To find the best lawn roller for your yard, the most important things to consider are size, capacity, and weight, among a few other factors. Below, I will discuss my favorite products based on these features. Read on to learn which ones are important to you.
Lawn rollers are essential tools for maintaining a level lawn. While you don’t need to roll your lawn all the time, it’s an important regular maintenance activity.
I have managed a lot of lawns throughout the years, and I’ve found that uneven ground can cause more problems than you’d expect. A bit of natural slope is fine and useful for drainage, but having a lot of lumps and valleys throughout a lawn can cause real headaches due to the high and low spots.
Fortunately, there is a lawn roller is the perfect tool to help keep your yard flat and smooth. Below, I have included the best lawn rollers based on my own experience with lawn rollers, plus reading through other user reviews and complaints.
I’ll discuss them below in detail and include the pros and cons of each, so you can easily compare them with one another. I will also walk you through the key factors and frequently asked questions to consider when looking for a lawn roller and planning for lawn maintenance, since not everyone needs to buy the most expensive lawn roller.
If you want the short version, I’ll summarize my top picks here:
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
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7 Best Lawn Rollers – Reviews and Analysis
Here are my top picks for the best lawn rollers based on my research and countless customer reviews. Each product can handle water and sand to help flatten the ground.
1. Brinly PRC-241BH Combination Push/Tow Poly Lawn Roller – Editor’s Pick
The first product on this list of the best lawn rollers is the Brinly PRC-241BH Combination Push/Tow Poly Lawn Roller.
As its name suggests, this lawn roller offers two push and pull styles. It allows you to operate it via a simple push, ideal for light yard maintenance work. Meanwhile, the tow-behind design makes it possible to attach to any rider or tractor. It can also connect to most zero-turn tractors (ZTR) or all-terrain vehicles (ATV), owing to the heavy-duty universal hitch pin.
Additionally, the Brinly PRC-241BH is easy to assemble. The manufacturer already includes an assembly manual with a fastener skin pack to match each part during the assembly. They can also send a video tutorial for your convenience.
Moreover, this best lawn roller features a sturdy poly plastic construction. It can resist rust and weather damage to last you for years to come.
Plus, it can handle up to 28 gallons or 270 pounds of water or sand. With that said, the roller is still light enough to push and rugged enough to withstand towing behind a tractor.
There is even a large fill opening. It allows you to fill and empty the drum quickly. It can even attach to a garden hose for ease of use.
On top of all these benefits, this Brinly lawn roller includes a rounded drum and metal scraper bar. The former can prevent damage to your lawn when turning. On the other hand, the latter keeps debris away while rolling.
It is no wonder that most reviews for this lawn roller are positive. If there is any critique, it would be the location of the scraper bar. Some users noticed that their roller quickly collected dust. A few customers also had difficulties attaching the cap to the tank itself.
But the pros far outweigh the cons.
For this reason, I deemed the Brinly PRC-241BH as the best lawn roller on the market today.
Pros:
- This high-quality poly roller drum can resist harsh weather and rust to last you for a long time
- Convenient push or tow-behind design pin ensures versatility
- A high-capacity roller can hold up to 28 gallons of water or sand while still being lightweight enough
- A fill opening with an extra-large diameter to speed up drum filling and emptying
- The rounded drum helps avoid damage to your lawn when turning
Cons:
- Some users noticed that the roller collected dust quickly due to the location of the scraper bar
- A few customers had difficulty attaching the cap to the tank itself
2. Agri-Fab 45-0268 Poly Tow Lawn Roller – Runner-Up
Those who want a lawn roller with a larger capacity and size can consider getting the Agri-Fab 45-0268.
It features a high-quality poly roller drum that is 18 inches in diameter and 36 inches wide. This lawn roller can cover large areas of soil, ideal if you need to tend to hectares of land.
Additionally, this Agri-Fab lawn roller has a 400-pound maximum capacity. It can handle both water and sand to help flatten uneven grass and level new soil. However, when using sand, the manufacturer recommends filling the drum only halfway full.
Despite this heavy-duty loading capacity, the Poly Town Lawn Roller only weighs less than 50 pounds without water. Hence, it is easy to transport and store after use. At the same time, it allows you to drain and fill the drum using a regular garden hose.
Furthermore, this heavy-duty lawn roller includes a removable drain plug and poly scraper bar. Both of these items make it easier to clean the unit and prevent debris build-up such as loose soil.
There is even a center baffler that offers additional stability when operating the lawn roller.
Plus, the universal hitch allows you to attach the roller to any brand of tractor with relative ease.
Finally, Agri-Fab offers a three-year limited consumer warranty. This coverage enables you to ask for a refund or return if the item comes with defects.
