Best Broadcast Spreaders for your Lawn | Reviews of 2024

If you own a bungalow/commercial property with a huge lawn attached to it, or even if you don’t own one and wish to have one soon, you would probably want the lawn to be well-groomed with uniform greenness all over.

A well-maintained green lawn in front of your property or in your backyard enhances the beauty of the property, and people often end up praising it. Not only this, a commercial property with an attractive lawn tends to attract more customers than the ones with no lawn or poorly maintained lawn.

But the question that arises here is how to maintain the uniformity of the grass on the lawn. The answer is, with the help of a ‘Broadcast Spreader.’ It’s a tool that evenly distributes the fertilizers all over your lawn and facilitates even growth.

We have shortlisted the best broadcast spreader available in the market to make your choice easy. Have a look!

Best Broadcast Spreader Reviews

1. Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader

Agri-Fab 45-0462 broadcast spreader comes with a hopper intake capacity of 130 lb which can easily cover an area up to 25000 sq. ft, i.e., nearly half an acre.

It is easy to assemble the machine, and the good thing is that you get a video tutorial on amazon that guides you through assembling the parts of the spreader in the right place.

This broadcast spreader uses pneumatic tires for its operations which is an excellent shock absorber and produces the least noise under operating conditions. The flow control mechanism works flawlessly in coordination with the flow control arm.

And with the help of the flow scale and the adjustable stop on it, you can control the flow plate’s opening at the bottom of the hopper to have an even distribution of the fertilizer on the lawn depending upon your walking speed and the dimensions of the lawn. It is advisable to refer to the material bag for selecting the flow rate.

The spreader impeller at the button covers a considerable amount of area in just one lap, which ultimately reduces your overall laps if you are covering a large area, thus proving to be a great time saver as well.

The hopper is corrosion resistant which makes it very durable. It can be used for carrying various fertilizers, and because of the polyethylene material used for its body, it also makes it rustproof as well.

After a proper assembly of the broadcast spreader, always make sure that the spreader plate opens and closes completely using the flow control arm. This is a must to ensure if the assembly is done correctly or not.

The spreader impeller covers an area of 10-12 ft. It is advised to always generate some momentum before opening the flow plate to avoid a larger deposition of fertilizers at one place. The assembled weight of the broadcast spreader is 40.26 lbs, which is less compared to the total area it covers in one filling.

By spending some extra bucks, you can buy its pro kit, which includes a hopper cover that protects the fertilizers from heavy wind or moisture. A Grate kit to filter out bigger boulders in the hopper and ensure even distribution of fertilizers and a protective shield that regulates the unwanted distribution of fertilizers.

The good thing about this broadcast spreader is that it’s a push spreader and doesn’t involve any electronic machine. Hence, there would be no fear of the machine breaking down or spending extra bucks for the machine’s engine replacement.

This product is best suited for large lawns considerably for commercial use.

2. Chapin 8620B 150 lb Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader

With a 150-pound hopper capacity, Chapin 8620B tow behind spreader is one of the best spreaders for a small scale commercial work and gives tough competition to its competitive brands under its price segment.

Even being a small size, the Chapin spreader comes with 14” wide pneumatic tires, which not only give a firm grip on the lawn but provide a great balance to the spreader when used in rocky terrain.

One thing which keeps the Chapin 8620B stand out compared to other brands is its new auto-stop feature. This is one of the revolutionary features that Chapin has introduced in its spreaders which have solved the major operating problem of these lawn fertilizing tools.

With an auto-stop spreader door, you don’t have to worry about the product dripping from the hooper door when you are not in motion. The auto stop mechanism works flawlessly in synchronization with the hopper movement.

The fertilizer wastage from the time you turn back to the time you reach out to your handle to lock the hooper door is taken care of in this spreader.

The pneumatic wheels have bronze bearings that are impregnated with oil and grease, hence reducing the friction on the axle and the gearbox. Due to the reduced friction, hopper movement becomes smooth in rough terrain, and this surely puts less pull load on the lawn tractor.

Being a tow-behind spreader, it comes with a universal hitch to be attached with any kind of lawn mower. The hitch is made up of high-quality, heavy-duty metal, which makes it resistant to shear stress and strain.

Its smart easy-to-set gate adjustment comes with 11 adjustment settings that give you full control over the accurate distribution of the fertilizers. This adjustment setting is located at the bottom of the hopper and can be easily adjusted with the help of a valve attached to it.

