If you’re tackling weeds, planting new seeds, fertilizing the soil, and/or trying to achieve a beautiful, lush lawn, you need a spreader! Here’s a quick guide on selecting the best grass seed for your yard.
Buying the best drop spreader isn’t as easy as it seems, given that there several options to choose from
But I’ve done the homework and narrowed it down to the 4 best drop spreaders.
- Scotts spreader
- Agri-Fab drop spreader
- Spyker commercial drop spreader
- Agri-Fab drop spreader with bigger hopper
Read further to learn more about each of these spreader models to help buy the right one for your needs.
4 Best Drop Spreaders
In a rush? These are the ones we recommend. But keep reading if you want more info on each.
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1. Scotts 76565 Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
The Scotts Turf Builder Classic drop spreader tops this list of drop spreaders for several good reasons, starting with its large holding capacity that can accommodate grass seed and fertilizers to spread across 10,000 square feet. Take note that before spreading any type of fertilizer, you need to perform a soil test first.
Adding to this, Scotts Classic drop spreader is built to last and sits sturdily on a heavy-duty frame for unmatched stability during use.
The Scotts Turf Builder Classic drop spreader offers a 22-inch spreading pattern for great accuracy and maximum coverage.
It arrives pre-calibrated and fully assembled, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. Before you use the Scotts drop spreader, check the packaging of the grass seed you plan to use for the spreader settings.
Next, adjust the setting dial accordingly to the settings, because you want to ensure that the area being seeded receives optimal coverage.
With the spreader disengaged, fill the hopper with as much grass seed you think you will need for your area. Position the Scotts drop spreader near the edge of the area, and press the lever to engage it.
After you’ve spread seed evenly across your lawn, pour any unused seed back into the bag, rinse the spreader, and store it properly for future use.
Pros:
- Can hold product to cover 10,000 square feet
- 22-inch spreading pattern
- Heavy-duty frame for great stability
- Pre-calibrated and ready to use
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Limited to one color option
- Large capacity hopper holds up to 10,000 sq. ft. of Scotts lawn product, including grass seed and fertilizer
- Heavy-duty frame for optimum stability
- 22-inch spread pattern delivers maximum coverage and accuracy
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2. Agri-Fab 45-0543 Drop Spreader – Best Tow Behind Drop Spreader
The Agri-Fab 45-0543 tow-behind drop spreader is in a league of its own with its ability to hold and spread up to 100 lbs of product at any given time.
Depending on the product, the Agri-Fab tow behind spreader can cover approximately 40,000 square feet with a full hopper.
This multifaceted drop spreader can be used as a seeder and spiker and offers top-notch performance, thanks to its drop spreading and aeration capabilities.
The Agri-Fab tow behind drop spreader is fitted with 10-inch flat-free tires, which allow you to ride smoothly on both rugged and uneven terrain.
This tow-behind spreader offers a 32-inch controlled spreading width, making it a great choice for small and large size lawns.
It is equipped with a steel lift handle that allows you to adjust the height easily for maximum precision.
With regards to aeration, the Agri-Fab tow behind drop spreader features eight galvanized spike discs that work their way effectively into the soil.
The Agri-Fab tow behind spreader tips the scales at 37.5 lbs and can be connected to your tractor with a universal hitch.
It can be turned on and off via a direct rod that’s accessible from the tractor’s seat. For a tow-behind spreader that doubles down as an aerator as well, the Agri-Fab drop spreader is hard to beat!
Pros:
- Holds 100 lbs of products to cover 40,000 square feet
- 10-inch flat-free tires
- Steel lift handle to adjust the height
- Can be used as a spreader and aerator
- 8 galvanized spike discs
Cons:
- Does not come fully assembled
- MADE IN USA
- Rustproof poly hopper increases product life
- 32" Working width
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3. Spyker P70-12010 Commercial Drop Spreader
The Spyker P70-12010 is a commercial-grade drop spreader that can hold up to 120 lbs of product in its hopper.
It features a powder-coated steel frame for unmatched durability and offers a 36-inch spread width.
Adding to this, the Spyker P70-12010 drop spreader is fitted with 13-inch x 5-inch wheels, which collectively provide great traction on rugged terrain. Refer to these great tips on how to fix rugged and bumpy lawns.
The Spyker P70-12010 drop spreader can be used for several different types of products including sand, seed, top dressing material, and even salt to melt the snow.
The hopper of the Spyker P70-12010 drop spreader is divided into two sections, where one can be used for 18-inch widths and the other for 36-inch widths of consistent coverage.
The Spyker P70-12010 drop spreader is an ideal choice for starting a lawn and comes with variable rate and ½” fixed rate bottoms.
Pros:
- 2 hopper sections for 18” and 36” widths
- Powder-coated steel frame
- 13-inch x 5-inch wheels for smooth operation
- Can be used for different types of materials
- Hold up to 120 lbs of product
Cons:
- Cannot be used to spread topsoil
- Spyker P70-12010 Commercial Drop Spreader
- 120 lb. hopper capacity
- Powder coated steel frame
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4. Agri-Fab 45-0288 Drop Spreader
Unlike the Agri-Fab model mentioned above, the Agri-Fab 45-0288 drop spreader doesn’t offer aeration capabilities but does come with a larger hopper that can hold up to 175 lbs of material.
It can cover more than 40,000 square feet with each fill and is rust-proofed for increased service life.
The Agri-Fab 45-0288 drop spreader offers a controlled 42-inch spreading width and features a premium galvanized agitator for improved durability.
