Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina.
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of life.
Last updated: July 27, 2022
BackyardStyle is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Green grass makes gardens and lawns look lovely. Seasonal weather changes, however, stunt the growth of the grass or make it pale. You must care for the grass and accelerate its growth at such times. Most home experts will advise you to apply fertilizers and optimize the growth process. You can apply it manually but a tool like a fertilizer spreader offers unlimited benefits. With a few settings, you will spread your fertilizers evenly and get more work done with less strain. You will also reduce the chances of contaminating your lawn.
We reviewed 28 fertilizer spreaders, and our editor loved the Spyker P70-12010 Commercial Drop Spreader. It has a solid construction and comes with two side-by-side hopper portions. This machine spreads fertilizers or seeds up to 18 inches.
We spent more than 400 hours analyzing the customer reviews of the eight fertilizer spreaders we selected on Amazon. We consulted several fertilizer spreader sellers and experts. The features our team based their choice on include type, spread width, capacity, wheels, dimensions, and weight, among others. There are several types of fertilizer spreaders like drop feeders, rotary, and broadcast spreaders. Target a fertilizer spreader with an excellent spreading width if your land is vast. We prepared a table with the eight fertilizer spreaders, their reviews, and a buying guide to make your selection process a breeze.
"The Chapin International 8400C Chapin Professional SureSpread Spreader has all the functionality and features that you need for efficiency and reliability, season after season."
Best for Attaching to ATVs, ZTR, or Tractor:Brinly BS36BH
"A tow-behind broadcast spreader featuring the capacity of 175 lbs., ½ acre coverage, fully enclosed gearbox and easy calibration settings."
Other features: powder coated steel frame, two side-by-side hopper portions
The Spyker P70-12010 Commercial Drop Spreader has a sturdy design for enduring rocky terrain in farms or gardens. It features 13” x5” wheels, 36” inch spread width, powder-coated steel frame, and a 120 lb. hopper capacity.
The seller states that the hopper of this commercial pull behind fertilizer spreader is versatile. It can carry sand, top dressing material, ice melt, seeds, fertilizers, and more. Experts mention it’s ideal for spreading fertilizers on lawns, especially after the onset of summer or spring.
The best part is you can spread your fertilizers 18” inches wide by filling your hopper on one side. Alternatively, you can spread it up to 36” inches wide to cover more areas.
One user stated that he used this machine to drop grass seed, topsoil, and it worked fine. He advised users to dry their tools first before using it to spread peat moss.
Some buyers complained that the metal that attaches to the main body of the hopper is prone to rust. You can either replace its vendor nuts with wing nuts or install look washer to boost its efficiency.
The Spyker P70-12010 Commercial Drop Spreader rocks, and it’s a beast worth your money.
Other features: 12V electric motor, foot control, mower not included; made of corrosion-resistant materials,
With a 120 lb. polythene motor hopper and a direct drive 12V electric motor, the JRCO Electric Broadcast works best with granular fertilizers. The seller claims it can spread your ice melt and seeds.
The JRCO Universal Mounting Bar attaches to this machine perfectly though it’s purchased separately. You can invest in a side deflector or a mower.
This machine spreads fertilizers from 5 to 24”. It has a foot control for regulating the speed patterns in low and high grounds. Its foot-operated grate also promotes hands-free operation. Experts also state that its stainless-steel bumper safeguards the motor and fan.
Several parts of this tool are designed with cleanliness in mind. The stainless-steel fan is removable and you can clean it regularly.
Most users loved its design. 80% of its parts are crafted with stainless steel though some sections have engineered plastics.
The seller is reliable, and you will include the make, model, and deck size you want after purchasing this commercial push fertilizer spreader.
Other features: rust-resistant powder coat finish, 25,000 sq. ft coverage capacity, 60 liter polyethylene hopper
Compared to JRCO Electric Broadcast Spreader and Spyker P70-12010 Commercial Drop Spreader, the Yard Commander Tow Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader has a wider broadcast for spreading seed, foot fertilizer and salt.
