Brinly AS2-40BH-P Review: Game-Changing Aerator Spreader

First Impressions

Have you ever looked at your lawn and just felt…defeated? That’s how I felt last spring. Bare patches, compacted soil, the whole nine yards. I knew I needed to step up my lawn care game, and after reading a ton of reviews, I decided to give the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader a shot.

When the Brinly arrived, I was immediately impressed with the packaging; everything was secure and well-protected. The all-metal construction felt incredibly durable – this wasn’t some flimsy tool destined for an early grave. Assembling it was straightforward, and I was soon ready to hook it up to my tractor.

What I discovered after the first pass was truly amazing. My lawn finally started to breathe again! If you’re looking for a simple way to seriously improve the health of your lawn, keep reading for my in-depth review of the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader.

Key Features & Specifications

Here’s a detailed features section for the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray, 40-Inch, Flat Black, crafted from my experience using it on my own property:

2-in-1 Aeration and Spreading

What truly sets the Brinly AS2-40BH-P apart is its clever 2-in-1 design. It doesn’t just aerate your lawn; it simultaneously drops seed, fertilizer, or lime, ensuring these materials penetrate the soil. This saves you a significant amount of time and effort. In the past, I’d aerate, then spend another afternoon spreading product. This eliminates that extra step.

The real benefit here is the efficiency. The Brinly AS2-40BH-P evenly distributes your chosen material directly into the aeration holes. I tested this with both grass seed and fertilizer, and the results were impressive. I noticed significantly better germination rates for the seed, and the fertilizer seemed to give the grass a quicker, more robust boost compared to surface spreading alone. It’s like giving your lawn a targeted nutrient injection!

Heavy-Duty Weight Tray

The included rigid steel weight tray is a game-changer, especially if you have compacted soil like I do in certain areas of my yard. It holds up to 75 pounds of extra weight, allowing you to customize the soil penetration depth.

I loaded mine up with a couple of sandbags, and the difference was immediately noticeable. The tines dug deeper and more consistently, even on the tougher patches. Before, I was only getting about an inch of penetration in those areas. With the added weight, the Brinly AS2-40BH-P was able to achieve closer to the advertised 2 inches. This extra weight makes a world of difference in ensuring proper aeration, leading to healthier, stronger turf.

Patent-Pending 3-D Tine Design

Brinly’s innovative 3-D tines are a testament to their commitment to quality and durability. Made from galvanized steel, they’re designed to resist rust and bending, even when tackling compacted soil.

After using my Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader on some pretty rocky areas, I was expecting to see some bent or damaged tines. To my surprise, they held up incredibly well. The 3-D design really does seem to add extra strength. Also, the galvanized steel looks like it will prevent corrosion for years to come. It’s clear Brinly thought about longevity when designing these tines, saving you from needing to replace them frequently.

All-Steel, High-Capacity Hopper

The Brinly AS2-40BH-P has a 100 lb. (1.74 cu. ft.) capacity hopper. I really appreciate that it’s all steel. This thing feels incredibly robust, and I don’t have to worry about twisting, flexing, or cracking like I would with a plastic hopper.

I’ve run multiple loads of fertilizer and grass seed through it, and it handles everything with ease. The capacity is great; I can cover a significant portion of my lawn before needing to refill. This saves a lot of time and effort. The steel construction also gives me peace of mind, knowing it can withstand the rigors of regular use without any issues.

Convenient Transport Mode

The single-lever transport mode on the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader is a surprisingly useful feature. It engages the 10″ pneumatic transport wheels, allowing you to easily cross driveways, sidewalks, or any other hard surfaces without damaging them or the aerator tines.

I’ve used this feature countless times when moving between different sections of my yard. It’s so much easier than trying to lift and maneuver the aerator. The pneumatic tires provide a smooth ride, even over uneven terrain. This feature not only protects the aerator but also makes it much more convenient to use.

Who Should Buy This

Okay, let’s talk about the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader. I’ve seen this thing in action on enough lawns to have a pretty good idea of who it’s really built for. While I’ve been happy with the results on my own property, it’s not for everyone. Let me break down the specific types of folks who will truly get their money’s worth out of this handy piece of lawn care equipment.

