Desperate times call for appropriate measures. While the winter is a great time to enjoy various outdoor activities such as ice fishing, ice-skating and building snowman, excess ice on the driveway and walk paths may make our lives difficult.
A broadcast spreader is a multifunctional lawn management tool that will help in spreading various granular products. To begin with, it will allow you to spread salt, allowing the ice to melt, making our pavements and driveways easy and safer to walk or drive on. The best-broadcast spreader will also let you spread other granular products such as fertilizer, seed, or even lime on the lawn, making gardening easier.
The broadcast spreaders come in different sizes and designs making them ideal for all types of lawn regardless of their size. Since there is a large number on the market, it is imperative to choose the right one to suit your needs.
In this post, we have outlined the top models that allow you to get the work done efficiently and fast. Take your time to go through the models and pick the model that suits your needs best.
The 10 Best Broadcast Spreaders in 2023
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10. JRCO Electric Broadcast Spreader
If you had a bad experience with your past purchases, the JRCO electric broadcast spreader will make an excellent choice. It comes with a foot control that attaches to the mid mount zero turn utility vehicle and mowers boosting the productivity as it allows you to spread the products faster. The unit is primarily designed to assist you in spreading granular and pellet seed, ice melts and seeds on your lawn.
It boasts of an electronic speed control that maintains an accurate spread pattern with a width of 5 to 24 feet. Fitted with a foot-operated gate, this unit promises a hand free operation saving you time and energy. Additionally, it is crafted from high quality and corrosion resistant materials to ensure durability.
- High quality and corrosion resistant materials ensure a long lasting service
- Large 120lb capacity polyethylene hopper allows you to cover a large area
- Powered by an innovative and efficient direct drive electric motor
- Features sealed wiring harness for safety and intuitive controls make it easy to use
9. Industrial Universal 100lb Spreader
The Industrial Universal 100lb Spreader is an ideal choice for spreading almost all granular products including fertilizer, seeds, ice, lime, salt as well as other similar materials. It comes with a corrosion resistant hopper that has a 100lbs capacity. This ensures that it covers a larger surface without refilling constantly. It also boasts of a steel frame making it almost indestructible especially when you consider that it also comes with a durable axle as well as an enclosed gearbox.
When it comes to maneuverability and stability, this unit will also not disappoint. It comes with large 13 inch and wide base wheels that make it easy to push on all terrain easily. Additionally, this model comes with a hopper cover that protects the products that you are spreading from harsh weather elements such as rain when it comes to spreading salt or fertilizer.
- Smartly engineered to enable you to spread the salt and other products evenly
- The hopper is decently sized to hold more products eliminating the need of having to refill regularly
- Besides spreading salt, it also spreads other farm products including seeds and fertilizer
- Well-calibrated and assembles ensures no messing around
8. Precision TB6500 Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
Here is a solution that you have always wanted when it comes to spreading various granular products on your landscape. The Precision TB6500 Tow behind spreader is a heavy-duty model that allows you to cover large areas effortlessly. To control the spreader, you are provided with intuitive controls that you can customize from the tractor seat. This broadcast spreader features large 15 inches threaded turf tires so maneuvering it will not be a problem.
The best part about this spreader is that it comes with simple controls, high-quality gears and a large hopper that allows you to cover a large area of up to a half an acre. Thanks to the guard feature, you can also be sure to only spread the salt, fertilizer, or seed to only the areas you want. Besides, this unit comes with a simple set up precision rate design that lets you accurately spread the granular products on your lawn or pavements.
- Heavy duty, rust resistant, and large capacity poly hopper
- Sturdy steel tube frame ensures durability and reliability
- Large 15 inch and wide base treaded turf tires provide superior maneuverability and stability
- Intuitive controls let you customize the spread rate and range
7. Scotts Snap System – Spreader
The quality of Scotts Snap System spreader is not compromised; actually, it delivers exactly what it promises on paper. Engineered to spread salt, seeds, and fertilizer precisely, this is an advanced model that not only ensures superior performance but also comes with an affordable price. Thanks to the low price and simplistic design, this model is recommended for people working with a limited budget but would still want to get the best performance.
