5 Best Drop Spreaders – Cover More Land in Less Time!

By
Nora Held
Nora Held
Research Writer
Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of read more
Last updated: September 10, 2023
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There are so many ways to fertilize your lawn broaching everything from using spray bottles to just throwing the fertilizer with your hands. While all these methods do the job, there are ways to make this process significantly easier. A drop spreader is one of the best ways to fertilize your lawn as it covers the ground more quickly while distributing fertilizer only in areas where you want it!

We have reviewed 12 different products and have compiled a list of the best drop spreaders. At the top of our list, we have our Editor’s Choice, the Agri-Fab 45-0288. We loved that it was a tow behind for easy use as well as included a 3-year warranty and can cover 40,000 square feet!

We spent hours researching the different drop spreaders on the market so we could recommend our top choices. We also took into account customer reviews so we could best determine what the top products out there are. Some features that we considered were the type of model of each drop spreader so we could recommend a variety of options so each preference was suited. We also took into account the drop width, weight and capacity so we could get an accurate feel of the size of land that each spreader was best suited to. We included an overview table, a buying guide and a detailed review of each product below so we can assist you in finding the best drop spreader for you!

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: Agri-Fab 45-0288
    "An excellent tow behind drop spreader with a drop width of an expansive 42 inches, 17-gallon capacity and with coverage estimated at 40,000 square feet."
  • Premium Pick: Spyker P70-12010
    "A large, commercial push drop spreader featuring the capacity of 120 lbs. and two side-by-side hopper portions, with the width of 18 inches each."
  • Best Value: Scotts 76565
    "A budget-friendly push drop spreader weighing in at 12.6 pounds and featuring 22-inch drop width and an estimated coverage of 10,000 square feet."
  • Best Year Round Pick: Agri-Fab 45-0543
    "A great tow behind drop spreader that features the 32-inch drop width, the capacity of 100 lbs., and can cover 17,500 square feet."
  • Best Choice for Sensitive Foliage: SaltDogg WB400
    "A stainless steel push drop spreader with a drop width of 32 inches, a capacity for 200 pounds of product and a coverage of 40,00 square feet."

Top 5 Drop Spreaders Review 2024


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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3436 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.9
1
Editor’s Choice

Agri-Fab 45-0288

Features
  • Type: tow behind
  • Drop width: 42”
  • Capacity: 17 gal./175 lbs.
  • Coverage: 40,000 sq. ft.
  • Weight: 46 lbs.
  • Good for: large acreage
  • Warranty: 3 years

Other features: rustproof poly hopper, premium galvanized steel agitator, pneumatic tires, On/Off control accessible from the seat of the tractor, universal hitch

At the top of our list, we have the Agri-Fab 45-0288, which is also our Editor’s Choice. An excellent tow behind option, with a drop width of an expansive 42 inches, this is the largest covering drop spreader on our list.
With the capacity to hold 17 gallons (or 175 pounds) and with coverage estimated at 40,000 square feet, this is the drop spreader to purchase if you have a large amount of land to cover and you are not messing around! Adding to its positive qualities, this drop spreader is relatively light, considering how much power it contains, only weighing in about 46 pounds.
Made from rustproof poly hopper the Agri-Fab 45-0288 is sure to withstand the harshest of elements. To eliminate any additional doubt in your mind, this drop spreader also comes with a 3-year warranty ensuring that each buyer will get the highest quality of product and service available on the market.
Some additional features that the Agri-Fab 45-0288 includes are an on/off control, a universal hitch as well as being accessible from a tractor seat. These three qualities immensely add to the user friendly and accommodating qualities of this drop spreader and are one of the main reasons that we had to make the Agri-Fab 45-0288 first on our list as well as our Editor’s choice!

    What makes it special?
  • 3-year warranty
  • 42 inch drop width
  • Universal hitch
    What cons did we find?
  • Clogs easily
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7862 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.8
2
Premium Pick

Spyker P70-12010

Features
  • Type: push
  • Drop width: 18” or 36”
  • Coverage: not specified
  • Capacity: 120 lbs.
  • Weight: 65 lbs. (shipping)
  • Good for: all-season use
  • Warranty: 1 year

Other features: commercial drop spreader, powder coated steel frame,  two side-by-side hopper portions, 13” x 5” wheels

Second on our list, we have the Spyker P70-12010, which is also our Premium Pick. With the capacity to hold up to 120 pounds of the product paired with the drop width of 36 inches, this is a large drop spreader that is excellent for larger acreage. Weighing around 65 pounds, it is important to remember that this drop spreader is a push model. While it is not the lightest drop spreader on the market, it is still a decent weight and should not be an issue for any adept user.The Spyker P70-12010 also contains two side by side hopper portions which gives this drop spreader flexibility in its capacity size. If you are looking to drop spread a smaller amount of product or a smaller area, only fill one of the side hoppers which have an 18-inch drop width, making it the perfect size for a smaller area of land!
The Spyker P70-12010 is a commercial-grade drop spreader, meaning that it is designed to be the most durable as possible, given the frequency of use in a professional setting. This is excellent news for anyone looking for an extremely durable drop spreader that is guaranteed to last through frequent uses in the years to come.
The Spyker P70-12010 also includes a powder-coated steel frame. Powder coating is a dry finishing technique that provides a protective finish. A powder coating also ensures that the product is low in toxicity as well as being low in flammability.

