Fertilizer & Seed Spreaders (45 items found). Lawn spreader for tractor

Fertilizer Seed Spreaders (45 items found)

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states and DC, who are 18 years of age or older as of date of entry. Begins 10 AM ET on 3/1/23; ends 5 PM ET on 5/31/23. Limit one (1) entry per person. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. For Official Rules and eligibility, visit allstarbackyard.com. Sponsor: The Scotts Company LLC. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball. Visit MLB.com. To learn more, visit participating Ace Hardware stores or allstarbackyard.com.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states and DC, who are 18 years of age or older as of date of entry. Begins 10 AM ET on 3/1/23; ends 5 PM ET on 5/31/23. Limit one (1) entry per person. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. For Official Rules and eligibility, visit allstarbackyard.com. Sponsor: The Scotts Company LLC. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball. Visit MLB.com. To learn more, visit participating Ace Hardware stores or allstarbackyard.com.

When spreading grass seeds, soil conditioners and fungicides, a fertilizer spreader is a must-have piece of equipment. Ace Hardware carries a reliable fertilizer and seed spreader collection, so use the following helpful guide to learn about the most common types of seed spreaders to help you choose the right option for your lawn needs.

What is a Lawn Fertilizer Spreader?

Seed and fertilizer spreaders are designed to evenly disperse lawn care materials over large areas, like grass seed, pesticides and fertilizers. When spreading fertilizers, seeds or pesticides by hand it is common to either spread them too sparsely or too concentrated in some areas.

The irregular application of certain garden care materials could harm your lawn rather than benefit it. Lawn seed spreaders make it easier to evenly spread and control the exact amount of lawn care product that is being dispersed to help promote a thriving lawn.

Types of Seed and Fertilizer Spreaders

Most fertilizer and seed spreaders have a large bin that holds the lawn care product accompanied by a mechanism that disperses the product. As you move the spreader across your yard, the product is dispersed at your desired application rate through an opening in the equipment. The most common types of seed and fertilizer spreaders include handheld spreaders, tow spreaders and push spreaders.

Handheld Spreader

The most lightweight fertilizer spreader option, a hand spreader is also the easiest type to use. Simply load some lawn care material into the bin and turn the crank handle to disperse the product.

While hand spreaders offer ease of use and portability, they don’t hold as much material or spread the material as far as other types. For that reason, they’re most useful for precision projects.

Pull-Behind Tow Spreader

Tow-behind, or pull-behind, lawn seed spreaders are large-capacity, wheeled models that can be attached to an ATV or tractor. With their spacious bin capacities and greater spread distances, these fertilizer spreaders are great heavy-duty options for very large areas.

Push Spreader

These grass seed spreaders are wheeled models that can be useful for covering spacious areas. As their wheels rotate, a built-in mechanism disperses the lawn care product easily and evenly.

Ice Melt Spreader

While some models are specifically designated to spread ice melt product, many fertilizer spreaders double up as ice melt spreaders, too. Allowing you to disperse ice melt over a large area very easily, an ice melt spreader ensures your driveway or sidewalk is ready to handle the winter chill.

Broadcast Spreaders Vs. Drop Spreaders

Another thing to consider with your fertilizer and seed spreader is how the equipment spreads the lawncare products. This is important because you will want a specific type of seed spreader depending on the size of your lawn and the type of lawncare product you’re looking to spread.

Also known as rotary spreaders, broadcast spreaders are a great option for applying lawncare products across larger areas. Most broadcast spreaders are designed to spray around a couple of feet, making lawn maintenance easy. Higher-end broadcast spreaders often include the ability to adjust the distance and direction of the spread to better cater to the size of your lawn.

Drop spreaders typically have larger holding bins than broadcast spreaders. These grass seed spreaders are good for precision applications of fertilizer or seed and are an ideal option for spot-fixing specific lawn problem areas. Drop spreaders can be pushed directly over areas without the worry of spreading material all over the rest of the lawn.

Shop Broadcast and Drop Spreaders at Ace

From different methods of operations to specific design features, find the right spreader for your needs with the impressive selection of quality-made seed and fertilizer spreaders at Ace Hardware. Shop spreaders from top brands like Chapin and Scotts, then curate a perfectly manicured lawn by learning how to use lawn spreaders and sprayers from the experts at Ace Hardware.

