A tow behind aerator is provided for connected with a hitch of a garden tractor. The aerator includes a connection, a float, a pivot, and an aerator body. The float allows for the aerator to ride on variations of terrain and elevation. The pivot allows the aerator body to pivot or rotate relative to the tractor such that the aerator is able to turn around objects. The pivot may be engaged or disengaged to control the amount of pivot. Further, the aerator includes a self-centering function for centering the aerator when raising the aerator to a non-aerating configuration. A universal sleeve hitch may be used to connect the aerator to the tractor and can be operated to raise and lower the aerator.