How to Buy a Fertilizer Spreader

There are two different types of fertilizer spreaders in the way they distribute the material.  This is either with a drop spreader or a broadcast spreader. The broadcast spreader has holes in the hopper where the fertilizer is dispensed through and is dropped onto a rotating disc. The fertilizer is then thrown in all directions. A broadcast spreader is easier to use than a drop spreader since you must line up the guiding arrow on the hopper with the adjacent wheel track you just made in the prior row with a drop spreader. With the broadcast spreader you simply put the unit on the low setting and begin spreading. The broadcast spreader covers a lot of area, however they do lack control due to the spinning disc which doesn’t keep the fertilizer in a contained pattern. This can cause uneven spots and require you to go over the area multiple times. Its a bit faster using
a broadcast spreader and does best on large lawns. Broadcast spreaders have wider patterns so the product can be spread faster than with a drop spreader, however their spreader pattern may not be as uniform. A very popular broadcast spreader is the Earthway 2050P Estate 80 pound walk behind. It runs around $95.00. The spreader is said to be very accurate. Another positive attribute is the large pneumatic tires.

A drop fertilizer spreader works by dropping the material straight down from under the hopper. You do need to be careful by walking each strip of lawn as you push the spreader to ensure even coverage. The coverage is only as good as the user pushing the machine as well as the width of the hopper. The space covered will be what the width of the hopper is. The drop spreader offers more quality coverage in a smaller area than the broadcast spreader. The user needs to be much more thorough in applying the fertilizer than someone does using a broadcast spreader. A drop spreader does well with smaller lawns as its more efficient with getting around plant boxes, shrubs and trees. Drop spreaders a more uniform pattern. They are sensitive to swath width. A very popular drop spreader is the Scott’s Accugreen 3000. The spreader has 12″ wheels which makes the unit more stable and easier to use. It also sports a 22″ wide hopper which is also rust proof. The handle is cushioned which helps when using for long periods of time. The cost for this spreader is right around $55.00.

There are three kinds of spreaders for basic home use and these are the hand-held unit, the push behind and the pull behind. The hand-held fertilizer spreader is made to be used on smaller areas. The fertilizer is distributed by squeezing the units handle. Look for handles that are cushioned for added comfort when using. These cost anywhere from $10.00 on up.

With the tow behind models, its best to look for ones that have the controls positioned in a way that its easy for them to be reached without leaving the seat of your tractor or riding mower. Look for ones that come with rain covers. These can run anywhere from $60.00 on up to hundreds of dollars. Steer clear of models with a narrow wheel base since these are more prone to tipping, especially if the area is hilly. Look for ones with metal gears encased in a metal gear box to avoid problems with rust. Some owners of tow behind models find using WD-40 prior to each use and after each cleaning keeps the rotor shaft in good operating condition. Also look for models with a strong drive train and enclosed transmission. Read reviews and ask about warranties and replacement parts as well as return policies.