Brinly 40" lawn aerator Review | PA-403BH 

Loosen the cap on the gastank for about 30 seconds or so while the engine is running to let some air into the tank and stop the engine sputtering.

I have the Brinely Dethather that I bought when they were $99, before all the rampant inflation occurred making it now $180. To describe the build quality, since you slowly assemble it yourself- it's built the way it "should be built" with stronger than needed parts so nothing on it will fail. I imagine all the Brinley equipment is like this including their plug aerator. May just have to break down and get their aerator - 1-2 uses and it's paid for compared rental of a machine and towing cart.

Best to overseed bare patches BEFORE using any aeration equipment. The loosened soil brought up will help COVER the seed better, reducing moisture loss.

You need a good rain before you try to aerate. Softens the soil so you won’t get as much “ ripping “ up the lawn

Underground utility markout is 811. Also if you hit a gas line, water line, or electric at 4" deep... It wasn't to code.

how is your lawn doing now? Follow up video?

DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR CRAFTSMAN LT 2000 AND BRINLY AERATOR?

Use Dawn dish soap (not the anti-bacteria dish soaps) as a #SURFACANT - "soil wetter" it will condition the soil - increase how deep water can go - loosen up compacted soil or clay rich soil. It's also safe for the yard, garden and animals. - I just put a bunch in a sprayer attatchment for a hose. I do the treatment everyday for a week. it helps a lot with works even better with an aerator and some fertilizer or nutrient and after the week, you can add the seed and overseed. Serious, the Dawn dishsoap 4x version is way cheaper than the "surfacant" brands you will find anywhere else.