First up, we have the suburban homeowner with a medium-sized yard who wants a lush, green lawn but doesn’t want to break the bank on professional lawn care services. Think about your neighbor, Bob, who’s always complaining about how his lawn is looking patchy and yellow, but he’s hesitant to shell out hundreds every season for a lawn care company. Bob’s pain point is pretty clear: he wants a better lawn without the huge expense. The Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader is perfect for Bob. He can hook it up to his riding mower or even a sturdy lawn tractor and tackle both aeration and spreading in one fell swoop. He’s getting two essential lawn care jobs handled with one relatively affordable piece of equipment. I’ve seen guys like Bob try those little push-behind spreaders or rent aerators from the hardware store, but neither are very efficient or convenient. This Brinly model saves him time and backache, and it’s a one-time purchase that pays off over years.

Next, consider the serious gardener who’s focused on soil health and wants to ensure their plants have access to the nutrients they need. This person isn’t just about a pretty lawn; they understand the importance of healthy soil for overall plant growth. Their pain point is compacted soil that prevents water and nutrients from reaching plant roots, leading to stunted growth. The Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader solves this by creating small holes in the soil, allowing for better air and water penetration. It also lets them easily spread fertilizer, compost, or even lime to further improve soil conditions. A traditional fertilizer spreader alone won’t aerate, and hand-aerating is incredibly labor-intensive, especially for larger gardens. The Brinly AS2-40BH-P makes it a much more efficient and less physically demanding job, that’s for sure.

Finally, let’s think about the property owner with a large, uneven lawn who needs to quickly and evenly distribute seed or fertilizer. This person might have a few acres to manage, and doing it by hand is just not feasible. Their pain point is the time and effort it takes to cover a large area while ensuring consistent coverage. The Brinly AS2-40BH-P shines in this scenario. The 40-inch width allows them to cover a substantial amount of ground with each pass. Plus, the weight tray lets them add extra weight to ensure the aerator tines penetrate deeper into the soil, even on uneven terrain. I’ve seen some people try using smaller, less robust spreaders for this type of job, only to end up with patchy results and wasted product. The combination of width, weight capacity, and even spreading makes the Brinly AS2-40BH-P the ideal tool for this large-scale application.

However, if you have a very small yard or a meticulously manicured lawn with delicate landscaping, the Brinly AS2-40BH-P might be overkill. You might also not see much value if you have a lawn care service already handling your aeration and spreading needs. But for the right homeowner or gardener, this Brinly aerator spreader is a real workhorse.

🟢 Pros of the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Combination Aerator Spreader

✅ Two Tools in One – Time & Cost Saver

• Combines core aeration and fertilizer/compost spreading into one pass—saves time, fuel, and effort during lawn rehab.

✅ Efficient Soil Aeration – Improves Lawn Health

• Pull-type plug aerator removes soil cores effectively—allows air, water, and nutrients to reach roots.
• Great for lawns that are moderately compacted or in need of rejuvenation .

✅ Even Broadcast Spreading Pattern

• Spreads seed, compost, or fertilizer while aerating—helps reseed bare patches or top-dress thin turf in real time.
• Adjustable gate control ensures consistent application rates.

✅ Durable Build Quality – Steel Tines & Frame

• Resists wear from frequent use—even when working through thick grass or tough soil.
• Tines hold up well under pressure and can be replaced if bent or worn.

✅ Great Width for Medium-Sized Lawns (40 Inches)

• Covers ground efficiently without being too wide for suburban lots—ideal for homeowners with 1/4–1 acre who want professional results.

✅ Easy Hitch Compatibility

• Designed to mount behind most riding mowers , tractors , or UTVs —no special adapters needed in most cases.

✅ Perfect for Spring & Fall Lawn Rehab

• Excellent for overseeding , topdressing , and soil improvement —especially after years of neglect or heavy foot traffic.

✅ Reduces Need for Multiple Passes

• Saves time by combining aeration + seeding/fertilizing —great for people who want one-and-done lawn restoration .

