Last Updated on June 19, 2021 by Grow with Bovees
Broadcast spreaders are a production tool for getting your seeding done efficiently. They’re used by landscapers, gardeners, farmers, homeowners, and more. The process eliminates long, tedious hand feeds and inconsistent results. Broadcast spreaders have become fundamental to managing ground treatment. Read on to learn about the best broadcast spreader and buying guide.
Our Picks Of Best Broadcast Spreader
Check out our lawn spreader reviews as a primer for finding a high-rated tool for all your landscaping needs.
Scotts EdgeGuard Turf Builder
Easy to set up and getting straight to work, the Scotts EdgeGuard is a top choice for large yards and fields. The machine holds almost 15,000 square feet (0.14 ha) of fertilizer, weed and feed, grass seed, or ice melt. It’s a versatile solution as its settings match up with pretty much every bag of fertilizer on the market. This push broadcast spreader has precision calibration that delivers accurate coverage.
The EdgeGuard promises granular products released in uniform coverage. You’ll never have to concern yourself with disproportionate layering. With its unique technology, the EdgeGuard has a block function to prevent the waste of products onto unwanted spaces.
PROS
- Inexpensive considering the ROI
- Easy settings
- Compact size for easy use and storage
- Suitable for a variety of fertilizers
- Covers more area than the average drop spreaders
CONS
- Wheels will require regular cleaning as wheels can get covered as you fertilize
- Not stable on uneven surfaces
Agri-Fab Push Broadcast Spreader
The Agri-Fab Broadcast Spreader is a year-round solution. In the spring, it’s perfect for when dethatching your lawn and capturing lawn debris. Use the Agri-Fab spreader in the summer to move and distribute mulch and sweep grass clippings. Get the spreader out in the fall to aerate and overseed bare areas. Come winter, remove fallen branches and apply ice melt.
Unlike a lot of machines in its category, the Agri-Fab is as stable on bumpy areas as it is on flat ground. With its ease of use and ability to cover larger areas, expect what used to a tedious job to go faster. Engineered of strong steel, its construction is rustproof. Gears are of aluminum design and enclosed to avoid binding and enhance longevity.
PROS
- A great year-round solution
- Closed gearbox promises long, reliable performance
- Ability to carry more fertilizer more
- Well-designed wheels move easily on hard and hot soil
CONS
- It requires separate machines for the winter and summer.
- A little pricier than comparable devices
Brinly 50-Pound Push Spreader
The Brinly Push Spreader has a rugged powder-coated frame alongside a set of stainless steel gear. The pneumatic tires offer a long-term performance that holds up to or exceeds any comparable model.
The calibration setup means you’re ready to work fast. You’ll be spreading granular materials fast and accurately. The device has a feature that minimizes waste in unwanted spaces. It’s a solid choice for spreading fertilizer, salt, ice melt, grass seed when overseeding, and more. An optional deflector controls flow and helps manage your lawn or snowfall with equal ease.
PROS
- 50-pound capacity
- Optional deflector kit included
- Easy assembly and low maintenance
- Extremely versatile
CONS
- Tricky management of connector rod between lever and hopper
- Flat bottom sufficiently gathers all the last bits of sand and fertilizer
The Andersons Yard Star Broadcast Spreader
The Andersons Broadcast Spreader gets professional results anywhere. This walk-behind spreader always promises an accurate application and even spread pattern. It comes with an adjustable drop rate and three-hole drop auto shut-off.
With a load-bearing capacity of 175 pounds (79.38 kg) and a wide-set frame for even-weight distribution and all-terrain control, expect an accurate and rapid application of seed, fertilizer, or salt. Thanks to a two-position ergonomic handle that’s adjustable for operators of all heights. With the hopper cover and compatibility for various feedings, this is a good all-weather, year-round solution.
PROS
- Convenient three-hole drop shut off system
- Adjustable ergonomic handle makes for comfortable use regardless of height
- Pneumatic tires and wide-set frame ideal for even weight
CONS
- Pneumatic tires will require regular greasing
You can meet your project needs with one of the tools mentioned in the broadcast spreader reviews listed above. If you also use our suggestions, all you’ll need is a little commitment to producing a great landscape. Choosing and using the right broadcast spreader will always return an attractive and productive area.
Broadcast Spreaders
Also called rotary spreaders, the broadcast spreader uses a base plate that rotates. The spreader evenly distributes granules or seeds from a hopper. They also pull material in. The “broadcast” comes from the fact the spreader will throw a product several feet to the sides and front of the spreader.
On each pass, a broadcast spreader is capable of covering three times their width. They are quick and easy to apply resources for spreading dry materials. You should note these spreaders tend to be less accurate than a drop spreader. They come in a range of sizes. You can find a spreader compatible with large estate lawns or small gardens.
Spreaders dispense at various rates. If precision’s not important, a broadcast spreader moves large amounts of material quickly. Use them for lawn food and seed, weed and feed, as organic lawn fertilizer spreaders, ice melt, and other lawn products.
Users should have a medium-to-large area that needs spreading. A broadcast spreader is also excellent for professionals who spend a lot of time spreading. It’s a fast, convenient, and efficient way to distribute the material. If you just have a smaller area to cover, then you should be able to rather make use of a handheld spreader.
If you’re going to buy one, it’s recommended you test the spreader on concrete while you play with the settings. You’ll be able to see the results better. When using it on grass or other surfaces, the feed isn’t as visible.
Pros and Cons
Here are a few reasons why you’d benefit from a broadcast spreader and a few why it might not be the solution for you.
PROS
- They produce at faster spreads, covering a greater surface area
- This is the tool when jobs require less precision
- The broad coverage saves time while returning solid results
CONS
- Tasks requiring precision, such as spreading weed killer near flower beds won’t benefit from a broadcast spreader
- The material you spread could land in the wrong places due to wind and a larger dispersal
Broadcast Spreaders vs. Drop Spreaders vs. Hand Held
The drop spreader and the broadcast spreader are widely used. The major difference between them is the precision of the application. Broadcast spreaders disperse wider feedings, shooting them to the side and front of the spreader in an arc, similar to the ice melt trucks that you see during winter.
Drop spreaders distribute product between the device’s wheels. This gives you exacting control of where your feed falls. If you had two areas of the same size and need, it would take longer to feed with a drop spreader, but you get a more concentrated feed. On the other hand, the broadcast spreader will get the job completed in much less time.
A hand held spreader is best used if you have a small area to cover, they can quickly cause fatigue when loaded with up to 20 pounds (9.07 kg) of fertilizer or grass seed!
Things You Need to Remember
Here are a few tips for using your broadcast spreader productively.
- Turn off the machine before you add material to the spreader
- Always insert any product into the hopper on a hard surface, such as a driveway or sidewalk
- Otherwise, you risk spilling too much product in one area
- Try to make your passes overlap so that you get even coverage
- Pour unused product back into the bag
- Clean up any material that didn’t land where it should have