It has an impressive finish with a rust-resistant powder coat. The seller claims its 12-inches pneumatic tires are sturdy to cut through fields with different terrain. They recommend it for farmers or homeowners with vast fields.
The seller will give you a rain cover and screen to safeguard your equipment against harsh weather elements.
You can regulate its spreading width from 10 to 12 foot and hook it to a garden tractor, UTV or ATV to spread fertilizers fast. You can hook to a JD rider or a John Deere tractor.
This machine requires 30 minutes to set up. Clean it thoroughly, especially if you use it to spread salt.
Loosen the nuts on your metal plate if you tow this equipment, but it’s struggling to move. Some buyers complained they strained to reach for its handle meant for opening and the hopper gate.
Other features: 1/2 acre coverage, durable rod linked on-off control, enclosed gear box, wide wheel base, pneumatic wheels
The Agri-Fab 45-0463 Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader has a compact design tailored to buyers seeking to spread fertilizers on at least one acre.
It has a 130-pound hopper capacity to reduce the refilling time when working on medium-sized fields. You will get a hopper grate, hopper cover, and a material deflector for free.
The seller states its tire has rough treads that move swiftly on smooth and rocky terrains. The diameter of the tires is wide and offers a stable base for the hopper.
The hopper covers ensure your fertilizers are dry and prevent them from spilling during windy days.
This machine has other features like an enclosed gearbox with tapered blades and a durable rod to maneuver it.
Experts say the enclosed gearbox is designed to lengthen its life. They insist the poly hopper is rustproof, and you can operate it from your tractor seat.
The manufacturer claims you can purchase the tow or push model or opt for both and still claim a three-year limited warranty.
One user stated that it took him 4 hours to spread materials on 9 acres. He was disappointed that the tow point was too low.
Other features: 1/3 acre coverage, rustproof poly hopper and spreader plate, heavy-duty steel gear, universal hitch
Craftsman holds a record in designing heavy-duty machines for spreading fertilizers across different ranges.
The Craftsman CMXGZBF7124322 Tow Broadcast Spreader is one of their superb machines. It has a beautiful spreader plate, rustproof poly hopper, and a heavy-duty steel gear to lengthen its life.
The seller mentions its hopper has a capacity of 1/3 acre, and it can carry materials that cover up to 500 sq. feet. Experts confirmed it comes fully assembled. Tighten its nuts or oil the moving parts to boost mobility.
This tool throws fertilizers or seeds up to 10 ft. Its spreader and the poly hopper are rust-proof but don’t expose it to harsh weather elements for long hours.
Experts love the universal hitches that can attach to several tractors. They state this machine scatters seeds, fertilizers, or ice melt. The 10-inch pneumatic tires are sturdy and move swiftly across all fields.
This equipment will spread fertilizers until you place the lever in a closed position. One buyer stated it could spread pelletized lime but not powder lime.
Few users complained the gear is ineffective. Some buyers said this machine is clumsy.
Other features: stainless steel construction, enclosed gearbox w/ grease fitting, finger grip, made in the USA
Chapin has been designing and producing industry leading equipment for over a century. From its headquarters in New York, the brand offers home and industrial irrigation systems, spreaders, sprayers and accessories. So, you can have confidence that the Chapin International 8400C Chapin Professional SureSpread Spreader is made by American workers in the Chapin factories in the USA using global parts.
The Chapin International 8400C Chapin Professional SureSpread Spreader has all the functionality and features that you need for efficiency and reliability, season after season. The 8400C is a one piece heavy duty hopper that is fully supported by a durable stainless steel frame with T handles featuring comfort grips. The adjustable rotary gate can accommodate a variety of materials, while the cast zinc plated agitator will help to prevent clumping. The 8400C features directional spread pattern control that will ensure that the material is applied where you want it and it is needed. The enclosed metal gears are designed to prevent debris interference, while the wide tread pneumatic tires allow you to take this spreader anywhere and into any conditions.
What are its best features?
100 pound capacity
Rugged, stainless steel frame
Spread pattern control for greater precision
Rain cover and hopper gate included
What could be improved?