How to Choose and Use a Lawn Spreader

Using the right lawn spreader for your turf project can simplify labor and improve end results. But choosing the best spreader for the job is only half the battle — using it properly counts just as much. Whether you’re seeding new areas or improving existing lawns, the right spreader helps ensure the most from your efforts and your seed investment. Spreaders don’t need to be mystifying. You can choose and use one with confidence, and get your seed down right!

Considerations in Spreader Selection

Spreader designs are fairly simple, but it’s important to match the tool to your lawn. Regardless of your project, some basic considerations apply. Before selecting a spreader, let the following help guide your choice:

• Overall size of the area to be seeded
• Shape of the area, such as lines, corners or curves
• Terrain of the seeding area
• Degree of precision needed
• Time concerns or constraints
• Number of obstacles, such as trees and garden beds

Main Types of Spreaders

Spreaders run from small, hand-held tools to heavy-duty, lawn-tractor models. But they come down to two main types: broadcast, also known as rotary, and drop spreaders. Home walk-behind spreaders usually have two wheels — and bigger wheels improve maneuverability. Both broadcast and drop spreaders have bucket-like hoppers with adjustable holes that control the volume of seed that goes through. However, the two types differ in how they distribute seed and what lawn types suit them best.

Broadcast spreaders scatter or “broadcast” seed in a fanlike manner over a wide area, with the help of a rotating piece beneath the hopper holes. The size of the fan depends on hole size and your speed. Distribution thins as it gets farther from the spreader, so passes back and forth across the lawn must overlap to uniform seed across the full arc. A general rule is that the “effective width” of the spread is roughly equal to 75 percent of the total reach. 2 If your spreader’s arc measures 12 feet across to its outermost points, the effective coverage is 9 feet wide. Passes across the lawn should be 9 feet apart. 3 For best coverage, set the spreader at 50 percent, and then spread your seed two ways in a crosshatch pattern.

Points to consider with broadcast spreaders include:

• They suit large lawns and cover wide areas efficiently.
• They require more skill to get uniform coverage.
• They lack precision in tight spots and around obstacles.
• They’re more affected by wind, especially with lightweight products.
• They can scatter seed or products out of bounds. (Some state laws require cleanup of fertilizer from sidewalks or other hardscapes. 1 )
• They cover more ground in less time.

Drop Spreaders

Drop spreaders drop seed straight down into neat rows with great accuracy. The gravity-fed seed only goes where you go. The width of your spread equals the distance between the two outermost hopper holes. Because seed drops only between the wheels, you must overlap wheel paths on each pass across the lawn, or you’ll miss the paths and get stripes instead. As with the broadcast spreader, you’ll get the best coverage — and avoid striping — by setting your spreader at 50 percent, and then spreading your seed two ways in a crosshatch pattern.

• They’re well-suited for small lawns (under 5,000 square feet).
• They’re simple to use and offer easy coverage control.
• They provide precision in tight spots and around obstacles.
• They’re not impacted by normal winds.
• They keep products in bounds, eliminating the need for cleanup.
• They cover less ground per swath, adding to time.
• Whatever spreader you choose, make sure it’s in the “off” position before you fill it. Fill over a surface that cleans easily, in case of spills. Open the spreader only once you’re in motion and up to speed. Do some header strips first, to give turnaround room, then close the hopper during end turns. Wash your spreader thoroughly after every use.

Spreader Settings

To get the best results, your spreader’s hole size must be set so seed comes through at correct rate. The settings may be numbers or letters; the higher the setting, the bigger the hole. Walk-behind spreader settings are based on a walking speed of around 3.5 miles per hour. 1 Consistent speed is essential for uniform coverage.

When you purchase a Pennington grass seed product, the label includes seeding rates and recommended settings for popular spreader models. If your model isn’t listed, see your owner’s manual for comparisons. The label on Pennington Smart Seed Sun Shade Mix, for example, recommends seeding rates of 9 pounds per 1,000 square feet for new lawns and bare spots, and 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet for thin areas or overseeding. Always start with your Pennington product’s recommendations. Other seed brands often have high amounts of filler and less seed per pound, so they need much higher rates to get similar amounts of actual seed.

