14 best turf spreaders
Turf spreaders, also known as lawn spreaders or broadcast spreaders, are gardening tools designed to evenly distribute various materials over a lawn or garden area. They are commonly used for tasks such as spreading grass seed, fertilizer, lime, weed killer, and other granular materials. Here's what you should know about turf spreaders:
Types of Turf Spreaders:
- Broadcast Spreaders: These spreaders disperse materials in a wide, fan-like pattern. They are ideal for covering large areas quickly and efficiently. Broadcast spreaders can be further categorized into push spreaders and tow-behind spreaders, with the former being manually pushed and the latter attached to a lawn tractor or ATV.
- Drop Spreaders: Drop spreaders release materials directly down onto the ground in a controlled, straight-line fashion. They are best suited for precise applications and smaller areas.
Materials for Spreading: Turf spreaders can be used to distribute a variety of materials, including:
- Grass Seed: For overseeding or reseeding lawns.
- Fertilizer: To provide essential nutrients to the grass and plants.
- Lime: To adjust soil pH levels.
- Weed and Pest Control Products: Such as herbicides or insecticides.
Adjustable Settings: Many turf spreaders come with adjustable settings that allow users to control the rate at which materials are spread. This customization ensures even distribution and prevents over- or under-application of materials.
Capacity: The capacity of a turf spreader varies from model to model. Larger spreaders can hold more material and cover larger areas without frequent refilling.
Wheels and Tires: Turf spreaders typically have wheels and tires that help in maneuvering the spreader across the lawn. The size and design of these wheels can impact the ease of use and stability of the spreader.
Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep a turf spreader in good working condition. This includes cleaning the hopper and spreader mechanisms after each use, lubricating moving parts, and storing it in a dry place to prevent rust.
Usage Tips:
- Calibrate your spreader to ensure it dispenses the correct amount of material according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Apply materials in a crisscross pattern to achieve uniform coverage.
- Avoid spreading on windy days to prevent material drift.
- Follow safety guidelines and wear appropriate protective gear, especially when handling chemicals.
Benefits: Using a turf spreader offers several advantages, including efficient and uniform distribution of materials, reduced waste, and less physical effort compared to manual methods like hand broadcasting.
In summary, turf spreaders are valuable tools for gardeners and homeowners to achieve even and efficient distribution of various materials across their lawns or gardens. The choice between broadcast spreaders and drop spreaders depends on the specific application and user preferences, making them essential devices for gardening and lawn care.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best turf spreaders on the marketProduct description
Spread grass seed and fertilizer products more efficiently and effectively with Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader. Equipped with Scotts exclusive EdgeGuard Technology to keep product off of your landscaping, driveways and sidewalks, you can trust that the product will be spread accurately. The control panel with precision rate settings delivers even more accurate coverage. The Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Spreader comes pre-calibrated and fully assembled with fold-down handle for easy storage. Can be used for salting.
- Scotts turf builder mini walk-behind broadcast spreader features Scotts exclusive EdgeGuard Technology to keep product off landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks
- Designed to deliver superior results when used with Scotts fertilizer and grass seed products; Can be used for salting--for best results use with Scotts Ice Melt
- Comes pre-calibrated and fully assembled with fold-down handle for easy storage
- Ideal for treating smaller areas, and its compact design allows for easy storage
- Holds up to 5,000 square feet of Scotts lawn products
User questions & answers
Question: | would it work well for powdered lime |
Answer: | Just bought a Classic Drop Spreader for use with pulverized (powdered) lime. Worked great with a 40 lb. bag and a setting of 14. Took a few passes to use up the bag at the recommended application rate found on the bag of lime. Cross (perpendicular) application was recommended by the lime supplier. Tried to apply a bag of lime with a rotary spreader (Scotts 2000) and wound up with clogging due to the insufficient hole size even at a setting of 11. Recommend you use granular lime with the rotary spreader. Seems to work well for me with the Scotts 2000. |
Question: | can you buy replacement tires |
Answer: | Replacement wheels are available from Scotts. Please reach us through the "Contact Us" page on scotts.com. |
Question: | Does it say where this spreader is made |
Answer: | The spreader is made in California. |
Question: | How is the spread when used for salt in the winter? Does it have a good spread or does it just trickle to the floor with very little spread |
Answer: | I bought this 5 years ago and only use for salt in the winter, the metal frame finally gave out in the beginning of the 6th winter. Spreads salt fine as long as the wheels turn. Not great for built up ice pack on driveway. Works great for normal use at home. |
Product features
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
- With Scotts Exclusive Edgeguard Technology
- Holds up to 5,000 sq. ft. of Scotts Lawns products
- Control panel with precision rate settings for more accurate coverage
- Delivered ready to use - no assembly required and pre-calibrated
Precision rate settings control panel to ensure accurate coverage.
