This spreader is used to apply multiple lawn treatments like fertilizers, grass seed, insecticide, weed killer or lime. Also, it is used to spread salt in the off-season on your icy pathways. It saves a lot of time and effort along with the product with its less/no wastage. Before investing in a fertilizer spreader, we suggest you consider the following key factors. Hopper Holding Capacity: It refers to the maximum quantity of fertilizer a unit can easily hold and dispense at a time. Based on your requirement, you have to choose the holding capacity of the hopper. Mostly, the capacity within 5 – 10 pounds are designed to use for a small garden, larger estates require up to 40 pounds capacity, while farms require 80+ lbs. Types: Spreaders can be used to dispense products either in dry or liquid forms. Rotary (or broadcast) spreaders and drop spreaders are used for dry applications. Spray or liquid spreaders are used for applying liquid chemicals.
Rotary Spreaders: A perfect option to spread on medium to large lawns over 5000 square feet. They dispense seeds or granules with a rotating base plate evenly. Yet, offer less control over the spread. Drop Spreaders: If precision is vital, then pick this drop spreader. They work well in small-medium lawns of 5000 feet (or below), yet has to spend more time to cover a lawn than rotary models. Spray Spreaders: Mix the right portion of concentrated chemicals with water via spreader. It covers the lawn area quickly, yet less accurate compare to other types.
Style: Handheld, push-along (walk-behind) and tow-behind are three styles available for a fertilizer spreader. A handheld spreader works well for small lawns (up to 1500 sq. ft.), a walk-behind spreader for medium-large sized lawns (5000 – 20,000 sq. ft.), and tow-behind spreaders for larger lawns (more than 1/2 acre). To help you shop the right one, we came up with a list of some top-rated fertilizer spreads with their features and components upon thorough research on various models. Also, here we are providing a detailed “Buying Guide” to let you know about what you need to check and how to choose your best spreader as per your yard requirement.
Best Fertilizer Spreaders List
Top Fertilizer Spreaders Reviews
1. Scotts Turf Fertilizer Spreader
Scotts Turf is a highly popular brand of garden and agriculture tools that has been around for a long time. It even makes various fertilizer spreader models with different features for your garden or backyard lawn. The Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini fertilizer spreader is present in the 1st position in this article as it is a great budget option for home users. Even though it is one of the cheapest options out there, you get a decent 5000 square feet capacity rating with it. While this is not the highest, it is more than enough for most small to medium-sized home gardens. You can easily take this fertilizer spreader around your backyard lawn for covering all of the corners using its 9-inch wheels. This size allows you to easily go over uneven surfaces. Scotts Turf also offers a 1-year warranty to the user that can be quite handy if you run into any issues later on. A great thing about this fertilizer spreader is that you get it fully assembled and calibrated out of the box. This allows you to easily start using this fertilizer spreader right away. Since this fertilizer spreader has a very compact and small size that allows you to easily reach all corners while being able to easily store in your garage or outhouse if needed. The control panel allows you to easily change the rate as per your needs. Best Features:
Up to 5000 square feet capacity 9-inch wheels 1-year warranty Comes fully assembled out of the box Control panel for variable rate
Components:
Fertilizer spreaders User manual Warranty card
2. Scotts Fertilizer Spreader
As mentioned earlier, Scotts makes a wide range of fertilizer spreader potions for different uses. Thus, we are here with another Scotts fertilizer spreader in this article. But this one is much smaller and made for handheld usage. Scotts’ Whirl Hand Powered fertilizer spreader is present in the 2nd position in this article as is it is one of the smallest options out there. This makes it perfect for any small backyard lawns or gardens where you might want to spread fertilizer easily and quickly. Despite its small and compact size, it offers a respectable 1500 square feet capacity. Although, since this is a handheld device, you do not get any wheels in it for moving it around. That being said, since it is quite lightweight, you can easily carry it around your backyard. Just like the previous Scotts fertilizer spreader, this one also comes with a 1-year long warranty. And this is along with the pretty decent build quality of this fertilizer spreader. Its adjustable arm allows you to spread fertilizer without any arm strain as you can adjust it for maximum comfort. You can use the smooth rotor of this fertilizer spreader for various applications. This includes things like spreading seeds or applying ice melt in your backyard. Since this is a handheld device, storing it should not be an issue. Best Features:
