What are the Best Tow-Behind Spreaders? 2024 Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Spreading seed by hand is difficult, and needless to say a thing of the past! Today, you’ve got walk-behind spreaders and tow-behind spreaders to choose from.

Read my review of the best drop spreaders.

Tow-behind spreaders attach to your truck, mower, or ATV, and do all the hard work of spreading seed and/or fertilizer. Read these fertilization tips for your lawn.

Buying the best tow-behind spreader can be a bit overwhelming, given the many options available. However, after testing several models, I’ve narrowed down my list to 10 best tow-behind spreaders, which includes:

  1. Agri-Fab
  2. Chapin tow-behind spreader
  3. Spyker Pro

My detailed reviews below on each of the best tow-behind spreader will help you buy the right model for your needs.

Best Tow-Behind Spreader

Buying the best tow-behind spreader however can be a bit overwhelming, given the plethora of options available. 

But after considering several different factors such as capacity and dimensions, I narrowed down the list to the 9 best tow-behind spreaders for the money! 

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10 Best Tow-Behind Spreaders

1. Agri-Fab 130 Lbs Tow Broadcast Spreader

Agri-Fab 130 Lbs Tow Broadcast Spreader

The Agri-Fab 85 lbs slots in at the #1 position on this list of best tow-behind broadcast spreaders for several reasons, most notably its large 85 lbs hopper capacity. 

It boasts a robust build, so you can rest assured it will serve you well for many years to come. The Agri-Fab tow-behind spreader tips the scales at just 17 lbs, making it easy to control and empty the unused material in the hopper. 

A full hopper can spread seed or fertilizer across 14,000 square feet, making it a great choice for large lawns. 

The Agri-Fab tow-behind spreader can be connected to your mower, or tractor via a universal hitch, and is fitted with two 10-inch pneumatic tires, which collectively provide great traction on rugged terrain. 

This 85-lb capacity tow-behind spreader by Agri-Fab features an enclosed gearbox to prevent the product from getting inside and can be ordered with an optional grate for improved material flow and spreader performance. 

The Agri-Fab 85 lbs tow-behind spreader rests sturdily on a steel frame and offers a 10-foot spreading width. 

Pros: 

  • 10-feet spreading width 
  • 10” pneumatic tires
  • 85 lbs hopper capacity 14,000 square feet 
  • Universal fit hitch included 
  • Enclosed gearbox 

Cons: 

  • Some assembly required 
Agri-Fab Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader - 85-Lb. Capacity, Model...
4,319 Reviews
Agri-Fab Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader - 85-Lb. Capacity, Model...
  • 45-0530-131 has now replaced 45-0530
  • Capacity: 85 lbs. ; 1/4 Acre (14, 000 sq. Ft. ).On/off control accessible from tractor seat for convenience.
  • Spread width: up to 10Ft. Spread

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2. Chapin 8620B 150-Pound Tow Behind Spreader

Chapin 8620B 150-Pound Tow Behind Spreader

For a large-capacity tow-behind spreader, the Chapin 8620B is perhaps a great option. It can accommodate up to 150 lbs of product and comes with wide tread 14-inch pneumatic tires. 

Made in the USA, the Chapin 8620B tow-behind spreader is geared towards homeowners and professionals and is fitted with oil-impregnated bronze bearings, and a grease fitting in the gearbox to greatly reduce friction. 

The gate of the Chapin 8620B tow-behind spreader is adjustable via 11 incremental settings for accurate application.

It is fitted with a spiked auger to help break up heavier chunks of material, and a universal trailer hitch for professional use. Here are 8 steps to attaching the trailer hitch properly.

The Chapin 8620B tow-behind spreader features a powder-coated steel frame, which is both rust-resistant and highly durable. 

Another key feature of the Chapin 8620B tow-behind spreader is its auto-stop dual impeller, which stops the spreading of the product when the spreader isn’t in motion. 

Made in the USA using global materials, the Chapin 8620B tow-behind spreader is designed for ATVs and tractors but can be linked with your mower too. 

Pros: 

  • 14” wide tread pneumatic tires 
  • Onsite spiked auger 
  • 150 lbs capacity 
  • Powder-coated steel frame 
  • Auto-stop impeller 
  • 11-gate adjustment settings
  • 3-year warranty

Cons: 

  • Can’t be used with pelletized lime, lime powder, and agri-lime
Chapin 8620B 150 lb Tow Behind Spreader with Auto-Stop, Red 8620B...
1,928 Reviews
Chapin 8620B 150 lb Tow Behind Spreader with Auto-Stop, Red 8620B...
  • 150 pound capacity Tow behind spreader
  • Auto-stop dual impeller stops spreading when not in motion
  • Oil impregnated Bronze bearings minimize friction on axle and gear box

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3. Spyker Pro Series Tow-Behind Spreader

Spyker Pro Series Tow-Behind Spreader

The Spyker Pro Series tow-behind spreader gives you the best of both worlds—a high 175 lbs capacity hopper, and unmatched efficiency. 