Some users have reported vulnerability to rust on some parts
Other features: universal attachment, ½ acre coverage, directional spread pattern, fully enclosed gearbox, easy calibration settings
The Brinly BS36BH Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader comes from a reliable seller who delivers high-tech products.
Its rust-resistant hopper holds up to 175 lb. of fertilizers, ice melt, and seeds, among others.
The seller states it has several calibrated settings to boost accuracy. Unlike other fertilizer spreaders that function even when the tractor stops, the Brinly BS36BH Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader has a patented auto flow with spread pattern control that eliminates wastage of materials.
It comes with a hopper cover to keep moisture away from your materials and safeguard you against the dust while working. Experts state you can attach its universal hitch to several ATVs, ZTR, rider, or tractor.
Most buyers claim it’s sturdy and easy to assemble. The manual has everything you need to assemble it. You can watch Brinly videos on YouTube if you’re a visual learner.
One buyer stated it’s not a good fit for users with less than an acre of land. Its bottom part is flat and hinders even spreading.
The Earthway Products 199435 3100 Hand Crank Broadcast Spreader is a small fertilizer spreader with a hopper that contains up to 40 lbs. of fertilizers. Experts confirm you can use it to distribute fertilizers, ice melts, and grass seeds, among others.
The seller offers a heavy-duty cover to compensate for its compact nature. Experts appreciate its coated chassis, heavy duty gearbox, easy operator shutoff setting, and the exclusive dual-port shutoff.
Most buyers appreciated that it does not require installation. It’s super-easy to use and spreads fertilizers well on hilly and level grounds.
One buyer stated it’s a top-notch product that is overpriced. He lamented that the gearbox is designed with low-quality plastics.
Several users also complained that its neck-strap is awful, and snaps off easily. Purchase and test your straps from offline stores to get a durable model that works well with this tool. Experts confirmed that it suits users with small pieces of land.
One buyer advised users to wear long sleeve t-shirts while using it. You can get a face mask for enhanced protection.
Other features: steel tri-bar rotor, a positive shutoff lever, adjustable variable-rate stainless steel bottom/slide, steel tri-bar rotor, porous oil-impregnated bearings
Like the Yard Commander Tow Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader, the GANDY 36-Inch Variable Rate Drop Spreader has a large diameter between its wheels for stability.
It has a plate with porous oil-impregnated bearings for extending its lifetime. The bottom part slides off with ease to foster easy cleaning. Experts mention that the bottom section has triangular openings that are 1-1/8″ inches apart.
The hopper has a rectangular design, and it’s made with a durable powder coat finish to prevent rust.
The sellers confirm that this machine comes with a steel tri rotor for internal agitation. They recommend it for spreading materials like fungicides, seeds, granular chemicals, and fertilizers. Its positive shutoff lever seals the slide to stop the flow and eradicate dribble.
You can modify this machine to spread using a 25” or 30” pattern by blocking some holes using duct tape. One user stated it’s one of the best spreaders he has ever used in his home.
Why is it special?
Large diameter between the wheels
Effective spreader plate
Porous oil-impregnated bearings
East to clean
Hopper designed with durable coat finish
What are the flaws?
Not found
Things to Consider
A fertilizer spreader is a must-have if you cherish green farms or gardens. It spreads fertilizer fast and accurately. They come in several types like broadcast and drop spreaders.
Fertilizer spreaders are simple to operate. They are designed to spread seeds or fertilizers within a specified range. You only need to calibrate your machine according to your manufacturer’s specifications before it spreads your fertilizers on autopilot.
With several options in the market, getting the right spreader can be tough. We’ve prepared this guide to walk you through the process. We will look at the benefits of owning a fertilizer spreader, features to consider when selecting a drop feeder for commercial purposes, and the frequently asked questions.
Benefits of commercial fertilizer spreaders
A fertilizer spreader has several advantages. First, it’s versatile and can spread seeds, ice melt, or chemicals that shouldn’t be touched with bare hands.
It favors farmers and homeowners who do precision farming or gardening. Users with bigger gardens or farms get more work done in less time. You will spread your fertilizers evenly and safeguard your land against contamination.