You will get the measurement setting above the valve that guides you to set on the right number depending upon the fertilizer you are using.

One downside of the Chapin 8260B is that it does not come with an edge guard. Hence, you can’t use it near the edge or near your driveway. The built quality of the spreader is very good.

Tough plastic is used for hooper, and powder-coated steel frame gives high rigidity to the whole body. Also, the company warns you against the use of any lime products like Agri lime, lime powder, etc.

3. Scotts 76121 Mini Walk-behind Broadcast Spreader

As the name suggests, it is a mini broadcast spreader having an intake fertilizer capacity of up to 25 pounds which is enough to treat a 5000 sq ft of area. It is a walk-behind type broadcast spreader and is suitable for small lawns.

One of the great advantages of having this spreader is that it comes pre-calibrated and pre-assembled; hence you don’t have to give your extra time in trying to connect its different parts for it to work properly.

It also features an exclusive edge guard that keeps the product flying away towards the sidewalks, driveways, and landscaping. The edge guard is only operational at the right side of the spreader, so you need to be aware of this while using it.

If you have plants at the edge of your lawn and you are using a weed-killing fertilizer, make sure to use the spreader with the edge guard facing the edge to save your plants from dying.

The small size of the Scott turf spreader and its compact design with a fold-down handle makes it easy to store. Due to its mini size, it does not have a spreader control arm. Rather it uses a more handy cable-controlled hand lever that is attached to the handle of the spreader.

The hand lever flawlessly controls the opening and closing of the spreader plate beneath the hopper. And with the dial setting, you can control the width of the opening from overspreading the fertilizers. It is advised to check the user manual at the back of the fertilizer bag that you are using for the correct setting of the dial.

The Scott turf builder spreader comes with a simple plastic wheel and no pneumatic wheel, which is understandable as it reduces a considerable amount of overall weight, which directly affects the cost of the product.

With a self-weight of just 1 pound, it is one of the lightest broadcast spreaders. Apart from fertilizers, they can also be used for salting.

Although because of the absence of pneumatic tires, you might get difficulty in using them on thick ice surfaces or lawns with big boulders. It is not shock-resistant and can prove to be noisy if used on rocky ground.

If you have a small lawn and want a cheap but equally effective broadcast spreader, then Scott turf builder spreader is best for you.

4. Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader

As the name suggests, this broadcast spreader is a Tow behind type. This is the second variant of spreader from the Agri-Fab company, which gives you the privilege to attach the spreader with your lawn tractor to carry the fertilizing work without having to push the heavy spreader.

The Agri-Fab 45-0463 has a carrying capacity same as that of its push variant, which is 130 lbs, and with the towing facility, it is easy to cover a large area in a short period of time. It comes with a universal hitch that is compatible with all kinds of tractors.

The spreader is smartly designed with the correct placement of its direct control rod, which can be easily accessed from the tractor seat. This smoothens the overall operation of the spreader resulting in better and uniform growth of grasses.

The assembled weight of the spreader is 37 lb which is roughly the same as that of a push spreader, and with its big hopper, it can cover 25000 sq ft of area.

The back of the hopper comes with an instruction guide on how much the spread opening should be depending upon the type of material you are using. This guide is made on the basis of the standard 3 mph speed of the tractor.

The wheel assembly uses 13”×4” Pneumatic tires that give you a better grip and smooth run on the field. The tires perfectly balance the spreader on it and work flawlessly even when the hopper is fully loaded. Although, for an even spread, it is always advised to check the tire pressure before use.

Even after the Agri-Fab push broadcaster’s immense success, the company still came up with two variants of its spreader, which is very identical to the first one.

Having a full load of fertilizers in the hopper often makes it tedious to move the spreader on a big lawn, especially on a hot summer day. So, to make your work easy and fast, they come with a towing mechanism.

Now, no matter how heavy the hooper is, it can be easily operated with the help of a lawn tractor.

The spread impeller works both forward and backward movement of the wheel, so you have to be careful while moving your tractor. It’s better to close the door beneath the hooper when you take a turn to change the track.

The spreader comes with a 3-year warranty, and for the price, it gives you a good deal.

5. Earthway 2150 Commercial Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader

The Earthway 2150 broadcast spreader is a compact machine that has a self-weight of 27 pounds and is best suited for small-scale commercial use. The body of the spreader is smartly designed with a 3-hole drop system.

