9 Best Lawn Spreaders of 2024

By Harry RamosLast update: 2024-03-29

To apply fertilizer/sand/seed evenly, you’ll need a lawn spreader. For a small lawn, a handheld spreader would do the job. For medium to large lawns, you’ll need a broadcast or drop spreaders.

Here are the best lawn spreaders you can buy in 2024:

  • Best Overall (Broadcast Spreaders): Agri-Fab 85lb Tow Broadcast Spreader
  • Best for Large Area (Broadcast Spreaders): Agri-Fab 130lb Push Broadcast Spreader
  • Best for Narrow Sections (Broadcast Spreaders): Earthway Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader
  • Best Overall (Drop Spreaders): Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
  • Best for Large Area (Drop Spreaders): Agri-Fab Max Tow Behind Drop Spreader
  • Versatile (Drop Spreaders): Agri-Fab Tow Spiker/Seeder/Drop Spreader
  • Best Overall (Handheld Preaders): Solo Portable Chest-mount Spreader
  • Best for Fertilizer (Handheld Spreaders): Spot Spreader Hand Spreader Shaker
  • Best for Grass Seeds (Handheld Spreaders): Fasmov Handheld Spreader Salt and Seed Spreader
9 Best Lawn Spreaders
Best Overall
Agri-Fab 85lb Tow Broadcast Spreader
  • Broadcast Spreaders
Best for Large Area
Agri-Fab 130lb Push Broadcast Spreader
  • Broadcast Spreaders
Best for Narrow Sections
Earthway Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader
  • Broadcast Spreaders
Best Overall
Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
  • Drop Spreaders
Best for Large Area
Agri-Fab Max Tow Behind Drop Spreader
  • Drop Spreaders
Versatile
Agri-Fab Tow Spiker/Seeder/Drop Spreader
  • Drop Spreaders
Best Overall
Solo Portable Chest-mount Spreader
  • Handheld Preaders
Best for Fertilizer
Spot Spreader Hand Spreader Shaker
  • Handheld Spreaders
Best for Grass Seeds
Fasmov Handheld Spreader Salt and Seed Spreader
  • Handheld Spreaders

Broadcast Spreaders

Broadcast spreaders are usually used for larger lawns. A broadcast spreader features a large hopper and a horizontal spinning disk, spreading over a fan-like area, which helps you to spread fertilizer faster. It also has a higher capacity, so that it is ideal for larger areas. Moreover, broadcast spreaders work well when it comes to hard-to-reach places. However, a broadcast spreader may spread fertilizer over nearby areas - it is less accurate than a drop spreader.

Best Overall (Broadcast Spreaders): Agri-Fab 85lb Tow Broadcast Spreader

Agri-Fab 85lb Tow Broadcast Spreader
Agri-Fab 85lb Tow Broadcast Spreader
Pros
  • Heavy-duty construction

  • Fast and easy application

  • High hopper capacity; for large lawn

  • Cable flow control

  • 10

Cons
  • Doesn’t have a defector guard

Agri-Fab Tow Broadcast Spreader is a great spreader for medium to large areas. It has a sturdy and durable construction, including a heavy-duty steel frame, durable poly hopper & plate. It comes being unassembled, so it may take you about 15 minutes to put everything together.

Agri-Fab Tow Broadcast Spreader features a universal fit hitch - you connect it to any mini tractor. The tires are pneumatic and have a medium size, which helps the spreader bears uneven or rocky terrains. The hopper has a high capacity - 85 pounds, allowing you to apply fertilizer/seeds on up to 1/4 acre areas with just one fill. With the spinning plate, Agri-Fab Tow Broadcast Spreader allows fast and easy application of lawn products. You can adjust the flow by adjusting the control cable.

However, there is a big drawback that the spreader does not come with a defector guard - It may spread all over the place and waste some fertilizer/seeds.

Agri-Fab 85lb Tow Broadcast Spreader Specifications

Weight

18 pounds

Hopper Capacity

85 pounds

Spread Width

Up to 10 ft

Coverage

14, 000 sq. Ft.

Highlight Features

High hopper capacity; Cable flow control; 10" Pneumatic tires

Verdict

Agri-Fab 85lb Tow Broadcast Spreader allows fast and easy application of lawn products.