Up to 1500 square feet capacity Small and compact design 1-year warranty Adjustable arm support for maximum comfort Smooth and even coverage router Made for various useful applications
Components:
Fertilizer spreaders User manual Warranty card
3. Agri-Fab Fertilizer Spreader
Agri Fab is another popular brand of gardening tools and equipment. Most of its products usually have a high user rating because of all the features that you get. This is also true for its fertilizer spreader. This Agri Fab tow fertilizer spreader is present in the 3rd position in this article as it can be a great option for heavy-duty applications. As per its name, it is a tow fertilizer spreader that allows you to tow or pull this spreader using a tractor or a riding lawnmower. Such a feature can be highly useful if you want to cover a large area. Speaking of large areas, you get a coverage capacity of ¼ acre or up to 14000 square feet while using this fertilizer spreader. This is possible due to its 85-pound weight capacity for carrying a lot of fertilizer at once. Even though it is a high weight fertilizer spreader, you can easily move it around your backyard lawn. This is possible with the help of its large 10-inch diameter wheels. Since these are pneumatic tires, they offer high strength. The body of this fertilizer spreader also uses strong steel frame for extra body strength. You also get a 3-year long warranty with it that is much better than most other options out there. In other words, you can expect it to last for a long time. Best Features:
Up to 14000 square feet capacity 10-inch pneumatic wheels 3-year warranty Steel frame 85-pound weight capacity Allows for towing using a vehicle
Components:
Fertilizer spreaders User manual Warranty card
4. Chapin International Fertilizer Spreader
Chapin offers a wide range of highly practical and handy power tools that can be useful for agriculture use. If you want to spread fertilizer, then you can also find a great fertilizer spreader from Chapin. Chapin International’s Chapin 820B fertilizer spreader is one of the largest options out there. It can carry up to 150 pounds of fertilizer at once inside it that allows you to cover a large area at once. This translates to a coverage area of up to 20000 square feet that is quite high. And if you are worried about pulling such a heavy fertilizer spreader, then you can simply tow it using something like a tractor or a riding lawnmower. It comes with 14-inch pneumatic tires that are the largest when compared with other options in this article. One of the best things about this Chapin fertilizer spreader is that you get an excellent build quality along with a lifetime warranty. As a result, you can expect this fertilizer spreader to last for a long time quite easily. Another great thing about this fertilizer spreader is that it has dual impellers that ensure that the fertilizer spreads all-around properly. This dual impeller also comes with an auto stop feature that can be quite handy when you stop moving it. Best Features:
Up to 20000 square feet capacity 14-inch pneumatic wheels Lifetime warranty Dual impeller for proper spread Auto-stop feature for ease of use Heavy-duty trailer hitch
Components:
Fertilizer spreaders User manual Warranty card
5. Brinly Fertilizer Spreader
Next, we have Brinly which is known for making highly powerful tools and equipment for your garden. Its fertilizer spreader is the most potent option present in this article. Brinly’s BS36BH – A fertilizer spreader is the most powerful option in this article due to its large 175-pound capacity. Thus, you can have a lot of fertilizer in it to cover up to 1 acre of area, which is more than 40000 square feet area without refilling the area. Due to this, you can use this Brinly fertilizer spreader for all kinds of heavy-duty applications. It includes 13 ½ inch wheels and a heavy-duty tow for a handy towing with this broadcast spreader around a large field or backyard. With its stainless steel construction with heavy polyethylene hopper and glass-filled nylon gears, this fertilizer spreader is highly durable and reliable that let you operate/use it for a longer time. The patented autoflow with spread pattern control offers professional results of the even-out distribution of the material. Also, it stops the material from spreading whenever the tractor stops to prevent its waste. In addition, Brinly offers numerous pre-calibrated settings to help their user get the work done effectively and accurately. And offers a spread width of up to 12 feet (high speed), while nylon gears offer the widest spread pattern at slow speeds. Though it is a bit on the expensive side, you get an included hopper cover that is always useful to have with any fertilizer spreader out there. It even comes with a universal hook-up point at the front that can be used with almost any kind of vehicle. Its controls are calibrated out of the box for changing the hopper rate as required. Coming to its warranty, Brinly offers a 2-year long warranty with this fertilizer spreader, which is quite decent. Best Features