Scotts smallest walk-behind spread- er that holds up to 5,000 sq. ft. of Scotts Lawn Products.
When engaged it will block off right side of spreader pattern to prevent product from spreading onto non- lawns areas.
Product description
Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control, 5,000 sq. ft.
Apply Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control to kill and protect against listed bugs and to feed and strengthen your lawn against heat and drought. Apply to a dry lawn, then water in thoroughly to activate the product. Apply in Summer: June through August.
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader - Spreads Grass Seed, Fertilizer and Salt - Holds up to 5,000 sq. ft. of Scotts Grass Seed or Fertilizer Products
Spread grass seed and fertilizer products more efficiently and effectively with Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader. Equipped with Scotts exclusive EdgeGuard Technology to keep product off of your landscaping, driveways and sidewalks, you can trust that the product will be spread accurately. The control panel with precision rate settings delivers even more accurate coverage. The Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Spreader comes pre-calibrated and fully assembled with fold-down handle for easy storage. Can be used for salting.
- Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Kills and protects against listed bugs
- Water smart improves lawn's ability to absorb water and nutrients
- Safe for all grass types
- Scotts Turf Builder Edgeguard Mini Broadcast Spreader with exclusive EdgeGuard technology
- Scotts Lawn Food products are designed to work with Scotts spreaders
- Not Sold in Pinellas County, FL
User questions & answers
Question: | Whats the npk for summer guard |
Answer: | The NPK for Scotts Turf Builder Summerguard is 20-0-8. |
Question: | I just used the Summerguard. But I also have a huge problem with clover. How soon can I apply the Weed & Feed after using the summerguard |
Answer: | I also applied this and have a clover issue... Scott’s recommends 4-6 weeks in between feedings. 30 days would be the shortest time with a minor risk of burning your lawn. |
Question: | Does it affect pets in the yard? I've got 2 dogs and 2 cats in the yard daily! One of each is sensitve to flea and tick treatments |
Answer: | I have two cats too. As far as I know insect killers are not harmful for pets. They kill spineless creatures, so they don't affect creatures with spine, including squirrels. As a precaution, it might be safer to keep the pets inside for a moment after applying this fertilizer. |
Question: | What insects does it prevent |
Answer: | From the scotts website:ants, armyworms, billbugs, chiggers, chinch bugs, crickets, fleas, grasshoppers, mole crickets, mealy bugs, sod webworms (lawn moth larvae), spiders, ticks, weevils. |
Product description
Residential Series, Turf Spreader, 80 LB Capacity Hopper, Ergonomically Designed Bail System That Allows The User To Use Either Hand, Powder Coated Steel Frame Directly Supports Hopper Base & Hopper, Enclosed Acetal Gears, 12" Pneumatic Tires, Ergonomically Angled U-Shaped Tube Handle Bars, Adjustable Gate Dial On Hopper Base, 2 Year Limited Warranty. Residential Series, 2 Year Limited Warranty.