It is an ideal choice for large lawns and properties and has the right capacity to tackle big jobs with ease. 

The Spyker Pro Series tow-behind spreader features an extended on-off lever that allows you to control the flow of material while remaining seated on your tractor or mower. 

Adding to this, the Spyker Pro Series tow-behind spreader can spread seed, fertilizer, etc. up to 12 feet, so you cover more lawn in less time. It is fitted with a solid stainless steel axle and can be attached to any lawn tractor. 

Pros: 

  • 175 lbs capacity hopper
  • An extended on-off lever controls the flow of material 
  • 12 feet spreading width 
  • Stainless steel axle provides great stability
  • Attaches to any lawn tractor
  • Great price

Cons: 

  • Getting replacement parts may not be easy
  • Warranty information unavailable
Spyker Pro Series Tow-Behind Spreader - 175lb. Capacity, Model...
18 Reviews
Spyker Pro Series Tow-Behind Spreader - 175lb. Capacity, Model...
  • Product Type: Mechanical Components
  • Package Quantity: 1
  • Package Weight: 44.0 lbs

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4. Agri-Fab 100 Lbs Tow-Behind Spreader 

Agri-Fab 100 Lbs Tow-Behind Spreader 

If you’re looking to buy a little less capacity Agri-Fab tow behind spreader than my top pick on this list, the Agri-Fab 45-0543 100 lbs spreader is worth a second look. 

It features a rustproof material hopper for long service life, and boasts a wide 32” working width, allowing you to cover more ground with each pass. 

The Agri-Fab 45-0543 high-capacity tow behind spreader is a multifaceted tool, in that it can aerate and seed with each pass, which greatly reduces your workload. 

It is equipped with superior quality, industrial-grade eight spike discs for thorough aeration, and is fitted with 10-inch flat-free sturdy wheels. 

The Agri-Fab 45-0543 tow-behind spreader features a galvanized steel agitator, and a steel lift handle, which makes it easy to adjust the height for great precision. 

In terms of coverage, the Agri-Fab 45-0543 tow-behind spreader scores high with its 100 lbs capacity, which covers up to 40,000 square feet with each fill. 

The Agri-Fab 45-0543 tow-behind spreader comes with a universal hitch that attaches easily to the back of any tractor, and its on/off setting can be controlled easily from the tractor seat. 

Pros:

  • 100 lbs maximum capacity for heavy loads of material and larger lawns
  • 32” spreading width 
  • Adjustable height with steel lift handle 
  • 8 galvanized spike discs
  • 10-inch pneumatic wheels for a smooth ride
  • Affordable product
  • Rustproof poly hopper and spreader plate 

Cons: 

  • Some assembly required
Agri-Fab 45-0543 100 lb. Tow Spiker/Seeder/Spreader, Black
1,454 Reviews
Agri-Fab 45-0543 100 lb. Tow Spiker/Seeder/Spreader, Black
  • Rustproof poly hopper increases product life
  • 32" Working width
  • Can aerate and seed in one pass with this combined design

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5. Agri-Fab 45-0329 185 LBS Tow-Behind Spreader 

No products found.

The Agri-Fab 45-0329 tow-behind spreader is perhaps the highest capacity model offered by the company and covers approximately an acre of lawn size. It offers reliable coverage of up to 12 feet and can be attached to any brand of tractor, ATV, or UTV via a universal hitch. 

One of the noteworthy features I like about the Agri-Fab 45-0329 tow-behind spreader is its extra-large 15” x 6” wheels, which collectively make it easy to haul the spreader on rough and/or uneven terrain. 

The tires also feature ball bearings, and a gear disengage, which allows you to easily transport the spreader to where the job may be. 

The poly hopper of the Agri-Fab 45-0329 tow-behind spreader is rust-resistant and is topped with a vinyl cover and spreader grate to prevent material from falling all over the area. 

It’s easy to use, thanks to its integrated raised on/off controls that are accessible from the seat of your ATV/UTV. 

The Agri-Fab 45-0329 tow-behind spreader comes with everything you need to get started including a universal hitch, spreader grate, and vinyl hopper cover. 

Pros:  

  • Up to 12 feet of coverage for spreading fertilizer, ice melt, etc. 
  • Extra-large 15” x 6” wheels
  • Rust-resistant hopper 
  • Integrated raised on/off controls
  • Full spreader covers an acre of lawn area

Cons: 

  • The packaging of product could be improved

No products found.


