Best Drop Spreaders Reviews & Guide

When it comes to gardening, one of the most important pieces of equipment is your drop spreader. This tool makes it easy for you to apply fertilizer or grass seed across a large area. However, with all the different types out there on the market today, how do you know which drop spreader is best?

In this post, I’ll be reviewing three popular models and giving my opinion as to which one reigns supreme.

Best Drop Spreaders For Lawn & Garden

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES	PRICE
EDITORS CHOICE	Agri-Fab Drop Spreader	175 lb. Large hopper capacity 42 inch control spread width Large pneumatic tires Rustproof durable construction	Check on Amazon
Best Value	Scotts Classic Drop Spreader	Best for small lawn area Heavy duty frame that gives stability Pre-calibrated 22 inch spread pattern	Check on Amazon
BEST PICK	Agri-Fab Tow Spiker/Seeder/Spreader	100 lb. large hopper capacity Aerate and fertilize in one pass Cover up to 40,000 sq. ft. 32 inch spread width	Check on Amazon

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Agri-Fab Drop Spreader

The Agri-Fab Tow behind drop spreader is built to handle big jobs. Its 175 pounds large hopper capacity and 40,000 sq. ft. coverage area in one fill made the process easy. The large pneumatic wheels and steel lift handle provide maximum precision control.

When using granular material avoid unnecessary towing. When the hopper is filled, reduce the flow settings for speeds below 3 miles per hour and increase the settings for higher speeds to avoid misses or striping overlapping the previous pass.

The slightly spread width is approximately 40 inches. For the easiest application, first, apply material across both ends of the area. Two or three passes on each end are sufficient then apply material back and forth using the ends as an area. To turn around shut off the spreader as you enter the end areas and turn it back on as you leave the end areas.

Its corrosion-resistant poly hopper, and durable resistant components increase product life. The heavy-duty universal hitch is compatible with most lawn tractors and may be used with ATVs and other utility vehicles as well. And the on/off control is accessible from the tractor.

Always empty the hopper after each use. Wash and dry the unit thoroughly after each use. Apply a light coat of oil on exposed metal parts to help prevent rust. Apply a few drops of oil to the wheels, spike disc bearings ends of aerator shafts, and the end of the hopper shaft at least once a year. It measures 12.6 x 19.69 x 11.02 inches and weighs 43 pounds.

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Best Professional Drop Spreader: Scotts Classic Drop Spreader

The Scotts Classic Drop Spreader has a precise rate control panel with several adjustable settings for accurate coverage. It is suitable for medium or large lawns over 100 square meters. As you push the spreader it drops the product directly underneath.

The application of the product is precise and has 49 splatter settings found on this. Rate control housing or micrometer will help you to select the correct splatter setting.

The Scotts drop spreader has a large hopper with a heavy-duty frame that ensures large life. The spreader is fully assembled and pre-calibrated and you don’t need to spend time assembling it. Its 22-inch spread pattern gives maximum coverage with high precision.  

After each use, wash the spreader thoroughly to remove all products clinging to the spreader particularly around the axle. Hot water may be required to remove stubborn residues. Make sure you allow the spreader to dry thoroughly before storage. It measures 18 x 32 x 47 inches and 12.6 pounds.

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Agri-Fab Tow Spiker/Seeder/Spreader

Agri Fab 32-inch 100 pounds poly pro-Spiker spreader will help you to aerate, seed, and fertilize in record time. The easy set controls allow you to apply a precise amount of product to your lawn essential for professional results in fertilizing, killing weeds, grass seeding, and other product applications.

The large rust-proof hopper, 10 inches of flat tires, and 32 inches of working width make the process easy during the application. The universal hitch attaches to any tractor. And you can easily on/off from the tractor.

The smooth-rolling four-blade spurred agitator will stand years of heavy-duty use. And the hardware is precisely intended to resist corrosion. The extra-large hopper can hold up to 100 pounds of granular product and the flat tires allow for smooth transport but are unique to one design that allows you to aerate and seed at the same time.

The spike disks penetrate the soil up to two and a half inches while also driving the spreader agitator. The universal tow hitch is adjustable in height making it easy to attach to a wide variety of lawn tractors. Make sure, to not aerate on wet ground.

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Best Drop Spreader Buyer’s Guide

After reading products reviews, you have probably 1-2 models that excite you. And the buying guide helps you narrow down the choice for the best drop spreader.

Why Drop Spreader?

Drop spreaders work best to scatter seeds and fertilizer for a small to a large lawn. The drop spreader works precisely and gives maximum results. These tools drop a swath of products through a wide, narrow opening directly beneath the spreader.

Things to Consider in Selecting the Best Drop Spreader

Before buying the drop spreader, consider various factors such as the type of spreader, the size of the spreader. Do you need a pull spreader, push spreader, or some other type?

1. Capacity

If you want to apply fertilizers, seeds, or micronutrients on a huge farm, it means you need a bigger capacity. However, if you only have small land to cover with crops, go for smaller spreaders. Drop spreaders come in different capacities ranging from 8 pounds per eight feet width up to 50 pounds per eight feet widths.

Therefore, choose a drop spreader that has the capacity you require. If you often apply fertilizers and other crop maintenance materials through your spray tank, pick a spreader with less than half of its smallest hopper capacity to avoid adding extra weight or stress on the system.

