Our New Billy Goat Aerator – Hollow & Solid Tines in One Machine

Lawn Force
Nov 6
2 min read

At Lawn Force, we’re always investing in the best equipment to give our customers the best results. Our latest addition is the Billy Goat PL1801H – a professional-grade aerator that can carry out both hollow-tine and solid-tine aeration.

So, what does that actually mean for your lawn?

What Aeration Does

Over time, lawns get compacted – especially if they’re walked on a lot, used for events, or have heavy soils. Compacted soil makes it hard for air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots, which leads to thin, tired-looking lawns.

Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil to help it “breathe” again. It encourages stronger root growth, improves drainage, and helps the lawn recover quickly after wear or wet weather.

Two Ways to Aerate: Hollow vs Solid Tine

There are two main types of aeration, and the Billy Goat machine can do both — depending on what your lawn needs.

Hollow-Tine Aeration (also called core aeration)

Removes small plugs (or “cores”) of soil from the ground.
Great for reducing heavy compaction and removing thatch.
Leaves small plugs on the surface, which break down naturally or can be collected.
Best done in spring or autumn when the lawn is actively growing.

Think of hollow-tine aeration as a deep cleanse for your lawn — it opens everything up and gives your grass room to breathe and grow.

Solid-Tine Aeration

Uses solid spikes to punch holes without removing any soil.
Quicker, less messy, and causes almost no surface disruption.
Ideal for light compaction or mid-season maintenance to keep the lawn healthy.

This is perfect if you want the benefits of aeration but need the lawn to look tidy straight away — for example before an event or wedding.

Why Our New Billy Goat Machine Is a Game Changer

With the Billy Goat PL1801H, we can switch between hollow and solid tines in minutes. That means we can tailor each job to your lawn’s exact needs — whether you need a quick refresh or a full renovation.

Some key benefits:

Versatile: one machine for both types of aeration.
Powerful: reaches deeper into compacted soils for better results.
Efficient: covers large areas quickly and evenly.
Professional finish: clean, consistent holes with minimal marking.

It’s another example of how Lawn Force continually reinvests in the best equipment to deliver the highest standards of lawn care across Ilkley, Harrogate, Ripon, Skipton, and surrounding areas.

Which Is Best for Your Lawn?

Every lawn is different. We often recommend solid-tine aeration during the growing season and hollow-tine aeration once or twice a year for deeper treatment.

If you’re unsure which one your lawn needs, we can assess it during your visit and recommend the best approach for long-term health and appearance.