Durable, reliable, and long-lasting stainless steel construction Comes with 13½ inch wheels Large, dent- & rust-proof poly hopper with a 175-pound capacity Can easily spread up to a 1-acre area. Includes hopper cover to keep the material safe from moisture. Universal hook-up point for an easy attachment to any vehicle Easy to assemble and easy to use. Backed by a 2-year long warranty
Components:
Fertilizer spreaders Hopper cover User manual Warranty card
6. Yard Commander Fertilizer Spreader
Last but not least, we have Yard Commander is a much smaller brand of garden tools and equipment when compared with other options present in this article. Although, its fertilizer spreader can be a great heavy-duty option for a lot of users out there. The Yard Commander tow broadcast fertilizer spreader is another fertilizer spreader that can be towed from one place to another quite easily. This is a highly important factor with this fertilizer spreader as you can fill up to 125 pounds of fertilizer in it. This can be easily disposed off using the adjustable hopper of this fertilizer spreader. It results in a pretty high capacity or coverage of up to 25000 square feet. As a result, you can use this fertilizer spreader for most commercial and heavy-duty applications without any issues. Unfortunately, you only get a 1-year warranty with this fertilizer spreader, which might be a letdown for some users. Although, you get a rust-resistant powder coat finish in this fertilizer spreader so that you can use it for a long time. Its 12-inch pneumatic tires can be used to use this fertilizer spreader on almost any terrain without any issues. Another great thing about this fertilizer spreader is that you get a screen and rain cover included with it that can be quite handy while using it in your backyard during the rainy season. Best Features:
Up to 25000 square feet capacity 12-inch pneumatic wheels 1-year warranty Comes assembled out of the box Wide broadcast of 10 feet to 12 feet Easily tow using any vehicle Includes a rain cover Rust-resistant powder coat finish
Components:
Fertilizer spreaders Rain cover User manual Warranty card
What to Consider When Buying a Fertilizer Spreader:
We have mentioned the best fertilizer spreader with all their features. Yet, it is a bit difficult to find your best fertilizer spreader from various models. So, we are here with a detailed buying guide with all the essential information that helps you pick the right spreader for your requirement. Let’s get into the details of what factors to consider while shopping for the fertilizer spreaders.
1. Types:
Generally, we spread fertilizers in either dry or liquid forms. Rotary spreaders (or broadcast spreaders) and drop spreaders are two types of spreaders available for dry applications. While liquid/spray spreaders are designed for liquid chemicals. Here are its details. Rotary/Broadcast Spreaders: With its rotating base plate, this spreader will dispense the seeds or granules slowly from the hopper. They spray fertilizer in a fanlike (broad) pattern, which is wider than the actual spreader. This type of spreader is a great option to use on medium to large lawns over 5000 square feet. It delivers even and consistent spreading of fertilizer granules that prevents over-fertilizing of areas all over the property. Yet offer less control over its spreading, which makes some product goes out of the area.
One can either pull behind or push forward to move these spreaders, and most models are designed to attach to lawnmowers, lawn tractors or similar vehicles. Here are some of its features. They spread fertilizer or seed in a wide boundary of 8 feet (or more). Its coverage is affected by the wind. A consistent pace and some overlap are required for even distribution. Most times, the fertilizers and seeds may spread beyond the required place, like onto hard landscaping or into flowerbeds.
Drop Spreaders: A drop spreader is the best companion for those looking for precision while spreading fertilizers or seeds. They drop a swath of product directly via a wide, narrow opening under the spreader. They provide a uniform spread of fertilizer or grass seed, and they let you adjust the drop rate according to your preferences. Also, you have to overlap the wheel pass on every pass you are making. This ensures that you won’t leave even thin lawn lines where it is not had fertilizer applied. You can find push and tow-behind styles of these spreaders. One has to spend more time covering a lawn while using this drop spreader rather than a rotary spreader, which is the main downside of this type of spreader. Here are some of its features.