Best for Large Area (Broadcast Spreaders): Agri-Fab 130lb Push Broadcast Spreader

Agri-Fab 130lb Push Broadcast Spreader
Agri-Fab 130lb Push Broadcast Spreader
Pros
  • Suitable for commercial purposes

  • Optional Pro Kit with sheild available

  • 13

Cons
  • Defector guards are sold separately

Agri-Fab 130lb Push is like a bigger version of Agri-Fab 85lb Tow, excepting that one is a push spreader and the other is tow spreader. With 130 lbs of hopper capacity, Agri-Fab 130lb Push is ideal for larger lawns. Moreover, it features a direct rod control for precise application of lawn products, making this spreader suitable for commercial purposes. You can also buy an additional Optional Pro Kit with a defector guard for this kind of purpose.

Like Agri-Fab 85lb Tow, Agri-Fab 130lb Push features a heavy-duty construction of steel frame and rustproof poly hopper & plate. The wheels of Agri-Fab 130lb Push are bigger - 13" x 4" Pneumatic tires to reduce shaking and bumping, for a smoother ride.

Agri-Fab 130lb Push Broadcast Spreader Specifications

Weight

37 lbs

Hopper Capacity

130 lbs

Spread Width

10-12 ft

Coverage

25,000 sq. ft.

Highlight Features

13" x 4" Pneumatic tires; Heavy-duty construction; Direct rod control

Verdict

Agri-Fab 130lb Push Broadcast Spreader allows fast and accurate application, ideal for large area.

Best for Narrow Sections (Broadcast Spreaders): Earthway Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader

Earthway Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader
Earthway Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader
Pros
  • 3 drop holes for even spread

  • Adjustable drop rate

  • Gearbox’s design prevents blockage

  • Adjustable handle

Cons
  • Low capacity

Earthway Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader is a great choice for narrow sections. It is a walk-behind spreader and quite small so you can easily go in narrow places or spread seeds/fertilizer in narrow sections. The spreader features a 3-hole drop shut-off system for accurate and even applications. You can also adjust the drop rate of these 3 holes.

The hopper is designed to prevent the chute from getting clogged or blocked, even in moist or damp conditions. The handle can be adjusted in height to fit your height - you’ll operate this spreader easily and comfortably. However, Earthway Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader has a low hopper capacity, so it is suitable for small lawns.

Earthway Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader Specifications

Weight

25.5 lbs

Hopper Capacity

50 lbs

Spread Width


Coverage


Highlight Features

EV-N-SPRED 3-hole drop shut-off system

Verdict

Earthway Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreader spread lawn products evenly and accurately.

Drop Spreaders

While broadcast spreaders spread in a fan shape, drop spreaders spread in a row. This helps you spread fertilizer more accurately and precisely, reducing waste. However, it takes more time to apply fertilizer; and a drop spreader tends to have a lower capacity, so you need to refill the hopper when applying fertilizer on a larger lawn. Drop spreaders are ideal for medium lawns.

Best Overall (Drop Spreaders): Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader

Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
Pros
  • Comes assembled & calibrated

  • Great stability and sturdiness

  • Easy operation with release lever

  • Wide spread pattern

  • Accurate application

Cons
  • Plastic wheels

Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader is a perfect drop spreader for medium lawns. It covers up to 10,000 sq. ft with a 22-inch spread pattern, fast and accurate. The frame is made with heavy-duty steel for better stability and sturdiness, reducing shaking and enhancing its longevity.

Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader uses a lever to release materials inside the hopper. The lever is right under the handle, comfortable for you to control the spreader while walking. Moreover, the spreader comes assembled & calibrated so that you can use it right away. After a while, you should check and recalibrate the spreader to prevent dropping too little or too much. You can contact Scotts to be guided about the calibration and how much fertilizers/salt you should apply on your lawn.

The only drawback of Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader is that the wheels are plastic - they do not grip well on wet surfaces.

Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader Specifications

Weight

12.6 pounds

Hopper Capacity

60 pounds

Spread Width

22 inches

Coverage

10,000 sq. ft

Highlight Features

Release lever; Comes assembled & calibrated

Verdict

Scotts Turf Builder Classic is an easy-to-operate and accurate drop spreader, for medium lawns.

Best for Large Area (Drop Spreaders): Agri-Fab Max Tow Behind Drop Spreader

Agri-Fab Max Tow Behind Drop Spreader
Agri-Fab Max Tow Behind Drop Spreader
Pros
  • High capacity & Large coverage

  • Easy set control

  • Fast and Accurate

  • Heavy-duty contruction

  • 3 Year Limited Warranty

Cons
  • Require assembly

Agri-Fab Max Tow is a great choice for large areas. The hopper capacity is 175 lbs and the coverage is about 40,000 sq. ft (1 acre). The super-wide spread pattern (42 inches) helps you apply products over a large area faster. It features an easy set control to precisely adjust the amount of dropping materials. Agri-Fab Max Tow is both fast and accurate.

