7 Best Broadcast Spreaders Reviews & Guide

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the best broadcast spreader to help you get your lawn or garden looking its best? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the top-rated broadcast spreaders available on the market, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.

We’ll also be sharing some key features and benefits of broadcast spreaders, as well as some important factors to consider before making your purchase. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, we’re here to help you find the perfect broadcast spreader to make your life easier. So, let’s get started!

A Quick Glance at Our Top 7 Best Broadcast Spreaders

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES	PRICE
Best Overall	Earthway 2170 Rustproof Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader	100 lb. capacity Heavy duty gearbox Large pneumatic tires that won’t flat Stainless steel solid linkage	Check on Amazon
Best Push	Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader	Large hopper capacity 130 pounds Large (4″ x 13″) pneumatic tires won’t get flat Precise rod flow control Heavy duty gearbox	Check on Amazon
Budget Pick	Scotts 76232 EdgeGuard DLX Broadcast Spreader	Covers up to 15,000 sq. ft. Prevents product from spreading in non-lawn areas Precision rate setting Pre-calibrate	Check on Amazon
Best Walk Behind	Anderson Yard Star Walk Behind Broadcast Spreader	50 pounds hopper capacity 13 inches pneumatic tires that won’t flat Adjustable drop rate 2 position height adjustable handle	Check on Amazon
Best Tow Behind	Agri-Fab Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader	130 pounds hopper capacity 13″ x 4″ large pneumatic Tires Enclosed gearbox Hopper cover grate & deflector kit	Check on Amazon
Best Value	Brinly P20-500BHDF Push Spreader	Heavy-Duty Rust-Proof Hopper Large 12″ x 3″ Pneumatic Tires Fully Enclosed Rust-Resistant Gearbox Stainless Steel Hardware	Check on Amazon
Editor Choice	Chapin 8620B Tow Behind Spreader with Auto-Stop	150-pound capacity 11 incremental gate adjustment settings 14” pneumatic large tires Powder-coated steel frame	Check on Amazon

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Earthway Rustproof Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader

The Earthway 2170 Rustproof Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader is a durable and reliable tool designed for efficient fertilizer distribution. Made with high-quality, rustproof materials, this spreader is ideal for use in all weather conditions and can withstand exposure to fertilizers and other chemicals. It has a 100-pound capacity, making it perfect for larger lawns and gardens.

Earthway Even Commercial Spreader with its high-speed gearbox that helps maintain large areas with great accuracy that lasts a lifetime. The 3-hole drop system makes it easier for an even spread pattern.

The side spread controls to save the product and prevent the granules from getting scattered into non-lawn areas such as patios, flower beds, and driveways by blocking the right side.  

Its large hopper can hold up to 100 pounds of product enough to cover a large area. With its 13 inches of pneumatic tires, steel frame, and adjustable handle length, it is easy to cover a lot of ground no matter the size of your lawn.

The super-duty enclosed commercial-grade gearbox stands up to years of heavy-duty use. The hardware is specifically engineered to be rustproof no matter what products are being applied. It measures 37 x 30 x 40 inches and weighs 25 pounds.

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Best Push Spreader: Agri-Fab Push Broadcast Spreader

Agri- Fab 130-pound broadcast spreader with its easy set flow control and adjustable stop allows you to apply the precise amount of product. The professional broadcast spreader work best in fertilizing, weed and feed, seed, and other granule products.

One of the most notable features of the Agri-Fab is its adjustable spread width control. This feature allows users to customize the spread width according to their needs, ensuring even distribution and reducing waste. Additionally, the spreader features large pneumatic tires that provide smooth and stable operation, even on rough terrain.

The smooth-rolling enclosed commercial-grade gearbox stands up to years of heavy-duty use. The hardware is specifically engineered to resist corrosion no matter what products are being applied.

The extra-large hopper can hold up to 130 pounds of product enough to cover up to 25,000 square feet or about half an acre. Agri-Fab is known for tough tools which are engineered to be both fast and easy to assemble.

Now Agri fab offers the video instruction guide from opening the box to fertilizing the lawn. It measures 48 x 27.1 x 33.6 inches and weighs 35 pounds.

