Anyone with a size-able lawn knows how difficult it is to keep and maintain the garden green and lush. Constant work and investment are required to ensure that the whole lawn is well seeded and fertilized. Unfortunately, fertilizer pellets and grass seeds are likely to clump together when you pour the fertilizer by hand. This is why you need to invest in the best tow-behind spreader. However, the large number of tow-behind spreaders in the market makes it difficult to find the perfect one. But we are here to help.
It took us months to review 38 tow-behind spreaders, but it was worth all the effort. We loved the Brinly BS36BH so much that we decided it should be our editor’s choice. This tow-behind spreader impressed us with its large capacity, versatility, durability and other unique features. We did not expect such a simple-looking spreader to deliver such a great performance. Of course, other fertilizer spreaders impressed us too.
In our efforts to pick the best spreader, we considered several important features. Spreading style and capacity were some of the main ones and for obvious reasons. Other essential features include the weight, warranty, wheels, comfort, and dimensions of the spreaders among others. The review starts with a table showing all the spreaders being reviewed followed by an in-depth review of each product. There is also a buying guide to help you determine the perfect spread depending on your needs. Lastly, we let you know our top 3 tow-behind spreaders.
More features: polyethylene hopper, glass filled nylon gears, automatic flowing with spread pattern control, calibration control, hopper cover included, 13.5’’ pneumatic wheels
If you want a simple tow-behind spreader that does not compromise on performance then you should get the Brinly BS36BH. It is perfect for homeowners with large lawns or light commercial works too. This spreader is popular for its large capacity of about 175 pounds, which can comfortably cover an acre. It is also a versatile machine allowing you to spread different materials such as fertilizer, seeds, salt, and other lawn chemicals.
The Brinly BS36BH features a changeable spreader to allow you to center the patterns of distribution. Its hopper is made from rustproof polyethylene that can safely even out the lawn chemicals. This tow-behind spreader also has a unique technology that makes it to automatically stop each time the tractor or ATV stops. It also has pre-calibrated settings that allow you to determine how you want to work beforehand.
We all want a durable fertilizer spreader and this is what you get when you purchase the Brinly BS36BH. Its shaft, hardware, and agitator are all made from stainless steel to prevent corrosion. They also ensure the machine is not damaged by other external factors.
Not to forget that this tow-behind spreader’s axle is made from stainless steel. The axle also features twin brushing-bearings and well-protected gears to further guarantee the spreader’s durability. For enhanced stability and easy gliding, this tow-behind spreader has 13.5-inch pneumatic wheels.
More features: 14’’ pneumatic wheels, corrosion resistant hopper, aluminum gear, distant flow control
Do you want a reliable tow-behind spreader that will always do a great job on your lawn? The Yard Commander Tow Behind Spreader is one of the best fertilizer spreaders for tractors. This heavy-duty tow-behind spreader can carry a load of up to 125 pounds, which is more than enough for a large lawn. Its wheels are also designed to support this heavy load while still being able to navigate smoothly across different terrains.
The Yard Commander Tow-Behind spreader has a pretty large hopper that is made from corrosion-resistant materials. It also has specific controls that you choose depending on the material you are spreading. This makes it one of the most versatile and great all-season spreaders in the market.
The durability of this tow-behind spreader also makes it a favorite among its clients. The Yard Commander is made from stainless steel hardware with a rust-resistant powder coat that will ensure your spreader always looks as good as new. The hopper is also made from a special durable material, polyethylene, which is not prone to corrosion. An aluminum gear
The distant flow control feature allows you to control the amount and flow of the materials being spread. You will find a speed rate on the handle that makes spreading easy and allows you to adjust the spreading width from 10 feet to 12 feet.
More features: polyethylene hopper, enclosed gearbox, pneumatic tires, flow gate
If you have a large lawn that needs regular care, the Agri-Fab 45-0463 might work best for you. The spreader comes with a 130-pound hopper, which can spread fertilizer for half an acre without a refill. The Agri-Fab 45-0463 has a universal hitch that allows you to connect it to any ride-on mower or lawn tractor. This means you will not have to look for a special lawn tractor that only works with this machine.