The cool thing about its design is that it does not have any additional edge guard installed on its body. Rather, the edge spread-control system is applied by the controller under the hopper, which is one of the great features of having a 3-hole drop system.

The absence of a side-spread guard definitely reduces the overall weight and plastic cost of the hooper, hence keeping the net cost affordable.

The 13’’ pneumatic tires are also an important element in the Earthway spreader that gives the spreader a balanced and sturdy grip. The rims of the tire are of plastic material, and it surely increases the life of the tires.

You can actively use it on a damp or muddy field without fearing it getting too dirty for cleaning, as the plastic rims make it easy to clean. The tires nicely absorb bumps and make sure to keep you on a straight path.

The hopper body is tough and is made up of thick plastic, which of course, makes it corrosion resistant. The metals used are also strong and are nicely coated with metallic paints.

Even if you are a 6 feet tall person, the Earthways’s 2 position height adjustment handle will take care of your back by removing the discomfort of bending over. The spreader also gives you the option of a debris screen which not only filters out unwanted debris from entering the shut-off system but also saves it from clogging.

With a bucket-style hopper, the Earthway spreader’s hopper has an intake capacity of 50 lbs. Moreover, the company also claims to give a 79 kg of load-bearing capacity for its framework, which is enough given the size of the spreader.

This broadcast spreader does not come pre-assembled. And you might need a good 1-1.5 hours to assemble it completely. The spreader controller is mounted on the handle and is easy to operate with a cool cylindrical handle.

The body of the controller, as well as the linkage part, are all made up of stainless steel, which gives additional strength to the spreader.

6. AMAZE 75201 Walk-behind Broadcast Spreader

The amaze 75201 broadcast spreader is a small size spreader with a self-weight of only 12.5 pounds. This spreader is very identical to that of the Scott turf mini builder spreaders as far as its build is concerned.

With the same lever-controlled spreader mechanism, you can control the opening and closing of the spreader plate at the bottom of the hopper. And with the spreader setting, you can set the width of the opening of the spreader plate depending upon the type of fertilizer you are using.

The Amaze broadcast spreader can hold 10000 sq ft of product at once, which is roughly 40-50 pounds of intake capacity and is best for using granular products like grass, fertilizers, weed killers.

When operated, the spreader can cover a length of 8-10 ft. Hence it is recommended to always maintain a gap of 5 feet between each lap to avoid over deposition of the fertilizers. It does not come with any edge guard, so you need to be cautious while using it along the edges.

This small-size broadcast spreader is produced to treat small lawns mainly for private use. Hence, keeping a low assembled weight of the spreader was a must, which is one of the reasons that it doesn’t have pneumatic tires.

Due to the presence of plastic tires instead of shock-resistant pneumatic tires, this spreader is more prone to getting imbalanced over uneven terrain, especially the lawn with big boulders or muddy surfaces.

One more drawback of having a plastic tire is that the inward portion of tires tends to collect mud or other impurities, which makes it difficult to clean later. Although, you can overcome this problem by being slightly creative.

Put a circular plastic cut inside the tire covering the total circumference of the tire, and the wheels would work wonders.

The Amaze 75201 comes with a standard handle height with a foam cover on the horizontal bar, which gives you a smooth grip. It is a budget-friendly spreader, and if you have a quarter of an acre lawn, then this is a must-consider spreader choice.

Why Broadcast Spreader?

Lushy and fresh lawns are not only specific to add charm to your house; they also reflect a revitalizing and vibrant vibe which is what exactly anyone needs in their hectic life.

The maximum ratio of people who own a large healthy and fresh garden these days, but spending days after days maintaining the garden can be really hectic and challenging. Thanks to some brilliant technology and tools that made their way straight to make things easier and quicker for us.

Fertilizing the lawn is considered to be one of the basics of lawn maintenance. However, the task is not as simple as it sounds. Suppose you are habitual to fertilize your land manually, just by spreading seed by hand.

In that case, you need to know that manually spreading fertilizer doesn’t reflect the desired and promising result, and the whole procedure can also give you a hectic breakdown.

The fertilizer spreader, also termed a broadcast spreader, is the right tool to direct its way into this scenario.

The term broadcast spreader is generally a farming tool designated to spread seeds, fertilizer, sand, lime, ice melting pellets equally and evenly over a large area of ground or garden lawn.