6. Brinly BS36BH Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader

Brinly BS36BH Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader

The Brinly BS36BH is my go-to choice in the tow-behind broadcast spreader space owing to several reasons, starting with its extra-large rustproof and dentproof poly hopper design. 

Further, it offers a massive 175 lb capacity, making it an ideal choice for yards that measure one acre or larger. The Brinly BS36BH tow-behind broadcast spreader features stainless-steel hardware for enhanced stability, which includes the spinner shaft and agitator. 

It arrived fitted with a fully enclosed nylon gearbox for added protection from harsh weather elements, and a patented autoflow with a spread pattern control system, which allows you to spread materials evenly across your lawn. 

The patented autoflow system stops the material from spreading when you stop the tractor. 

The Brinly BS36BH tow-behind broadcast spreader is fairly easy to calibrate, thanks to its onsite easy-to-reach locking dial, from where you can calibrate the secure rate-gate settings. Do you know how to calibrate a spreader?

Speaking of which, Brinly also provides access to hundreds of pre-calibrated settings to get the task down more accurately and efficiently. 

This tow-behind spreader by Brinly offers a 12-feet wide spreader width and can be attached easily to your tractor, ZTV, or ATV. 

It comes with everything you need to get started right out of the box including a heavy-duty universal hitch, and a clear top hopper cover.

Pros: 

  • Up to 12-feet spreading width 
  • Ideal for yards measuring 1-acre or more 
  • Heavy polyethylene hopper with stainless steel hardware provides excellent stability
  • Patented autoflow technology 
  • Comes with a universal hitch and clear top hopper cover

Cons: 

  • Rubber slide-on grip on the handle doesn’t stay in place
Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal...
599 Reviews
Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal...
  • High-capacity hopper: Extra large, rust- and dent-proof poly hopper holds 175 lb. (3. 5 cu. Ft.) of seed, fertilizer, Ice melt and more to maximize the time spent spreading vs. Refilling the hopper. Ideal size for yards 1 acre or larger.
  • Lasting durability: All parts that come in contact with corrosive fertilizers are designed to last: heavy polyethylene hopper with stainless steel hardware, spinner shaft, and agitator. Glass-filled nylon gears are fully enclosed with nylon gearbox for additional protection.
  • Patented autoflow with spread pattern control: Brinly spreaders are designed for professional-level results. Different materials spread very differently; directional spread pattern control allows you to center and even-out the distribution pattern for a balanced application of any material. The patented autoflow technology stops material from spreading when the tractor stops - eliminating waste and burns that commonly occur with other tow-behind spreaders.

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7. Yard Tuff AS-80LT12 Lawn Tractor Spreader

Yard Tuff AS-80LT12 Lawn Tractor Spreader

The Yard Tuff lawn tractor spreader showcases a compact footprint yet can accommodate up to 80 lbs of material. 

It can be mounted to any lawn and garden tractor via a hitch pin pole and features a convenient on/off switch. 

The Yard Tuff tow-behind spreader measures 34 x 31.25 x 21.5 inches and comes with mounting hardware and even a rain cover. 

Pros:

  • Compact footprint 
  • Can hold 80 lbs of material
  • Convenient on/off switch 
  • Connects to any lawn and garden tractor vis included hardware 
  • The package includes rain cover
  • Limited warranty

Cons: 

  • Takes a bit longer to spread topsoil 
Field Tuff 12V Tow and Pull Behind Lawn Tractor Grass, Seed, and...
94 Reviews
Field Tuff 12V Tow and Pull Behind Lawn Tractor Grass, Seed, and...
  • Powerful Spreading Capability: Field Tuff 12V Lawn Tractor Spreader is equipped with a powerful 12-volt DC engine, which guarantees the effective and speedy distribution of grass, seed, or fertilizer throughout your lawn or land
  • Generous Storage Space: Due to its remarkable capacity of 80 pounds, this spreader reduces the frequency with which it has to be refilled, so enabling you to cover big areas without any interruptions
  • Easy Installation: Spreader is designed to be mounted without any problem, and it can be easily connected to your utility tractor, all-terrain vehicle UTV, or all-terrain vehicle ATV, which will streamline the spreading procedure

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8. Craftsman 110-lb Tow Broadcast Spreader

Craftsman 110-lb Tow Broadcast Spreader

The Craftsman tow-behind spreader is a great choice for spreading fertilizer over a wider 10 feet width. It is fitted with large 10-inch pneumatic tires, which make it easy to use this spreader over rugged and uneven terrain. 

Additionally, the Craftsman tow-behind spreader comes with a large 110-lb capacity hopper, which holds enough material for 17,500 square feet. 