- Adjustable metal slide gate with zinc agitator
- Powder coated steel frame
- Side baffle for directional control of spread
- Comes with 2 Year Warranty
- u-shaped handle for easy operation
- Adjustabl gate dial for accurate spread settings
- 12" pneumatic tires
Product description
Chapin residential spreaders redefine what consumers expect from a spreader for home use. Built with surespread technology, you can be assured of an Even spread pattern & distribution of product. The 65 lb lawn spreader starter model has a 65 lb capacity Hopper, powder coated steel frame, adjustable gate with 30 gate settings For seed & fertilizer, & enclosed gears to withstand the elements. 65 lb capacity Hopper with enclosed gear system powder coated steel frame Directly supports Hopper base & Hopper U-shaped tube handle bars adjustable gate with 30 gate settings 9" Poly wheels. Specifications wheel size: 9" Hopper construction: poly axle material: metal-alloy Hopper capacity: 65 lb frame Type: powder-coated steel frame construction: Powder-coated steel handle type: U-shaped handle material: powder-coated steel gate control: lever gate opening: rotary linkage: cable gear construction: Acetyl Agitator type: Poly wheels: deep Lug poly.
- Chapin sure spread spreader features: powder coated frame
- Product is Manufactured in United States
- Enclosed gears prevents debris interference
- Adjustable gate control
- U-shaped handle for easy operation
- 9" Poly wheels rolls over any surface easily
Product description
Chapin Lawn Spreaders redefine what consumers expect from a spreader for home use. Built with SureSpread technology, you can be assured of an even spread pattern and distribution of product. The 70-Pound Spreader starter model has a 70-pound capacity hopper, powder coated steel frame, adjustable gate with 30 gate settings for seed and fertilizer, and enclosed gears to withstand the elements. 70-Pound capacity hopper with enclosed gear system Powder coated steel frame directly supports hopper base & hopper Adjustable gate with 30 gate settings 9-inch pneumatic tires U-shaped tube handle bars Rotary gate with zinc plated agitator & adjustable gate settings. Specifications Wheel Size: 9-inch Hopper Construction: Poly Axle Material: Metal-alloy Hopper Capacity: 70-pound Frame Type: Powder-coated steel Frame Construction: Powder-coated steel Handle Type: U-shaped Handle Material: Powder-coated steel Gate Control: Lever Gate Opening: Rotary Linkage: Cable Gear Box: Enclosed Gear Construction: Acetal Impeller: Designed for even spread pattern Agitator Type: Zinc-plated Wheels: Pneumatic.
- U-shaped handle for easy operation
- Powder coated steel frame
- Adjustable gate control for accurate spread settings
- Enclosed gears to prevent debris interference
- Rotary gate with aggressive spiked auger
- 9" poly wheels rolls over any surface easily
- Made in the USA
Product description
The Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader is the perfect spreader for small yards. Engineered to deliver smooth and even product coverage with an adjustable arm support that provides maximum comfort. Use it to weed, feed, seed, and apply ice melt! The Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader comes fully assembled, so you can begin treating your lawn immediately.
- Perfect handheld spreader for small yards
- Great for year-round use to weed, seed, fertilize, and apply ice melt
- Engineered for smooth, even coverage
- Adjustable arm support helps provide maximum comfort
- Holds up to 1,500 sq ft of Scotts lawn products
User questions & answers
Question: | how does the arm rest release |
Answer: | No, it is made of microfiber. It is very soft and warm. |
Question: | Is it really stiff to operate for tired old hands with a bit of carpal tunnel Syndrome, or is it easy to find a nice sweet spot and keep it moving |
Answer: | Polyester. It's pretty warm. |
Question: | How wide is the pattern spread |
Answer: | Same color all around. |
Question: | Would I be able to spread my zinnia seeds next spring/summer |
Answer: | A normal size pillow case. Not a king. |
Product features
Great for Small Areas and Easy To Use
The Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader is the perfect spreader for small yards. The Whirl is engineered to deliver smooth and even product coverage, and also features an adjustable arm support that provides maximum comfort. It comes fully assembled and is ready to use.