They are alternately termed broadcaster, broadcast seeder, or fertilizer spreader but aimed to perform the same job. Whether a large area spacing or small spaced ground, the broadcast spreader works effectively for proclaiming better coverage while seeding and sowing that last into a healthy, green, and vibrant space.

Broadcast spreaders are the most prominent and constructive tools in the farming or gardening region.

The broadcast spreader activated with the putting of spreading elements in the hopper, with the movement of the spreader in a towed or pushed along method the elements drop over the field correspondingly to every space.

The broadcast spreaders are usually classified into two different categories handheld spreaders and wheeled seed spreaders. The handheld seed spreader’s operation was held involving the hand.

They are quick and easy and a perfect fit for home lawns or small areas. While the wheeled seed spreader is bound with the wheels, and they do not require to be carried while functioning. They are generally designed for large areas with their high-efficiency service. The spreader can be used for

• Spreading fertilizer
• Spreading seeds
• Spreading mulch
• Spreading soil or sand for the leveling of ground
• Spreading ice melt pallet
• Spreading compost
• Spreading pesticides

How to use a Broadcast spreader?

Your garden area, backyard farm, brings forth the wave of fresh and energetic aura every morning; thus, they do deserve the best maintenance and care you can possibly give.

The broadcast spreader helps to serve the ground with the proper coverage of seed or fertilizer spreading. Whether you are a beginner or have experience in using the spreader, you must know the generous and relevant ways of using a spreader for a more productive outcome.

Step- 1: Assure the additives you are planning to use in the garden area, for example, seeds, fertilizer, lime, or whatsoever. Ensure its quality and brand before using. Also, check whether the element is compatible with the broadcast spreader or not.
Step- 2: Analyze the whole garden area and mark the spot you need to cover while using the spreader. You could use tape or get the design structure in your mind if needed.
Step- 3: Open the packaging of your spreader and clean it up if you have stored it for a long time. Then, position it to the sidewalk or driveway without activating it.
Step- 4: Construct an idea of the number of elements (seeds or fertilizer) required for the marked area. Then, place the element in the spreader hopper without spilling out. Also, adjust the spreading according to the requirement through the distribution bar that ranges from 1 to 10.
Step- 5: Once you are done with the setting, place the spreader on your lawn away from the edges and from your feet. Also, make sure no materialistic interference appears in the spreader way.
Step- 6: Start the spreading procedure by squeezing or pushing the handle at continuing at a moderate speed which is about three miles per hour. Then, cover the area of the ground by returning back to the starting point.
Step- 7:Once the whole procedure is complete, check the spreader’s hopper and make sure to get out the remaining fertilizer or seeds. Then, clean the hopper and store the spreader in a safe place for the next cycle.

Using the broadcast spreader as per the adequate steps will not only deliver your garden constructive and effective results but also prevent yourself or your garden from any kind of damage or destruction.

So next time, follow up these guided steps for more convincing results and a healthy, wealthy upshot of your hard efforts.

How to choose the right broadcast spreader?

You have the responsibility to inject either liquid or solid additives into your garden every year. These additives can either be fertilizer, seeds, ice melt pellets, or just pesticides.

So, if you have your mind made up to buy this exceptional and intriguing broadcast spreader, you need proper guidance to make every penny worth it. Read some of the major points you need to check before picking up the right spreader.

Area

For first, you need to carefully examine the lawn area or the farm area you own while buying the broadcast spreader. Then, you will line up the spreader according to its properties and aspects, associating specifically with your garden space. For example, if you own a large area, you need to buy a strong spreader with high durability.

Hopper

The hopper is indirectly referring to the capacity of the spreader; they are inbuilt in the broadcast spreader main body, composed of some high-rated polypropylene to hold the seeds, fertilizer, or any other spreading material. The hopper capacity is measured in pounds varies from 20 to 200 pounds. So again, customize your choice and choose wisely.

Category

The next thing to consider is the type of spreader. The spreader is differentiated based on its usage. Therefore, you need to compare them with your requirements and pick the right one.

For example, if you have a large area, you will need two behind spreaders; a moderate size lawn requires a walk-behind spreader, while a small size garden or lawn will need a chest-mounted broadcast spreader or a small and convenient portable spreader. Thus, it would be best if you were specific with the requirement while choosing the spreader category.

