We all know that keeping a lawn look perfect is a complicated and a time-consuming thing to do. Luckily, there are a lot of tools available that can make this task simpler and easier. Even better is the fact that some of these tools are very affordable and they are extremely easy to use. All of this is reflected to the Best Lawn Roller. They are definitely simple tools you can purchase at any given moment, but they are more than just effective and mandatory to use.
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Why Should You Use A Lawn Roller?
In the lack of a better word, lawn rollers are the mandatory tools for any lawn, regardless of the size, shape, location and the type of grass it has. All professionals use rollers and they have been using them for decades. Now we will explain why this is the case.
First and foremost, the sole purpose of a lawn roller is to flatter the surface. You must know that all, professionally maintained and designed lawns are perfectly flat. They make a huge difference in the eye of a viewer and there is a present appeal when a lawn has no bumps or slopes.
Of course, a lawn roller is also used to protect your lawn. Yes, you heard this right. Some insects and animals will dig tunnels and holes in the ground. This means that the roots of the grass will be compromised and the grass will simply become brown and nasty. A roller is used to push the ground into the mentioned holes and tunnels, so it will keep the roots of the grass safe and sound.
Lawn rollers are essential when you are still developing the lawn. They are commonly used to push the seeds of the grass into the ground and make a contact between the roots and the ground. What this means is that your lawn will have a higher amount of grass and it will also look so much better. Believe or not, this is the main purpose of the lawn rollers and for most of us, the most important of them all. Without them, grass seed won’t be able to grow properly or the amount of the grown grass will be significantly compromised.
In a nutshell, lawn rollers make a huge difference between having an average or a perfect lawn. There are also several additional factors that are important to individuals or usable in specific situations.
Best Practices for Using a Lawn Roller
As a homeowner, your lawn is a critical part of your compound that gives the aesthetic beauty to your home. Besides, it boosts the value of your home in case you want to sell your property. Having a well mowed and rolled out lawn takes effort and you have to properly maintain it to achieve this nature.
One of the best tools to roll out your grass is a lawn roller. Every homeowner who cares about the beauty of their compound should have this awesome equipment for DIY; you don’t have to call professional mowers if you have this equipment. Of course, you should not roll your lawn every now and then.
It is advisable to do it once a year. However, it is recommended that you roll your lawn after seeding to incorporate the seed with the soil, after sodding a new lawn, after some turbulent winter which has caused soil heaving and also when there are tunnels and bumps in it. Doing rolling outside these situations will only make your lawn messy and end up destroying your once great lawn.
When rolling under the above circumstances, ensure you roll like a pro to prevent damaging the soil and the grass. Here are some of the best practices:
- Only do the rolling when your ground is damp
Avoid rolling your lawn when it is soaked otherwise you will have soil compaction which prevents aeration and eventually causes retarded growth in your grass. Again doing the rolling when the ground is completely dry will end up ineffective. So only do it when the ground is damp.
- Avoid heavy rollers
As a homeowner, you maybe know how strong your soil in the lawn is and how much weight it can handle. Weight of your lawn roller should be a factor you should never ignore. Always use lightweight rollers to make your lawn more effective and great.
- Avoid rolling yearly
Only roll when it is absolutely necessary otherwise you will end up compacting the soil and damaging your lawn.
- Roll during spring
This is the period when the roots of the grass are active and the grass is just breaking from its dormancy stage. Rolling at this season will still encourage the grass to grow. Avoid summer when the weather is dry for it will be ineffective.
- Avoid rolling if you have clay soil in your lawn
Clay soil is known to be compact and can cause your grass not to grow because of lack of proper aeration.
Factors To Look For When Buying A New Lawn Roller
Finding the best lawn roller is relatively easy, but only if you know what to look for. If you are a beginner, you will want to discover the difference between a lawn roller which is just perfect for you and the one that just looks ‘’nice’’. The same factors will be mentioned in the reviews which will be included here. We hope that a combination of the factors to consider and list of the best models will help you choose the one model that has it all you are looking for.
The size
Obviously, lawn rollers are used to flat the lawn surface. As such, they are big. However, some of them are extremely big, while others are smaller and some are even extremely small. All this means that the size or dimensions of a new lawn roller are the first factor to consider. Sadly, it can’t be generalized, so it is up to you to find the most suitable dimension.
Pulling/pushing requirements
As you know by now, all lawn rollers will have to be pushed or pulled. There are a few differences. The first one is related to the aforementioned size. As such we can see rollers which can be pulled and pushed by a user. On the other hand, we have much bigger models which require a lawn tractor or a utility vehicle in order to be used. Make sure you understand these requirements before you get a new roller!
Material
In most cases, we can see a roller made of steel or poly. There are good and bad sides of each material. Steel is far more durable and stronger. On the other hand, it is heavier. Poly is lighter and more suitable for smaller rollers, but it isn’t as durable as steel. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to tell the difference just by looking at a roller. All of them are coated with paint or a unique protective layer so they look the same.