This tow-behind spreader offers a spread width of up to 10 feet, which covers all the areas you need to hit. It also allows you to find even the most difficult of places such as walkways or near hedges. The spreader plate is made from rustproof material to ensure it is not corroded by the strong lawn chemicals. Similarly, the hopper is also made from polyethylene to minimize corrosion.
You can control the tow-behind spreader using an on/off lever that you can easily reach from the tractor’s seat. The large diameter pneumatic tires ensure that you can access all terrains. That said, you can rest assured that there will be no scorching or uncovered patches.
To enhance durability, this gearbox is fully covered to prevent any stray seed or fertilizer from interfering with its working. Like professional and commercial tow-behind spreaders, the gears of the Agri-Fab 45-0463 are made with durable aluminum. This makes it a reliable spreader that will work for years.
More features: 10’’ pneumatic wheels, rustproof hopper, steel gear, universal fit hitch, spreader impeller
Craftsman CMXGZBF7124322 is our budget pick, and for good reason. This tow-behind spreader is quite affordable but this does not mean it compromises its functionality. It is also a versatile spreader that can be attached to your ATV, mower, UTV or even your lawn tractor. It is designed to cover a large area in the shortest time while ensuring that all places are evenly-spread.
Navigation is made easy with the 10-inch pneumatic wheels that not only cover large spaces but can also access all terrains. The large wheels even make it possible to access uneven grounds. This makes spreading fertilizer or grass seeds a breeze.
While the Craftsman CMXGZBF7124322 does not have a relatively large hopper, the 85-pound hopper is enough to cover a medium to a large lawn. You can cover about 1/3 of an acre without the need to refill it. It also includes a spreader with a width of 10 feet to cover large spaces. Both the spreader plate and the hopper of this Craftsman are made from rustproof material to prevent corrosion and damage to the tow-behind spreader.
We also loved that this tow-behind spreader is quite versatile and you can use it round the year. It allows you to spread fertilizer, insecticides, seeds, and even ice melt. Regardless of how you want to use it, you can always rely on this tow-behind spreader.
More features: 14’’ pneumatic tires, 11 gate adjustment settings, automatically stopping dual spreading stoppers, powder coated steel
The Chapin International 8620B is a large capacity yet sturdy tow-behind spreader. One drive with this machine and you will understand why many lawn care enthusiasts revel this product. It is impossible to not notice the heavy steel frame that holds the hopper and axle together. This tow-behind spreader also has 14-inch pneumatic tires that will be stable regardless of the terrain it walks on.
With a capacity of about 150 pounds, you can use this fertilizer spreader for a couple of times without the need to refill it. This machine also comes with 11 different settings that you can choose from. You can easily pick the setting that you want using the gate adjustment settings. For example, you will have to set the gate adjustment to zero if you want to close the gate when moving around. Resetting the gate settings opens the gate and lets out the fertilizer.
Furthermore, the Chapin International 8620B comes with a dual impeller system. Using this technology, the spreader will only allow the materials to pass the gate when the machine is in motion. An auto-stop feature is triggered as soon as you stop the spreader. This not only reduces the amount of wastage but it also means less work for you.
This spreader is great for use in large spaces or professional use since it has a heavy-duty trailer hitch and a wide spreading-width.
Before committing to one tow-behind spreader, you must keep in mind some important factors and features. This will not only ensure that you get the perfect spreader but will also help you avoid buyer’s remorse. With this buying guide, you can choose a product that meets your preferences and tastes. Here are some of the things you should know.
Many people wonder why they should invest hundreds of dollars in a tow-behind spreader while they can spread fertilizer or seeds manually. Well, you could do it with your own hands but if you want a lush and green lawn then you will have to get a spreader.
Spreading fertilizer manually, for example, is not effective since the fertilizer and seeds clump up. You are also likely to spread the material unevenly leading to patches or scotched parts. With a tow-behind spreader, you can rest assured that your gardening efforts will be perfect.
Having the best spreader will not give you the results you want if you are unable to use it correctly. That said, you should take a moment to read the instruction manual of your spreader to ensure you are doing everything right. But here are a couple of tips to help you use a tow-behind fertilizer spread.
Your budget is perhaps one of the most important factors when buying any home equipment. You cannot exceed your budget so you must choose a n affordable product that works for you. Luckily, an affordable tow-behind spreader does not mean a poor-quality spreader. Our budget pick, the Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 is affordable and still delivers some great performance. If you are a professional or business and are looking for a high-end product then you can go for pricier models. They have more features.