Featuring customizable controls, this unit brings you with an impressive accuracy and covers a large area up to 5,000 square feet. This is not all, with this model; you don’t have to worry about messy pouring or heavy bag. Some of the other features we love about this model include the Edge Guard technology and collapsible handle that makes it easy to store.
- Features an automatic spreader that allows you to set your desired application rate
- Come with exclusive HandyLock and EdgeGuard Technologies
- A uniquely designed Fold-down handle makes storage hassle free
- Simplistic designed and easy to control taking the guesswork and mess out of lawn care
6. Scotts Pro EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader
With the Scotts pro broadcast spreader, you will take care of your lawn like a pro. This spreader is smartly engineered to let you spread your products effectively within a short period of time. This is facilitated by the advanced features that boost its performance and user convenience. To start with, this model comes with a patented Scotts EdgeGuard technology that allows you to spread the product evenly and accurately.
Similar to other models from the Scotts brand, this unit also comes calibrated and ready to use. In addition, we love the intuitive controls that allow you to customize the setting to meet your desired distribution. Above all this model comes with a large chute that holds granular products that can cover an area of up to 18,000 square feet. This is a great choice for spreading salt, fertilizer, as well as seeds.
- Features a patented Scotts Edge guard technology
- Large air-filled tires offer better traction for easier maneuverability
- Decent an economical walk behind broadcast design
- Features a user-friendly control panel with precision rate settings
5. Chapin Professional Spreader
Spread salt and other granular farm products such as fertilizer and seeds efficiently with the Chapin professional spreader. While this model has not been on the market for a long time, it is designed to bring you a performance you will love. First, this is a compact model making it a perfect choice for medium sized areas that are heavily landscaped. This allows you to maneuver it easily without being stuck. Despite the compact design, this model still manages to retain a decently sized hopper that covers a large area without refilling.
You can purchase this spreader with confidence as it comes with a heavy-duty frame that ensures not only durability but also optimum stability. Additionally, with an innovative spread pattern, each corner of your landscape is covered with optimal accuracy. To boost its performance this unit also comes preassembled and pre-calibrated making it easy to use for everyone.
- Decent sized hopper with a capacity of holding up to 80 pounds
- Features an enclosed gear system and coated steel frame to ensure durability and reliability
- Has T shaped handles with rubber and customizable gate dials
- The 12-inch pneumatic tires allow for easy maneuver on all terrains
4. Scotts Handy Green II Hand-Held Broadcast Spreader
Looking for an efficient, lightweight, and high-quality handheld broadcast spreader. Well the Scotts Handy green II spreader is a flawless model that promises a reliable service for small and medium lawns. For added user convenience, this model comes fully assembled letting you get started immediately. It is a multifunctional spreader that lets you apply grass seeds and fertilizer in spring or fall and still let you apply salt to melt ice on your yard during the winter.
This handheld model comes with a hopper that holds enough products to cover an area of up to 1,000 square feet. Above all, this entire model comes with an ergonomic handle that reduces hand fatigue allowing you work for longer. Moreover, this unit allows you to spread the product evenly boosting the overall success.
- High-quality construction materials that are rustproof ensures durability
- Comes fully assembled and can be used to apply various granular products such as salt, seed, and fertilizer
- Features a lightweight design and ergonomic handle that reduces hand fatigue
- While it might appear small, it holds a product that covers an area of up to 1,000 sq. ft
3. gri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow behind Broadcast Spreader
Want an easy way to spread salt to melt ice on your driveway and sidewalk this winter? Look no further as the Agri-Fab 45-0463 broadcast spreader has your back. This model comes with a decent 130 lbs hopper that covers a large area up to a half an acre before refilling. This makes a great choice for people who are looking to cover large areas. Because of the large capacity, this is a tow behind spreader making your work easier.
The hopper comes with a rust proof construction allowing it to handle different granular products. This means it is not limited to spreading salt only. You can also use it in other various gardening activities such as spreading fertilizers as well as seeds. This unit comes with an on and off switch that can be activated from the tractor seat while the gears are enclosed in a box for increased longevity. Additionally, this unit comes with a wide wheelbase and pneumatic tires that ensures superior stability even in uneven surfaces.