Calibrating Your Spreader

It’s a good idea to “calibrate” spreaders annually, but do so more often if used frequently. Calibration is determining your spreader’s output at any given setting, and then making adjustments to get the rate you desire. If you use your seed spreader for fertilizer and other products, each product requires separate calibration. Calibration also helps accommodate personal nuances, such as comfortable walking speed.

• Choose a low to mid-range setting, close to what you think will yield the proper rate.
• Know the effective width of your spreader’s coverage per swath.
• Mark off a test-run strip. If you mark off 100 feet and your drop spreader has a 2-foot spread, your test area equals 200 square feet.
• Install a catch pan under your hopper, if available, to collect seed spread during your test.
• Fill your hopper with a known weight of seed, such as 5 or 10 pounds.
• Approach your test area at your intended walking speed. Open the hopper as you cross the start line.
• Keep your pace – but stop dropping seed – as you cross the finish.
• Weigh the seed in your catch pan or the remnant in the hopper, and determine the amount used. If your spreader distributed 1 pound over 200 square feet, that’s equal to 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
• Adjust your settings and repeat, as needed, to get the application rate you desire.

Using the best spreader for your lawn projects, and using it properly, help prevent product waste and disappointment. Pairing your spreader with premium grass seed, such as Pennington Smart Seed and the full line of Pennington grass seed products, helps ensure success with your spreader and all your seeding projects.

Tractor with fertilizer spreader

Pennington and Smart Seed are trademarks of Pennington Seed, Inc.

Always read the product label and follow the instructions carefully. Sources:

Felton, Dr. Gary K., “Maryland Professional Lawn Care Manual,” University of Maryland and Maryland Department of Agriculture, January 2013, Ch. 7.

Landschoot, Peter, “Calibrating Your Fertilizer Spreader,” Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.

The Model M-12 is a Mighty 3-Bushel Seeder ideal for spreading Seeds or Fertilizer. Specifications: 3-Point Mounting is Quick and Easy Shielded telescoping PTO shaft Two Cibtrik Handles (one upper and one lower) for Ease of Control Rotating Agitator Over Opening for Even Feeding 4-Bladed Fan with Lap-Over Blades Oil-Bath Gearbox for Less Maintenance, Quieter, and Smoother Performance, and Longer Life

MODEL DESCRIPTION WEIGHT KAM-12 Category 1 Seeder, 3-Bushels or 192# Capacity lbs. KA982 Hopper Extension (Recommended for Seed Only), 2 Bushel or 12# Capacity 12 lbs. KA796 KA913 Lid Spring 5 lbs.

Model 550 Model 750

The model 550 750 have everything going for them from manual to hydraulic control…lid…side pattern kit… plus 2 styles of banding kits. All this, plus rigged construction to give you the service you need. You can control seed amounts down to 3 lbs. per acre and fertilizer from 50 lbs. to 1,000 lbs. per acre. Easy-adjusted pattern control enables you to center the spread of light or heavy material. 14 gauge steel hopper with welded seams – round hopper base prevents lodging of material and assures even feeding. Quick-Tach, shielded, telescoping power take-off shaft and gearbox for long, trouble-free use. Heavy cast-iron gearbox has tapered roller bearings, drop-forged gears and filled with oil. Gearbox is standard for 540 RPM but can be ordered for 1,000 RPM tractors also. Your answer for spreading all types of seed and fertilizer as well as salt and calcium on ice and snow.

Specifications: 3-Point Seeder for Category I Tractors (Not Quick Hitch Compatable) 14 Gauge Steel Hopper with Round Base; Prevents Lodging of Material and Assures Even Feeding Quick-Tach PTO Shaft and Gearbox