Features to consider when choosing a spreader for commercial purposes
There are thousands of drop spreaders in the market. Every seller claims their models are well-built and long-lasting to make quick bucks.
You don’t have to scrutinize several products first before getting a good one that matches your needs.
Look for sturdy fertilizer spreaders that are accurate and easy to use. The best models have high capacity hoppers to reduce the refill time.
In this section, we will look at the factors to consider like the type of drop spreader, capacity, spread width, wheels, size and weight, and warranty, among others.
Type
The main types of fertilizer spreaders are drop, pull-behind, broadcast, and handheld spreaders. In this guide, we will focus on the drop and broadcast fertilizer spreaders.
Broadcast spreaders distribute your materials using fins positioned below your hopper. Models like Yard Commander Tow Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader are made of stainless steel though plastic models function well too.
Whether you’re planning to drop seeds or fertilizers, they are the go-to spreaders for precision applications. They drop your materials directly below the hopper as it moves.
Capacity
Capacity represents the weight of your hopper and the frame. It affects the duration of spreading materials in an area.
Experts advise farmers and homeowners with vast land to invest in a spreader with a large hopper. It carries more fertilizers or seeds and reduces the refill rate.
The size of your wheel matters if you’re planning to tow your machine to a UTV, ATV, or a JD tractor. The wheels should be sturdy and move on a plane or bumpy field with ease.
Size and weight go together. There are lightweight and heavy fertilizer spreaders. Lightweight fertilizer spreaders like Earthway Products 199435 3100 Hand Crank Broadcast Spreader that weigh 9lbs. are recommended for users with limited storage space.
Unlike light spreaders, heavy fertilizer spreaders have high maintenance costs.
Construction
Never prioritize the weight of a spreader over its durability. Some lightweight models are durable than heavy ones that damage fast.
Gardening tools with durable materials like stainless steel last longer than the plastic ones. Get a rust-resistant machine that is designed with sturdiness in mind.
The models with plastic parts are lightweight and easy to use though they damage easily.
The warranty covers the parts of the fertilizer spreader like the hopper, and wheel, among others. The manufacturer will conduct prompt repair and replacement if you get a machine with structural defects.
The machines we selected have a warranty ranging from 90 days to 3 years.
Get a model with a warranty ranging from 1 to 3 years, test it, and check for defects.
Budget
The cost of a product reflects its quality. High-end fertilizer spreaders are costly but worth the price. They’re made of materials that are rust-resistant and withstand harsh weather conditions.
The main types of fertilizer spreaders are broadcast, drop, and liquid spreaders. They function differently. There are drop spreaders you can tow or push.
They drop granular fertilizers directly on the ground through the hole in the hopper.
Broadcast spreaders use fins to throw the materials as they drop to the ground from the hopper.
Liquid fertilizer spreaders work with fertilizers that dissolve fast. You can use a garden hose to spread the fertilizer. They’re inaccurate compared to drop and broadcast fertilizer feeders.
Confirm whether your machine is compatible with both liquid and granules first. You can get a model that works with granular fertilizers or the ones designed for liquid fertilizers.
Yes, you can spread grass seeds with models like Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 Tow Broadcast Spreader and GANDY 36-Inch Variable Rate Drop Spreader.
You don’t have to spread your fertilizer manually with hundreds of good fertilizer spreaders in the market. They spread fertilizers or seeds accurately and reduce the risk of infecting lawns.
Depending on the size of your garden, you can purchase a model with a large or small hopper. Go through the guide and narrow down into a model that matches your needs.
Our first pick is the Spyker P70-12010 Commercial Drop Spreader. It has a versatile hopper for spreading fertilizers, ice melts, seeds, and more. Experts state it’s great for yards and farms.
The second pick is the JRCO Electric Broadcast Spreader with a powerful motor and a hopper with functional capacity. It functions well on both flat and bumpy grounds.
Our third pick is the Yard Commander Tow Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader. It has an impressive finish and sturdy tires. The seller gives a rain cover and screen. You can hook it on your ATV, UTV, or garden tractor to do your work fast.