The rustproof poly-hopper and galvanized steel agitator are easily cleaned and durable. The 13" x 4" large pneumatic tires help the spreader move smoothly across any terrain. Agri-Fab Max Tow features a universal fit hitch so that you can connect it to any lawn tractor.

Agri-Fab Max comes with a 3-year limited warranty - you can buy it with confidence. However, it comes unassembled; and it may take you about 30 minutes to assemble the spreader.

Agri-Fab Max Tow Behind Drop Spreader Specifications

Weight

46 lbs

Hopper Capacity

175 lbs

Spread Width

Up to 42 inches

Coverage

40,000 sq. ft (1 acre)

Highlight Features

Easy set control; Fast and Accurate

Verdict

Agri-Fab Max Tow is a fast and accurate tow-behind drop spreader, ideal for large lawns

Versatile (Drop Spreaders): Agri-Fab Tow Spiker/Seeder/Drop Spreader

Agri-Fab Tow Spiker/Seeder/Drop Spreader
Agri-Fab Tow Spiker/Seeder/Drop Spreader
Pros
  • High capacity & Large coverage

  • Aerate and seed in one pass

  • Spiker/seeder/drop spreader

  • Heavy-duty contruction

  • 3 Year Limited Warranty

Cons
  • Require assembly

Agri-Fab Tow Spiker/Seeder/Drop Spreader is a 3-in-1 tool with its special design. 10 galvanized steel spike disks help aerate and seed in one pass, saving you a lot of time and effort. This spreader has the same capacity and coverage as Agri-Fab Max Tow - 175 lbs and 1 acre. It also has the same spread width - 42 inches.

Agri-Fab Tow Spiker/Seeder/Drop Spreader is a specially upgraded version of Agri-Fab Max Tow. If you want a spiker built-in your spreader, this spreader is for you.

Agri-Fab Tow Spiker/Seeder/Drop Spreader Specifications

Weight

79 lbs

Hopper Capacity

175 lbs

Spread Width

Up to 42 inches

Coverage

40,000 sq. ft (1 acre)

Highlight Features

Aerate and seed in one pass; Spiker/seeder/drop spreader

Verdict

Agri-Fab Tow Spiker/Seeder/Drop Spreader is a versatile tool - aerate and seed in one pass.

Handheld spreaders

For a small lawn, broadcast spreaders and drop spreaders are not so suitable. A handheld spreader fits better for a small lawn at your backyard.

Best Overall (Handheld Preaders): Solo Portable Chest-mount Spreader

Solo Portable Chest-mount Spreader
Solo Portable Chest-mount Spreader
Pros
  • Easy and comfortable to operate

  • Easy filling and cleaning

  • Rust and clogging resistant

  • Comes with a cross-shoulder strap

Cons
  • Nothing to complain

Solo Portable Chest-mount Spreader is a comfortable and easy-to-use handheld spreader. It features fingertip levers for you to easily control the flow and direction and a crank handle for smooth operation. It comes with a cross-shoulder strap, so you can chest-mounting operate it to prevent fatigue.

Solo Portable Chest-mount Spreader has polyethylene and stainless steel components and is fully enclosed to prevent rust and clogging, ensuring longevity. It is designed for a wide range of lawn products, from seeds, fertilizers, sand to rock salts. Besides, it has a large top and a screw-on cap for easy filling and cleaning.

Solo Portable Chest-mount Spreader Specifications

Weight

6.75 lbs

Hopper Capacity

20 lbs

Spread Width


Coverage


Highlight Features

Cross-shoulder strap; Fingertip levers; Crank handle

Verdict

Solo Portable Chest-mount Spreader is a comfortable and easy-to-use handheld spreader.

Best for Fertilizer (Handheld Spreaders): Spot Spreader Hand Spreader Shaker

Spot Spreader Hand Spreader Shaker
Spot Spreader Hand Spreader Shaker
Pros
  • Lightweight and Durable

  • Suitable for any lawn product

  • Avoid waste or spreading on your shoes

  • Screw the cap to adjust the flow

Cons
  • May be too small

Spot Hand Spreader Shaker looks like a small water container. In fact, it works just like a water container. You just need to fill in the materials (any lawn product will be suitable, from small particles like sand to large ones like rock salt), put on the cap, then lean it toward to pour the materials. You can screw the cap to adjust the flow. Moreover, this handheld spreader is very lightweight yet very durable.