Water or sand
What will you use to fill the roller? There are two options here as well. The first one is water. It is more affordable, it is faster to complete and it still offers impressive results. However, water can compromise the structural integrity of a roller and if left inside during low temperatures, ice will form which will destroy the roller (ice expands while steel and poly don’t).
Another option is sand. It is more expensive and more time-consuming to fill a roller. On the other hand, it is a permanent solution. At the end of a day, it is up to you to decide which alternative you should use. Addition: It is known that professional rollers should be filled with sand, while smaller ones, for smaller lawns, should use water.
Weight
This is one of the most important factors to consider. It can make a huge difference. Heavier models are more appealing for heavy-duty operations, they are also preferable to be used with a utility vehicle and they are commonly treated as advanced, or professional models. If the soil is harder than usual, you will definitely want a roller with higher load capacity. A heavy duty lawn roller will simply be more efficient.
Color
The least important factor is the color of a roller. They usually come in green or black so your options are limited. However, black ones look more expensive and more elegant. Of course, this depends on personal preference only.
Top 5 Lawn Rollers
Agri-Fab 45-0269 Poly Tow Lawn Roller
- 550 pound capacity
- 18 inch diameter by 48 in long, internally reinforced, rust-proof, poly drum for...
- Fill and drain plug
- Steel scraper bar
The Agri-Fab 45-0269 is a popular lawn roller for sale which is commonly rated as the best of the best. There are a lot of reasons for that and you should know that purchasing this model will mean you truly have the best unit. In essence, the tested model is one of a kind unit which is heavy-duty, beautifully made and it even comes with three years of warranty. In addition, this model is made in the United States. It will be more than just sufficient for all lawns and for all soil types.
550 pound capacity
The main advantage of the tested unit and the one that we liked a lot is the weight capacity. When full, this model will have a weight of 550 pounds, which makes it the heaviest of them all. Yes, there are some heavier models, but they are reserved for commercial applications. This one is designed for home-based applications. The dimensions are 18×48 inches, so we can see that it is also a bigger unit. In the lack of a better word, the tested unit has it all and it must be taken into consideration.
Reinforced poly drum
The drum or the base of the roller is made of poly material. However, it isn’t as ordinary as you may believe. The drum is reinforced internally and precisely this makes it extremely durable and strong. There is no need in telling you that the material in question is rust free, so corrosion won’t be a problem, ever.
Pros
- 550 pounds capacity
- Reinforced drum
- Rust free
- Easy to use
- Pulley is made of steel
- Perfect drain plug
Cons
- More expensive than similar models
- Must be used with a utility vehicle
Brinly PRT-36SBH 390-Pound Tow Behind Poly Lawn Roller
- Ideal for medium to large yards: 36" Rolling width and 390 lb. Capacity is...
- 42 gallon capacity: sturdy Roller holds up to 42 gallons (390 lbs. ) of water or...
- Durable construction: Sturdy poly roller drum won't dent or rust, and resists...
- Faster filling: includes fill opening with extra-large diameter to expedite...
Here is the push lawn roller that is advanced or better said sophisticated compared to similar models. There are two main features which will be mentioned below and which will help you understand why the tested model is so special. At the moment, all we can say is that the weight capacity is 390 pounds and the dimensions are 18×36 inches. It is also made of poly material and it comes with a high level of quality.
Rounded end caps
This is the first advantage compared to other lawn rollers. The end cups are rounded, meaning that they won’t leave any marks or damage the grass or lawn in that matter when the roller is used. This is one of a kind feature and there is no a similar model available on the market right now which has the same feature. It also makes a huge difference when you are turning the roller.
Lightweight design
Thanks to the use of modern materials, the tested unit will provide impressive results when loaded. But, when empty, the weight will be around 50 pounds. This makes it easy to move and store. In essence, this is the second feature which we liked a lot and the one that makes it better than the competition.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Rounded end caps
- 390 pounds of capacity
- Easy to drain
- Modern design
Cons
- The material can be damaged when exposed to heat
- The drum isn’t reinforced
Agri-Fab 18-Inch x 36-Inch Poly Tow Lawn Roller 45-0268
- Durable 18" diameter, 36" wide, no rust, internally reinforced, poly roller drum
- 400 lbs weight with water to help flatten uneven grass and level new soil in 36"...
- Less than 50 lbs without water for easy storage and transport and roller...
- Includes removable drain plug and poly scraper bar; center baffler provides...
The unit is basically a smaller version of the best model here. The capacity is 400 pounds and the roller weighs less than 50 pounds when empty. This is a huge advantage and probably something that makes a huge difference in general. Of course, it is also made in the United States and it comes with the superb level of quality. We can say that the Agri-Fab 18-Inch x 36-Inch is the best, average lawn roller.