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Scotts EdgeGuard DLX Broadcast Spreader

The Scotts 76232 EdgeGuard DLX Broadcast Spreader is a versatile and efficient tool designed for even and precise spreading of fertilizer, seeds, and other materials. This spreader boasts a sturdy and durable design and a large 15,000 sq. ft. coverage area, making it an ideal choice for larger lawns and gardens.

One of the most impressive features of the Scotts 76232 is its EdgeGuard technology. This feature allows users to easily switch between edge-guard mode and broadcast mode, ensuring precise and accurate distribution of materials. The spreader also has dual rotor technology, which delivers an even and consistent spread pattern.

The Scotts 76232 EdgeGuard DLX Broadcast Spreader also features a comfortable and ergonomic handle, as well as large pneumatic tires that provide a smooth and stable operation. Additionally, the hopper is easily detachable for quick and easy cleaning.

The spreader comes assembled and pre-calibrated. You did not spend time assembling and calibrating. You can get straight to work with this ready-to-use machine. Its control panel precision rate setting gives more accurate results and more coverage.

Its edge-guard technology saves the product and prevents the granules from getting scattered into a non-lawn area such as patios, flower beds, and driveways by blocking the right side. So, this lightweight spreader made the process easier and both save time and money. It measures 19 x 22 x 22 inches and weighs 10.9 pounds.   

One of the downsize is the hollow wheels on the spreader which are filled up with product during the application.

To fix the issue, take the left wheel off (depress the two little buttons and slide the wheel off the axle), then press an 8″ aluminum pie plate against the hub to make an imprint.

Cut out the hole, slide the pie plate (curved AWAY from the wheel), and wheel back on the axle. Then use a mallet to gently pound the pie plate flat enough so that it clears the bearing, and you have created a cover for the inside of the wheel.

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Anderson Yard Star Broadcast Spreader

The Anderson Yard Start with its 3-hole drop system and adjustable drop rate provides precision and even spreading patterns. Its 50 pounds large hopper capacity and 175 pounds load-bearing capacity saves time to refill during the application and works great for fertilizer, weed control, seed, and salt.

The Anderson Yard Star Walk Behind Broadcast Spreader also offers a user-friendly design and convenience features. The hopper is easily detachable for quick and easy cleaning, and the spreader has a convenient on/off control lever located within easy reach.

The thing we like about its adjustable agronomical handle, 13 inches large pneumatic tires, and wide-set frame provides an even spreading pattern on all terrain and comfort for the applicator. To apply, walk back and forth at a normal speed and it allows 6 inches of overlap on each turn.

The bin is thick and beefy. It’s perfect in size, allowing it to hold enough fertilizers or herbicides.
The spray is wide, and even. However, don’t walk too fast, or you will send those fertilizers flying pretty far.

Make sure to clean the spreader after application. And apply lubricants for smooth operation. It measures 24.75 x 16.25 x 15.12 inches and weighs 26.9 pounds.

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Agri-Fab Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader

Spreading lawn care products just got a whole lot easier with the Agri-Fab 130 pound tow behind spreader. Its easy set flow control with an adjustable stop allows you to apply the precise amount of product to your lawn.

Essential for professional results in fertilizing, weed control, seed, and other product applications. The smooth-rolling enclosed commercial-grade gearbox stands up to years of heavy-duty use and the hardware is specifically engineered to resist corrosion no matter what products are being applied.

The extra-large hopper can hold up to 130 pounds of product enough to cover up to 25,000 square feet or about half an acre. With the 13″ x 4″ large pneumatic wheels and universal tow hitch, it’s easy to cover a lot of ground. No matter what brand of lawn tractor you have.

The enclosed gearbox prevents disrupting activity. And it’s on/off direct rod control is accessible from the tractor seat making the process easy.

Agri-Fab is known for tough tools which are engineered to be both fast and easy to assemble. Now Agri-Fab offers a video instruction guide from opening the box to fertilizing the lawn. The video will show you what to do and when to do it. It just shows how easy and fast to assemble the product.