Use the Whirl to feed, seed, weed or apply ice melt.
Maximum Comfort
Adjustable arm support helps provide maximum comfort while using.
Use to Feed, Seed, Weed, or Melt
Use with any Scotts fertilizer or grass seed products to feed your lawn, plant grass seed and treat weeds. Also use with ice melt during the winter.
Great for Small Areas
This hand-powered spreader holds up to 1,500 sq. ft. of Scotts lawn products or ice melt and is perfect for treating small areas.
There are three basic types:
Hand-Held, Broadcast, and Drop Spreaders. Select the spreader you need based on the area you will be treating. Broadcast spreaders throw products in a 180-degree swath, creating a wide coverage pattern while drop spreaders are more targeted
Hand-Held Spreader
Great to treat small areas under 5,000 sq. ft. Choose from hand or battery powered options.
Broadcast Spreader
Best for areas over 5,000 sq. ft.
Drop Spreader
Use in medium-sized areas that need precise application (such as heavily landscaped areas or around tight curves).
Product description
garden cart
Product description
Contractor Series, Turf Spreader, 80 LB Capacity Hopper, Powder Coated Steel Frame, T-Handle With Rubber Grips, 12" Wide Tread Pneumatic Tires, Hopper Has Finger Grip For Balanced Lifting, Solid Steel Linkage With Gate Control, Enclosed Metal Gears, Directional Spread Pattern Control, Adjustable Rotary Gate With Cast Zinc Plated Agitator, 2 Piece Grate For Sifting Seed & Fertilizer, Limited 5 Year Warranty. Contractor Series, Limited 5 Year Warranty.
- Enclosed Metal Gears to preventy debris interference
- Spread Pattern control
- Wide tread design for professional use
- Powder Coated Steel Frame
- T-Handle With Rubber Grips
- Adjustable Rotary Gate
- Solid steel linkage with gate control
Product description
🏡 Large capacity hopper holds up to 10,000 sq. ft. of Scotts lawn product, including grass seed and fertilizer
- 🏡 Large capacity hopper holds up to 10,000 sq. ft. of Scotts lawn product, including grass seed and fertilizer
- 🏡 Heavy-duty frame for optimum stability
- 🏡 22-inch spread pattern delivers maximum coverage and accuracy
- 🏡 Fully assembled
- 🏡 Ready to use and pre-calibrated
Product description
The Chapin 80-pound capacity turf broadcast spreader comes with a rugged, heavy-duty hopper, powder-coated steel frame, ergonomically designed bail system and enclosed gear box. Adjustable gate opening for a variety of seeds and fertilizer applications. 10-inch pneumatic tires give stability over uneven surfaces. Comes assembled, just attach the handle and go!
- Free Shipping
- 80-pound capacity heavy-duty hopoper with durable powder-coated steel frame
- Ergonomically designed bail system with adjustable gate opening for a variety of seed and fertilizer applications
- 10-inch pneumatic tires for easy maneuvering on uneven surfaces
- Assembled, just attach the handle and go
User questions & answers
Question: | Does the Chapin model 81000Z come with the side deflector baffle included with the spreader |
Answer: | Yes. The CMES610 comes with 1 wood blade. |
Question: | Can I use this for ant bait granules |
Answer: | The CMES610 is manufactured in China. |
Product description
The battery-powered Scotts Wizz Spreader is the quick and easy option when it comes to spreading. The Wizz holds up to 2,500 sq. ft. of Scotts lawn care products and features Scotts exclusive EdgeGuard and HandyLock Technology. Use it year round to feed, seed, and weed! EdgeGuard Technology allows for 5-foot broadcast control. Our most advanced spreader yet, powered by 4 AA batteries with 23 settings for unbeatable accuracy. Perfect for lawn seed, fertilizer and weed control products. Not recommended for rock salt use.
