Our aerator is a professional Toro Greens Aerator that drills 1/2" holes straight into the soil and produces small round plugs of grass and soil. It is the type used in aerating golf course putting greens, and provides the highest quality of aeration available. The typical aerator used by many is a tapered spike that punches into the soil at an angle, which does not result in a clean perforation of the soil and can cause a degree of compaction. Our machine is slow and methodical compared to the spike type aerators, but it is much more effective. The only limitations on use involve not using on lawns with many rocks under the sod, or around trees with many surface roots, or on steep grades. The width of the machine is 55.5", which may preclude use in gated areas, or in tight spaces.