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Brinly Push Spreader with Side Deflector Kit

The Brinly push spreader with deflector is the perfect line of push spreaders for any business. It features an enclosed stainless steel frame, pneumatic tires, and tough powder coatings that will deliver long-lasting durability against other competitors on the market today.

The Durable 50-pound hopper is the best choice for spreading seed, fertilizer, and even ice melt! It has a deflector kit that helps control material flow to prevent wasted distribution.

The stainless steel interior hardware ensures durability while the poly coating on the frame protects it against rusting; all this makes this product one you can depend upon in any weather condition or project site conditions, no matter how rough it gets out there.

I should also mention how easy these calibration settings make it to get started right away while still maintaining accuracy when spreading granular materials.

The oversized, pneumatic tires with heavy tread make for an easy push through the yard no matter what terrain you’re on.

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Chapin 8620B Spreader

If you’re looking to spread your materials across a large area and don’t want the hassle of stopping every few feet, this Chapin tow-back broadcast spreader is perfect. It has an auto-stop motor so it won’t continue moving after only one pass over the ground – which helps reduce noise pollution as well.

With its 150-pound capacity weight limit, it can easily cover terrain without needing frequent stops for more fuel or adjustments in how far apart each tire was placed while being towed behind another vehicle/motorcycle, etc.

The tires are 14 inches wide due to their universal design capabilities making them suitable. They have oil-impregnated ball-bearing construction that allows smooth operation.

For those who want to control their lawn, this versatile spreader offers an easy-to-use setting that allows you to get a perfect application. It’s backed by a limited warranty for life.

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Best Broadcast Spreader Buyer’s Guide

Why Broadcast Spreader?

Broadcast spreaders work great if you have a large area to spread fertilizer, weed control, salt, and seed. Most broadcast spreaders are designed to spread fertilizers more than 4 feet. The broadcast spreader uses rotary plates to disperse seeds and fertilizers.

Rotary spreaders are the best tools to scatter dry granules but they spread less accurately and are not recommended to fertilize small areas. Broadcast spreaders come in a variety of sizes, qualities, and capabilities. So, you can buy according to your lawn.

Best Drop Spreader

Things to Consider Before Buying the Broadcast Spreader

Size and Shape of Your Lawn

The spreader comes in varieties, sizes, spread width, and ranges. Always buy the lawn fertilizer spreader that fits best according to the size and shape of your lawns.

Types of Broadcast Spreader

There are types of broadcast spreaders. Walk-behind, tow, and handheld spreader. Walk-behind spreaders are the best for medium to large lawn areas. Tow spreaders work best for treating large areas. And handheld spreaders are best for the small area of lawn.

Purpose

Broadcast spreaders come in different types and each has a specific purpose. One type can be used for fertilizing purposes while another can be used to deliver mulch or gravel over your decking area. It’s important to know how this equipment will be used because this will affect the type of machine that you’ll purchase later on.

Mode of Operation

Broadcast spreaders are precise and rapid in operation. They have a large hopper and maintain a balance between speed and precision. They are mostly used for treating large areas because they can cover the area 3 times their width.

Holding Capacity

Knowing the holding capacity is important. Because it determines how much area you want to fertilize. Broadcast spreaders usually have a large hopper capacity.

Size

The size of the broadcast spreader also needs careful consideration. You should know that the bigger it is, the heavier it will be. Nevertheless, this isn’t always true since there are smaller types of equipment that can still offer you a lot of advantages over conventional tools.

Utility

Do you need something to only fertilize your lawn or would you like to recycle old grass clippings? If so, then you should look for spreaders with features that will allow these kinds of conversions. For instance, some machines can easily neutralize chemical elements within the seed and replace them with beneficial minerals for your plants. So before buying one, make sure that it’s versatile to meet all your needs efficiently.

Ease of Use

When considering things that affect ease-of-use, you must not avoid its ergonomics. This aspect is critical since it will make or break your experience with the machine. When you use your equipment for extended periods, comfort should be a priority. Otherwise, the risk of incurring injuries caused by annoying movements is high.

