Drop Spreaders Vs Broadcast Spreaders Complete guide

Drop Spreader Vs Broadcast Spreader

Spreaders are used to spread fertilizer, seed, or other materials across the field. They can be mounted on tractors and towed behind them at a constant speed. The material is dropped from the spreader onto the ground as it travels through the field. The main difference between a broadcast spreader and a drop spreader is that it spreads the material over a wider area than a drop spreader.

Spreader Types:

There are two types of spreaders – drop spreaders and broadcast spreaders.

Drop Spreaders

Drop spreaders are designed for spreading fertilizers, seeds, and chemicals in smaller quantities. It usually has one or more hoppers that hold the amount of material to be distributed. When the spreader is activated, it drops the material out through an opening in the bottom of the hopper(s). This type of spreader can also be referred to as a “drop-on” spreader.

Advantages of a Drop Spreader:

• Advantages of a drop spreader include its ease of operation, low cost, and the fact that you don’t need to mix any chemicals with the product.
• You just need to load the product into the hopper and press the button.
• It has an adjustable rate of flow that allows you to control how much material goes out per second.
• It is very accurate. If you want to apply a specific amount of fertilizer, you can set the drop size to match your needs.
• The drop spreaders have ability to accurately measure the amount delivered and the ability to control the depth of application.

Disadvantages of a Drop Spreaders:

• They do not work well with wet soil.
• The hoppers get clogged easily.
• The material may bounce off the ground if the wind is strong.
• Limited coverage area, which means that you must drive around the field multiple times to get all of your desired coverage.

Broadcast Spreaders:

A broadcast spreader will distribute large quantities of material (e. g., fertilizer, seed, etc.) over a wide area using a fan or similar device. These spreaders typically have several hoppers that hold the quantity of material to be distributed and then release the material into the air when they are activated. Broadcasters may use either liquid or dry fertilizer.

Broadcast spreaders are designed to provide a consistent rate of application across the entire width of the machine. They are capable of delivering up to 1,000 gallons per hour of granular or liquid fertilizer. In addition, they can deliver a consistent depth of application.

Advantages of Broadcast Spreaders:

• These spreaders are more powerful than drop spreaders.
• You can adjust the settings to suit your needs.
• They are less likely to clog up.
• Broadcaster’s advantage is that they are very versatile. They can be used for both wetting down and drying off crops. They can be used to apply different types of fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and pesticides.

Disadvantages of Broadcast Spreaders:

• They require a lot of maintenance.
• They are expensive.

Read: Best Hand Held Fertilizer Spreaders

How to Choose the Best Spreader for Lawn?

Choosing the right type of spreader depends on what kind of job you will be doing. There are several factors to consider when choosing a spreader.

1. How Much Material Will Be Spreading?

If you are going to be spreading small amounts of material (such as fertilizer), then a drop spreader would be suitable. However, if you are planning to spread large amounts of material (like concrete) then a broadcast spreader would be better suited.

2. What Kind of Soil Do You Have?

If your soil is dry and hard, then a broadcast spreader is best because it can move over rough surfaces. This makes them ideal for spreading concrete. On the other hand, if your soil is soft and moist, then a drop spreader is preferable because it does not damage the soil.

3. How Much Time Do You Have For Spreading?

A broadcast spreader takes longer to complete its task than a drop spreader because it requires more time to cover a larger area. Therefore, if you only have a short period of time to finish your project, then a broadcast spreader would be ideal.

4. How Much Money Are You Willing to Spend For Spreader?

A broadcast spreader costs more than a drop spreader but it is worth every cent. It is more efficient and durable than a drop spreader and it can handle any weather condition.

5. Which Type of Material Do You Want to Use?

Both types of spreaders can handle different kinds of products. For example, you could use both types of spreaders to spread seed or fertilizer. But if you are using a broadcast spreader to spread concrete, then you should choose one that is specifically made for this purpose.

Conclusion

Before choosing the best fertilizer spreader, make sure to know your need before. If you have a small lawn area. Consider a drop spreader. But if you have a large area, then consider a broadcast spreader.

Reference

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/lawn-spreader-that-doesnt-suck.359367/

https://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonlyres/D9458BB7-D852-40B4-B434-5A6FC0C43E0E/3925/B868.pdf