MODEL DESCRIPTION WEIGHT KA550-3PT Category 1 Seeder, 5 Bushels or 300# Capacity, 540 RPM 216 lbs. KA750-3PT Category 1 Seeder, 9.6 Bushels or 750# Capacity, 540 RPM 216 lbs. Accessories for Seeders KA835 Lid (2-Pieces) Fits 550 750 24 lbs. KA158 Lime Agitator (for dry or dehydrated lime only) Fits 550 750 4 lbs. KA248 Hydraulic Motor Valve Fits 550 750 22 lbs. KA629 Skid Steer Plate (For Universal Mount Skid Steers) Fits 550 750 70 lbs. KA1090 Small Seed Hopper with Handle, 80# or 1.3 Bushel Capacity Fits 750 33 lbs. KA1099 Lid Adapter Kit (for use with #1090 Small Seed Hopper) Fits 750 2 lbs. KA1000 Hydraulic Remotr Control Kit for Gate(requires 8″ stroke ASAE hydraulic cylinder with 28-3/8″ extended length.) Cylinder not included Fits 750 31 lbs. KA1028 Kit for Use with #1000 Kit install small seed hopper Fits 750 13 lbs. KA217 Brackets to Convert from Cat. I to II Fits 750 10 lbs.

Model 1200

This model has a 1200 lb. capacity together with all the conveniences you’ll want. A popular broadcaster used for spreading fertilizer and all sizes of seeds. Also used for spreading calcium or salt on ice or snow and is ideally suited for golf courses, nurseries, shopping centers, schools, highways, parks and other large grassy area. Amount of spread per acre of seeds may be controlled down to 3 lbs. per acre and fertilizer from 50 lbs. to 1,000 lbs. per acre. No Special Parts needed to change from seeds to fertilizer. Get an even spread with Herd’s easy-adjusted pattern control. Rotating agitator and fan driven by heavy-duty enclosed gearbox and shielded power take off shaft. Heavy cast iron gearbox has tapered roller bearings, drop-forged gears and is filled with gear oil. Gearbox is standard for 540 rpm, but can be ordered for 1,000 rpm tractors also. Heavy duty 14 gauge steel hopper with welded seams. Round hopper base prevents corner lodging of material, assures better feeding. Rugged construction…2 inch square tubing frame with built-in stand. Specifications: 3-Point Seeder for Category II Tractors (Quick Hitch Compatable) 1,200# and 16 Bushel Capacity No Special Parts needed to change from Seed to Fertilizer Gearbox is Standard for 540 RPM; Optional for 1,000 RPM Heavy Duty 14 Gauge Steel Hopper with Welded Seams Round Hopper Base

MODEL DESCRIPTION WEIGHT KA1200C-3PT Category 2 Seeder; 1200# or 16 Bushel Capacity 291 lbs. Accessories for 1200C Seeders KA1087 Lid (2-Piece) 34 lbs. KA1000 Hydraulic Remote Control Kit for Gate(Requires 8″ stroke ASAE hydraulic cylinder with 28-3/8″ extended length). Cylinder NOT included. 31 lbs. KA1028 Kit for use with 1000 Kit to Install Small Seed Hopper 13 lbs. KA158 Lime Agitator (for dry or dehydrated lime only) 4 lbs. KA1090 Small Seed Hopper with Handle, 80# or 1.3 Bushel Capacity 33 lbs. KA1099 Lid Adaptor Kit (For use with Mini-Hopper) 2 lbs. KA841 Nose Cone (for 1200C Small Seed Hopper Installation) 5 lbs. KA248 Hydraulic Motor Valve 22 lbs. KA1185 Quick-Hitch Adaptor Bracket for 1200C 34 lbs. KA1125 Brackets to Convert From Cat. II to Cat. I 10 lbs.

Model 2440

Specifications: Hydraulic Remote Control comes standard on this model. Use your own 8″ stroke cylinder to open and close the seed gate from your tractor seat. 3-Point Seeder for Category II Tractors (Quick Hitch Compatable) Heavy-duty independent stand and carrying frame. Hopper is 14 gauge steel with full welded seams and good slant for self-cleaning. Heavy cast-iron gearbox has tapered roller bearings, drop-forged gears and is filled with gear oil. Gearbox is standard for 540 rpm, but can be ordered for 1,000 rpm tractors also. Shielded power take-off shaft with replaceable universal bearings. Rotating agitator for even feeding. Heavy-duty corrosion resistant aluminum alloy fan with replaceable blades. Spread pattern easily centered by adjustable base plate. Amounts can be controlled from 3 lbs to 1,000 lbs. Uniform spreads up to 40 ft. Weight of material determines width of spread.

