Best 8-Inch Crack Cleaning Machines for Pavement Maintenance in 2025

Crack cleaning is a vital step in maintaining asphalt and concrete surfaces, ensuring sealants bond effectively to extend pavement life. Mechanized crack cleaning machines with 8-inch wire wheels offer unmatched efficiency over manual methods, blasting out debris, weeds, and old sealant to prep cracks for sealing.

In this blog, we compare six leading models—Billy Goat Grazor, Landshark Crack Cleaner, Little Wonder Pro Crack Cleaner, RynoWorx HedgeHog, Brave Pro Crack Cleaner, and Brown Products ACC—based on features, performance, price, and reviews. We’ll rank them to help you choose the best machine for your pavement maintenance needs.

The Contenders

1. Billy Goat Grazor GZ551V – “The Goat That Eats Cracks for Breakfast
2. Landshark Crack Cleaner (Selbro Inc.) – “Built Like a Brick Outhouse”
3. Little Wonder Pro Crack Cleaner – “Two-Jobs, One Paycheck”
4. RynoWorx HedgeHog (RA-EDG-0006) – “The Bud-Friendly Swiss Army Knife”
5. Brave Pro Crack Cleaner (BRPC105H) - “The Landshark’s Fancy Cousin”
6. Brown Products Asphalt Crack Cleaner (ACC) – “When 'Overbuilt' Is a Compliment”

Why Bother Cleaning Cracks?

Picture your driveway or parking lot like a steak fresh off the grill: leave grime in the creases and it’ll spoil faster than a ham sandwich in July. Dirt and weeds stop sealer from sticking, water sneaks into the base, and before long, you’re patching potholes big enough to swallow a lunchbox. A quick once-over with a proper crack-cleaning rig rips out the junk so your sealant bonds tight and stays put — saving you callbacks, headaches, and a whole lot of swear words.

The Fast Lane vs. the Slow Lane

• Hand tools & leaf blowers: Cheap exercise… real slow.
• Walk-behind wire-wheel cleaners: Gas up, pull start, and chew through 20-plus feet of crack a minute. Time is money, and these bad boys clock in like a union laborer on double-time.

Why Crack Cleaning Machines Matter?

Before sealing cracks, debris must be removed to prevent poor sealant adhesion, which can lead to premature failure. Crack cleaning machines use high-torque, gas-powered engines (typically 3.5–5.5 HP) to spin 8-inch wire wheels that scour cracks clean. These walk-behind units save time, reduce labor, and deliver consistent results compared to handheld tools. Key considerations include engine reliability, maneuverability, durability, ease of maintenance, and price. Below, we dive into each model’s strengths and ideal use cases, followed by our ranking.

Model Comparison: Features, Performance, Price, and Reviews

1. Billy Goat Grazor GZ551V – “The Goat That Eats Cracks for Breakfast”

Light on its feet thanks to a front swivel caster, this rig follows wiggly cracks like a squirrel on an energy-drink bender. Six-slot height lever and a clutch on the handle mean you can stop the wheel while you stroll to the next joint. Rugged frame, easy parts, and a price that won’t make accounting spit coffee.

• Features: Powered by a 5 HP Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine, this 3-wheel machine (two rear wheels, one 360° swivel caster) excels at maneuverability. It offers 6-position height adjustment, a remote brush declutch lever to stop the wheel without shutting off the engine, and a heavy-duty steel frame with a greaseable caster. Weighs 82–94 lbs.
• Performance: Cleans 20 ft/min, ripping through weeds, dirt, and old sealant in asphalt cracks. The swivel caster makes it ideal for curved or winding cracks, and the balanced design prevents tipping. Users praise its reliability and ease of use for parking lots, driveways, and roads.
• Price: Mid-tier, $1,300–$1,600 (list $1,759, street $1,350).
• What people are saying: Highly regarded as an “industry favorite” for its straightforward design and productivity. Contractors note it “pays for itself” by saving labor time. Some mention it’s not CARB-certified for California, so check local regulations.
• Best For: Asphalt contractors and sealcoaters needing a nimble, reliable machine for frequent use.

