Best Fertilizer Spreader Reviews (Broadcast, Drop & Handheld Models)

A fertilizer spreader is very handy for the disbursement of lawn and garden products, such as seeds and fertilizer over a large area. But it can also be used for spreading salt onto icy sidewalks and driveways during the wintertime. This tool is important to have because it reduces the amount of waste of the product being spread out.

Usually, when this task is done by hand, there are clumps of fertilizer or seeds in one area, and other spots are left barren. That means, the lawn, garden or field of wild flowers being grown will be patchy and unsightly.

What Are the Different Types of Fertilizer Spreaders?

The following are the basic types of spreaders that can be purchased in the market.

Broadcast Spreaders: These spreaders operate with a special mechanism that tosses out the fertilizer or seeds at a higher volume for much longer distances than other types of spreaders can. They work the best for those who are trying to care for large areas of land. Most broadcast spreaders are powered by the turning of the wheels located at the bottom, which means they won’t work unless a person pushes them from behind.

So as long as you don’t mind a bit of exercise, you can get the job done faster with this tool. The only problem with broadcast spreaders is that they aren’t very accurate. They tend to spray randomly over a wide area, and it’s hard to not overlap the rows of fertilizer or seeds.

Drop Spreaders: If you want to have more accuracy in the disbursement of fertilizer and seeds, then you might prefer to try out a drop spreader instead. They work in a similar fashion as broadcast spreaders, since a person has to push them from behind. But instead of tossing out the products at a great distance, they only scatter them on the ground directly underneath them. This makes it much more easy to avoid the overlapping of seeds or fertilizer.

Handheld Spreaders: People who have only a small area of land to work with might prefer to buy a handheld spreader instead. This option is more economical, since they are generally smaller than the other types of spreaders. Handheld spreaders are battery operated or crank turned.

They aren’t as accurate because they spray out the seeds or fertilizer with built in paddles that are turned as fast as a person is able to use the crank. So it’s important to look for one with an adjustable spray nozzle at the bottom.

The only downside to this type of spreader is that it has to be carried everywhere. And not everyone is strong enough to support the weight of the spreader while it is filled with seeds or fertilizer.

How to Choose the Right Fertilizer Spreader

To choose the right fertilizer spreader for your lawn, it’s important to first consider how large of a surface area that you need to cover. If it’s several acres of land, then a broadcast spreader is the best option. Small yards only require a handheld spreader.

Next, think about the importance of the accuracy of the disbursement. Bare soil that will be planted with seeds will look patchy if the spreader overseeds some areas and misses others. So a drop spreader will be the best in this case.

And lastly, don’t forget to think about how much you will be using the spreader. A handheld spreader might initially save money, but it won’t necessarily last as long as one of the larger spreaders.

Our Fertilizer Spreader Reviews

#1 – Agri-Fab 45-0463 Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader

The Agri-Fab 45-0463 tow behind broadcast spreader is a heavy duty spreader at a comparable price to the other top options in the market. The spreader comes with a wheelbase and large tires which provides good stability.

It has a 130 pound hopper capacity which allows you to spread evenly on large areas of land. There is a spreader setting knob so you can change what is applied to ensure the same level of application each time.

This broadcast spreader is excellent if you need a quality spreader that can be moved easily and spread over large expanses of land. You can use it all year round for all of your lawn care needs.

#2 – Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Deluxe Broadcast Spreader

Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Deluxe is a quality broadcast spreader that has a large capacity and strong tires for easy movement. It’s designed to work well with other Scotts lawn products, but you should able to use it to spread other type of material with good results

It can spread up to 15,000 square feet with its current capacity, which should be enough t cover most lawn areas. It is a push broadcast spreader, so a little hard work will be required when you start spreading.

The control panel allows for precise, even coverage when in use, so no more wasting material unnecessarily. It comes fully assembled, and for the price, this is quite an excellent piece of equipment.

#3 – Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader

The Scotts Turf Builder Classic is drop spreader that has a relatively large capacity so you can use it for a larger lawn area. It also has a 22 inch spread pattern which provides good accuracy and coverage.

You can seed, fertilize, lime or apply ice agents all year round with this dependable drop spreader. With a heavy-duty frame that provides good stability, this spreader should be able to help you take care of your lawn with ease.

It also has a large hopper capacity which can hold 10,000 square feet of products. You won’t need to worry about assembly since it comes fully assembled and pre-calibrated, so it’s ready to use once it arrives in your home.