The poly hopper of the Craftsman spreader is rust-proof, so it will serve you well for many years to come. 

Furthermore, the Craftsman tow-behind spreader features a durable spreader plate and heavy-duty steel gear for increased service life. It can be attached to all tractors with a universal hitch and comes with on/off control, which is accessible directly from the rider’s seat. 

Pros: 

  • 10-inch pneumatic tires
  • 10 feet spreading width 
  • Rust-proof poly hopper 
  • Heavy-duty steel gear and durable spreader plate 
  • Can be attached to all tractors 

Cons: 

  • Assembly instructions are a little confusing
Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 110-lb Tow Broadcast Spreader
168 Reviews
Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 110-lb Tow Broadcast Spreader
  • Up to 10 ft. Spread width in broadcast pattern
  • 10 in. Large pneumatic tires allow for smooth transport
  • 110 lb. Hopper capacity covers approximately 1/3 Acre (17, 500 sq. Ft.)

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9. Yard Commander Tow-Behind Spreader 

Yard Commander Tow-Behind Spreader 

The Yard Commander tow-behind spreader is in a league of its own, thanks to its solid composite hopper, which is resistant to rust and harsh chemicals. 

It offers a large 125 lbs capacity and covers up to 25,000 square feet area with each load. 

The Yard commander tow-behind spreader is equipped with solid cast aluminum gears, and a convenient gate lever to easily control the rate of spreading and prevent excess material from leaking when the spreader is not in use. 

The package of the Yard Commander includes a universal hitch that attaches to any tractor and a hopper cover. 

Pros: 

  • 125 lbs capacity 
  • Cast aluminum gears and convenient gear plate 
  • Rust resistant hopper 
  • Package includes universal hitch and hopper cover

Cons: 

  • The quality of hopper cover needs improvement 
Yard Commander - 125-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Fertilizer...
307 Reviews
Yard Commander - 125-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Fertilizer...
  • DURABLE COMPOSITE HOPPER: Resistant against corrosion and harsh chemicals, it’s 125-pound capacity can cover up to 25,000 square feet of area with a single load.
  • PREMIUM CAST ALUMINUM GEARS: Ensures that your spreader will stand up to the elements for years to come.
  • CONVIENIENT GATE LEVER: Allows users to quickly control the rate of spread as well as prevent excess material from escaping when at rest.

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Types of Spreaders

When shopping for the best spreaders, you’ll come across two different types to choose from—tow-behind broadcast spreaders and drop spreaders. 

Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreaders

Pull-behind spreaders are fitted with a fan mechanism at the bottom, which spins to spread the material out of the hopper in a circular pattern. 

This type of spreader distributes material such as seed, fertilizer, and ice melt evenly over a large area, but is not a good choice for tight spaces. 

Drop Spreaders  

Drop spreaders work a bit differently than tow-behind broadcast spreaders, and just as the name suggests—drop the material in a precise location. 

This type of spreader doesn’t come with a fan mechanism but drops the material down between the wheels of the spreader. 

You can configure the amount of material to drop based on your walking speed with the integrated settings dial. 

Drop spreaders are a great choice for spreading material around sidewalks or driveways but do not offer wide coverage. 

Tow Behind Spreader Buying Guide 

There are several factors to consider when on the shopping trail for a tow-behind broadcast spreader. 

Hopper Material 

Most of the best tow-behind spreaders feature a polyethylene-made hopper—a material that’s highly resistant to wind and rain and is extremely durable and lightweight. 

Poly hoppers however can also get brittle if you accidently leave the spreaders out in the sun, which is why it’s important to store this type of spreader in a shaded area like your shed or garage when not in use. 

Some spreader hoppers are made from steel, which even though a durable material, can rust or corrode without proper care. 

Flow Adjustments

Most of the spreaders I’ve reviewed come with a lever mechanism, from where you can adjust the flow rate and the width of the swath. 

Adjusting the flow rate is useful if you want to avoid getting fertilizer or seed on the flowerbeds, garden beds, and walkways scattered throughout your yard. 

Tires 

Tow-behind spreaders generally come with large 10-inch tires, which are great for uneven or rugged terrain. 

Pneumatic tires are common in the tow-behind spreader segment and are easy to maneuver around your yard. 

Cover  

Some tow-behind spreaders come with a hopper cover, which offers twofold benefits—protects the material in the hopper from water and weather conditions, and prevents material from escaping through the hopper. 

Final Thoughts

If you want to spread material such as fertilizer or seeds over a larger area quickly, don’t think twice—choose from any of the tow-behind spreaders mentioned on this list. 

My top pick—the Agri-Fab tow-behind spreader offers a supersize 130 lbs hopper capacity, making it a great choice for small as well as large size yards.


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