Durability

You will not only have to be specific with the hopper quality; you need to carefully observe the entire body of the spreader to conclude its durability—analysis of which material is used for the spreader construction, for example, plastic, steel, or something else. Check whether the spreader part is free from rusting and corrosion and does not easily bend or get broken.

Coverage and wheel

Before going for the final pick, it is drop-dead essential to check the coverage provided by the spreader. This usually means the measurement of the area it covers in one cycle.

Also, if you are going for a wheeled spreader, you need to ensure the quality and durability to hold weight and move around the ground tackling the small obstruction in its ways.

Assembling and installation

Whether you are ordering the spreader online or buying it from the local store, they do not provide the product fully assembled. So make sure that the assembling and installation of the product are simple and doesn’t require any professional assistance to avoid the extra expenses.

Price

Prepare a budget for your broadcast spreader and determine at the store along with their specification. Remember, a spreader price varies from $100 to $300. Compare the price listing of the lined-up product and check their price on different stores or platforms.

Spreading

The most crucial factor to observe for the right purchasing is the spreading. You need to analyze three main points while determining the spreading. This only point can bring a huge difference in the outcome, so observe precisely each of them.

• Spreading mechanism– specify the operation mechanism the spreader is using and compare its eligibility with your garden area.
• Spreading setting– make sure that the spreader allows adjusting the spreading in a particular area through the distributing range option
• Spreading accuracy– ensure that the spreader reflects the spreading with high accuracy covering every inch.

Control

If we talk about the operation, the broadcast spreader’s functioning is simple and straightforward. However, it would help if you were sure with the user controlling option.

Check whether the spreader allows the user interference while the spreader is in motion. Also, consider its design of handle for the strong and rigid grip. Finally, check whether the controlling spreader is simple and straightforward or not.

Warranty

Last but not least, you need to also go through the spreader brand page and their services. Review the brand and check previous feedback. Examine the warranty period they were offering and compare it with several other brands. Also, enlist the services they will be delivered during the warranty period.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQS)

Q. What does a broadcast spreader do?

The broadcast spreader is designed as a farming tool to scatter the seeds, fertilizer, lime, sand, or ice melt equally and evenly over the garden space area. They are usually found more productive by providing a promising outcome, ensuring extensive coverage compared to manual spreading.

Q. Which is better; a drop spreader or a broadcast spreader?

Both of the spreaders are found convenient in their own way. The drop spreader works as per its name by dropping the seeds between the wheels, whereas the broadcast spreader is designated to scatter the seeds or fertilizer to the front and the side, resembling an arc pattern. The drop spreader is usually convenient for seeding vegetables at a small range, while the broadcast spreader works for seeding, fertilizing at large areas. So it’s up to your convenience and choice.

Q. Why should one go for the broadcast spreader?

A broadcast spreader is the most innovative and productive tool designed. And working in your garden with this tool can seriously enlist different benefits like; it gives larger coverage area, it cuts short the extra manual effort, it promotes an even farming and gardening, it maintains the soil of the lawn healthy, it saves a lot of time, and it mainly increases the production.

Q. What safety precautions should one use while using a broadcast spreader?

If you are using a broadcast spreader for healthy and lush ground, you need to take some security measures during the operation for yourself. This safety involves reading the manual carefully, using eye Glasses and full sleeves clothing, keeping your feet at a distance from the spreader, and making sure your kids don’t get in the way. Always be extra cautious while dealing with this high mechanical equipment.

Q. How much should I pay for the broadcast spreader?

The prizing of the spreader depends on the specifications and attributes it has. For example, if you need a spreader for a really small area like landscape, flower beds, or porch area space, you can buy a broadcast spreader for up to $30. On the other hand, if you have a large area of ground, you can choose a spreader up to $400, but the average price of buying a spreader varies from $150 to $250.

Conclusion

A broadcast spreader is the most effective and fruitful tool designed in order to keep our lawns healthy and fresh by providing them a healthy seeding or fertilizing.

These spreaders are the real asset you need to invest If you are into gardening. However, the broadcast spreader is not something you purchase daily and considering it is about your garden health, and you need to be extra cautious and prepared while purchasing one for you.

So, outlining the whole article, we have researched and poured down every single thing you need to know about these broadcast spreaders. From its type to its appropriate usage and the brief fact one should consider the adequate spreader.

You should take time to read every point carefully if you are planning to buy a broadcast spreader.

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