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2. Landshark Crack Cleaner (Selbro Inc.) – “Built Like a Brick Outhouse”

Four solid wheels, sealed bearings, and a frame beefier than a welder’s forearms. It tracks laser-straight and shrugs off dust. Pick Briggs for cheap parts or Honda for that pull-once-and-purr vibe. Perfect for lot-striping crews and city street gangs that don’t have time to tinker.

• Features: Equipped with a 3.5 HP Honda GX120 or 5.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, this 4-wheel model prioritizes stability. Features include a hand lever for brush engagement and depth control, sealed bearings for low maintenance, and a heavy-gauge steel frame. Weighs 85 lbs.
• Performance: Cleans tens of feet per minute, effectively removing vegetation and debris. The 4-wheel design shines on uneven surfaces or along curbs, reducing operator fatigue. Users report it’s a “workhorse” for straight cracks and concrete joints.
• Price: Mid-tier, $1,100–$1,400 (MSRP $1,369–$1,393, street $1,091). Competitive pricing for commercial-grade quality.
• What people are saying: Praised for durability and ease of maintenance, especially the sealed bearings. Users appreciate the stable platform and engine options. Some compare it favorably to Billy Goat for similar performance at a lower cost.
• Best For: Contractors and municipal crews needing a stable, low-maintenance machine for long, straight cracks.

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3. Little Wonder Pro Crack Cleaner- “Two-Jobs, One Paycheck”

Starts life as a pro lawn edger; bolt on the 9" (or 8") twisted brush and voilà, instant crack killer. Dual belts throw extra torque at stubborn roots, and the 4" depth dial means you can mine for treasure if you want. Handy when you flip-flop between curbs, lawns, and pavement all day.

• Features: A 4-wheel edger-based unit with a 3.5–4 HP Honda GX120 engine, it uses a 9-inch wire wheel (8-inch optional). Offers a dual belt drive for extra torque, adjustable front wheels for up to 4-inch depth, anti-vibration grips, and a cast-iron cutter head. Weighs 77–83 lbs.
• Performance: Matches competitors in cleaning speed, excelling at deep joints and straight runs. Its dual-purpose design (edger and crack cleaner) appeals to versatile crews. Users note precise depth control and smooth operation, ideal for detailed work like sports courts.
• Price: Mid-tier, $1,500 (including wire wheel kit, $35 extra if separate). Conversion kit for existing edgers costs less.
• What people are saying: Valued for versatility and lightweight control. Contractors who edge lawns and clean cracks love the 2-in-1 functionality. Some find it less maneuverable for tight curves compared to 3-wheel models.
• Best For: Landscape and pavement contractors wanting a multi-use machine for both crack cleaning and edging.

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4. RynoWorx HedgeHog (RA-EDG-0006) - “The Bud-Friendly Swiss Army Knife”

Clone motor, light frame, curb-hopping front wheel, and a 9" edging blade in the box. Not built for round-the-clock punishment, but a steal for weekend warriors or the shop that seals one lot and trims ten lawns before lunch.

• Features: A 6.5 HP (196 cc) gas engine powers this 4-wheel, dual-purpose (crack cleaner/edger) unit. Includes an 8-inch wire wheel and 9-inch edger blade, a curb-hopping front wheel, adjustable depth/angle, and a handlebar kill switch. Weighs 71 lbs, lightest in the lineup.
• Performance: Cleans 20–60 ft/min, depending on task (faster for edging, slower for tough cracks). Users find it effective for small to medium jobs, especially where switching between edging and cleaning is needed. Less robust for heavy daily use.
• Price: Budget-friendly, $1,200–$1,300 (listed at $1,199–$1,244). Great value for a 2-in-1 machine.
• What people are saying: Popular with small contractors for affordability and versatility. Users like the lightweight design, but note the generic engine and 90-day warranty suggest it’s not for heavy commercial use. Good for startups or occasional tasks.
• Best For: Small businesses or landscapers needing an affordable, multi-tasking machine for intermittent use