MODEL DESCRIPTION WEIGHT KA2440 3-PT Category 2 Seeder, 2440# or 32 Bushel Capacity, standard with hydraulic remote control for Gate(Requires 8″ stroke ASAE cylinder, with 28-3/8″ extended length, NOT included) 525 lbs. CR2508DU 2.5″ x 8″ Cross Cylinder 20 lbs. CR6-1/2 6′ x 1/2″ Hyd. Hose lbs. CR41-6×8 3/8″ Male – 1/2″ Female Adaptor (Each) lbs. Accessories for 2440 Seeders KA1136 Lid (2-Piece) 51 lbs. KA158 Lime Agitator for Dry or Dehydrated Lime Only 4 lbs. KA1090 Small Seed Hopper with Handle, 80# or 1.3 Bushel Capacity (Fits inside Hopper) 33 lbs. KA1037 Nose Extension (for Small Seed Hopper Installation) 10 lbs. KA1039 Small Seed Hopper Hydraulic Controls 18 lbs. KA248 Hydraulic Motor Valve 22 lbs.

A high-quality fertilizer spreader saves time and money while helping users grow and maintain a lush yard.

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Which Lawn Spreader Is Best for DIYers?

Whether seeding a new lawn, feeding an existing garden, or treating a yard for bug infestations, a fertilizer spreader is an invaluable tool. Sure, seeds and fertilizer can be spread by hand, but it takes longer, produces inconsistent results, and it puts the user in contact with potentially dangerous chemicals.

A fertilizer spreader may be used to apply any lawn treatment, including grass seed, lime, insecticide, fungicide, and of course, fertilizer. These machines apply products evenly so that the entire yard can be treated, resulting in less product waste and less time and effort. A fertilizer spreader may also be used in the off-season to spread salt on icy walkways and paths.

We researched and tested some of the highest-rated fertilizer spreaders available. Just ahead, our results and the shopping considerations we’ve outlined will help narrow the field and help you find the right kind of spreader.

• BEST OVERALL:Earthway Even Spread 2150 Commercial Spreader
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Spreader
• UPGRADE PICK:Scotts Elite Spreader
• BEST FOR LARGE YARDS:Agri-Fab SmartSpreader 130 lb. Push Spreader
• BEST PULL-BEHIND:Agri-Fab 45-0463, 130-Pound Tow Behind Spreader
• BEST DROP:Scotts 76565 Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
• BEST HANDHELD:Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader

Types of Fertilizer Spreaders

Two basic types of spreaders exist for dry applications––rotary spreaders, also known as broadcast spreaders—and drop spreaders. There are also spreaders designed for liquid chemicals.

Rotary/Broadcast Spreaders

A rotary spreader uses a rotating base plate to disperse seeds or granules that pour slowly from a hopper. They are called broadcast spreaders because they throw the product several feet to the front and sides of the spreader path.

Rotary spreaders cover an area three times their width, or broader, on every pass. These are the fastest tools you can use to spread dry materials, but their spreading abilities are less accurate than those of drop spreaders. Rotary spreaders are available in several sizes, so you can buy one that works for a tiny garden, a large estate lawn, and anything in the middle.

Drop Spreaders

When precision is critical, choose a drop spreader. These devices drop a swath of product through a wide, narrow opening directly beneath the spreader. They provide calibrated coverage, but the precision boosts the chance that the user will miss or double-cover an area.

For users who have a precise area to cover, this tool is ideal. Users can easily control where a drop spreader distributes the product because it only drops between its wheels. The downside is that users spend more time covering a lawn if using a drop spreader instead of a rotary spreader.

Liquid/Spray Spreaders

The most efficient way to spread liquid fertilizer and other liquid lawn treatments is with a hose-end chemical spreader/sprayer. These devices automatically mix the correct proportion of concentrated chemicals with a flowing stream of water that travels through the spreader and out the nozzle.