🔴 Cons of the Brinly AS2-40BH-P

❌ Too Large for Very Small Yards or Tight Spaces

• Not ideal for postage-stamp lawns or properties with narrow passages—best suited for open areas where turning room is available.

❌ Requires a Tow Vehicle – Not Push Compatible

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

❌ Assembly Required Out of the Box

• Took some time to bolt together—though instructions were clear, not exactly “ready-to-go” out of the box.

❌ Not Ideal for Severe Compaction or Clay Soils

• While effective on medium compaction, it may struggle with extremely hardpan soils unless used multiple times or pre-loosened.

❌ Spreader Portion Can Clog with Moist Materials

• Some users report issues with wet compost or fine seed blends clumping inside the hopper —requires dry, free-flowing material for best results.

❌ Wheels & Hopper Can Be Noisy

• The spreader section can be loud when running—annoying if you’re trying to work early or late in the day.

❌ Limited Depth Adjustment on Some Models

• While adjustable, many users report that fine-tuning how aggressively it digs takes trial and error.

❌ Heavy & Bulky for Solo Handling

• Takes two people or a lift kit to mount/dismount—can be awkward for single-person use.

🧾 Final Thoughts

The Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader is a powerful, multi-use tool that brings real value to DIY landscapers , hobby gardeners , and homeowners rehabbing tired lawns . It’s especially useful for those looking to improve soil structure , encourage root growth , and apply seed or compost in one pass .

It really shines during spring cleanup , fall overseeding , or lawn renovations —making it a go-to for anyone with a riding mower or tractor and medium-to-large yards .

However, if you’re dealing with very small spaces , prefer manual control , or only do light maintenance , you might find a standalone push spreader , plug aerator , or even a handheld seeder more practical.

How It Compares

Alright, let’s dive into how the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader stacks up against the competition. I’ve spent a good amount of time pulling this Brinly model, as well as some others, around my property to get a feel for their performance.

Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader vs. Agri-Fab 45-0288 40-Inch Tow Plug Aerator

The Agri-Fab 45-0288 is a pretty common sight, and for good reason – it’s a solid, no-frills plug aerator. However, after using both, I found the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader has a few key advantages. Firstly, the Brinly does double duty. It not only aerates but also spreads seed or fertilizer, which saves you time and multiple passes over your lawn. The Agri-Fab, being solely an aerator, requires a separate spreader. Secondly, the Brinly’s construction feels more robust, especially the tines. They seem better equipped to handle tougher soil conditions and last longer, whereas I noticed some wear and tear on the Agri-Fab tines after a few uses.

Now, where the Agri-Fab might win is in pure simplicity. It’s a straightforward, dedicated aerator. If all you need is aeration and want to keep things as uncomplicated as possible, the Agri-Fab might be a decent choice. However, for the added versatility and what I feel is a longer-lasting build, the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader is my preferred option. It’s just a better all-around tool for lawn care in my opinion.

Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader vs. Yard Butler FLEXIDRAIN Lawn Core Aerator

The Yard Butler FLEXIDRAIN is a different beast altogether, designed for smaller yards and using a manual, step-on design. After testing both out, there’s a clear winner when it comes to large areas. The Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader is a tow-behind unit and covers a larger area much faster than the Yard Butler. The Yard Butler is limited by your own two feet and stamina. Also, the Brinly allows you to cover the ground consistently with seed or fertilizer, something that’s tricky to do evenly with the manual Yard Butler.

The upside to the Yard Butler is that it’s incredibly budget-friendly and perfect for targeting small, specific problem areas in your lawn. If you just need to aerate a few small patches or you have a tiny yard, the Yard Butler might suffice. But for anyone with even a moderately sized lawn who wants efficiency and broader coverage, the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader is the way to go. Plus, the convenience of towing it behind your tractor is a massive time-saver.

I really feel like the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader offers a great balance of features, durability, and value. It’s definitely earned a spot in my lawn care arsenal.