- A decent 130lbs hopper allows you to cover a larger area without refilling
- Features a high quality enclosed gearbox with tapered gears that ensures precise spreading
- Large diameter tires coupled with a large wheelbase ensures stability and simple maneuverability even on tough terrain
- High-end construction ensures a reliable service for many years to come.
2. Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader
If you love the simplicity and you are looking to cover a smaller area, the Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader makes an excellent choice. Being powered by a battery, this spreader allows you to spread salt, seeds, and fertilizer in your lawn, garden, or pavement precisely. The spreader comes with a compact Hooper that holds granular products enough to cover an area of up to 2,500 square feet.
Dissimilar to other handheld models this model comes with an impressive five-foot spreading range plus the EdgeGuard technology that enables you to only spread the product on the area you desire preventing wastage. Thanks to the simplistic and multifunctional design, you can use it all year round, as it is compatible with pesticide, fertilizer, lawn seed, as well as snowmelt. Additionally, this unit weighs only 2.1lbs making it easy to carry, reducing hand fatigue.
- Despite the compact design, this model still features the handy lock and edge guard technologies
- Multifunctional design makes it an all year spreader, as it is compactable with fertilizer, seeds, and salt
- Battery powered model and covers a decent range of 5 feet
- Features a compact and rustproof hopper that holds enough granular products to cover 2,500 sq. ft.
1. Scotts Turf Builder Pro EdgeGuard Deluxe Broadcast Spreader
Being a household name in the gardening niche, this Scotts Turf broadcast spreader will never disappoint. Besides spreading salts to clear the snow and ice during the cold season, this spreader also acts as a great model to spread seeds and fertilizer. This makes it an excellent multifunctional spreader that you can use all seasons. This model comes with a large chute that holds enough salt or fertilizer to cover a space of up to 15,000 square feet. This model also comes pre-calibrated and doesn’t require any assembly. You simply need to unbox it and start working.
What makes a model a cut above the rest is its ability to provide uniform coverage of granular products such as fertilizer and salt? Unlike manual application or use of other tools, this unit distributes salt or seeds evenly allowing you to get the work done within a short period. With this model, you will also enjoy the Patented EdgeGuard Technology that allows that you do not apply the salt or fertilizer beyond the specified boundary, allowing the product you are using to cover a larger specified area. What’s more, this unit comes pre-assembled and ready to run without any issues.
- Boasts of the Scotts exclusive edge Guard technology that enables you to cover only the specified area
- Features of an intuitive control panel with precision rate setting that ensures a more accurate coverage
- Large chute holds salt or fertilizer that covers a space of 15,000sq.ft
- Comes preassembled and calibrated making it ready to use
Factors to consider when purchasing the best broadcast spreaders
Purchasing the best-broadcast spreader is not something that you just wake up and do. For you to pick the best model it requires careful consideration. Having said that, below are some of the factors that should help you in making your decision when it comes to the best-broadcast spreader that fits your needs.
- Lawn Size: Your lawn size will determine the size of the broadcaster spreader that you will choose. Obviously, it is not logic to purchase a 20,000 square feet spreader while your lawn measures only 5,000 square feet. Before making your choice, start by estimating your lawn size. If your lawn is larger than 20,000 square feet, tow behind models makes a great choice. On the other hand, if your lawn is less than 3000 square feet, a handheld model makes the best choice.
- Spread pattern: There are two types of spread patterns, these drops, and broadcast. While a broadcast model will help you apply fertilizer or salt faster to cover a larger area, it lacks precision spreading. However, a dropper is more precise making it a great choice for spreading seeds.
- Maneuverability: You also need to pay attention to the maneuverability of the broadcast spreader. Here we recommend going for models with larger wheels as they are easier to maneuver on all types of terrains. Additionally look for spreaders with thick and flat tires as they offer better stability.
- Quality: It’s a no-brainer; you should always select a spreader that is built to last. These machines do not come cheap and replacing them every year is financially draining. Go for models that are made using high-quality materials such as steel frame and rustproof hopper. This will also minimize maintenance costs.
Conclusion
The best broadcast spreaders are precious gems when it comes to distributing salt, fertilizer, and seeds on your lawn. However, the rule of the thumb is to select the model that suits your need. Start by deciding what you really need in a spreader then go through the above models compare the features and pick the model that is right for you.