However, there are still a few downsides to consider before buying this best lawn roller. First, some users struggled to put the hose in a steady position because it kept popping out. Second, a few customers also said that the plug that keeps the water inside tended to fall out.
These problems are easy to remedy, though.
As such, I included the Agri-Fab 45-0268 Poly Tow Lawn Roller in this list of the top lawn rollers on the market today.
Pros:
- A heavy-duty lawn roller with a large maximum capacity of 400 pounds can help flatten uneven grass in large gardens
- The poly construction is lightweight and durable at the same time
- A removable drain plug and poly scraper bar for easy maintenance
- A center baffler can offer additional stability
- The universal hitch attaches quickly and easily to any tractor brand
Cons:
- Some users experienced the hose popping out
- The plug that holds all the water in also keeps falling out
3. Oregon 72-319 Anti-Scalp Deck Roller – Best Budget Roller
Is your previous lawn roller already beat up? Or are you looking for a cheap alternative to rollers from the original equipment manufacturer? If so, the Oregon 72-319 Anti-Scalp Deck Roller is a great replacement worth considering.
It features a durable plastic construction that can resist harsh weather and exposure to the sun. Hence, this lawn roller can last you for a long time.
As for the size, this anti-scalp deck roller is around two and a half inches in diameter and six inches in length. It is ideal for small lawns or light yard maintenance work. At the same time, it is easy to assemble and store when not in use, unlike other lawn rollers.
Furthermore, the Oregon 72-319 includes a solid anti-scalp wheel. This tire can prevent unnecessary bumps on the ditch, which can eventually damage the roller and newly sewn seed as well as flower beds.
Lastly, it costs considerably less than original parts from various tractor manufacturers. This lawn roller is an ideal choice if you want to save up money.
However, before buying this best lawn roller, it is best to consider its downsides. First, some users said that it did not fit their mower deck. They had to drill it out to ensure that the roller was compatible. Second, the product is not manufactured in the USA, so there might be a few unexpected quality issues.
But for its price, the Oregon 72-319 Anti-Scalp Deck Roller is hard to beat. It is among the top lawn rollers to help flatten the ground.
Pros:
- A durable plastic roller can withstand long exposure to the sun and harsh weather
- Lightweight and small in size makes the item easy to assemble and store
- The anti-scalp wheels can prevent unnecessary bumps on the ditch
- Cheaper than a tow-behind lawn roller
Cons:
- The product is not manufactured in the USA
- Some users said that it did not fit their mower deck, so they had to drill it out to be in shape
4. Stens Deck Roller 210-207
The Stens Deck Roller 210-207 is another cheap yet quality lawn roller to consider.
It features durable plastic construction that can withstand harsh weather and rigorous daily use. This lawn roller is a great alternative to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or steel rollers.
Additionally, the Stens Deck Roller comes with 3×9-inch wheel size. This tire allows you to flatten the ground with ease and fix lawn damage at the same time.
Moreover, the wheel has a smooth tread. There is no need to struggle in pushing the lawnmower when stuck on mud or sand.
Plus, this deck roller is compatible with a lot of lawn mower models. It can fit models, such as AYP GTH220, HAGTH220B, HALT150E, LT150, among many others.
All these benefits come in a small and inexpensive package that can fit tight corners and rounded edges on your yard.
But before buying this best lawn roller, it is best to consider its downsides. First, the item is too small if you intend to cover a large area of your garden. Second, some users said that it is not as good as the roller from the original equipment manufacturer or any other high-end lawn rollers.
Nevertheless, the Stens Deck Roller 210-207 is still among the best poly rollers to achieve a flat and smooth yard.
Pros:
- Durable plastic construction can last you for a long time
- Small and compact wheels ensure ease of use
- Smooth wheel treads can help prevent you from getting stuck in the mud
- It is compatible with multiple lawnmower models
Cons:
- It is not as good as the roller from the original equipment manufacturer
- The lawn roller might be too small for professional mowing devices
5. Brinly PRT-361BH-A 690 lb. Tow-Behind Poly Lawn Roller
Those who have larger yards or bigger green spaces can consider investing in the Brinly PRT-361BH-A Tow-Behind Poly Lawn Roller.
This lawn roller boasts a 36-inch rolling width to cover more ground quickly, ideal for huge lawns. Meanwhile, the maximum capacity of 76 gallons or 690 pounds is more than enough to help fix a bumpy lawn.
Additionally, the extra-large fill opening allows you to load and empty the drum quickly. A garden hose is also available to make it easier to fill up the container. At the same time, this drum has round edges to prevent damage to your lawn when turning in tight corners.
What’s more, this lawn roller includes a metal scraper bar above the drum. It keeps the equipment clean and free from debris during lawn rolling operation.