Liquid spreaders are especially useful as secondary tools for emergency treatments such as for bug infestations. They allow users to apply the coverage quickly, although they are less accurate than the other two types of spreaders. Remember, too, that liquid lawn chemicals deliver fast results, but most liquids dissipate more quickly than granules, so regular use is costly.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fertilizer Spreader

Before choosing a particular spreader, consider various features and the yard or area on which you want to use the tool. How much property will the spreader need to cover? Do you want to push the spreader by hand, or do you want to pull it behind a lawn tractor or other vehicle? Do you need one that is fully assembled? Consider the following highly rated spreaders to make the proper choice for you.

Method of Operation

The most popular spreaders are broadcast because they offer a balance between speed and precision. Manufacturers make these spreaders in a wide range of sizes from small, handheld models to extra-large spreaders that can be pulled behind vehicles.

Drop spreaders are the best choice when users must navigate obstacles and narrow spaces. They work exceptionally well on small to medium intensively landscaped yards.

Holding Capacity

It is important to know the spreader’s holding capacity because that will determine how often the spreader will have to be refilled based on the size of the area it needs to cover. Ideally, users will want to simply fill the spreader once and deposit the treatment on the entire area.

Holding capacity and lawn size go hand in hand. A handheld spreader is well suited for small lawns up to 1,500 square feet. For medium-size lawns up to 5,000 square feet, a small walk-behind spreader suits the job. Large walk-behind spreaders work well for yards up to about 20,000 square feet. Go for a tow-behind spreader if the yard is larger than half an acre.

Spreading Capacity

Spreading capacity refers to the types of materials a spreader can handle. All fertilizer spreaders are capable of spreading grass seeds and pelletized chemicals, but far fewer can handle sand, powdered lime, and compost.

Precision

All lawn spreaders deliver better precision than spreading fertilizer by hand. Still, some spreaders are more precise than their competitors. Accuracy and speed oppose one another in the case of spreaders. Drop spreaders are precise but slower. Broadcast spreaders are a bit less accurate, but faster. Liquid spreaders are not exact, but quite fast.

Drop spreaders are the most precise because manufacturers calibrate them for a consistent flow rate to spread only a thin Band directly beneath the hopper, situated between the wheels. You can calibrate a broadcast spreader to deliver a steady flow rate, but you must walk at a consistent pace for even coverage. Manufacturers calibrate liquid spreaders to mix the amount of concentrate per gallon of water accurately, but you are in control of the coverage.

Our Top Picks

Consider the top picks laid out below and our findings when we tried each. We chose these models for testing based on their overall spreading capacity, holding capacity, precision, and method of operation. Read on to find out how each one performed in our hands-on testing.

Earthway Even Spread 2150 Commercial Spreader

The Earthway 50-pound walk-behind broadcast spreader is a commercial grade, multiuse spreader that measures 15.75 by 14.5 by 23.63 inches. The heavy-duty plastic hopper handles yards measuring from 10,000 square feet up to an acre. The two-position height adjustment handle and the T-speed lever provide excellent operator comfort and control for users of different heights. The even-spread three-hole drop shutoff system ensures a consistent spread pattern, and a feathered spread edge ensures a smooth application.

The frame is engineered with a 175-pound load-bearing limit for durability under rugged operating conditions such as uneven terrain. The 13-inch-diameter stud tires on rustproof, poly-constructed rims provide long-term durability and smooth operation. The commercial-grade, super-duty gearbox is built to last for years. Users can expect to spend a few hours on the assembly and calibration of this spreader.

In testing, we appreciated the easy-to-follow assembly instructions and heavy-duty components. This spreader feels durable, is comfortable to operate, and easy to control.

Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Spreader

Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader is small, lightweight, and easy to store in limited space, thanks in part to a fold-down handle on this 1-pound spreader that measures 16 by 20 by 45.25 inches. It’s built to hold up to 5,000 square feet of lawn products, so it suits yards up to 10,000 square feet.

Users can use the control panel with precision rate settings for more accurate coverage. The EdgeGuard feature blocks coverage on the right side of the spreader to prevent the lawn treatment from being spread onto sidewalks or flower beds.

While testing, we appreciated that this lightweight spreader with hard plastic wheels requires no assembly. It comes at an affordable price and is calibrated. When not in use, the handles fold down for easy storage. The skinny hard wheels did not roll as smoothly across uneven ground as air tires. Also, the final bits of the product tend to stick to the bottom of the spreader due to static.