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5. Brave Pro Crack Cleaner (BRPC105H) - “The Landshark’s Fancy Cousin”

Honda heart, thicker steel, and dealer support that answers the phone. Costs more up front, pays you back in fewer breakdowns. If downtime wrecks your schedule, Brave’s worth the splurge.

• Features: Powered by a 3.5 HP Honda GX120 engine, this 4-wheel unit features a tiltable brush head, sealed bearings, semi-pneumatic tires, and easy brush changeover. Heavy-gauge steel construction weighs 85 lbs.
• Performance: Cleans 20–30 ft/min, handling tough debris with ease. The tiltable head aids angled cracks, and the stable platform suits uneven surfaces. Users report performance similar to Landshark but with premium build quality.
• Price: Upper mid-tier, $1,800–$2,000 (listed $1,922). More expensive due to the Honda engine and robust design.
• What people are saying: Appreciated for durability and Honda reliability. Contractors value the tiltable head and dealer support, but note the higher cost. Seen as a premium alternative to Landshark.
• Best For: Contractors prioritizing longevity and premium features for daily commercial use.

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6. Brown Products Asphalt Crack Cleaner (ACC) – “When 'Overbuilt' Is a Compliment”

120 pounds of righteous overkill. Tilting head lets you scrub cracks, hugging curbs or barrier walls without busting knuckles. Price tag stings, but counties and airports love them because they’re near-bulletproof.

• Features: A 5.5 HP Honda GX160 or Kohler CH255 engine drives this 4-wheel, 120-lb unit. Unique tilting head adjusts brush angle, solid rubber tires prevent flats, and a robust frame ensures longevity. Built for heavy-duty use.
• Performance: Cleans effectively, especially along curbs or angled joints, thanks to the tilting head. Its weight ensures consistent brush contact on rough surfaces. Ideal for large-scale or high-frequency jobs, but less maneuverable for tight turns.
• Price: Premium, $2,900–$3,000 (listed $2,945–$2,993). High cost reflects advanced features and durability.
• What people are saying: Highly rated for ruggedness and unique tilting head. Users in municipal or large-scale operations praise its longevity, with some units lasting 5–10 years. The price and weight deter smaller contractors.
• Best For: High-volume contractors or municipalities needing a durable, specialized machine for extensive pavement work.

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Quick-Glance Machine Cheat Sheet

Ranking the Crack Cleaning Machines

Based on features, performance, price, and reviews, here’s our ranking for 2025:

1. Billy Goat Grazor GZ551V

• Why It Ranks #1: Balances performance, features, and price. Its 3-wheel design offers superior maneuverability for curved cracks, and the declutch lever enhances usability. Reliable Vanguard engine and mid-tier pricing ($1,350) make it a top choice for most contractors. What people are saying highlights its industry-standard status and labor savings.
• Drawback: Not CARB-certified for California in some cases.

2. Landshark Crack Cleaner

• Why It Ranks #2: Nearly matches Billy Goat in performance but offers a stable 4-wheel platform and sealed bearings for low maintenance. Slightly lower price ($1,100–$1,300) and engine options (Honda/Briggs) add flexibility. Ideal for straight cracks and municipal use.
• Drawback: Less maneuverable for tight curves compared to 3-wheel models.

3. Little Wonder Pro Crack Cleaner

• Why It Ranks #3: Stands out for versatility as a 2-in-1 edger and crack cleaner. Lightweight (77 lbs) and precise, it’s great for detailed work and multi-tasking crews. Dual belt drive ensures reliability, but the $1,500 price and less agile steering for curves keep it third.
• Drawback: Requires attachment kit management.