    What do we love it for?
  • All season use
  • Commercial grade
  • 18 or 36 inch drop width
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Paint is prone to chipping
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3354 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.5
3
Best Value

Scotts 76565

Features
  • Type: push
  • Drop width: 22”
  • Coverage: 10,000 sq.ft.
  • Capacity: not specified
  • Weight: 12.6 lbs.
  • Good for: medium-sized areas
  • Warranty: 30 days

Other features: heavy-duty frame, pre-calibrated

Next on our list we have the Scotts 76565 drop spreader. The best value on our list, this drop spreader proves that you do not have to pay a lot of money for a quality drop spreader!
Also, being a push model, this drop spreader is exceptionally lightweight, weighing in at 12.6 pounds, making it an excellent choice for anyone who is not comfortable working with a drop spreader that is on the heavier side. The Scotts 76565 drop spreader has an estimated coverage of 10,000 square feet and has a drop width of 22 inches. These dimensions make the Scotts 76565 the prime choice for anyone looking for a drop spreader to maintain a medium-sized lawn area. The Scotts 76565 is constructed using a heavy-duty frame, which adds not only to the durability and longevity of the drop spreader, but it also provides stability with each and every use. This heavy-duty frame is another feature that proves that the Scotts 76565 drop spreader is an excellent choice for those who are less familiar with operating a drop spreader.
The Scotts 76565 drop spreader also includes a 30-day warranty with each purchase, which ensures buyer satisfaction each and every time. Adding to buyer’s satisfaction, each Scotts 76565 drop spreader comes fully assembled, calibrated and ready to use. This removes any of the assembly guesswork and allows each buyer to hit the ground running as soon as they receive their Scotts 76565 drop spreader!

    What stands out?
  • Lightweight
  • 30-day warranty
  • Fully assembled
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Wheels are easily detached
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6115 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.3
4
Best Year Round Pick

Agri-Fab 45-0543

Features
  • Type: tow behind
  • Drop width: 32”
  • Coverage: 17,500 sq.ft.
  • Capacity: 100 lbs.
  • Weight: 37.5 lbs.
  • Good for: all-season use
  • Warranty: 3 years

Other features: rustproof poly hopper, can aerate and seed in one pass, 8 galvanized steel spike disks, 10” flat free tires, galvanized steel agitator, a steel lift handle, universal hitch

Fourth on our list, we have the Agri-Fab 45-0543. An excellent tow behind option, this drop spreader is an excellent choice for those who are looking to use their drop spreader year-round.
The Agri-Fab 45-0543 drop spreader can cover 17,500 square feet as well as contain up to 100 pounds of product. Weighing at 37.5 pounds, this is a lightweight tow behind option that will not be too strenuous on either the user or the machine towing the drop spreader.
The Agri-Fab 45-0543 also includes a poly hopper that is rustproof, promising durability in the poor weather elements. The poly hopper can both aerate the soil as well as seed- all in one drive through- making for the easiest of landscape maintenance.
The Agri-Fab 45-0543 also includes a steel lift handle, 10-inch flat tires and 8 galvanized steel spike disks all are features that have been proven to maintain the lawn as effectively as possible while providing the user as little stress as possible.
Another feature that adds to the ease of use is the universal hitch. The universal hitch is an excellent feature as it allows the Agri-Fab 45-0543 to be compatible with as many towing machines as possible. In addition to the universal hitch, the 3-year warranty ensures that each buyer will be satisfied with the product as well maintaining its pristine condition for years to come.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Tow Behind
  • 3 Year warranty
  • Universal hitch
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Difficult assembly
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4167 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.9
5
Best Choice for Sensitive Foliage

SaltDogg WB400

Features
  • Type: push
  • Drop width: 32”
  • Coverage: 40,000 sq.ft.
  • Capacity: 200 lbs.
  • Weight: 67 lbs.
  • Good for: areas with sensitive foliage
  • Warranty: 1 year

Other features: stainless steel construction, corrosion-free poly hopper, plastic rain cover included, 13” pneumatic tires, flow regulator with solid control linkage

Last but certainly not least on our list we have the SaltDogg WB400. A larger sized push model drop spreader, this model weighs in at around 67 pounds. This weight makes it a heavier option and should only be considered by those buyers who feel comfortable using such a heavy machine.
With a drop width of 32 inches, a capacity for 200 pounds of product and a coverage of 40,00 square feet, this drop spreader is not a force to be reckoned with. However, with features such as the plastic rain cover and the 13 inch pneumatic tires, the SaltDogg WB400 drop spreader is an excellent model to consider for those who have a landscape with more sensitive foliage and will need a drop spreader to adeptly maneuver around those areas.
Just because the SaltDogg WB400 drop spreader is compatible with the more sensitive landscape areas, that does not mean that it is unable to withstand some harsher elements. With this drop spreader’s stainless steel construction, as well as its corrosion-free poly hopper, this drop spreader is sure to hold its own against the elements it encounters on the job as well as be sure to maintain a good working quality for the time to come. To further its promise of continued product quality, the SaltDogg WB400 comes with a 1-year warranty with each purchase.