There is even a single, heavy-duty universal hitch pin included. This tow-behind model allows you to attach the roller to any rider and tractor as well as most ATVs.
Plus, it is easy to assemble, owing to the straightforward instructions from the manufacturer. Brinly even offers an assembly video for your convenience.
Last but not least, this Brinly lawn roller features durable construction. The sturdy poly roller drum can resist weather damage, dents, and rust to last you for years to come.
Despite these benefits, there are still a few downsides to consider before buying this lawn roller. First, some users said that the thin pieces of metal (E rings) holding the roller onto the towbar were a little loose. Second, the roller tended to leak when handling a large amount of water.
Overall, though, the Brinly PRT-361BH-A Tow-Behind Poly Lawn Roller is worth considering for your yard maintenance needs.
Pros:
- Durable poly construction can resist dust and weather damage
- It can handle 76 gallons of water or 690 pounds of sand, ideal for larger yards and green spaces
- Extra-large fill opening with a garden hose to load and empty drum easily
- A universal hitch pin allows you to attach the roller to most riders and tractors
- A metal scraper can prevent debris while rolling
Cons:
- Some users experienced the thin pieces of metal (E rings) that hold the roller onto the towbar broke off
- The roller can lead to leakage when carrying a large amount of water
6. Toro Lawn Striping System
If you want to achieve a professional-looking garden, then the Toro Lawn Striping System might be the right product for your needs.
It is 16.5 inches in diameter and 13 inches in width. This roller size is ideal for creating ball-park quality stripes and patterns for your lawn while you mow. Hence, it can ensure beautiful and flat terrain in your garden.
In addition, this lawn roller is also compact in size, making it easy to store away when not in use. It also allows you to remove the roller itself if you do not need striping.
What’s more, the Toro Lawn Striping System is compatible with most walk-behind mowers. Plus, it enables you to mow and stripe at the same time.
Plus, this powered equipment can work with or without a bagger attachment. This item can collect leaves, grass clippings, or any yard debris while operating your lawnmower.
There is even a relatively large sand capacity of 20 pounds. Simply fill the drum to help smooth topsoil and flatten uneven terrain.
Finally, this Toro striping system is easy to assemble. All you need is a Philips screwdriver (sold separately) to build the lawn roller.
However, before buying this product, it is essential to check its cons. First, some users struggled to fill the barrel due to the design. Second, a few customers found it difficult to reverse the lawn roller due to its uni-direction wheels.
Nevertheless, the Toro Lawn Striping System is still among the best poly lawn rollers on the market today. It is my top choice for achieving attractive stripes and patterns on your lawn.
Pros:
- The lawn roller can create ball-park quality stripes and patterns for your lawn
- It easily removes for storage or whenever striping is not desired
- Use with or without bagger attachment
- A maximum load capacity of 20 pounds
- Easy to assemble with a Phillips screwdriver
Cons:
- Some users faced difficulties when filling the barrel with sand due to the design
- A few customers said that it is hard to reverse the roller because of the uni-direction wheels
7. Agri-Fab 45-0269 Poly Lawn Roller
The last item on this list of the best lawn rollers is the Agri-Fab 45-0269.
This poly lawn roller has a 48-inch roller width. It can flatten and smoothen soil for an attractive-looking yard. It can also restore a lawn to its optimal condition by eliminating flooding and frost heaves.
Additionally, the Agri-Fab lawn roller features a sturdy polyethylene construction. It can resist dents, rust, and weather damage. It is expected to last you for years to come as long as you take care of the equipment properly.
Despite using durable materials, this best lawn roller is still lightweight enough. Hence, it can ensure easy transport and storage.
What’s more, the maximum capacity of the drum is 550 pounds. It can handle both water and sand to help flatten out bumpy yards. But when using sand, it is best to fill the drum only halfway full for easy operation.
There is even a convenient drain and fill plug to empty the drum easily. Meanwhile, the regular garden hose included in the package makes it more convenient to fill the drum.
Plus, the universal hitch attaches quickly to most brands of tractors. There is no need to worry about the roller not being compatible with your preferred tractor or lawnmower.
Finally, this lawn roller comes with a scraper bar. It can remove dust or any debris that sticks to the drum.
With that said, the Agri-Fab 45-0269 Poly Lawn Roller is still one of the best products available on the market today.
Pros:
- The high-quality polyethylene construction can withstand weather damage
- It can flatten soil and restore your lawn
- A 550-pound capacity can handle both water and sand
- A convenient drain and fill plug and garden hose to load and empty the drum
- A scraper bar prevents debris from getting stuck in the roller
Cons:
- Some users noticed leaking from the axle part
- A few users complained about the flimsy packaging and a few missing parts
How to Choose the Best Lawn Roller for Your Gardening Needs
By now, you probably have an idea about the best lawn roller to buy for your needs. But if you are still clueless, do not worry.
