6 Best Tow Behind Broadcast Spreaders of 2024

By Harry RamosLast update: 2024-04-17

For those who fancy taking care of gardens or lawns, using a tow-behind broadcast spreader is a must. Such a device benefits homeowners with its efficient spreading work and makes your space a fresh appearance.

There are, however, a large number of high-end fertilizer spreaders outside which we have to take into consideration to pick up one.

We have researched the best tow-behind broadcast spreaders to help growers find the top-notch one for their space.

Here are the best tow behind broadcast spreaders you can buy in 2024:

  • Best Overall: Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
  • Best For Rough Terrain: Chapin International Chapin 8620B 150 Pound Tow Behind Spreader with Auto-STO
  • High Capacity: Brinly BS36BH, 75 lb, Black Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader, 175 lbs
  • Best For Medium Areas: CRAFTSMAN CMXGZBF7124571 110-lb Tow Broadcast Spreader
  • Best For Small Areas: Earthway 2050TP Estate 80-Pound Semi-Assembled Broadcast Tow Spreader
  • Best For Extreme Weather: Precision Products TBS6000RDOS 6-Series 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Rain Cover
Top 6 Best Tow Behind Broadcast Spreaders
Best Overall
Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
    Read Our Review
    Best For Rough Terrain
    Chapin International Chapin 8620B 150 Pound Tow Behind Spreader with Auto-STO
      Read Our Review
      High Capacity
      Brinly BS36BH, 75 lb, Black Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader, 175 lbs
        Read Our Review
        Best For Medium Areas
        CRAFTSMAN CMXGZBF7124571 110-lb Tow Broadcast Spreader
          Read Our Review
          Best For Small Areas
          Earthway 2050TP Estate 80-Pound Semi-Assembled Broadcast Tow Spreader
            Read Our Review
            Best For Extreme Weather
            Precision Products TBS6000RDOS 6-Series 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Rain Cover
              Read Our Review

              Best Overall: Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader

              Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
              Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
              Pros
              • Sturdy body
              • Easy to control
              • Competitive pricing
              • Huge hopper capacity, 130 lbs
              • Durable
              Cons
              • The centre shaft should be stainless for corrosion resistance.
              • The wheel stance should be wider to empty residue remains.

              At the top of the list of the top-rated appliance comes Agri Fab 45-0463. The wide-ranging qualities make this unit a popular choice for buyers.

              The most important thing that the manufacturer has prioritized immensely is a 130-pound hopper capacity. Carrying much material enables it to cover up to 25,000 square feet that allow the machine to become the best option for small to medium-sized areas.

              It also lets growers save time refilling, which is more manageable, and smooth their growing task.

              Another feature of the equipment made for homeowners is the ease of control. The home appliance, therefore, is well-designed with the rod linked on-off coupled with the enclosed gearbox to spread fertilizer or seeds in precision.

              On top of that, large pneumatic wheels provide higher stability and easy manoeuvrability for better use.

              Also, durability is a good factor to hold an awesome for the price. The hopper is made out of plastic, so seedsmen can use it consistently for the reason that plastics are immune to the corrosion and rust.

              Despite some users’ complaints about taking time to assemble, this unit is referred to be a cost-effective option for most buyers.

              Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader Specifications

              Weight

              37 lbs

              Hopper Capacity

              130 lbs

              Spread Width

              10-12 ft spread

              Coverage

              up to ½ acre (25,000 sq. ft.)

              Highlight Features

              Large pneumatic tires (13"x4")

              Enclosed gearbox

              Verdict

              Agri-Fab 45-0463 is recommended as the best all-around options for home use.

              Best For Rough Terrain: Chapin International Chapin 8620B 150 Pound Tow Behind Spreader with Auto-STO

              Chapin International Chapin 8620B 150 Pound Tow Behind Spreader with Auto-STO
              Chapin International Chapin 8620B 150 Pound Tow Behind Spreader with Auto-STO
              Pros
              • Well-fitted for all kinds of terrain
              • Massive hopper capacity, 150 lbs
              • Variable spread pattern
              • Easy to use
              Cons
              • Quite heavy, 37 lbs
              • Less powerful gear housing with plastics

              Chapin 8620B has got plenty of favourable aspects which many farm caretakers have been looking for.