Furthermore, the Agri-Fab 45-0288 drop spreader arrives loaded with pneumatic tires for smooth operation and is backed by a three-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros:
- The large hopper can hold 175 lbs of product
- Rust-proofed for longer service life
- 42-inch spread width
- Pneumatic tires
- 3-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer aeration capabilities
- MADE IN USA
- Hopper capacity is 17-gallons (dry)/175-pounds
- 40,000-square feet coverage; roughly 1 acre
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Drop Spreader Buying Guide
Drop spreaders are perhaps one of the easiest tools to use in your lawn care arsenal, and serve just one purpose—drop seed, granular fertilizer evenly across your lawn.
Unlike lawnmowers or other similarly powered tools, drop spreaders have a few working parts to them.
However, drop spreaders can be big-ticket purchases, which is why there are a few important factors to consider to buy the right model for your needs.
Type of Drop Spreader
There are two types of drop spreaders to choose from—push-behind drop spreaders and tow-behind drop spreaders.
Just as the name would suggest, push drop spreaders allow you to spread seeds and other materials by pushing the drop spreader across your lawn.
A push spreader is a great choice for lawns that contain lots of planting beds, landscaping narrow green strips, and/or tight turns.
A tow-behind drop spreader can be connected with your tractor or riding lawn mower via a universal hitch and is an ideal choice to spread seed and other materials evenly across larger size lawns.
Construction
The best drop spreaders are crafted from heavy-duty materials, so you can expect them to last for years to come. Some models are even rust-proofed for enhanced durability.
If the hopper of the drop spreader is crafted from plastic, make sure it is solidly built with large enough holes to let the seed or fertilizer quickly flow through.
Wheels
Most if not all drop spreaders are fitted with wheels to easily move the drop spreader around across your lawn. These wheels can measure between 10 inches to 12 inches, and some are flat-free tires.
Steer clear of drop spreaders with wheels made from plastic, because they don’t work smoothly over large bumps or uneven ground.
Drop spreaders fitted with pneumatic wheels are great for uphill terrain and rugged terrain, but on the downside, most pneumatic wheels require regular maintenance, because you need to measure their air pressure regularly.
Handle
The handle of a push-behind drop spreader should be high enough for the user or else may cause strain on the back.
Some drop spreaders come with an adjustable handle that allows you to lower or raise the handle as needed. Some handles come with rubberized grips that relieve stress on the hands.
Controls and calibration
Top model drop spreaders come pre-calibrated, whereas others need to be calibrated before use. You also need to adjust the flow rate settings to match the application rates of the respective product.
Warranty
Most big brand drop spreaders do come with some type of warranty that protects the drop spreader against any manufacturer defects for a few years.
Popular Drop Spreader Brands
Scotts Drop Spreaders
Scotts is one of the big names in the lawn care segment and offers a massive portfolio of hit products. The company’s drop spreaders are easy to use and boast a robust built quality.
Additionally, most Scotts drop spreaders are easy to control, thanks to their onsite trigger handle that allows you to efficiently control the flow of seed.
Scotts drop spreaders feature a large hopper, generally 22 inches wide, which allows you to hold more product, and seed over a larger area.
Another noteworthy feature of Scotts drop spreaders is that they come fully assembled, so all you’ve got to do is unbox, fill the hopper, and voila—you’re ready to spray seed on your lawn.
Agri-Fab Drop Spreaders
Just like Scotts, Agri-Fab manufactures a wide range of drop spreaders and other essential lawn care equipment. Their drop spreaders generally come with larger capacity hoppers and are tow-behind models.
Most of the company’s drop spreaders can hold material to cover 40,000 square feet of area, so if you have a larger area to seed, Agri-Fab’s drop spreaders are worth a second look.
Agri-Fab drop spreaders feature a galvanized steel agitator, which is engineered to prevent clumping and provides even and uniform coverage.
Adding to this, most of these models come with flat-free or pneumatic tires, which enable the drop spreaders to roll smoothly over existing grass and/or rugged terrain.
How to Use a Drop Spreader?
Drop spreaders use the power of gravity to drop seeds and other products precisely in rows with a straight pass.
The first thing to do when using any type of drop spreader is to set the dial, and to do this, refer to the fertilizer or seed package for instructions.
Look for the settings related to drop spreaders, which can be different from those of broadcast spreaders.
Although drop spreaders are safe to use, you should take the extra precaution of disengaging the machine before filling the hopper.
Once disengaged, fill the hopper of the drop spreader with the amount of product you think you’ll need, and it’s better to underfill than overfill.
Remember, you can always refill the hopper if you run out of material to add seed or product to the missed areas.
Whether you’re using a push drop spreader or a tow-behind drop spreader, maneuver it in straight lines to spread the seed evenly across your lawn.
After using the drop spreader, it’s a good practice to clean it thoroughly, making sure you get rid of any product that may be stuck to the hopper.
Before storing your drop spreader, apply a spray lubricant to prevent the metal parts from developing rust.
Final Thoughts
A drop spreader allows you to precisely spread seed or other material across your lawn but takes a little longer to do the job compared to broadcast spreaders.
Drop spreaders are available in two common types—push-behind drop spreaders, and tow-behind spreaders.
If you have a smaller size lawn to cover, a push spreader is an ideal choice, but tow-behind drop spreaders are highly recommended if you have a tractor or riding lawn mower for large-size lawns.
The market is flooded with drop spreader models, making it a bit tricky to buy the right one.
But I’ve narrowed the list down to the 4 best drop spreaders available, which come with a large hopper capacity and include both push and tow-behind drop spreaders.
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Hi, Alex Kuritz here. Growing up I remember that my family had one of the best lawns in the neighborhood. Richly green and lush. I did a lot as I grew up in terms of caring and tending for not only my family’s lawn but also my neighbors. I can say I have years of experience, and I am here to share it with you.