• Type: Walk-behind, rotary
• Capacity: 25 pounds
• Flow controller: Dial and spring lever

Scotts Elite Spreader

Load the Scotts Elite Spreader with 60 pounds of product, or enough to cover up to 20,000 square feet, and you’ll have the work done in no time. The key to this spreader’s speedy operation is the twin discharge design that allows it to put out the product twice as fast. It lays down an even 6-foot-wide path.

This spreader is suitable for spreading all sorts of materials, including corrosive rock salt and other ice-melt products. The comfortable ergonomic handle includes a smartphone holder so you can stay connected as you work.

We liked how easily the Scotts Elite assembled; we simply snapped on the wheels and unfolded the handle. The soft plastic wheels roll much more easily over varying terrain than the standard hard-plastic wheels on less expensive Scotts spreaders, but not as well as air-filled tires. This would be a good all-around spreader for midsize suburban yards, especially in icy climates.

• Type: Walk-behind, rotary
• Capacity: 60 pounds
• Flow controller: Dial and spring lever
• Coverage is more consistent than basic Scotts spreaders
• Arrives calibrated and mostly preassembled
• Folds down for easy storage
• Large hopper holds up to 60 pounds

Agri-Fab SmartSpreader 130 lb. Push Spreader

The Agri-Fab Push Broadcast Spreader’s 130-pound capacity is designed for yards up to 1 acre in size. A steel rod flow-control arm makes it easy for users to open and close the rustproof poly-constructed hopper during spreading, and the heavy-duty 1-inch pneumatic tires offer a smooth ride even over roots and rocks or through dips in the yard.

For all that heft, the spreader weighs only 6.81 pounds and measures just 48 by 27.1 by 33.6 inches. Depending on your speed and application, this spreader can cover 25,000 square feet of the ground.

We assembled this spreader in about an hour, and it took another 10 minutes or so to calibrate it. The giant hopper appears to hold close to three times as much as the 50-pound spreaders we tested. Although we did not load it to capacity with fertilizer, we placed more than 100 pounds of weight on the hopper to see how it would move, and there were no problems. Although the hopper capacity is significantly greater, the path of coverage was about the same as the 50-pounders, so the savings would be on reloading time.

Agri-Fab 45-0463, 130-Pound Tow Behind Spreader

A tow-behind spreader works well when spreading seed and other materials over an acre or more. Use this spreader’s universal hitch to couple the Agri-Fab 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with a lawn tractor, a riding lawn mower, or other tractor or vehicle. Users will find this spreader is quite maneuverable, and its spreading ability is even due to a steel-constructed direct flow control arm that users operate from the driver’s seat.

This spreader features a 130-pound capacity with a heavy-duty plastic hopper. It has 13-inch pneumatic tires and a steel frame.

We liked the squatty dimensions and 13-inch pneumatic tires when trying out this tow-behind model. The low height makes loading easier and leads to good stability on hilly ground. The short hitch length made it easy to maneuver around curves, but the control lever, located on the trailer tongue, was somewhat awkward to operate from the mower seat.

Scotts 76565 Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader

The Scotts Classic Drop Spreader has a large, heavy-duty plastic hopper that holds enough product to cover up to 10,000 square feet. Its 22-inch spread pattern provides excellent coverage and accuracy that users manage with a cable-driven gate control on the handle. The model measures 18 by 32 by 47 inches.

The user selects any of the 23 spreader settings. To operate, squeeze the handle to open the hopper and loosen your grip to stop the flow.

We liked that this spreader came preassembled and calibrated. It laid a highly consistent path of fertilizer, but care must be taken to avoid gaps in coverage. Like the other Scotts spreaders, this one features hard plastic wheels that sometimes struggle on uneven ground or imperfect grass. The tubular frame seems strong and durable, but the other parts are mainly lightweight plastic. This spreader would make a good choice for occasional use on a small property, especially where numerous plant beds, sidewalks, tree rings, and other obstacles break up the lawn area.

Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader

The Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader is a convenient year-round tool for small yards. The small size––it measures just 13.1 by 8.7 by 8.5 inches and weighs just over a pound––is durable and easy to store. It’s constructed from plastic so users can spread fertilizer, ice melt, and other products without the worry that they will corrode the spreader as they might with its metal counterparts.