Ease of Storage

Even if spreaders are essential tools for gardening, they don’t have to take up too much space in your home. There are small types that only occupy an area about the size of two soda bottles placed side-by-side, yet they’re powerful enough to handle soil applications effectively. They also have foldable designs so these can easily fit into tight spaces. Just remember that this is one of the most important preferences that you should consider before adding a broadcast spreader to your equipment collection.

FAQs

How to Care Broadcast Spreader?

Proper care and maintenance of your broadcast spreader can help ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here are some tips on how to care for your broadcast spreader:

1. Clean the spreader after each use: After using your spreader, remove any remaining material from the hopper and rinse it with water. This will prevent any material from building up and causing damage to the spreader.
2. Store the spreader properly: When not in use, store your spreader in a dry and secure location to protect it from the elements and prevent any damage.
3. Lubricate moving parts: Regularly lubricate the moving parts of your spreader, such as the axle and wheel bearings, to ensure smooth and easy operation.
4. Check tire pressure: Regularly check the tire pressure of your spreader and ensure that it is within the recommended range. This will prevent damage to the tires and ensure optimal performance.
5. Inspect for damage: Periodically inspect your spreader for any signs of damage, such as cracks or rust. Address any issues immediately to prevent further damage and ensure safe operation.

How to Calibrate Broadcast Spreader?

Using a broadcast spreader is one of the best ways you can take care of your lawn. But while spreading material is simple and easy it can be difficult to know exactly how much product you’re putting down?

Taking the time to calibrate your broadcast spreader properly will let you know what settings to use? To apply the correct amount of product on your lawn, ensuring accurate coverage every time.

Things You’ll Need

• Granular fertilizer
• Spreader
• Tape/ scale
• Grass 

Steps to Follow

1. Since different products’ granules can vary greatly in size. It is best to calibrate the spreader with every product. Used a scale and a bucket to weigh the product. A tape measure and chalk or marking paint. A calculator and a broom.

• Now, let’s get started to begin referring to your product packaging to see how much material is needed to cover 1,000 square feet.

• Then measure the effective swath width of the spreader. Spreaders’ drop rates are affected by the walking speed of the person pushing them. Someone, walking faster will spread wider and have a wider effective swath than someone who walks slower regardless of speed.

• A consistent pace is a key add enough product to the spreader hopper for a short run along the test area. Set the spreader to the middle setting and start spreading at a normal speed walking far enough for a consistent swath of product to be visible on the ground.

• To find the effective width measure between the two points where the product begins to thin. Empty the spreader to clear any remaining material from the hopper.

• Next, divide a thousand square feet by the swath width. To find how long the test run should be pushing our spreader. This distance should put down just the right amount of material to be effective as indicated by the product packaging.

• Now, measure and mark the start and end lines for the test run. Weigh out a few pounds of product using the bucket and scale recording the weight. Pour the product into the hopper with the spreader.

• Still, at the middle setting, begin the test run between the lines that were just marked off. Be sure, to give enough space to get a consistent pace before crossing the start line.

• Once, past the end line close the hopper. Then pour out and weigh the remaining product. Subtracting this from the original amount. This is how much material was spread. Compare this amount to the suggested output on the product packaging.

If the result is higher or lower adjust the spreader gate and re-test until the correct settings are dialed.

Conclusion

Quality should be your number one priority when looking for a new broadcaster. The best broadcast spreader is one that has a low price, high speed, and good quality. A higher broadcasting speed will help to reduce latency while a lower cost can save you money in the long run.

Earthway Broadcast Spreader is the best overall spreader that has a durable construction, large pneumatic tires, 3 hole drop system, and stainless steel linkage that make the fertilizing easy.

The Anderson Yard Behind spreader provide even distribution with 3 hole drop shut-off system, large pneumatic tires, a 50 lb. hopper, and durable construction is the best solution if you are looking for an easy solution.

But if you are looking for a budget solution then Scotts DLX Broadcast Spreader is the tool.

References

https://www.scielo.br/j/eagri/a/Ynrt3vktdVFD45PvTnHXhyG/?format=pdf&lang=en

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5492561/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcast_spreader