They work well for small to medium yards of 5000 feet (or less). Its coverage is not affected by the wind. They are a better option for yards while working around trees, shrubs, and flowerbeds. Though it offers an even dropping rate of the product, yet may get strips if missed a row.
Spray/Liquid Spreaders –An efficient way to dispense the liquid fertilizer and other liquid lawn treatments is by using a hose-end chemical sprayer/spreader. They automatically mix the right proportion of concentrated chemicals with a flowing water stream, travelling through the spreader and comes out of the nozzle. These types of spreaders are used as secondary tools for emergency treatments like a bug infestation. They let you apply for the faster coverage, yet less accurate compared to the other two types of spreaders. Keep in mind that liquid lawn chemicals will deliver quick results, why because most liquids dissipate faster than granules. It is a bit expensive and an effective liquid spreader.
2. Style:
One can find various styles of fertilizer spreader that includes handheld, walk-behind or push-along spreader and tow-behind. Let’s know about them in detail.
Handheld –
This style has many bowls holding seed, and the operator cranks a lever to confirm a consistent spread of the seeds/fertilizers on the lawn while walking with the spreader, yet they offer a small capacity. This type of fertilizer spreader is used in smaller gardens. It is the best option for those having indoor pot plants or a balcony garden at the apartment. The handheld spreader is lightweight, easy to control, easy to use and simple to lift the product with a single hand while grinding with the other hand. However, it allows you to feed the plants accurately, but the main drawback is having a small capacity. They come either in completely battery-powered or manual models and are perfect for anyone with a low budget or lack of storage.
Push-Along (or) Walk-Behind Spreader –
With its various sized hoppers, this spreader will accommodate the operators’ differing levels of product requirement. It is an ideal option for those having moderate–large lawns, yet they have to manually push the fertilizer spreader. They are easy to operate, and it requires a little effort to fertilizer or seed a lawn in less time. Check whether you are comfortable to use this machine and walk around the area to spread the fertilizer/product properly. It is essential to choose the best quality push-along/walk-behind models. Since poorly made models won’t last long and make you buy a new one every season.
Tow-Behind –
A tow-behind spreader is the best choice for those having an acre or more of land. This spreader has a hopper with a capacity in line with the land size. Check a connector adjoining the spreader to the mower or tractor that fit properly. Its wheels turn to activate the spreading mechanism. Though a quality-build tow-behind style spreader is an expensive investment, yet stand for a longer time. Here are some recommendations that help you to pick the right holding capacity of the spreader for your application.
Choose a spreader with sizes less than 5 – 10 pounds while dealing with a small garden. Go for a spreader with a capacity of up to 40 pounds for larger estates. You will need a spreader with 80-pounds (or more) capacity for farms, based on their growing conditions.
4. Precision:
All these fertilizer spreader models provide better precision rather than spreading the product by hand. A few high-end models are more precise than their counterparts. However, speed and accuracy will compete with each other for spreaders. As per the type of spreaders, broadcast spreaders are a little less accurate, yet faster (speed). Drop spreaders are precise, yet slower. Liquid spreaders are not exactly accurate, but quite faster. Manufacturers of drops spreader will calibrate them for a steady flow rate and directly spread only a thin band below the hopper, which is set between the wheels to make it most precise. One can adjust a broadcast type of spreader for a consistent flow rate. Yet, it let you walk at a steady pace for even coverage of product throughout the area. While manufacturers of liquid spreaders calibrate to mix the accurate quantity of concentrate per gallon of water, but let you get complete control over its coverage.
5. Spreader Settings:
There are different settings available for these fertilizer spreader models, which make them suitable for various lawn products, and their applications. If you fail to pay attention to these spreader settings, then it leaves you either in an over- (or) under-fertilized lawn. So, finding the right setting with the reference of the product’s pack is essential before spreading any weed killer or fertilizer. Performing a calibration test to know the correct distribution rate of a particular product when you are unable to find its recommended setting.
6. Spreading Capacity:
Spreading capacity indicates the types of materials a spreader can handle easily. Nearly all types of fertilizer spreaders can spread pelletized chemicals and grass seed, yet far less can handle powdered lime, sand, and compost.