Below, I will discuss some critical factors to consider before finalizing your purchasing decision. Continue reading on!
Size
One of the first factors to consider when looking for a lawn roller is its size. This aspect will largely depend on your lawn area.
If you have a large yard, it is best to use a large roller to ensure efficiency. On the other hand, those with small lawns or spaces with tricky corners can settle for a compact roller.
Take note that most consumer-grade units measure between 24 and 36 inches wide. These are more than enough for medium-sized gardens. But you can also find 48-inch and other larger models that are ideal for use on substantial lawns.
However, remember that the price of lawn rollers goes up with size. So if you have a smaller project, it is best to choose a smaller product for better value.
Capacity
Lawn rollers are constructed to be filled with water or sand to help smooth rough dirt or uneven ground. The capacity of their drum determines how effective the roller is when tamping down the soil.
A typical consumer-grade lawn roller can hold 28 gallons of water or around 250 pounds of sand. Meanwhile, bigger lawn rollers have a larger maximum capacity of between 300 and 700 pounds.
The former is ideal if you intend to use the roller manually by pushing. On the other hand, the latter is suitable if you have a tractor or riding mower to help carry the weight.
Weight
Speaking of weight, this factor is another essential consideration before buying a lawn roller.
Since you will be adding load to help flatten the terrain, you must ensure that the weight of the roller itself will not overwhelm you. After all, no one wants to handle a hefty lawn roller, especially if you are not planning on using a tractor or mower.
But if you will use one, it is still best to consider the weight of the drum. You need to make certain that the tractor or mower will be able to handle the roller.
Material
You should also think about the material used in manufacturing the lawn roller. There are two common types of materials, namely polyethylene and steel.
The former is lighter and cheaper than a steel lawn roller, which makes it easy to handle on the lawn and drain its contents. It is also rust-resistant, unlike Ohio steel material. Hence, it ensures that air and moisture do not affect the roller.
In contrast, steel lawn rollers are heavier and harder to move on the lawn. With that said, they tend to last you for years to come as long as they are not exposed to air and moisture. The added weight of the all-steel construction can also introduce greater pressure to the soil, which flattens it effectively and quickly.
Pulling Style
The last factor to consider before buying a lawn roller is its pulling style.
Some models feature basic push and pull handles, making them designed for hand use. In contrast, other units are ideal for heavy-duty use, complete with a hitch. This feature allows you to attach the roller to either a lawn tractor or lawn mower for your convenience.
Choosing between these two common pulling styles will depend on your needs, personal preference, and budget. Always remember to avoid overspending on features that you would not use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawn roller?
You will need a lawn roller if you intend to flatten out grass and soil in the quickest way possible.
You can also use a lawn roller when seeding new soil. With this item, you can press the seeds into the topsoil and ultimately improve the germination process.
Lastly, you might want to consider getting this piece of equipment if you want to restore your lawn to its optimal condition. You can expect it to get rid of holes from gophers and clean debris from dead grass and leaves.
How do lawn rollers work?
The main purpose of a lawn roller is to flatten and compact the soil or grass on a lawn. It features heavy cylinders attached to an axle that is either pulled by hand or towed behind a garden tractor. These cylinders, also known as drums, accept water or sand to increase the weight of the equipment.
When you roll this filled tool over your affected garden area, you can expect the grass and soil to smooth out eventually.
When to use a lawn roller?
The best time to use a lawn roller is whenever the grass starts to grow. You should also operate the tool during early spring when the grass is coming out of dormancy and the roots are becoming active. Doing so can help stimulate the germination of seeds.
What is the ideal weight of a lawn roller?
There is no one ideal weight of a lawn roller because different individuals have unique needs.
Some users prefer a lightweight and compact roller to work on their small gardens. However, others might require a heavier unit that is over 200 pounds to handle substantial lawns.
It is up to you to decide on the ideal weight of the lawn roller for your needs.
Conclusion
Your lawn is among the first things a guest will see when they enter your home. So, it is best to take care of it and ensure it is neat and manicured to create a great first impression. One of the best ways to get the job done right is to use the right lawn roller. This tool can even out bumps, ridges, and other uneven surfaces on the ground for a flat and smooth yard.
Hopefully, this article gave you an idea of the best poly lawn rollers for your needs. My top recommendation is the Brinly PRC-241BH Combination Push/Tow Poly Lawn Roller for its versatile pulling style and tow-behind design. I also appreciate its high-quality poly construction, easy assembly instructions, and compatibility with most tractors and push lawn mowers.