              There is the fact that this device is a superb tool with ultra-large carrying capacity and acceptable built quality.

              For the storage amount up to 150 lbs, the unit is well-built with a sturdy powder-coated steel frame and large 14-inch pneumatic tires which keeps it stable on rough surfaces and have spreading work moved up easily.

              However, it is not the only advantageous factor for this appliance, flexibility in spreading settings has also played a part. There are 11 gate adjustment incremental settings that give users a wide range of width settings to select.

              If they set the gate adjustment to zero, there is nothing to be dispensed in motion. Conversely, users can set it from one to eleven to get a spread width up to 12 feet.

              The machine is designed with an auto-stop feature that helps farm caretakers save a single ounce of material like seeds or fertilizers but as before.

              The dual impeller mechanism serves as a function to allow fertilizer or seeds to be distributed when the spreader is moving. As soon as the spreader stops, the auto-stop system starts in a flash.

              Although many benefits of the product exist, the downside lies in the gear housing. Plastics making it less potent than other models is a thing for buyers to consider.

              Chapin International Chapin 8620B 150 Pound Tow Behind Spreader with Auto-STO Specifications

              Weight

              40.7 lbs

              Hopper Capacity

              150 lbs

              Spread Width

              12 ft. spread

              Highlight Features

              Auto-stop dual impeller

              14-inch pneumatic tire

              Adjustable steel frame

              Verdict

              Chapin 8620B is a champion of traversing all kinds of terrain with no trouble.

              High Capacity: Brinly BS36BH, 75 lb, Black Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader, 175 lbs

              Brinly BS36BH, 75 lb, Black Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader, 175 lbs
              Brinly BS36BH, 75 lb, Black Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader, 175 lbs
              Pros
              • Extra-large shortage capacity
              • Well-calibrated
              • Ease to use
              • Durable
              Cons
              • Take time to assembly
              • Expensive yet worthwhile

              Many farm caretakers recommend Brinly BS36BH as an ideal tow-behind broadcast spreader for a vast space to cover. There are, therefore, numerous judgments for this belief.

              The tool has a storage of 175 pounds to carry its material that includes the ability to cover approximately one acre of area. Instead of time-consuming to refill the spreader, this aspect enables growers to spread over their land with less work.

              The idea behind high capacity is the ease of use. The unit is equipped with a new spread pattern control technology, so gardeners can evenly dispense seeds or fertilizers around their patches. At a maximum width, such technology allows the material to be distributed further.

              Also, the auto flow system, as the same as the Chapin models, helps reduce labor time and enhance the accuracy application.

              Last but not least, durability is another useful factor of the Brinly one. This machine is structured with a frame of stainless steel and the poly hopper with corrosion-roof. It permits the use of the device for long periods.

              Although the price is not a great budget option, this spreader deserves a good buy.

              Brinly BS36BH, 75 lb, Black Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader, 175 lbs Specifications

              Weight

              47 lbs

              Hopper Capacity

              175 lbs

              Spread Width

              8 to 12 ft. spread

              Coverage

              1 acre or larger

              Highlight Features

              A universal hook-up system

              A calibration system

              Patented auto flow

              Verdict

              For those looking for a spreader that has a high capacity in product distribution, Brinly BS36BH should be the best choice.

              Best For Medium Areas: CRAFTSMAN CMXGZBF7124571 110-lb Tow Broadcast Spreader

              CRAFTSMAN CMXGZBF7124571 110-lb Tow Broadcast Spreader
              CRAFTSMAN CMXGZBF7124571 110-lb Tow Broadcast Spreader
              Pros
              • Good hopper capacity
              • Durable
              • Simple to use
              • Easy to maneuver
              Cons
              • A plastic drive shaft is less robust.
              • Poor instruction for assembly and a missing axle washer

              There is the fact that CRAFTSMAN CMXGZBF7124571 is lightweight and inconsiderably lacks in hopper capacity compared with the other models. However, this appliance is still a champion for the use in medium-size areas.