7. Durability/Lifespan:
Until you take proper care of your seed/fertilizer spreader, you can easily use it for several years. If you use a spreader made of plastic, then it has to be stored away from the sun to avoid premature brittleness and breakdown. If you are looking to use corrosive fertilizers, then pick a spreader with stainless steel hopper, which holds up to the abuse. Check for models having solid construction with metal materials. However, its reservoir has to be made of durable plastic, and wheels must be a rugged appearance.
8. Build Quality:
The hopper material is the main aspect that determines the build quality of a fertilizer spreader. Usually, the hoppers made of stainless steel are considered the higher-end spreader models, as they make them precise in the way they feed the dispersion disk or dropper. While low-end spreaders have a plastic hopper that varies in quality. However, a metal hopper spreader is the best option, but plastic has anti-corrosion features, which makes it less maintenance and durable (as per this aspect). Thus, its resistance to corrosive effects will make a plastic hopper an ideal option while constantly dealing with extreme fertilizers.
9. Wheel Size:
A full-size fertilizer spreader will come with included wheels for its easy maneuverability of pushing or towing a heavy fertilizer spreader with ease. So, it is essential to check the size of the wheels. For instance, a large wheel size of 14 inches is a better option than a wheel of 10-inch, as it can go through uneven surfaces and thereby allow you to move fertilizer spreader in all corners of the backyard lawn. You can find both pneumatic or plastic tires in different models.
10. User Experience:
How you feel while operating a unit will also play a key role in buying decisions. If the user is a senior having some joint mobility issues, then ensure that not pick a model exceeding the physical limitations. Always make sure to choose the spreader that you are convenient and comfortable to use even for a longer time.
11. Accessories:
There are various kinds of accessories that come with a fertilizer spreader to make its operation or overall experience quite easy. Some of the common accessories include a towing hook that allows you to pull or tow it with a vehicle like a small tractor. One can find hopper covers to protect fertilizer insider it from external factors like snow or rain.
12. Price:
Generally, the fertilizer spreaders are affordable, and you can easily purchase a decent quality spreader model around 50 bucks, yet a few models with extraordinary features like build with the best quality materials, larger capacity, durable, spread adjustment, last longer, etc., are available at a bit higher price.
13. Warranty:
A fertilizer spreader is an essential equipment for gardening that experiences a lot of wear and tear upon regular usage. Therefore, the warranty period offered by the manufacturer on their product is essential to check before buying. Most of the options out there offer a 1-year long warranty, while some high-end expensive models offer a lifetime warranty. Besides warranty, one has to check the build construction (steel or cast iron) as a sign of durability and reliability and look at the ratings and reviews given by its customers.
Why are these Fertilizer Spreaders Useful?
A fertilizer spreader is a useful gardening tool that helps to deliver an even, consistent and precise spread of products (fertilizer or seeds). Thus, it encourages the proper and healthy growth of garden plants and trees in your yard. They not only aids in even distribution of the nutrients but are also used to spread compost, seeds, ice melts, weed killer, and others required for your garden. These are specially designed to provide an equal amount of fertilizer to your lawn for supporting its healthy growth. So, all these can be accomplished only if you pick a good spreader, as it makes it more efficient than spreading tasks done with your hands.
How to Use a Fertilizer Spreader Properly?
It is essential to read the user manual guide before using any product, including this fertilizer spreader. Here are some general guidelines that let you know how to use this spreader correctly.
Calibrate the fertilizer spreader model as per the specifications mentioned in the manufacturer manual. Follow the distribution pattern and rate mentioned on the seed or fertilizer or another lawn-care product packing. Load the spreader on a driveway or sidewalk. Then move the spreader at a consistent pace. Close the opening of the spreader to prevent dropping the product when stops or make turns. A broadcast spreader will provide good coverage to apply the product in a crisscross pattern. Diminish the setting by half and continue making a pass all over the lawn. Then go for a second pass over the land running perpendicular to the first one. Sweep the materials on the surface like driveways or sidewalks. Pour all these into the hopper to apply it to the yard. Keep in mind that some lawn care products are caustic and promote rust. So, it is essential to use a garden hose to clean the spreader every time after using this spreader. Clean and dry it thoroughly to apply light machine oil to metal parts in wheels and to protect the spreader mechanism.
How to Calibrate Fertilizer Spreader for Precise Application?
