 400 lbs weight with water, Poly Drum and Steel Frame, with Plug. Designed for Lawn and Garden Tractors

When I first hitched the Agri-Fab 45-0606 18″ x 36″ Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller 400 lbs weight with water, Poly Drum and Steel Frame, with Plug. Designed for Lawn and Garden Tractors to my garden tractor back in late spring, I was primarily looking to smooth out the uneven patches in my backyard after a particularly harsh winter. What I didn’t expect was how much easier it would make prepping my wife’s vegetable garden each season.

During a particularly wet week last month, after I had tilled the garden for the tomatoes, the Agri-Fab 45-0606 proved its worth. Usually, the soil is soft and clumpy after tilling in those conditions, making it difficult to get a good seedbed. The roller, filled about three-quarters full with water, compacted the soil just enough to create a smooth, even surface. The poly drum rolled smoothly, with just a low rumble, and the steel frame felt incredibly sturdy as I made my passes back and forth. It was much quieter than the old steel drum roller my dad used to have, and the poly material didn’t seem to rust, which is a huge plus.

My wife even got in on the action, using it to roll out a newly seeded area in the front yard. She was initially hesitant, thinking it would be too heavy or difficult to maneuver, but she quickly got the hang of it. The plug system for filling and emptying the water is pretty straightforward, too, which made it easy to adjust the weight depending on the job. We even discovered that it’s great for pressing down freshly laid sod – the roller leaves the yard looking professionally done. The only hiccup I had was initially figuring out the right amount of water to add for optimal performance, but after a little experimentation, I found the sweet spot. I’ve used a couple of smaller push rollers in the past for smaller jobs, but this tow-behind model is a game-changer for larger areas. It saves so much time and effort.

Final Verdict

Final Verdict

After putting the Agri-Fab 45-0606 18″ x 36″ Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller through its paces this spring, I’m happy to report that it’s become an indispensable tool in my lawn care arsenal. While the poly drum material isn’t quite as robust as steel, the overall design and functionality of the Agri-Fab 45-0606, especially when filled with water, are impressive for the price.

This lawn roller is perfect for homeowners with medium to large-sized yards who are serious about achieving a smooth, professional-looking lawn. If you’ve been battling bumpy turf, struggling to level out mole tunnels, or simply want to improve seed-to-soil contact after overseeding, the Agri-Fab 45-0606 18″ x 36″ Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller 400 lbs weight with water, Poly Drum and Steel Frame, with Plug. Designed for Lawn and Garden Tractors is a fantastic investment.

The biggest strength of the Agri-Fab 45-0606 is its ease of use and maneuverability, thanks to its compact size. The one real limitation is that you will need a lawn or garden tractor, it cannot be pushed or used without being towed. Overall, I highly recommend the Agri-Fab 45-0606 18″ x 36″ Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller 400 lbs weight with water, Poly Drum and Steel Frame, with Plug. Designed for Lawn and Garden Tractors. At its current price, it’s a fantastic value for the results you’ll achieve. Trust me, your lawn will thank you!

---

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.