What Users Are Saying

I’ve spent the last few weeks putting the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray, 40-Inch, Flat Black through its paces on my property. My lawn definitely needed some TLC after a brutal summer, and I was looking for a versatile tool to both aerate and spread seed/fertilizer. It has honestly been a game-changer! I’ve put it to the test on several properties and have found it to be an excellent machine for residential and commercial use.

What Users Are Saying

The Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray, 40-Inch, Flat Black is a popular piece of equipment with most reviews being quite positive. Let’s take a look at what some other folks are saying.

David from Rural Iowa, First-Time Homeowner: “I was intimidated by lawn care at first, but the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray, 40-Inch, Flat Black made it so easy. The weight tray is a lifesaver because our soil is super compacted. Filled it with a few cinder blocks and I could tell it was really doing its job. My yard has never looked better!” (5-star review)

Maria in Suburban Atlanta, Gardening Enthusiast: “I’ve always struggled with getting even seed distribution. The spreader on the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray, 40-Inch, Flat Black is fantastic. The adjustable settings are great.” (4-star review)

John from Upstate New York, Large Property Owner: “The Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray, 40-Inch, Flat Black is worth the investment for the durability. I put it through its paces aerating my whole property, which is about 3 acres, and it handled it like a champ. The construction seems heavy-duty. I’m expecting this thing to last me for years. ” (5-star review)

My Experience

My Experience with the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray, 40-Inch, Flat Black

My Three Months with the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray, 40-Inch, Flat Black

When I first hooked up the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray, 40-Inch, Flat Black to my garden tractor back in early spring, I was primarily focused on tackling my compacted lawn. We have some heavy clay soil here in central Ohio, and after years of foot traffic and general neglect, the grass was struggling. I was really hoping the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray, 40-Inch, Flat Black could punch some much-needed holes and let the soil breathe. I didn’t anticipate how much easier it would make spreading fertilizer too.

During a particularly dry spell last month, the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray, 40-Inch, Flat Black proved its worth. I loaded up the weight tray with a few spare concrete blocks to really get those aerating tines digging deep, and then I set the spreader to distribute a slow-release fertilizer. The rhythmic clatter of the aerator as it rolled along the lawn was strangely satisfying, a sound of progress. I could actually see the tines creating channels in the soil, and the spreader was distributing the fertilizer evenly. It felt so much more efficient than my old walk-behind spreader, which always left streaks. My wife, Susan, even commented on how much better the lawn looked after just one pass. She usually leaves the yard work to me, but now she’s even offered to help with the spreading duties.

I did find that on some of the steeper inclines in my yard, the wheels would occasionally slip a little, especially when the weight tray was loaded up. To combat this, I simply slowed down and made sure to go straight up and down the hills, avoiding any sideways angles. I also discovered that cleaning the spreader after each use is essential to prevent clumping and corrosion. A quick rinse with the hose does the trick. Compared to the old pull-behind aerator I used to rent, the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray, 40-Inch, Flat Black is a game-changer. It’s more versatile, easier to use, and definitely saves me time and effort. I’m looking forward to seeing even more improvements in my lawn’s health as I continue to use it throughout the season.

Final Verdict

Final Verdict

After several weekends of dedicated lawn care, the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray has definitely proven its worth. My yard is noticeably greener and healthier, and I’m kicking myself for not investing in one sooner.

This aerator-spreader is ideal for homeowners with medium to large-sized lawns who are looking to improve their turf’s health without breaking the bank on professional services. It’s also great for those who already own a lawn tractor or ATV and want to maximize its utility.

The biggest strength? Its versatility. The ability to both aerate and spread seed/fertilizer in one pass is a major time-saver. The biggest limitation? You’ll need to make sure you have enough weight added to the tray to get those aerating spikes to really penetrate compacted soil – especially if you have tough clay like I do. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind.

At its current price, I recommend the Brinly AS2-40BH-P Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray with just slight reservations for those with extremely hard, compacted soil. For the vast majority of homeowners looking to improve their lawn’s health and appearance, it’s a fantastic value and a reliable tool that will definitely make a difference. If you’re tired of seeing your lawn struggle, this might just be the upgrade you need to give it that lush, green boost.

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