- Battery-powered spreader you can use year round—designed to spread grass seed, lawn fertilizer and weed control products
- Designed to cover up to 2, 500 sq. ft. using Scotts lawn care product
- 5-foot broadcast with control of EdgeGuard Technology
- Our most advanced spreader yet, powered by 4 AA batteries with 23 settings for unbeatable accuracy
- Perfect for lawn seed, fertilizer and weed control products
User questions & answers
Question: | can you use preen in this spreader |
Answer: | I would sat yes. As long as you keep replying it each week you should not have any problens |
Question: | Has anyone used this with ortho bug b gone granuals |
Answer: | I use this frequently to keep the deer from chewing on plants. |
Question: | Rechargeable? If not what size batteries |
Answer: | I believe the label says to apply every 30 days or as needed. I found that I needed to apply it every 10-14 days or so. And of course after it rains you need to reapply. I found it works well but it got kind of expensive having to reapply so often. |
Question: | Will it spread rock salt or only the smaller, more evenly sized (and more expensive) chemicals |
Answer: | No it won't keep plants from growing. We use it to keep animals away from our bamboo. It works to keep them away. |
Product features
1. Prepare
Be sure to know the size of your lawn and grass type before you begin. Read and follow all directions for use on the label of the product that you are buying.
2. Fill
Designed to hold enough product to cover 2,500 sq. ft. Be sure not to overfill or over-apply.
3. Set
Turn the orange dial to the correct setting which can be found in the Settings section of the label. Also, turn the EdgeGuard on to protect non-lawn areas.
4. Go
Begin walking and pull trigger to apply product. Be sure to walk at a steady pace of 4 ft. per second. See the How to Apply section of the label for more details.
- EVEN SPREAD - The EV-N-SPRED 3-hole drop shut-off system ensures an even spread pattern and provides a feathered spreading edge for accurate applications.The drop rate of the seed or fertilizer can be adjusted to accommodate narrow sections of lawn.
- FULLY ENCLOSED, HEAVY-DUTY GEARBOX - One of the most common problems with broadcast spreaders is the chute’s tendency to become clogged or blocked. Because of the gearbox’s design, it is virtually impossible to block, even when it is being used in moist or damp conditions. This makes the spreading process significantly easier.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Walk-behind broadcast spreader features an epoxy powder coated "Diamond" chassis and steel “T” bar handle. The wide set tires and frame are essential to even weight distribution when operating such a heavy duty spreader. The large, pneumatic tires will not go flat and make it easy to use on an incline or over uneven turf.
- MAXIMUM CAPACITY - The 40lb/18kg capacity rustproof poly hopper provides a low profile to keep it out of the way in the tightest area. A Rate Calculation Matrix is included to assist is setting for all of today’s granular products including organic materials.
- MADE IN AMERICA - All Earthway products are designed and constructed locally in the USA at our headquarters in Bristol, Indiana. Assembly Required.
User questions & answers
Question: | How many pounds of fertilizer does this spreader hold |
Answer: | It hold the contents of a 5000 sq ft Scott’s fertilizer product. Think that is about 15-20 lbs. nice unit but you have to be careful on the opening since there is no established way to know in advance the flow. Trial and error. Start at low setting and take it slowly step by step. |
Question: | Anything I have ever spread just gives scotts spreader settings, so how do you know what the equivalent setting is using the earthway |
Answer: | The spreader comes with a chart that you can use. You basically look at the lbs of the bag you bought vs the sq ft that the bag says it covers. You can use those numbers in the chart to get a value, then you look at another chart it came with and that tells you the setting to use on the spreader. I can't say it is 100% accurate, but that is how they say to do it. I used mine for the first time a few weeks ago and the amount coming out seemed about what I thought it should. Hope that helps. |
Question: | Does this have sidespread control |
Answer: | yes, on the left side |
Question: | Can you broadcast pellets like milorganite and shin nong pro |
Answer: | I bought mine to use to spread Milo. I usually throw down 12 bags. Sadly, this spreader doesn’t hold an entire bag so I had to refill constantly. I ended up buying a Lesco 80lb spreader and called it a day. It can fit nearly 3 bags at a time. I also use BayState Fertilizer which is similar to Milo and. I can fit 2 of the 40lb bags easily. One other thing I wasn’t a fan of was it seemed like products like grubex empties way too quickly when on the “correct” setting, so make sure you use your judgement and adjust the setting as you go. Hope this helps. |
Product features
2600APlus Medium-Duty Estate Broadcast Spreader
The 2600APlus is the closest you can get to a commercial spreader without the cost! The steel“T” handle and solid linkage are features offered on our Commercial& Professional spreaders. Utilizing the EV-N-SPRED 3-Hole Drop Shut-Off System ensures an even and balanced spread pattern of all granular materials, high flotation 9”/22cm high-flotation tires roll smoothly over rough terrain as well as icy conditions. The 40lb/18kg capacity rustproof poly hopper provides a low profile to keep it out of the way in the tightest area. A Rate Calculation Matrix is included to assist is setting for all of today’s granular products including organic materials. The 2600APlus is designed for the lawn enthusiast that wants alight-duty commercial spreader at a great price.