              In particular, this kind of spreader can cover up to 17,500 square feet with the carrying space of 110 lbs. Furnished by a heavy-duty steel construction and large 10-inch pneumatic tires associated with, the machine offers to fertilize the grass with smooth rides on different terrains.

              Further, the auto spreader impeller system increases its precision application for better performance.

              On top of that, the hopper and rotary plate are corrosion-proof for long term use, and heavy-duty steel gears make this more long-lasting durability. A missing piece of plastic on some parts doesn’t prevent garden owners from setting aside this model.

              CRAFTSMAN CMXGZBF7124571 110-lb Tow Broadcast Spreader Specifications

              Weight

              28 lbs

              Hopper Capacity

              110 lbs

              Spread Width

              10 ft. spread

              Coverage

              ⅓ acre (17,500 sq. ft.)

              Highlight Features

              10-inch pneumatic tires

              Rust-proof poly hopper

              Universal hitch attach

              Verdict

              CRAFTSMAN CMXGZBF7124571 is the top-rated appliance for customers to handle medium-duty tasks.

              Best For Small Areas: Earthway 2050TP Estate 80-Pound Semi-Assembled Broadcast Tow Spreader

              Earthway 2050TP Estate 80-Pound Semi-Assembled Broadcast Tow Spreader
              Earthway 2050TP Estate 80-Pound Semi-Assembled Broadcast Tow Spreader
              Pros
              • More accurate to spread fertilizer
              • Smooth transport
              • Easy to assembly
              Cons
              • Suitable for small-sized gardens and lawns.

              Earthway 2050TP is an outstanding little spreader that is suited for small areas. Despite a modest capacity, the unit comes packed with superb features.

              The highest quality for most lawn care owners need to possess is the accuracy to even fertilization from EV-N-SPRED technology or 3-hole drop shutoff system.

              Following this, the mechanism ensures that material in the hopper is distributed evenly in precision. Such technology helps save money and prevent wasteful material as before.

              There is the fact that the spreader is well-built with a commercial-quality gearbox and rust-proof poly hopper. Therefore, users can use it regularly for a long time with its effectiveness.

              Earthway 2050TP Estate 80-Pound Semi-Assembled Broadcast Tow Spreader Specifications

              Weight

              17.6 lbs

              Hopper Capacity

              80 lbs

              Spread Width

              6 - 16 ft. spread

              Highlight Features

              EV-N-SPRED 3-hole drop shutoff system

              10-inch pneumatic tires

              5-year warranty

              Verdict

              There is no better selection for medium-sized lands that can meet customer satisfaction than Earthway 2050TP.

              Best For Extreme Weather: Precision Products TBS6000RDOS 6-Series 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Rain Cover

              Precision Products TBS6000RDOS 6-Series 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Rain Cover
              Precision Products TBS6000RDOS 6-Series 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Rain Cover
              Pros
              • Huge hopper capacity
              • Well-built and durable
              • Able to work in rough weather
              • Very smooth in performance
              • Easy to assembly
              Cons
              • High cost

              At the bottom of the list of the best pull-behind spreaders comes a Precision model. The machine has a hopper capacity of 130 pounds coupled with superior construction, which makes it suitable to work in all of the job conditions or extreme weather with a rain cover.

              Another highlight is the durability. Such a unit is well-constructed with remarkable material from a powder-coated steel frame to a metal gearbox with a grease fitting.

              Plastic closure plates and poly hoppers are resistant to corrosion. Consequently, these features help increase the durability of the spreader.

              The super-strong 15-inch tread tires enable very smooth performance on any terrains. Similarly, its fingertip cable control permits users to adjust spreading patterns while seated on the tractor.

              Precision Products TBS6000RDOS 6-Series 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Rain Cover Specifications

              Weight

              41 lbs

              Hopper Capacity

              130 lbs

              Spread Width

              10-12 ft. spread

              Highlight Features

              15-inch pneumatic treaded tires

              Rain cover

              Metal gearbox with grease fittings

              Verdict

              Precision Products TBS6000RDOS 6-Series is a superior-quality spreader for land users to cover even under any weather conditions.