There are many crucial aspects that you ought to look at before settling on one spreader. Here are some of them.
There are many brands and types of spreaders with some big and some small depending on their purpose. That said, some tow-behind spreaders may need some form of assembly while others come pre-assembled in the box. A spreader that needs assembling will also require knowledge in the different parts and tools involved.
If you have a problem with this or you do not want to get technical then you should look for a spreader that does not require assembling.
One of the first things you should consider when looking to buy a tow-behind spreader is its capacity. Spreaders come in all shapes and sizes and the perfect one for you will depend on your needs. Do you have a small or a large lawn? For those lucky to have a large lawn or garden, the Brinly BS36BH is your best bet. It has a 175-pound hopper that can drop spread for about an acre before you have to refill it.
If you have a smaller lawn, the Yard Commander or the Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 can come in handy.
Many people do not realize the importance of the wheels in a tow-behind spreader. Large wheels not only improve stability but also ensure that the distribution is not affected by uneven ground. The Chapin International 8620B impressed us with its 14-inch pneumatic tires. The wheels should also be durable as you can’t use a spreader with a faulty tire.
Constant innovation ensures that there are different types of spreaders with each of them having their advantages. The broadcast spreader is the most popular. This is a spreader that has a rotating plate underneath the hopper to release fertilizer or seeds. They are attached to a lawn tractor and spread the material automatically but will stop as soon as the tractor or ATV stops.
Drop spreaders, on the other hand, are simple machines. They will drop the seeds or fertilizers as you walk with it. They do not have any rotating plate or fins like broadcast spreaders, which means they will not be as effective. You need an open space since you drop the material in a straight line.
We all want a product with the longest warranty. A long warranty affirms that the product is legitimate and reliable. The Chapin International 8620B takes the cake here with a lifetime limited warranty.
Ideally, a tow-behind spreader should be easy to use. You simply want to pour the material on the hopper, start the ATV and make a couple of rounds. With that said, not all spreaders are easy to use or comfortable. We found the Brinly BS36BH to be stable, comfortable and an easy to use tow-behind spreader.
Spreaders get exposed to various materials. From sand to fertilizers and even insecticides, it is important that they are made from sturdy and rust-resistant materials. Most of the products reviewed were fairly strong since they are made from durable stainless steel. All hoppers are also made from rust-proof materials that cannot easily corrode. Stainless steel, albeit more expensive, tend to be stronger than PVCs.
No one wants a heavy spreader as the work can get really tough when the hopper is full. The Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 is the lightest spreader at a mere 30 pounds. We, however, noticed that tow-behind spreaders with large hoppers tend to be bulkier.
The dimensions of a spreader are quite important. It will help you know where to store it and the spaces that they can fit. You need to know where you will use it and how big the area is to determine the dimensions you want in a tow-behind drop spreader.
Those with limited storage space should also check the dimensions of the spreader before buying it. You do not want to park your tow-behind spreader in front of your lawn. The Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 was one of the compact spreaders that we reviewed. It is great for those with small lawns or small storage spaces.
When getting a new product, you often want it to last a lifetime. To determine the durability of a spreader, it is first important to check the materials used to construct it. If it is not made from sturdy materials, it is best to get a different one. Spreaders made from stainless steel are stronger than those made with plastic PVCs.
The hopper should also be made from rust-resistant material since it comes into contact with strong lawn chemicals. The Agri-Fab 45-0463 is one of the durable spreaders that we tried out.
The Brinly BS36BH, our editor’s choice, is our top choice. The large capacity of its hopper, durable construction, good calibration control settings, and sturdy wheels impressed us most. It also has some great features. We found this spreader to be most reliable and this was approved by the many professionals we consulted.
In second place is the Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571, which was our budget pick. This spreader featured as one of the best tow-behind spreaders because of its affordability, compactness, and durability. It can be perfect for smaller lawns.
Lastly, the Agri-Fab 45-0463, a simple yet powerful tow-behind spreader. This machine comes with a 130-pound hopper and can spread fertilizer for half an acre without a refill. It also has a universal hitch that allows you to connect it to any ride-on mower or lawn tractor.