    What makes it special?
  • 1-year warranty
  • Compatible with sensitive foliage
  • Stainless steel
    What cons did we find?
  • Heavier option

Things to Consider

Picking out the perfect drop spreader can seem extremely daunting, especially if you are unsure what to look for. Throughout our buying guide, we go through each detail of what to look for when purchasing a drop spreader, including type, capacity and other important features to consider. Ready to find the right drop spreader for you? Read on!

Why buy a drop spreader?

5 Best Drop Spreaders - Cover More Land in Less Time!

There are various reasons to purchase a drop spreader, but efficiency and effectiveness are among the top two qualities. A drop spreader enables a homeowner to cover more land in less time, as opposed to the handheld options, while also monitoring where the seeds are spread, only spreading them where the owner intends. These qualities make a drop spreader the perfect option for anyone who is looking to maintain a larger amount of land as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Features to consider when choosing a drop spreader

There are various features to consider when choosing a drop spreader. Among them is the model of the drop spreader so the buyer can ensure that they have the proper attachments as well as the proper model for their landscape. Other features to consider include the capacity and durability so the buyer can guarantee that the purchased drop spreader will be able to cover the amount of intended land. Weight and materials are also important to consider as the buyer will want to purchase a machine that is durable and will last the coming years as well as the coming weather.

Type

There are multiple types of drop spreaders to consider before purchasing.

The most traditional type of drop spreader is the push, where the driver is walking behind the spreader and pushing it along.

In addition to the push model, there is the tow behind or the pull behind model. As the name states, this model is built to have the driver attach the front of the drop spreader to a tractor and lead it along as it drops the seeds. There are pros and cons to both types of models, however the ultimate deciding factor as to what model to choose ultimately comes down to personal preference!

Drop width

Drop width is important to consider as it will best help a potential buyer determine which drop spreader is suited for their needs. Drop width refers to the range that the seeds will be dispersed when using a specific drop spreader. For example, a drop spreader with a larger drop width such as the Agri-Fab 45-0288 is ideal for a larger lawn.

Capacity

Capacity is also important to know when purchasing a drop spreader. Capacity refers to how much product the drop spreader is able to distribute in one outing. If you have a smaller amount of land to cover, a drop spreader with a small capacity like the Spyker P70-12010 would be an excellent choice. Similarly, a drop spreader with a larger capacity would be a better choice for someone with a larger amount of land to maintain.

Weight

Weight is also an important factor to consider when purchasing a drop spreader, as the driver will be pushing the machine along themselves in the push model of a drop spreader. If you don’t feel comfortable pushing heavier products around, a lighter machine like the Scotts 76565 would be best suited for you!

Construction

5 Best Drop Spreaders - Cover More Land in Less Time!

The construction or how the drop spreader was constructed, is also extremely important to consider. Are the materials that make up the drop spreader durable and expected to last for years to come? Are these materials known to last against the elements? Can they withstand poor weather? Are they rustproof? All of these factors are important to consider when purchasing a drop spreader.

Other features

Other features to consider when looking at drop spreaders include any warranty included with purchase as well as any additional controls to allow for more straightforward operation. Any additional accessories that add ease to this chore are also highly encouraged and welcomed!

FAQ

What is better a drop spreader or broadcast spreader?

There is not an overall “best” drop spreader to choose, only options that are better suited to your needs. A broadcast spreader spreads out a large arc, covering a large amount of land at a time whereas drop spreader is much more controlled and meticulous about where they place the product. If you are looking to cover a large amount of land as quickly as possible, go for a broadcast spreader. If you are looking for something a little more controlled, opt for the drop spreader.

Can you use a drop spreader for topsoil?

Yes! You can absolutely use a drop spreader for topsoil. In fact, using a drop spreader while distributing topsoil is an excellent idea as you will be spreading very uniformly and precisely. When using more traditional methods, such as a shovel, the results are much less accurate. If you are looking for the most accurate results, the drop spreader is the way to go!

How do I maintain my drop spreader?

To best maintain your drop spreader, it is wise to empty all the product from it after every use. If there seems to be any product remaining, flushing with some hot water should remove any remnants. Be sure to allow time for drying before putting back into storage. The axel can occasionally use some oil from time to time, but be sure not to use anything too heavy.

Our verdict

There you have it! Our list of the best drop spreaders on the market. At the top of our list, we have our Editor’s Choice, the Agri-Fab 45-0288. We loved this beast of a machine for its massive drop width and product capacity as well as its 3-year warranty to ensure customer satisfaction.
Second on our list we have the Premium pick, the Spyker P70-12010. We appreciated this push model drop spreader as well as its flexibility in drop widths due to its side by side hopper portions.
Last but not least on our list of the best drop spreaders we have the Scotts 76565. We appreciated how lightweight and user-friendly this drop spreader was making it a great option for someone who has never used a drop spreader before!

9,9
Total Score
Agri-Fab 45-0288 - Editor’s Choice
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