Product description
The CMXGZBF450532 85 lb. push lawn spreader has a large 4 ft. to 8 ft. spread pattern to cover around 12,000 sq. ft. of ground in less time. The hopper is constructed of heavy-duty polyethylene for rust and corrosion-resistant performance in all weather. The summer is an excellent time to give your lawn a healthy boost. In the fall fertilizing gives your lawn extra strength to help it through the winter. The 85 lbs. push spreader provides a long-lasting fertilizer, grass seed or ice melt spreader.
- CAPACITY: 85 lb hopper capacity
- ACCURATE: Direct rod control for the most accurate applications
- MANEUVERABILITY: 12 in. x 4 in. turf tread tires for non-slip traction and smooth rolling experience
- CONSTRUCTION: Rustproof poly hopper and spreader plate for increased product life; Enclosed gearbox for increased durability
- ERGONOMIC: T-style handle for improved ergonomics
- CONTROLS; Easy to use settings control
- Power Source Type: Manual
Product description
The enclosed gearbox and durable stainless steel frame on the Chapin Professional SureSpread Push Spreader 8400C make it capable of handling all sorts of outdoor spreading tasks each season of the year. Perfect for use around the home and garden, the Chapin 8400C can be used to spread granular fertilizers, granular herbicides, grass seed, and more to lawn and turf for lawn maintenance in the spring and summer seasons. In winter, you can use the Chapin 8400C to accurately spread ice melt and salt to ice-stricken areas like pathways, sidewalks, walkways, etc. You won't have to worry about uneven spread patterns with the broadcast spreader's innovative spread control pattern that gives you precise spread pattern control of your materials. Large 14" wide air-filled tires provide excellent stability and smooth traction on lawns and terrain. Poly hopper with enclosed gearbox is fully supported by the durable stainless steel frame. Featured on the Chapin 8400C Professional Push Spreader is SureSpread technology for accurate product distribution and spread patterns with an innovative gate design, gate opening placement, gate adjustment for fertilizer and seed applications, and spread pattern directional control. Rain cover and hopper grate are included. The rain cover protects the material inside the hopper from rain, snow, and the outdoor elements. The hopper grate prevents clogs in the gate, improving product flow.
- Poly Hopper Capacity: 100 LBS.
- Stainless steel frame, stainless steel linkage, stainless steel t-handle
- Enclosed gearbox w/ grease fitting ; Gears made of metal-alloy material
- 14" wide pneumatic tires
- Includes rain cover and hopper grate
- Adjustable Rotary Gate
- Spread pattern control
User questions & answers
Question: | Are the handlebars adjustable for different heights? My father is |
Answer: | Hi, the handle bars on the 8400C Chapin Professional Spreader are not adjustable for height. If we can help with any further questions, please feel free to call our Technical Customer Service Team at 800-444-3140 and they will be happy to assist you. Thank you for your question and for your business, we appreciate it. |
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