Spot Hand Spreader Shaker is the best for fertilizer since you can bend down and direct the spreader to where you want it to be, preventing the fertilizer from spreading on your shoes and clothes. Fertilizer is hard to clean and may contain some toxic chemicals.

However, Spot Hand Spreader Shaker is way too small. It is suitable for small gardens and lawns.

Spot Spreader Hand Spreader Shaker Specifications

Weight

1.01 lbs

Hopper Capacity

80 Oz (2 liters)

Spread Width


Coverage


Highlight Features

Screw Top Container

Verdict

Spot Hand Spreader Shaker is a small and durable handheld spreader, ideal for fertilizer.

Best for Grass Seeds (Handheld Spreaders): Fasmov Handheld Spreader Salt and Seed Spreader

Fasmov Handheld Spreader Salt and Seed Spreader
Fasmov Handheld Spreader Salt and Seed Spreader
Pros
  • Simple and easy to use

  • Adjustable hole size

  • Pack of two

  • Affordable

Cons
  • Only for small particles

Fasmov Handheld Spreader is an affordable handheld spreader for seeds and fertilizers. It comes in a pack of two, very affordable. The spreader has a simple design and quite small, suitable for small lawns. Just pour the seeds in, and sprinkle over the place. The hole size can be adjusted. However, the holes may be too small for rock salts.

Fasmov Handheld Spreader Salt and Seed Spreader Specifications

Weight

5 ounces * 2

Hopper Capacity

2 liters (76 oz) * 2

Spread Width


Coverage


Highlight Features

Adjustable hole size; Pack of two

Verdict

Fasmov Handheld Spreader is small and simple - it is affordable and ideal for grass seeds.

How To Choose The Best Lawn Spreader?

There are three types of lawn spreaders:

  • Broadcast Spreaders: Ideal for medium to large lawns. They are fast and high-capacity but less accurate and wasteful.

  • Drop Spreaders: Ideal for medium to large lawns. Drop spreaders are slower, they require more effort to operate; In return, they are more accurate.

  • Handheld spreaders: Ideal for small lawns.

Which Brands Make The Best Lawn Spreader?

Agri-Fab

Agri-Fab is a big brand that makes tools for homeowners to take care of their lawns. They produce from carts, sweepers, spreaders to groomers, rollers, sprayers, and vacs. Their tools are famous for their high quality, durability, and a 3-year warranty. Agri-Fab is a brand you can trust.

Scotts

Scotts is a very popular brand that makes fertilizers for grass. They have specialized products for each season, each stage, and many types of grass - fertilizers for spring, summer, autumn, winter, and all-season; fertilizers for new grass, for existing lawn, for Southern grass, etc.

Besides fertilizers, they also produce lawn spreaders. They have a wide range of spreaders from broadcast spreaders to drop spreaders. They also have an App to calculate the exact amount of fertilizer (for their fertilizers of course) to put into the spreader. When it comes to lawn care products and services, Scotts is a to-go brand.

Solo

Solo has a long history, it was founded in 1948. After nearly a century, at present, Solo has become a world-leading brand in handheld compression sprayers. They produce from spreaders to mist and air blowers and cut-off machines. Being well-known for their toughness, Solo’s spreaders are the first choice of homeowners, landscapers, and farmers.

FAQs

How do I maintain my lawn spreader?

Make sure that the tires are inflated to the right pressure. Clean the hopper, especially in where it feeds to prevent it from getting jammed up. And keep everything lubricated.

Which is better: drop spreader or broadcast spreader?

Both are for medium to large lawns. Drop spreaders are more accurate, while broadcast spreaders are faster.

How do you use a lawn spreader?

First, you need to calculate the amount of fertilizer/seed/sand your lawn needs. Pour the material in the hopper. Walk at a steady pace and control the flow steadily. At a turn, close the spreader off to avoid uneven application. Lastly, clean the spreader after use.

Can you spread topsoil with a spreader?

Yes. Most spreaders are able to spread topsoil.

Can I use a drop spreader for grass seed?

Yes. Drop spreaders are great for spreading grass seed.

How to prepare soil for grass seeding

Step 1: Clear the area, remove any twigs, debris or old grass.

Step 2: Water the soil.

Step 3: Improve soil structure or add nutrients by applying compost or fertilizer.

Conclusion

Above is my full review of the best lawn spreaders. I hope this article could help you find a suitable spreader for your lawn.

I’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!


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