You shall also consider choosing a large capacity if you want to cover more land in lesser time.

2. Ease of use

If you want ease when using your drop spreader, go for one that is simple and easy to set up and operate even by an inexperienced person. Or else, if it has complex controls; it will demand somebody with knowledge before anyone can start operation. Your time and money will be saved since anybody can operate it immediately after purchase.

3. Maneuverability

You will need a drop spreader that is easy to push, pull or maneuver. If you are unable to move your spreader on tough terrains, it means it has poor maneuverability. It is wise to choose the one which you can easily turn around in narrow rows, walkways, or even small spaces without having the issue of bumping into things. Maneuverable models allow moving forward and backward with ease as well as accurate setup for even outputs after making adjustments.

4. Range of Motion

The range of motion determines how far the drop spreader will distribute material before adjusting again. A good range will enable you to reach all areas including those hard places where others cannot access due to restrictions in terms of space and terrain. A model with a good range will save your time, working well on different terrains without the need to stop or return to avoid missing areas. You can read more here about how it works

5. Ability to Calibrate

These are machines that require calibration when moving from one area to another since they may not perform equally in every spread pattern thus affecting the distribution rate which you desire for an even application over a large area. If there is no option of calibration, maybe it is wise to look at other models because you cannot make any changes after purchase; meaning you cannot alter the pattern once it has been set up initially during distribution. For accurate distribution, go for a drop spreader with different settings like a three-point hitch which you can easily adjust.

6. Ease of Operation

The drop spreader should be easy to operate and surely it must come with instructions that will guide the user through the whole process to avoid operating issues after purchase or use. If it is complex, you may need an expert’s help before being able to work on your unit due to a lack of knowledge about its controls and settings. The ideal machine will have a simple design for easy operation even by inexperienced hands since it will also reduce damages during transport and storage as well as decrease probable injuries from handling complicated units.

7. Durability

It means a durable drop spreader can last for a long without developing performance issues unlike those that cannot provide an adjustable spray pattern thus affecting the distribution rate, a single pattern is set during operation or too heavy to handle.

8. Price

It is an important factor that you will consider before buying any machine since the prices vary depending on the size and capacity of units as well as features included for your use. There are models with expensive price tags but they give value for money as compared to those cheaper machines which cannot deliver accurately thus wasting your time and effort in addition to money spent on wear and tear since it won’t last long.

Drop Spreaders Vs Broadcast Spreaders

FAQs

How to Apply Lawn Fertilizer Using Drop Spreader?

Drop spreaders discharge fertilizer directly in the path of the spreader making them ideal for small lawn areas. Only the path that is between the wheels will receive fertilizer for this intentional drop. Path reduces the chance of having fertilizer thrown onto sidewalk or road areas. Where it may be washed away becoming a potential environmental hazard.

However, because drop spreader applications are very precise there is very little room for error. When making adjacent passes subsequent passes must be made directly adjacent to the previous pass areas of turf that are missed during applications. Due to spacing that is too wide between passes will be prone to striping.

For example, areas that receive fertilizer will have a darker green color than those that do not. Passes that overlap will receive twice the amount of fertilizer intended, resulting in fertilizer burn badly damaging or killing the turfgrass.

Make your first pass being careful not to open the fertilizer spreader until you are moving and maintaining a brisk consistent pace. Be sure, to shut off the spreader when you reach the end of your application area. While you are still moving never stop walking. Make sure, there are no gaps between your previous pass and your next pass. Continue until the entire area has been fertilized.

How to Calibrate Drop Spreader?

Drop spreaders are often used to distribute fertilizers, seed, salt, and ice melt. Just adjust the calibration every spring to keep the spreader working well. To apply the correct amount of lawn granular product. It is necessary to apply the correct amount of product.  

• It is necessary to calibrate the spreader. Used a scale and a bucket to weigh the product. A tape measure and chalk or marking paint. A calculator and a broom.

• It is necessary to calibrate the spreader. Used a scale and a bucket to weigh the product. A tape measure and chalk or marking paint. A calculator and a broom.

• It is necessary to calibrate the spreader. Used a scale and a bucket to weigh the product. A tape measure and chalk or marking paint. A calculator and a broom.

• It is necessary to calibrate the spreader. Used a scale and a bucket to weigh the product. A tape measure and chalk or marking paint. A calculator and a broom.

• It is necessary to calibrate the spreader. Used a scale and a bucket to weigh the product. A tape measure and chalk or marking paint. A calculator and a broom.

• It is necessary to calibrate the spreader. Used a scale and a bucket to weigh the product. A tape measure and chalk or marking paint. A calculator and a broom.

• It is necessary to calibrate the spreader. Used a scale and a bucket to weigh the product. A tape measure and chalk or marking paint. A calculator and a broom.

Conclusion

Hope, the above guide will help you in selecting the best drop spreader for your lawn. If you have a small area to fertilize and seed. Then Scotts Turf Builder Drop Spreader is the best choice. But for a large area, Agri-Fab Tow Behind Spreader is the best choice.

Similarly, Agri-Fab Spiker/Spreader work as a combo. It can Aerate and spread at the same time. And save your time.

References

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/using-a-hand-spreader.htm

https://www.academia.edu/32363304/DESIGN_AND_DEVELOPMENT_OF_FERTILIZER_SPREADER_MACHINE