              How To Choose The Best Tow Behind Broadcast Spreaders?

              • To get a good purchase, we have to take into consideration the qualities that are necessary for your spreader.
              • The most aspect which needs lawn caretakers to make a note of is the size of their land. If you own a large lawn, a tow-pull broadcast spreader is the best choice to spread fertilizer or seed all over the area with less effort in a short time.
              • In contrast, if your lawn is small, you may prefer a handheld model or a drop spreader for the reasons of portability and ease of use.
              • A next factor is a budget option for each. Selecting one with both pricey and efficiency is a tough task. Then, we suggest you take a first look at your budget before picking any. Some products are not affordable yet deserving, in that circumstance, ensure that a purchase is within your budget.
              • Another critical thing that you may see about is durability. You can base on its construction quality to find out which is more long-lasting.
              • Most purchases go down the line with the ones made of stainless steel hoppers. Some made of plastic are also corrosion-resistant and rust-proof.
              • In short, it’s essential to scan the spreader’s reviews to check how quality it is before a buy.

              Which Brands Make The Best Tow Behind Broadcast Spreaders?

              Agri-Fab

              • Founded in 1975 in Sullivan, Illinois, Agri-Fab is a successful manufacturer for lawn products with the beginning thought of building a better lawn sweeper. Today, the company became an industry leader of lawn and garden attachments in the USA.
              • They have a high priority on the quality and durability of their lawn products. Therefore, they continuously improve their outcomes with the most innovative technology for lawn care owners.

              Chapin

              • Originated from inventing Chapin sprayers, Ralph E. Chapin built up one of the world's largest sprayer manufacturing plants since 1884. Until now, they have expanded into manufacturing lawn products like spreaders that meet the needs of both homeowners and professionals.
              • Their products are reliable in the harshest conditions because of giving stainless steel hoppers or heavy-duty poly, various size options, and an array of accessories.

              Brinly

              • Located in Indiana, Brinly had launched the first innovative products since 1839. Their main products are broadcast spreaders, rollers, lawn vac systems, aerators, etc.
              • With a lawn care business, their spreaders help home users keep their yard in the best condition and make gardening tasks easy to do.
              • Their products feature large rust-proof poly hoppers, a universal hitch fully enclosed gearbox and stainless steel interior hardware, and accessible calibration settings.

              FAQs

              How do I maintain my broadcast spreader?

              You can set the spreader level on the clean ground. Use a garden hose to clean the hopper, wheels, and impeller plate thoroughly. After the broadcaster is dry, use a light lubricant spray to protect all moving parts.

              Which is a better drop spreader or broadcast spreader?

              Drop spreaders are better for a large and uniform lawn because it distributes its material at high accuracy yet less coverage compared to broadcast spreaders.

              Meanwhile, a broadcast spreader dispenses fertilizer by a plate pattern in all directions and covers larger space per pass than a drop spreader.

              How do you use a broadcast spreader?

              Before use:

              • Prepare the proper amount of fertilizer for the area.

              • Fill the hopper with such material.

              • Adjust a distribution rate number on the spreader.

              • Place the spreader at 3 feet from the edge of the end of the area.

              During use

              • Push the handle to start distributing it.

              • Stroll at a steady pace to cover the entire area traversed.

              • Stop once you reach the first pass.

              • Release the grip to stop dispensing.

              • Continue applying another strip until fertilizer covers the whole area.

              After use:

              • Water the area with a garden hose.

              • Clean the spreader off to remove all fertilizer residue from the machine.

              Can you spread topsoil with a broadcast spreader?

              You can spread topsoil with accuracy over the lawn only by using a drop-spreader.

              Can I use a broadcast spreader for grass seed?

              Although a broadcast spreader is faster to cover, a drop spreader is more targeted for grass seed due to its precise application.

              Conclusion

              Now, as we have analyzed the top selections for the best tow-behind broadcast spreader models, we expect you to settle on a good buy that serves your needs and provides you a lush green lawn as you desire.

              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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