Convenient drain valve
The drain valve is modern and located on the perfect spot. What this means is that emptying the roller or filling it with water is easier than usual and you will notice that the first time when you use the model in question. A good thing is the fact this advantage is implemented on all lawn rollers made by the same manufacturer. Regardless of the size and weight capacity you get, the mentioned drain plug will be available.
3 years of warranty
This is generally an affordable lawn roller, so a longer warranty can be treated as an advantage. In this case scenario, we are looking at 3 years, which is a decent warranty. Keep in mind that this unit isn’t made of steel but from poly. As such, a longer warranty is a much better alternative and can be treated as a game changer.
Pros
- Advanced drain valve and plug
- Long warranty
- Decent capacity
- Lightweight models
- Rust-immune
Cons
- Lack of advanced features
- Customer support
Agri-Fab 45-0267 18- by 24-Inch Poly Push/Tow Lawn Roller
- CAPACITY: 400 lbs. when filled with water
- STORAGE: Lightweight when empty, for easy transport and storage
- ASSEMBLY: Some assembly required; a video instruction guide is available to...
- OPERATION: Push/Tow feature; Drain/Fill plug empties easily and fills with a...
Most yard rollers were tested by us, but this one is definitely the best choice if you are looking for a smaller roller. First and foremost, it comes with an impressive design which makes it special. Then we can see a lightweight construction and a removable hitch. The capacity is 250 pounds and dimensions are 18×24 inches. As we have mentioned, it isn’t suitable for larger lawns, but for smaller ones, it is ideal.
Plastic finish
We know that this may sound like a drawback, but it actually isn’t. As a matter of fact, this is one advantage that must be mentioned. The plastic finish makes the roller smoother than usual. What this also offers is making the surface perfectly smooth. It is still a heavy roller when filled with water and it will provide impressive results. The plastic finish is strong and durable in the lack of a better word and it will help you get the most impressive result after all.
Perfect for flatting the surface which is sown with seeds
The combination of the features and the weight make this roller perfect for smoothing the surface which has been sown with seeds. This is especially important due to the aforementioned feature and the overall weight. On the other hand, we can see that the tested unit is lightweight and can be stored anywhere you want perfectly. It is another unit made of reinforced poly material.
Pros
- Plastic finish has an appositive effect on the end result
- Convenient for all users
- 250 pounds of weight is a decent feature
- Lightweight but reinforced construction
- Removable drain plug
- Compact dimensions
Cons
- Plastic finish is sensitive
- Difficult to fill with sand
Brinly PRC-24BH 270-Pound Combination Push
- Push/pull combination: convenient push or tow-behind design provides versatility...
- 28 gallon capacity: sturdy Roller holds up to 28 gallons (270 lbs.) of water or...
- Durable construction: Sturdy poly roller drum won't dent or rust, and resists...
- Faster filling: includes fill opening with extra-large diameter to expedite...
As you can all see, this grass roller is made for manual applications. At the end of a day, it may be the most appealing choice of them all or it may be the one that doesn’t suit your needs. This is mandatory to remember due to a simple reason. The dimensions are 18×24 inches and this makes it perfect for narrow and small lawns. But, it makes it impractical for larger lawns. Anyway, it is still a desirable model with a weight load of 270 pounds. It will require 28 gallons of water to be filled.
Versatile lawn roller
The dimensions and the weight, alongside the pulley, make this the most versatile lawn roller of them all. Simply said, you can use it everywhere you want. It is also perfect for small and narrow areas and it can be rotated in a small area. The bottom line here is that the versatility is on a high level and it is probably the main advantage of the tested model. It is also something we liked and you should pay attention to as soon as possible.
Perfect for delicate operations
All of you who are looking for a smaller lawn roller which is ‘’sensitive’’ and which won’t damage the grass or the soil, this model is the right choice. The surface is smoother and softer than the ones you get on other models. Then we have the rounded ends, which won’t leave a trace when the roller is rotated. All of this makes a huge advantage overall and should be taken into consideration as soon as possible.
Pros
- Rounded ends are a perfect advanced feature
- 270 pounds of weight
- Attention to details is impressive
- Value for money
- Versatile usability
Cons
- For smaller lawns only
- Manual use only
Conclusion
Al the end, all we can say is that the Agri-Fab 45-0269 is the best Lawn Roller overall. It gets 5 stars and it is definitely the first choice to keep in mind. It has it all and it is beautifully made. You will also like the massive weight load and the end result, which is better than all other models from the list have to offer. Of course, other units are the best rollers in their class so, at the end of the day, the best model for you is the one that matches your requirements. All we can say is that all 5 units are above the average when it comes to the quality, features and the usability.
Last update on 2022-09-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I am buying Agri-Fab AG45-0268 because it’s not a season now and it has a great price. Thanks!
Smart thinking. Good luck!