We liked this spreader because it takes up almost no storage space and is super easy to operate. Fill the hopper, squeeze the trigger, and turn the handle to operate it. An adjustment dial controls the opening width, and the trigger opens the hopper gate to release the material as you turn the baseplate crank. A slide-out wrist support helped to steady the hopper and reduced operator fatigue while testing. This would be a good tool for patching bare spots with grass seed, treating small or difficult-to-reach grass areas, or for spreading ice-melt products.

• Type: Handheld, rotary
• Capacity: 2 pounds
• Flow controller: Spring trigger and hand crank

Our Verdict

Although the price is a bit high, it’s tough to beat the combination of simplicity and durability of the Earthway Spreader. The components are heavy duty and made with materials specifically designed for use with corrosive materials like fertilizer and rock salt. Plus, the pneumatic tires let it roll smoothly anywhere.

Those with compact landscapes may find the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard spreader to be more convenient. It is a budget-friendly alternative that comes calibrated and assembled for use. The EdgeGuard function and small size allow it to navigate tight spaces while controlling where the material falls. And, it stores away in just a few square feet of space.

How We Tested the Best Fertilizer Spreaders

We wanted to review the most critical features of these tools to determine where each model would work best. In a real-world setting, the most important functions include distribution width, accuracy, and consistency; ease of controlling the on-off function while in motion; maneuverability over varying terrain; and user comfort. We also wanted to evaluate and share the difficulty of assembly and amount of time spent in assembly and calibration.

After assembly, we loaded each spreader with lawn fertilizer and ran it across a tarp on level ground to measure the discharge width and consistently. At the same time, we tested the on-off functionality while moving, which is important at start-up and when preparing for end turns. Finally, we pushed or pulled each spreader through a variable-terrain course, observing the way it rolled over bumps and dips and navigated corners.

We found that the rotary spreaders compared closely with one another on the tarp-surface test. The handheld and the Scotts mini cast a 4 to 5 foot path, while the larger models discharged a swath just over 6 feet wide, all with a moderate amount of consistency. The drop spreader was highly consistent, dropping an even layer measuring precisely the width between its own wheels. Air-filled tires consistently performed significantly better than hard plastic wheels on the terrain test.

The Advantages of Fertilizer Spreader Ownership

A fertilizer spreader simplifies lawn treatments because it allows users to quickly and evenly apply seed, fertilizer, and lawn pest control products. You will also save time and money when you use a spreader because it allows you to quickly and evenly apply lawn products.

• Spreaders apply lawn treatments far more evenly than hand spreading.
• Fertilizer spreaders significantly reduce the time and effort users expend to apply lawn treatments.
• The use of a fertilizer spreader minimizes the user’s exposure to lawn chemicals.

FAQs

Now that you’ve chosen the best fertilizer spreader for your yard, you may have a few questions. The following are answers to some frequently asked questions about operating and caring for fertilizer spreaders.

Q. How do you use a fertilizer spreader?

Refer to your spreader owner’s manual to find the correct setting for the product you will spread. The product label tells you how many pounds to apply per 1,000 square feet.

Load the hopper with enough product for the square footage of the area you will cover. Select the correct setting for the material you spread, squeeze the handle, and walk from one corner of the yard, continuing in straight parallel lines until the area is covered.

Q. How do you spread fertilizer without a spreader?

You can spread fertilizer by hand, though your results might not be as consistent as they are with a spreader. Don gloves and pour granular fertilizer into a plastic bucket. Start to walk at one corner of the yard and toss fertilizer or other product out in a sweeping motion as you walk in straight lines across the area. You want to pace your walk so that you spread the product as evenly as possible and don’t run out of fertilizer until the end.

For more even coverage, apply half the fertilizer while you walk in parallel lines in one direction, then apply the other half while you walk in a perpendicular set of parallel lines.

Q. How do you clean a fertilizer spreader?

Empty the hopper. Use compressed air or a rag to remove all granules and residue that may be caught in spreader parts. Thoroughly wash the spreader, and pay close attention to crevices and moving parts where debris may lodge. Allow the spreader to dry thoroughly. Store it in a dry location out of direct sunlight.