4. Brave Pro Crack Cleaner

• Why It Ranks #4: Premium build with a tiltable head and Honda engine, ideal for heavy-duty use. Performs similarly to Landshark but costs more ($1,800–$2,000). What people are saying praises durability, but the price edges it out of the top three.
• Drawback: Higher cost for similar core performance.

5. RynoWorx HedgeHog

• Why It Ranks #5: Best budget option at $1,200, offering 2-in-1 functionality. Lightweight and versatile, it’s perfect for small businesses or occasional use. However, the generic engine and short warranty limit its appeal for heavy commercial work.
• Drawback: Less durable for daily use.

6. Brown Products ACC

• Why It Ranks #6: Exceptional for large-scale, high-frequency jobs with its tilting head and rugged build. However, the high price ($2,900) and heavy weight (120 lbs) make it overkill for smaller operations. What people are saying confirms its longevity, but note the cost barrier.
• Drawback: Expensive and less maneuverable.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Crack Cleaner

• Maneuverability: 3-wheel models (Billy Goat) excel at curved cracks, while 4-wheel units (Landshark, Brave) offer stability on uneven surfaces.
  • Curvy residential driveways ➔ Billy Goat or any caster-front unit.
  • Mile-long straights ➔ Four-wheelers ride smoother.
• Versatility: Little Wonder and RynoWorx double as edgers, ideal for crews handling both pavement and landscaping.
• Durability: Brown and Brave prioritize longevity, while Landshark and Billy Goat balance durability with affordability.
• How many hours a week?
  • < 10 hrs ➔ HedgeHog/Little Wonder.
  • 10–30 hrs ➔ Landshark/Billy Goat.
  • 30 hrs or DOT contracts ➔ Brave or Brown.
• Maintenance: Sealed bearings (Landshark, Brave) reduce upkeep. All require regular engine care and wire wheel replacement ($50).
• Budget: RynoWorx is the cheapest, while Brown is a premium investment. Mid-tier options (Billy Goat, Landshark, Little Wonder) offer the best value for most users.

Remember: the wire wheel is a wear item — stock extras in the truck. Benchmark has the best value 8" expansion joint & crack cleaning wire wheel on the market. Check them out!

Tips for Optimal Crack Cleaning

• Full throttle, easy does it. Let the brush chew; forcing it is like pushing a cat into a bath.
• Blow it out after brushing. A leaf blower or air wand gets the fine dust your wheel can’t fling.
• Grease and clean daily. Engines love oil; swivel casters love grease. Your wallet loves fewer repairs.
• PPE ain’t optional. Flying gravel hurts. Steel-toe boots, eye protection, and gloves unless you fancy pulling wire out of your knuckles.
• Maintain Regularly: Replace worn wire wheels, check belts, and clean air filters often due to dusty conditions.
• Store Properly: Clean the machine after use and store indoors to prevent rust.

Choose Your Weapon and Get to Work

Investing in an 8-inch crack cleaning machine transforms pavement maintenance, saving time and improving sealant performance. The Billy Goat Grazor leads for its maneuverability, reliability, and value, making it ideal for most contractors. The Landshark Crack Cleaner is a close second for its stability and affordability, while the Little Wonder Pro Crack Cleaner shines for versatile crews. For budget-conscious buyers, the RynoWorx HedgeHog delivers solid performance, and high-volume operations may justify the Brown ACC’s premium features. Whichever you choose, regular crack cleaning and sealing will extend your pavement’s life, delivering long-term savings and quality results.

Crack cleaning isn’t glamorous, but neither is rebuilding an alligator-cracked parking lot because you skipped the boring part. Grab the machine that fits your crew, gas it up, knock out those cracks, and roll sealer like a hero. The pavement lasts longer, the customer writes the check faster, and you make it home in time for a cold one.

Stay safe, keep those wheels spinning, and may every crack you meet be dirty, not deep.