If you are a new user, then you know how hard to calibrate its equipment effectively. It is particularly vital while the spreader’s rate of application is changed. It can be done by calibrating the spreader and ensure the product granules are applied to the lawn correctly. Most fertilizer spreader models are pre-calibrated for applying various lawn products. If the unit lacks this specific setting for the chosen granules, then calibrating will help to determine the required settings you want to use. You have to cross-reference the chart which comes with the chosen fertilizer, seed product, or weed killer on a small sample area is the simplest way to calibrate the fertilizer spreader. Here is the simple step-by-step procedure that calibrates the fertilizer spreader.
Check the coverage area in square feet for the bag of lawn product. Divide the number of square feet by 100. Then multiply the resulting number by the bag’s weight in pounds. Measure it and load the spreader hopper with the product. Measure and mark the 10-by-10-foot area of the yard. Apply this lawn product to the particular section with the suggested spreader setting. Complete the process by using this new 10-by-10 section of lawn till the product cover the lawn area perfectly. If the spreader runs out of the product before covering the entire section, then reduce the setting. If any product is leftover, then raise the setting.
How to Store the Fertilizer Spreader?
However, it won’t matter if you plan to use the fertilizer spreader year around or particularly in warmer months. Proper maintenance and storage will help the spreader to stay as a new one and last longer. For this, you have to follow these storage tips.
Clean the spreader after using it each time. Take out the leftover product to empty the hopper before rinsing/spraying the spreader with water. Allow the fertilizer spreader to dry completely before storing. Store the fertilizer spreader in a place where it is protected from external elements like a shed or garage. Exposing the spreader to extreme weather will lead to warping and rust, and thus results in reducing the lifespan.
Advantages of Fertilizer Spreaders:
One has to know the benefits of the fertilizer spreader before making its purchase. Here are some of its pros mentioned. Prevent Fertilizer Burn – Those who try to dispense the fertilizer manually all over the lawn by scattering or throwing it will result in the uneven distribution in patchy looking grass and even fertilizer burn. Spreaders will prevent this issue by distributing any granular lawn products evenly. Increase Accuracy – Efficiency is another advantage offered by the spreader. No one wants to manually seed or fertilize the lawn, which results improperly or inaccurately. However, the spreader will complete this spreading or distributing job easily in a much better standard in a fraction of time. Time-Saving – Irrespective of the lawn fertilizer spreader styles, they reduce the time spent on spreading the product all over the lawn. It is easy to use, provides effective results in even spreading, and thereby helps for the healthy growth of the garden.
Conclusion
As per its name, a fertilizer spreader allows you to easily and quickly spread fertilizer all over your backyard. This is quite important for the proper nourishment of the grass and the plants in your backyard. And thus, we have mentioned some of the best fertilizer spreaders in this article, along with important factors. You can also find their major features and options along with a detailed buying guide. However, if you want to save a lot of time, you can simply choose one of the following recommendations and to get the perfect fertilizer spreader for you:
The Chapin International Fertilizer Spreader is the most reliable and durable fertilizer spreader mentioned in this article. This is due to the reason that it is the only option mentioned in this article that comes with a lifetime warranty. You also get very large 14-inch wheels with this fertilizer spreader that can be quite handy for easily moving it around your backyard. As for its performance, you get a pretty good capacity of up to 20000 square feet with its 150-pound carrying capacity. Although, if you want the hands-down best performing fertilizer spreader, you can go with the Brinly Fertilizer Spreader. It is much better than all other options in this article in terms of its performance. You get a high capacity of up to 1 acre that results in more than 40000 square feet capacity while using this fertilizer spreader. This even offers 13 ½ inch wheels that are quite large for most backyard scenarios. As for the warranty, you get a decent 2-year warranty with this fertilizer spreader for peace of mind. But, if you are on a budget, the Scotts Turf Fertilizer Spreader can be another great pick. Even though it is one of the cheapest options out there, you get a decent 5000 square feet coverage with it that makes it an excellent pick for home-usage. A great thing about it is that you get a compact design that allows you to easily store it in your garage. It has 9-inch wheels that allow you to use it in your backyard without any issues. You even get a 1-year warranty that is quite good for the given price of this fertilizer spreader.
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